The "runaway" Ford Explorer SUV that caught media attention in mid December 2009 has reportedly been found fault-free after being inspected by a number of authorities, although it's yet to be fully appraised by Ford Australia.
However preliminary examinations by Ford of the 2002 Explorer have failed to reveal any faults in the cruise control system.
The vehicle was obtained by Ford Australia last week after being examined and given the all-clear by the police, the relevant insurance company and, according to Ford spokesperson Sinead McAlary, "other organisations."
The vehicle was involved in a dramatic, half-hour long 100km/h charge along Melbourne’s Eastern Freeway heading towards Frankston as the driver, 22-year-old Chase Weir, struggled to reduce its speed after the cruise control reportedly locked on near the Burke Road exit at around 12.40pm on December 15. Mr. Weir continued along the freeway towards Frankston after failing to exit at Burke Road.
Mr. Weir first rang Ford for advice on how to deactivate the cruise control but then dialled 000 and was talked by Police to an eventual stop driving into oncoming traffic just out of Frankston.
The car apparently stopped after Mr. Weir applied both the brakes and handbrake. Previously it was reported he had unsuccessfully tried turning off the ignition and knocking the automatic transmission out of gear.
2002 model Ford Explorers are part of a global recall related to a faulty cruise control deactivation switch in the brake system that had the potential to cause a fire.
Sinead McAlary has said however that there is no link between the Eastlink incident and the global recall.
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