If you have not yet reached 100K miles, you are still eligible
for a wiring harness replacement.
I strongly recommend that you get it replaced, because if there
aren't bare wires and short circuits yet, there will be
eventually.
On the V6 engines, the cracking insulation starts with the fuel
injection harness under the intake manifold--you won't be
able to see that it's cracking there without taking the manifold
off, so if you intend to replace the intake manifold
seals/gaskets it would be best to do it before 100K so you
can verify that the wiring is indeed cracking and get it fixed.
On the Zetec engines, the cracking starts at the coolant
temperature sensor (maybe on the V6 engines too). If it's the
type of connector with one rubber wire seal for both wires, use
a paperclip or a jeweler's screwdriver to pop it out and
examine the wires inside.
If any cracking is noticed, report to your nearest
Ford/Lincoln/Mercury dealer and demand that they replace
the harnesses. You may have to point it out to them, as they
probably won't be trying real hard to find it.
Brian
