From the people’s court in the Byron Y. Appleton Honorary Courtroom in Santa Monica.
In a recent hearing, a recall of the intake manifolds on certain 1996 to 1998 Ford models should have extended to more of the automaker's models equipped with 4.6 liter engines, according to a Santa Monica Superior Court judge.
Issued in 1999, the recall mainly targeted the intake manifold of Ford models used by police officers and taxi drivers, according to plaintiff John Harrington of Pacific Palisades. But Harrington's car, a 1996 Lincoln Towncar, was not covered — though it has the same engine and the same manifold.
Harrington paid over $500 to replace the faulty auto part earlier this year, when the intake manifold “sprang a leak and started sending coolant everywhere” as Harrington's son drove the car up Chautauqua Boulevard in Pacific Palisades.
When numerous telephone calls and a lengthy letter to Ford Motor Co. went unanswered, Harrington decided to sue the automaker in Santa Monica Small Claims Court.
“I didn't like the way they treated me at all,” said Harrington. Santa Monica Superior Court Judge Alan B. Haber presided over the case because Ford representatives did not want the matter heard before a Pro Tem Judge, who are typically lawyers volunteering as judges for the day.
Haber oversees the administration of all superior courts on the westside of Los Angeles, in addition to hearing cases in Santa Monica.
Haber asked a representative from Ford why Harrington's model was left out of the recall.
“How does Harrington's car differ?” Judge Haber asked. Harrington said the representative, who could not be reached for comment, had no reply.
“The guy was treading water,” Harrington said. “He had no defense at all. He did-n't even call (before trial) to ask why I wanted 500 bucks.”
Judge Haber ruled in favor of Harrington for the full $547 claim, plus court costs.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on August 31, 2002. Read the original PDF.