MY LATE SON'S (ROBERT D. LAWRENCE III) 1997 FORD ESCORT CAUGHT FIRE WHILE SITTING PARKED, WITH THE ENGINE TURNED OFF, ON VOTERS ROAD IN SLIDELL, LA. MECHANIC ADVISED FIRE STARTED AROUND THE AIR CONDITIONER. CONTACTED FORD DEALER AND THE FORD COMPANY, BUT RECEIVED NO INFORMATION OR ADVICE. BOTH IGNORED HIS COMPLAINTAND STONEWALLED HIM.. ROBERT III'S INSURANCE COMPANY (SAFEWAY)PAID OFF A TOTAL LOSS TO FORD AND LEFT MY LATE SON WITH OVER $4,000 STILL DUE. FORD MOTOR CREDIT SUED HIM FOR THE BALANCE JUST BEFORE HE DIED ON JULY 16, 2002. THE VEHICLE IS SITTING IN MY YARD IF INVESTIGATORS FROM THE NHTSA WOULD LIKE TO SEE IT IN CONNECTION WITH THE CURRENT INVESTIGATION INTO SUDDEN FIRES IN 1997 FORD ESCORTS. FORD SHOULD, AT LEAST, DROP THEIR LAWSUIT. THEY SHOULD HAVE GIVEN THE BOY ANOTHER CAR WHEN THAT ONE CAUGHT FIRE.*AK