A 1996 Lincoln Mark VIII silver coupe with 66,000 miles on its odometer has been parked since winter because the owner – Ted Field Sr.’s – couldn’t find a replacement for a part called variable load control module.

This module controls the fuel pump and the cooling fan, for Field’s case the control for the cooling fan is affected. The failure on the cooling fan leads the engine to overheat and possibly blow a radiator.

While an inquiry about this part to a Ford dealership turned up nothing, the same goes to search on Ford’s national parts network. Turns out the part was discontinued.

According to Dan Jarvis, Ford spokesman, as soon as the car warranty expires the company has the right to discontinue parts. 

Jarvis explained that parts supply depends on the demand of the car which in this case Field’s car demands was not so great.

This story might grow to a trend because this policy could cause car to have limited lifetime regardless of the fact how many mile the car has run. As ironic as it already is, Field’s car still have a lot of useful life.

Disappointed of his car Fields is considering to donate it to any charity that might accept it.