Electrical system: 12V/24V/48V battery
- Component
- Electrical system: 12V/24V/48V battery
- Manufacturer
- FEATHERLITE, INC.
- Vehicles affected
- 35
- Reported to NHTSA
- 2001-02-07
- Owners notified
- 2001-02-20
Defect description
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: RECREATIONAL VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH VANNER 60 SERIES BATTERY EQUALIZERS. THE EQUALIZER COULD FAIL TO OPERATE PROPERLY AND CAUSE MALFUNCTION OF THE BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM.
Safety risk
WITHOUT FUSING, THE EQUALIZER MAY MELT, BURN, OR SMOKE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE OR A SMOKE FILLED BUS, THUS NECESSITATING A PASSENGER EVACUATION OF THE BUS. THE FAILURE MODE CAN CAUSE OPERATOR DISTRACTION, AND/OR POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
Manufacturer remedy
FEATHERLITE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS TO INSPECT THEIR BUSES FOR CERTAIN EQUALIZERS BY THE DATE CODE. THE AFFECTED EQUALIZERS WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 20, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FEATHERLITE 1-888-826-8273 OR VANNER AT 1-800-227-6937.