Electrical system: starter assembly
- Component
- Electrical system: starter assembly
- Manufacturer
- INTERNATIONAL TRUCK AND ENGINE
- Vehicles affected
- 338
- Reported to NHTSA
- 2002-03-22
- Owners notified
- 2002-04-15
Defect description
CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH ENGINE STARTERS (CODE 08WWN OR 08WWP) BUILT BY LEECE-NEVILLE. THESE STARTERS HAVE A DEFECTIVE TERMINAL ADAPTER STUD. THE STUD IS USED ONLY AT THE POSITIVE BATTERY CONNECTION TO THE STARTER SOLENOID. IT WAS DESIGNED TO BE SCREWED ON OVER THE EXISTING STUD TO INCREASE THE STUD DIAMETER TO ACCOMMODATE THE LARGER SIZE OF THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE TERMINAL. THE ADAPTER STUD WAS WEAKENED WHEN THE HOLE WAS DRILLED TOO DEEP.
Safety risk
THIS COULD LEAD TO A DIRECT ELECTRICAL SHORT TO THE BATTERIES. IF THE STUD BREAKS OFF, THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE COULD SHORT DIRECTLY TO GROUND, WHICH CAN GENERATE HEAT AND SPARKS CAUSING A FIRE.
Manufacturer remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ADAPTER STUD. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 15, 2002. 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 INTERNATIONAL AT 1-800-448-7825.