Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: switch/wiring
- Component
- Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: switch/wiring
- Manufacturer
- INTERNATIONAL TRUCK & ENGINE CORPORATION
- Vehicles affected
- 283
- Reported to NHTSA
- 2003-03-06
- Owners notified
- 2003-03-31
Defect description
CERTAIN HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 104, "WINDSHIELD WIPING AND WASHING SYSTEMS." THE WINDSHIELD WASHER WIPER SWITCH MAY NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY WHEN THE ENGINE IS RUNNING WITH ALL ACCESSORIES OFF, INCLUDING THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS, AND THE WASH FUNCTION IS ACTIVATED. WASHER FLUID MAY SQUIRT BRIEFLY OR NOT AT ALL ONTO THE WINDSHIELD.
Safety risk
THE WIPERS CYCLE NORMALLY, BUT IN THE ABSENCE OF WASHER FLUID THE WINDSHIELD WILL NOT BE ADEQUATELY CLEANED, WHICH COULD AFFECT DRIVER VISIBILITY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Manufacturer remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE ALL INCORRECT WINDSHIELD WASHER WIPER SWITCHES THAT FAIL TO MEET A FUNCTIONAL TEST OF CLEARING THE WINDSHIELD. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MARCH 31, 2003. 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.