Power train: automatic transmission
- Component
- Power train: automatic transmission
- Manufacturer
- FREIGHTLINER LLC
- Vehicles affected
- 80
- Reported to NHTSA
- 2006-11-30
- Owners notified
- 2007-03-28
Defect description
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH THE EAS TRANSMISSION OPTION, A PROGRAMMING LOGIC ERROR IN THE TRANSMISSION AUTOMATIC SHIFT SYSTEM MAY PREVENT THE VEHICLE'S CLUTCH FROM DISENGAGING WHEN THE VEHICLE IS OPERATED IN WORKING GROUP OR CRAWLER GEAR RANGE (LOW-LOW RANGE).
Safety risk
THE BRAKE SYSTEM IS NOT CAPABLE OF OVERCOMING THE ENGINE TORQUE TRANSMITTED TO THE WHEEL ENDS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS OPERATED IN WORKING GROUP OR CRAWLER GEAR RANGE. IF THE CLUTCH FAILS TO DISENGAGE THE ENGINE MUST BE SHUT-DOWN IN ORDER TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO A STOP POTENTIALLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH OR PERSONAL INJURY.
Manufacturer remedy
DEALERS WILL MODIFY THE AUTOMATIC SHIFT SYSTEM TO PROVIDE REDUCED ENGINE TORQUE WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED WHILE THE VEHICLE IS OPERATED IN WORKING GROUP OR CRAWLER GEAR RANGE. THE GEAR SHIFT ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT WILL BE REPLACED AND TWO RELAYS WILL BE ADDED. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 28, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712.