Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: column shift
Manufacturer
FREIGHTLINER CORPORATION
Vehicles affected
5,997
Reported to NHTSA
1997-04-08
Owners notified
1997-06-03
Defect description
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: VANS AND TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH AN OPTIONAL AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER THAT INCLUDES A PARK BRAKE POSITION. THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTER/PARK BRAKE LEVER CAN BIND BEFORE FULLY ENGAGING IN THE PARK BRAKE POSITION CAUSING A FALSE PARK CONDITION.
Safety risk
THE VEHICLE CAN MOVE AFTER BEING PLACED IN PARK INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Manufacturer remedy
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SPACER PLATE IN THE SHIFTER AND INSPECT FOR THE PRESENCE OF AN "E" CLIP THAT DETAINS THE DETENT PIN.
THE PARKING BRAKE LEVER MAY NOT TRAVEL FAR ENOUGH OVER CENTER TO ASSURE THAT IT REMAINS IN THE PROPER POSITION ALLOWING THE VEHICLE TO ROLL AWAY WHILE PARKED.
Safety risk
IF THE VEHICLE IS NOT PROPERLY PARKED WITH THE TRANSMISSION IN THE CORRECT POSITION, AND IF THE VEHICLE IS PARKED ON A GRADE, IT COULD UNINTENTIONALLY ROLL AWAY INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR AN ACCIDENT.
Manufacturer remedy
DEALERS WILL REMOVE AND REPLACE THE PARKING BRAKE LEVER WITH A LEVER THAT REQUIRES A 25 LB. EFFORT TO RELEASE.
THE BRAKE CHAMBER MOUNTING STUDS CAN LOOSEN OR PULL THROUGH DUE TO FATIGUE IN THE BRAKE CHAMBER HOUSING CAUSED BY FOUNDATION BRAKE CHATTER.
Safety risk
THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN LOSS OF BRAKING CAPABILITY.
Manufacturer remedy
DEALERS WILL CHANGE THE BRAKE LINING MATERIALS, REPLACE THE WING BRACKET WITH A REINFORCED BRACKET AND INSTALL BRAKE CHAMBERS WITH REINFORCED CHAMBER HOUSING AND LARGER (1/2") MOUNTING STUDS.
Owner complaints
A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.
Component
Complaints
Median mileage
Vehicle speed control: cables
2
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The 1994 model has about half as many complaints as this one. The 1996 model has about half as many complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.
Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.