1991 Freightliner FL80 problems

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCK. THE SHOULDER BOLT WHICH HOLDS THE GROTE TURN SIGNAL SWITCH CASE AND COMPONENTS TOGETHER CAN LOOSEN RESULTING IN THE TURN SIGNAL MALFUNCTIONING.

Consequence

IF THE TURN SIGNAL FUNCTION IS LOST, FOLLOWING MOTORISTS WOULD NOT BE AWARE OF THE TURNING VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES AND TIGHTEN ANY LOOSE BOLTS AND IN THE TURN SIGNAL SWITCH WITHIN 2 YEARS FROM THE DATE OF THE RECALL NOTIFICATION LETTER. THE SHOULDER BOLT WILL BE REMOVED, CLEANED, AND REINSTALLED WITH LOCTITE. OWNERS CAN ALSO REQUEST LOCTITE AND REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS SO THEY CAN FIX THE VEHICLES THEMSELVES.

Defect

THE WINDSHIELD WIPER ARM SUPPORT CRACKS WHERE THE WIPER ARM PIVOT MOUNTS TO THE SUPPORT BRACKETS CAUSING FAILURE OF THE SYSTEM.

Consequence

FAILURE OF THE WINDSHIELD WIPER SYSTEM REDUCES DRIVERVISIBILITY IN INCLEMENT WEATHER WHICH COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.

Remedy

REMOVE AND REPLACE THE WINDSHIELD WIPER ARM SUPPORT BRACKET WITH A REDESIGNED SUPPORT BRACKET.

Defect

A NUMBER OF CABS WERE ASSEMBLED WITH FEWER WELDS THAN SPECIFIED IN THE UPPER B PILLAR NEAR THE ANCHORAGE FOR THE SEAT BELT. WELDING MATERIALS USED ON THE INBOARD ANCHORAGE BRACKET UNDER THE CAB DECK WILL NOT MEET FMVSS NO. 210 LOAD TEST REQUIREMENTS WHEN THREE SEATING POSITIONS ARE PROVIDED.

Consequence

SAFETY BELT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS THAT DO NOT COMPLY TO THELOAD TEST REQUIREMENTS SUBJECT THE SEAT OCCUPANT TO GREATER RISK OF INJURY INTHE EVENT OF A SUDDEN STOP OR ACCIDENT.

Remedy

ADD REINFORCEMENT WELDS IN THE UPPER B PILLAR AND ADD FASTENERS TO THE LOWER DECK ANCHORAGE BRACKET.

Defect

THE HOOK SIZE OF THE THROTTLE RETURN SPRING IS TOO SMALL RESULTING IN A TIGHT FIT AROUND THE ANCHOR NUT, CAUSING THE THROTTLE RETURN SPRING TO BREAK PREMATURELY.

Consequence

IF THE THROTTLE SPRING BREAKS, THE ENGINE WILL RETURN TO IDLE SPEED, WHICH MAY CAUSE A HIGHWAY HAZARD AND RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

INSTALL THROTTLE RETURN SPRINGS WITH LARGER HOOKS.

Defect

RESERVOIR INTERIOR PAINT WAS ALLOWED TO ENTER THE AIR RESERVOIR CHECK VALVE, AND THE VALVE IS NOT PROPERLY SEATED.

Consequence

LACK OF PROPER SEATING CAUSES THE RESERVOIRS TO FAILTO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 121.

Remedy

CLEAN AND RESEAT THE AIR CHECK VALVES AS NEEDED.