The problem
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.
The 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.
The fix
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.
Contacts
Consumers can also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).
What to do
- Check your VIN. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls - it shows whether this recall applies to your vehicle and whether the repair has been done.
- Call a dealer. Any authorized International dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 02V094000.
- Ask about parts and a loaner. If parts aren't available yet, ask what to do in the meantime.
- Keep your paperwork. If you paid for this repair before the recall, you may be able to get reimbursed - here's how.