The problem
On certain fire trucks, one or both of the cab tilt cylinders may lock when the cab is being lowered. This can happen if a velocity fuse trips in either of the cylinders.
The risk
If only one velocity fuse trips and not the other, the resulting unequal loading may cause one or both of the cylinders to bend allowing the cab to lower to the chassis.
The fix
Dealers will install flow restrictors in the cab tilt blinders to reduce the speed at which the cab lowers. The recall began on october 11, 2004. Owners should contact freightliner at 1-800-547-0712.
Contacts
Freightliner recall no. Fl-427. Customers 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 American Lafrance dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 04V270000.
- 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.