The problem
On certain heavy duty class 8 trucks equipped with bendix automatic brake systems (abs), the brakes may have a system fault that may not be detected by the abs electronic control uunit (ecu) and therefore will not generate an abs warning light on the dash of the truck.
The risk
The abs brakes may not perform as designed and in an abs assisted stop the driver may not be able to maintain steering control of the vehicle. When vehicle control is compromised there is a chance for a crash.
The fix
Dealers will inspect, reset and check the ecu for fault lights and check the abs brakes free of charge. The recall began on february 11, 2005. Owners may contact autocar at 1-877-973-3486.
Contacts
Autocar recall no. A-0501. Customers may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.Safercar.Gov.
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 Autocar dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 05V032000.
- 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.