The problem
On certain trucks, an ra529 king pin release air valve was manufactured with the internal spool installed backwards. This results in the air option of the king pin release system being inoperable. To correct this situation, the vehicle's air lines were reversed rather than replacing the valve.
The risk
With the lines reversed, the king pin can be released without the driver's knowledge. When this occurs, the driver could drive away and the trailer could become disengaged, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Kenworth will inspect the king pin release system and suspect valve. If any vehicles have a nonconforming valve or incorrect plumbing, it will be replaced and re-plumbed. The recall began on november 29, 2006. Owners may contact kenworth at 1-425-828-5440.
Contacts
Kenworth recall no. 06Kw3. 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 Kenworth dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 06V461000.
- 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.