The problem
Daimler trucks is recalling 15,686 my 2005 through 2009 fccc and thomas built school and transit buses manufactured between march 2005 and may 2008 equipped with a certain brake lamp air pressure switch. The contacts in the pressure switch for the low current brake lamp signal to the chassis ecu may have become contaminated by silicone during assembly causing insulating deposits to build up over time preventing the brake lamps from operating.
The risk
Inoperative brake lamps would not provide a signal to following drivers that the brakes are applied and a crash may occur.
The fix
Daimler trucks will notify owners and dealers will replace the pressure switch free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on or about march 18, 2009. Owners may contact daimler trucks at 1-800-547-0712 or thomas built buses at 1-336-889-4871.
Contacts
Daimler trucks' recall no. Fl-538. Customers may 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 Fccc, Freightliner, Thomas Built Buses dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 08V602000.
- 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.