The problem
Paccar Inc., is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Peterbilt 587 vehicles manufactured November 11, 2013, through March 7, 2014. If the driver turns on the high beams, the fog lights will automatically turn off, but after 10 seconds they may turn back on due to a software malfunction. The combination of the high beams and fog lights may exceed the permissable limits of light output. Therefore, these vehicles do not conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
The risk
If both the fog lamps and high beams are illuminated at the same time, oncoming traffic may be blinded by the excessive light, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will update the Cab Electronic Control Unit (CECU) to correct the programming so the fog lights do not come on when the high beams are on, free of charge. The recall began in May 2014. Owners may contact Peterbilt at 1-800-473-8372. Paccar's number for this recall is 414-E.
Contacts
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to 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 Peterbilt dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 14V178000.
- 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.