The problem
Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks equipped with horton fan drives. The fan drive control system was reconfigured which resulted in a significant increase in the demand for fan activation and associated stress to electrical and mechanical components. Various component failure models, combined with characteristics of the fan clutch and its bearings, can cause fan clutch bearings to fail prematurely and result in a locked fan.
The risk
If the fan is locked, the the system calls for the fan to be on, the fan clutch will slip, generate heat, and unless released, will result in a fire.
The fix
Dealers will replace the fan clutch drive disc with one that incorporates a thermally activated pressure relief.
Contacts
Owner notification: owner notification will be completed by december 9, 1996. Note: owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact freightliner at 1-503-735-8000. Also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-800-424-9393.
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 Freightliner dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 96V232000.
- 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.