EquipmentRecall 10V-548 · Ford and Gm vehicles
TURTLE TOP recall 10V-548 covers 1,817 Ford and Gm vehicles for a equipment problem, reported to NHTSA on November 5, 2010.
Source: NHTSA recall 10V548000 and manufacturer quarterly reports. Started by the manufacturer.
The problem
TURTLE TOP IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2001-2007 TRANSIT BUSES BUILT ON VARIOUS GM AND FORD CHASSIS FROM AUGUST 2, 1999 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 1, 2007, EQUIPPED WITH TRANS/AIR TA73 EVAPORATORS. THE EVAPORATOR UTILIZES A POWER RESISTOR TO REGULATE BLOWER SPEED. SHOULD A SHORT OCCUR IN THE "LOW OR MEDIUM SPEED" CIRCUIT WHILE THE BLOWER IS IN HIGH SPEED, THE SHORT WILL CAUSE THE SUPPLY VOLTAGE TO FEEDBACK THROUGH THE RESISTOR TO GROUND, NOT DRAWING ENOUGH CURRENT TO TRIP THE FUSE.
The risk
THIS WOULD CAUSE THE RESISTOR TEMPERATURE TO RISE TO A POINT WHERE IT WILL MELT AND POSSIBLY IGNITE THE PLASTIC BLOWER HOUSING TO WHICH IT IS MOUNTED. THE OVERHEATING CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.
The fix
TRANS/AIR, IN COOPERATION WITH TURTL TOP, WILL INSTALL A THERMAL SHUTDOWN DEVICE IN SERIES WITH THE SPEED RESISTORS. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 24, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TRANS/AIR WARRANTY AND SERVICE CENTER AT 1-800-673-2446.
OWNERS 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 <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A>.
Recall repairs are free. Confirm whether this recall is open on your vehicle by entering its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Vehicles in this recall
Built from August 2, 1999 to September 1, 2007. Not every vehicle in these model years is included; check by VIN.