Electrical system: 12v/24v/48v batteryRecall 14V-186 · Ford and Freightliner vehicles

DUECO Inc. recall 14V-186 covers 34 Ford and Freightliner vehicles for a electrical system: 12v/24v/48v battery problem, reported to NHTSA on April 8, 2014.

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Vehicles repairedNo manufacturer report yet
Vehicles affected346 models
ReportedApr 8, 2014Owners notified May 29, 2014
Complaints since0Same system, after the recall

Source: NHTSA recall 14V186000 and manufacturer quarterly reports. Started by an NHTSA defect investigation.

What's wrong

The problem

DUECO Inc. (DUECO), a manufacturer of utility vehicles, is recalling certain Dueco-modified model year 2009-2011 International 4300, 2010 International 4400, 2009 and 2011 International 7400, 2010 Freightliner M2, 2008-2009 GMC C5500, and 2011 Ford F-750 vehicles, equipped with Sure Power DC-DC converters containing a particular epoxy sealing, aka 'potting', compound. The specific potting compound used in the subject products for insulation was found to be capable of conducting electricity after being exposed to heat.

The risk

Once electrically conductive, the material is capable of melting and burning, increasing the risk of a fire.

What to do

The fix

DUECO will notify owners, and Sure Power will replace the converters, free of charge. The recall began on May 29, 2014. Owners may contact Dueco at 1-800-558-4004.

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.

Recall repairs are free. Confirm whether this recall is open on your vehicle by entering its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Background

The investigation behind this recall

  1. Battery Equalizers/Converters May IgniteEQ14002 · closed Aug 25, 2014
    NHTSA