NHTSA Recall 01V003000
Filed by Utilimaster Corporation. Component: Visibility. Reported 2001-01-05. An estimated 15,762 vehicles are affected. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: WALK-IN DELIVERY VANS SUPPLIED TO THE UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE. UNDER CERTAIN SNOW CONDITIONS, IF MOISTURE GETS INTO THE BLOWER MOTOR AND SUBSEQUENTLY REFREEZES, THE BLOWER MOTOR COULD SEIZE CAUSING A RESISTOR TO OVERHEAT.
Risk
WHEN A RESISTOR OVERHEATS, THE PLENUM COULD MELT, RESULTING IN DEFORMATION AND POSSIBLE IGNITION.
What the manufacturer will do
UTILIMASTER WILL INSTALL FUSES BETWEEN THE RESISTORS AND THE POWER SUPPLY, WHICH WILL PROTECT THE RESISTOR ASSEMBLY IN THE EVENT OF AN OVERCURRENT SITUATION. AN EXISTING FUSE WILL BE RESIZED TO PROTECT THE WIRING HARNESS IN HIGH-SPEED FAN OPERATION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JANUARY 24, 2001. ONLY US POSTAL SERVICE VEHICLES ARE INVOLVED IN THIS CAMPAIGN.