Interpretation ID: nht74-5.11
DATE: 03/07/74
FROM: AUTHOR UNAVAILABLE; Lawrence R. Schneider; NHTSA
TO: Kirkland; Ellis & Rowe
TITLE: FMVSR INTERPRETATION
TEXT: We have reviewed the revised defect notification letters in International Harvester campaigns number 73505, 73503, 73511, 73513, G-73520 and G-73521 which you forwarded to us. We believe these revised letters conform to 49 CFR Part 577. However, we believe the letters in campaigns 73505, 73513, and 73521, which involve an accelerator problem, should, in response to the requirements of @ 577.4(c)(4), include some guidance as to how the driver can stop the vehicle.
While we find the letters you submit to conform to the requirements, we are of the opinion that, in general, the format you use to describe the defect (577.4(c)) goes little further than meeting the regulation's literal requirements. We suggest you review the letters we have received from other companies in order to obtain an indication of other, more complete approaches to meeting the requirements. While we had indicated that we might furnish you specific letters as examples, we prefer not to recommend any specific letter as a model or to imply that it is preferable to others.
SINCERELY,
2/14/74
From the Desk of
Bert W. Rein
Per our conversation of yesterday.
IH Recall No. 73505
Dear International Customer:
This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.
International has determined that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in the vehicle identified on the enclosed form. This defect exists in the carburetor control linkage fast idle cam retaining screw. The screw can loosen and fall out, dislodging the fast idle cam. Any loss of fast idle (engine cold) would be a sign of this screw loosening.
If the cam becomes jammed in the throttle linkage, it can stick the throttle linkage up to one-half open thus preventing the driver from decreasing vehicle speed by reducing accelerator pressure. The malfunction may occur without warning and can cause vehicle crash.
We urge that you contact your International dealer or branch immediately to arrange an appointment to have your vehicle corrected. Dealers and branches have instructions for correcting this defect. Parts are available at dealers and branches.
It is estimated that it will take 0.4 hour to replace this retaining screw. There will be no charge to you for parts and labor involved. Presentation of this notification and the enclosed Customer Authorization for Required Service form to your International dealer or branch will assist him in completing the necessary service.
INTERNATIONAL HARVESTER COMPANY
IMPORTANT: In the event you no longer own the vehicle described, please fill in the requested information on the front side of the enclosed postage prepaid card and return it to us. Thank you.
IH Recall No. 73503
Dear International Customer:
This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.
International has determined that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety in the 1010 pickup truck with power brakes exists in the vehicle identified on the enclosed form. The defect exists in a low percentage of the vehicles produced but its existence may not be apparent to the average driver.
The defect is the installation of the wrong vacuum power booster master cylinder assembly (one intended for disc brakes) which results in the brakes seemingly acting normal but which may leave the brake pedal somewhat lower than normal. Without prior warning to the driver, substantial loss of stopping ability may be experienced and, in beyond normal braking situations where rapid stops are required, vehicle crash can occur.
We request that you contact your International dealer or branch immediately to arrange an appointment to have your vehicle inspected and the correct power brake unit (master vac) installed, if needed. Dealers and branches have the instructions for correcting this defect. We estimate that parts will be available at dealers and branches by .
It is estimated that it will take 1.3 hours to replace the unit. There will be no charge to you for parts and labor involved. Presentation of notification and the enclosed Customer Authorization for Required Service form to your International dealer or branch will assist him in completing the necessary service.
INTERNATIONAL HARVESTER COMPANY
IMPORTANT: In the event you no longer own the vehicle described, please fill in the requested information on the front side of the enclosed postage prepaid card and return it to us. Thank you.
IH Recall No. 73511
Dear International Customer: This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.
International has determined that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in the Loadstar truck identified on the enclosed form. The defect is the installation of a gas tank filler cap which does not have a pressure and vacuum relief. Should the vehicle become upset and involved in a fire, the absence of pressure and vacuum relief could cause explosion from excess pressure in the gas tank.
We urge you to contact your International dealer or branch immediately and have a new gas tank filler cap installed. Dealers and branches have the instructions for correcting this defect. We estimate that parts will be available at dealers and branches by .
It is estimated that it will take 18 minutes to replace the gas cap. There will be no charge to you for parts and labor involved. Presentation of notification and the enclosed Customer Authorization for Required Service form to your International dealer or branch will assist him in completing the necessary service.
INTERNATIONAL HARVESTER COMPANY
IMPORTANT: In the event you no longer own the vehicle described, please fill in the requested information on the front side of the enclosed postage prepaid card and return it to us. Thank you.
IH Recall No. 73513
Dear International Customer:
This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.
International has determined that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in the Travelall or pickup truck equipped with a V-400 engine identified on the enclosed form.
The defect exists in the idle screw which acts as the rest stop for the throttle linkage determining the idle speed (engine hot). The screw may back out by itself in normal use and can interfere with the throttle linkage, sticking it in an open position and preventing the driver from decreasing vehicle speed by reducing accelerator pressure. The malfunction may occur without prior warning and can cause vehicle crash.
We urge that you contact your International dealer or branch immediately to arrange an appointment to have your vehicle corrected. Dealers and branches have instructions for correcting this defect. Parts are available at dealers and branches.
It is estimated that it will take 30 minutes to replace this curb idle screw. There will be no charge to you for parts and labor involved. Presentation of this notification and the enclosed Customer Authorization for Required Service form to your International dealer or branch will assist him in completing the necessary service.
INTERNATIONAL HARVESTER COMPANY
IMPORTANT: In the event you no longer own the vehicle described, please fill in the requested information on the front side of the enclosed postage prepaid card and return it to us. Thank you.
IH Recall No. G-73520
Dear International Customer:
This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.
International has determined that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in the diesel powered Loadstar identified on the enclosed form. This defect pertains to the accelerator pedal and, specifically, the pin located above the heel of the accelerator pedal, lower side. This pin may catch on the engine cover or carpet and cause the throttle to hold in the open position preventing the driver from decreasing vehicle speed by reducing accelerator pressure. The malfunction may occur without warning and can cause vehicle crash.
We urge that you contact your International dealer or branch immediately to arrange an appointment to have this pin removed from your vehicle. Dealers and branches have instructions for correcting this defect. No additional parts are required.
It is estimated that it will take 30 minutes to remove this pin from the vehicle. There will be no charge to you for labor involved. Presentation of this notification and the enclosed Customer Authorization for Required Service form to your International dealer or branch will assist him in completing the necessary service.
INTERNATIONAL HARVESTER COMPANY
IMPORTANT: In the event you no longer own the vehicle described, please fill in the required information on the enclosed postage prepaid card and return it to us. Thank you.
IH Recall No. G-73521
Dear International Customer:
This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.
International has determined that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in the D-500 vehicle identified on the enclosed form. This defect pertains to the vacuum hoses supplying vacuum to the power brake unit (Master-Vac) or vacuum reserve tank if so equipped. These hoses should be double wrap hoses but, inadvertently, single wrap hoses were installed. These weaker single wrap hoses may collapse and thus cause total loss of braking power assistance from the power brake unit. Loss of the power brake unit may reduce total braking efficiency by up to 60% and loss of this assistance will require much greater brake pedal effort to effect a stop. This malfunction may occur without warning and can cause vehicle crash.
We urge that you contact your International dealer or branch immediately to arrange an appointment to have your vehicle corrected. Dealers and branches have instructions for correcting this defect. Parts are available at dealers and branches.
It is estimated that it will take an average of 40 minutes to replace these hoses. There will be no charge to you for parts and labor involved. Presentation of this notification and the enclosed Customer Authorization for Required Service form to your International dealer or branch will assist him in completing the necessary service.
INTERNATIONAL HARVESTER COMPANY
IMPORTANT: In the event you no longer own the vehicle described, please fill in the requested information on the front side of the enclosed postage prepaid card and return it to us. Thank you.