Interpretation ID: nht75-1.2

DATE: 02/24/75

FROM: AUTHOR UNAVAILABLE; R. B. Dyson; NHTSA

TO: Volkswagen of America, Inc.

TITLE: FMVSS INTERPRETATION

TEXT:

N40-30 (TH) FEB 24 1975

Mr. J. W. Kennebeck Volkswagen of America, Inc. Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey 07632

Dear Mr. Kennebeck:

This responds to Volkswagen of America's January 24, 1975, request for written confirmation that S5.3.3 of Standard No. 105-75, Hydraulic brake systems, only requires indication of a low fluid level condition (S5.3.1(b)) with the vehicle on a level surface, but that, in the event of a decrease in this fluid level (and apparent fluid volume) due to positioning the vehicle on an incline, the indicator lamp is permitted to activate and then deactivate when the vehicle is repositioned on a level surface.

Your understanding of the requirements of S5.3.3. for indication of a low fluid level condition (S5.3.1(b)) is correct. S5.3.3 requires low fluid level indication with the vehicle on a level surface, and an activation due only to positioning on an incline may be extinguished when the vehicle is again placed on a level surface.

Yours truly,

Richard B. Dyson Assistant Chief Counsel