HME Fire Truck Recalls

[FWDbuff]

Note for the kool-aid drinkers...just to show you that I will post these recall notices, no matter what the Mfr!!!!!!




HME Fire Truck Recalls

September 3, 2009

Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s):
HME / 1871 2009
Manufacturer: HME INCORPORATED Mfr’s Report Date: AUG 20, 2009
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 09V339000 N/A NHTSA Action Number: N/A
Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINEIESEL
Potential Number of Units Affected: 29
Summary: HME IS RECALLING MODEL YEAR 2009 1871 FIRE TRUCKS BUILT ON CUMMINS’ DIESEL ENGINE. THE VEHICLES MAY BE DESIGNED WITH A HARD WIRED, DASH-MOUNTED SWITCH THAT ENABLES THE VEHICLE OPERATOR TO INHIBIT AFTERTREATMENT DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER REGENERATION IN ENVIRONMENTS WHERE THE OPERATOR BELIEVES IT MAY BE UNSAFE FOR ELEVATED EXHAUST TEMPERATURES. DUE TO AN ISSUE WITH THE LOGIC IN THE ECM SOFTWARE IN THESE ENGINES, THE SWITCH MAY NOT FUNCTION CORRECTLY, LEADING THE OPERATOR TO BELIEVE THAT THE SWITCH IS IN “INHIBIT” MODE WHEN IT IS NOT.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION WILL PERMIT HOT EXHAUST GASES TO EXIT THE VEHICLE TAILPIPE, INCREASING THE RISK OF MELTING OR BURNING OF NEARBY SURFACES, OR A FIRE.
Remedy: HME IS WORKING WITH CUMMINS TO REPAIR THE ENGINES FREE OF CHARGE. PLEASE SEE 09E-046. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING SEPTEMBER 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CUMMINS AT 1-800-DIESELS (1-800-343-7357).
Notes: 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 HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV .

[Ledebuhr1]

Is this more of a cummins problem than HME? Would Spartans with the same engine have the same problem?

[chiefengineer11]

Is this more of a cummins problem than HME? Would Spartans with the same engine have the same problem?

The switch is what is mentioned, but a quick poke around NHTSA's web site does indicate that the engine's ECM is the apparent culprit. What I don't know is if the engine manufacturers use common ECMs within an engine family or if they are customized for each chassis builder. The notices did say that "HME is working with Cummins..."

In any event, I looked at both Cummins and Spartan in NHTSA's site and did not find anything on either for this particular problem. That doesn't mean that there won't be one tomorrow. I didn't look at any other fire apparatus manufacturer, either.

Stay safe out there, everyone goes home!