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March 28, 2023 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 23V209000
Loss of Drive Power from Switch Failure
A loss of drive power, power steering, or vehicle lighting can increase the risk of a crash.
NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V209
Manufacturer Daimler Trucks North America, LLC
Components ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Potential Number of Units Affected 380
Summary
Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Thomas Built Bus SAF-TLINER C2 JOULEY school buses equipped with an automatic low voltage disconnect switch. The automatic low voltage disconnect switch may fail, resulting in a loss of drive power, power steering, or vehicle lighting.
Remedy
Dealers will remove the automatic low voltage disconnect switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 18, 2023. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA’s number for this recall is FL968.
Notes
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.nhtsa.gov.
Check for Daimler Trucks North America Recalls
October 2023
FL968A-B
NHTSA #23V-209 (School Bus)
Subject: Automatic Low Voltage Disconnect Switch
Models Affected: Specific model year 2021-2023 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 Jouley electric school buses, manufactured between December 11, 2019, through October 12, 2022.
General Information
Daimler Truck North America LLC (DTNA), on behalf of its wholly owned subsidiary, Thomas Built Buses, has decided that a defect that relates to motor vehicle safety exists on the vehicles mentioned above.
On the affected vehicles, the automatic low voltage disconnect switch could fail, resulting in a loss of power without warning. This may result in loss of drive power with inability to restart, loss of lights, and loss of power steering, which can increase the risk of a crash.
The automatic low voltage disconnect switch will be removed. Vehicles equipped with a wheelchair lift (FL968-B) require the installation of a new jumper cable.
There are approximately 381 vehicles involved in this campaign.
Additional Repairs
Dealers must complete all outstanding recall and field service campaigns prior to the sale or delivery of a vehicle. A dealer will be liable for any progressive damage that results from its failure to complete campaigns before sale or delivery of a vehicle.
Owners may be liable for any progressive damage that results from failure to complete campaigns within a reasonable time after receiving notification.
Work Instructions
Please refer to the attached work instructions. Prior to performing the campaign, check the vehicle for a completion sticker (Form WAR260).
Replacement Parts
Replacement parts are now available and can be obtained by ordering the part number listed below from your facing Parts Distribution Center (PDC).
If our records show your dealership has ordered any vehicle(s) involved in campaign number FL968, a list of the customers and vehicle identification numbers will be available on the DTNA Portal. Please refer to this list when ordering parts for this recall.
Table 1 – Replacement Parts for FL968
Campaign Number | Part Description | Part Number | Qty. |
FL968B | CABLE-BATTERY,JUMPER,POS,4/0 | A66-19607-012 | 1 ea |
BLANK COMPLETION STICKER | WAR260 | 1 ea |
Table 1
Removal of the Automatic Low Voltage Disconnect (ALVD) Switch
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface, place the vehicle in neutral, shut down the vehicle, and set the park brake. Chock the tires.
2. Turn off the manual battery disconnect switch.
3. Disconnect the positive and negative battery cables on the batteries.
4. Remove the fasteners from the jumper cable (A66-22793-005) that connects the ALVD switch to the power distribution module (PDM/PDC), then remove the jumper cable. See Fig. 1.
5. Remove the fastener that attaches the jumper cable (A66-19607-015) to the ALVD switch, then remove the jumper cable from the ALVD switch.
6. Remove the fasteners that hold the ALVD switch in place, then remove the ALVD switch. See Fig. 2.
7. Disconnect the ALVD switch harness from the toggle switch, located beside the manual battery cut-off switch.
8. Remove the fasteners and the clipping points from the harness, then remove the toggle switch. See Fig. 3.
9. Remove the harness from the ground stud on the chassis rail. Install the fastener and tighten 37 lbf·ft (50 N·m). Apply varnish on the ground stud that is on the rail.
10. Is the vehicle equipped with a wheelchair lift?
YES → Instead of the existing jumper cable (A66-19607-015), use the new one (A66-19607-012).
NO → Use the existing jumper cable (A66-19607-015).
11. Install the jumper cable on the PDM using the original lock washer and fastener. Tighten the fastener 24 lbf·ft (33 N·m).
IMPORTANT: Battery cable installation should correspond with the illustrations shown in the drawing D66-35173.
NOTE: Grease all the ring terminal connections.
12. Connect the positive and negative battery cables to the batteries. See Fig. 4.
13. Use a butterfly tie band to secure the jumper cable (A66-19607-015) with the power cable connected to the chassis harness inside the battery box, as shown in Fig. 5.
14. Turn on the manual battery disconnect switch.
15. Verify the vehicle operation and ensure that no malfunction indicator lamps (MILs) are illuminated.
Daimler Truck North America LLC
Updated Chronology – September 13, 2023
Friday, March 3, DTNA learned that our supplier (Proterra, Inc.) was investigating a potential defect with the automatic low voltage disconnect switch (Gigavac Switch) used on our SAF-TLINER C2 JOULEY. DTNA immediately began an investigation into this topic, speaking to Engineering and QA and beginning a detailed warranty analysis. At this time, DTNA knew of no vehicle shutdowns when in motion or otherwise in route.
Monday, March 13, DTNA completed a warranty analysis, finding no reports from the field from a shutdown while the vehicle was in motion. On or about that same time, DTNA questioned the supplier about possible shutdowns while in motion and continued DTNA’s own internal investigation into possible failures while in motion; nonetheless, at this time, there continued to be no known occurrences of such a failure effect. However, DTNA continued to analyze the possibility that such a shutdown was possible.
On March 28, DTNA decided that there exists a theoretical possibility of such a shutdown in motion and, out of an abundance of caution given the circumstances, decided to recall. On May 25, DTNA amended the DIR to update the remedy, stating it is currently under validation. Subsequent to submitting this Defect Information Report, in June 2023, DTNA was informed of two reports of vehicles in the recall population that had experienced a shutdown. Upon review, there was no evidence of water intrusion into the automatic low voltage disconnect switch and DTNA began to investigate further. In mid-June, DTNA received notice from a District Service Manager of some vehicles having a separate issue, one of which may have had a shutdown; DTNA promptly began investigating. Within that investigation, DTNA found 10 warranty claims (of which two are for one vehicle) and 4 field reports (of which one is ambiguous), no reported injuries nor deaths.
On August 17, DTNA determined that on this same, exact vehicle population there exists an additional failure mechanism impacting the automatic low voltage disconnect switch (Gigavac Switch) where an overload on the vehicle’s electrical system could occur, resulting in the same consequence (vehicle loss of drive power, steering or vehicle lighting) without warning. DTNA’s remedy for this issue and the issue originally described in this Defect Information Report will resolve both conditions.
On September 13, 2023, DTNA submitted this updated chronology to replace the prior version that was provided in error. All substantive information related to the recall remains unchanged.
On November 3, 2023 DTNA is providing revised planned final owner and dealer notification dates and added the final remedy.
3 Affected Products
Vehicle
MAKE | MODEL | YEAR |
THOMAS BUILT BUSES | SAF-T-LINER C2 | 2021-2023 |
17 Associated Documents
Recall Acknowledgement
RCAK-23V209-9657.pdf 645.372KB
Defect Notice 573 Report
RCLRPT-23V209-4458.PDF 213.981KB
Defect Information Report
RMISC-23V209-4448.pdf 1116.902KB
Amended Defect Information Report
RMISC-23V209-9697.pdf 827.818KB
Recall 573 Report – May 25, 2023
RCLRPT-23V209-6061.PDF 214.048KB
Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc)
RCMN-23V209-9071.pdf 262.365KB
ISSUED Interim Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)
RIONL-23V209-2898.pdf 188.907KB
Amended Defect Information Report
RMISC-23V209-6523.pdf 268.616KB
Recall 573 Report – August 22, 2023
RCLRPT-23V209-2453.PDF 214.458KB
Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc)
RCMN-23V209-8181.pdf 120.988KB
Chronology Report
RMISC-23V209-6647.pdf 128.639KB
Recall 573 Report – September 13, 2023
RCLRPT-23V209-8152.PDF 213.406KB
ISSUED Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)
RCONL-23V209-7288.pdf 146.764KB
Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc)
RCMN-23V209-3049.pdf 452.697KB
Recall 573 Report – November 3, 2023
RCLRPT-23V209-3913.PDF 213.043KB
Chronology Report
RMISC-23V209-4712.pdf 76.428KB
Recall Quarterly Report #1, 2023-4
RCLQRT-23V209-1481.PDF 211.287KB
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SEOCONTENT-START
DAIMLER TRUCK NORTH AMERICA | 4555 N CHANNEL AVE, PORTLAND, OR 97217 | 503.745.8000 | WWW.DAIMLERTRUCKNORTHAMERICA.COM
Defect / Noncompliance Information Report
(Section 573.6)
FL-968
Date of Submission: 3/28/2023 (amended 5/25/2023)
Manufacturer: Daimler Truck North America LLC
P.O. BOX 3849
Portland, Oregon 97208
Type of Report: X Safety Defect ⃝ Non-Compliance
Vehicle Information
Make
Model
Model Yr. Start
Model Yr. End
Prod. Begin Date
Prod. End Date
Thomas Built Bus
SAF-T-LINER C2 JOULEY
2021
2023
12/11/2019
10/12/2022
Descriptive Information:
All SAF-T-LINER C2 JOULEY busses built equipped with an automatic low voltage disconnect switch.
Basis for Determination of the Recall Population:
All SAF-T-LINER C2 JOULEY busses built equipped with an automatic low voltage disconnect switch.
Number potentially involved: 380
Estimated percentage of involved with defect: 5%
DAIMLER TRUCK NORTH AMERICA | 4555 N CHANNEL AVE, PORTLAND, OR 97217 | 503.745.8000 | WWW.DAIMLERTRUCKNORTHAMERICA.COM
Defect / Noncompliance Description
For this Defect/Noncompliance:
Describe the defect or noncompliance:
A defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in certain Thomas Built Bus SAF-T-LINER C2 JOULEY 2021-2023 vehicles
Describe the safety risk:
PROBLEM: A defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in certain Thomas Built Bus SAF-T-LINER C2 JOULEY 2023 vehicles. On the affected vehicles, a defect in the automatic low voltage disconnect switch could potentially cause the switch to fail open, resulting in a loss of power without warning. Although DTNA has no evidence that this defect has occurred on a vehicle in motion or otherwise in route, this failure could theoretically result. This may result in loss of propulsion with inability to restart, loss of lights, and loss of power steering, which can increase the risk of a crash.
Identify any warning which can precede or occur:
No warning exists prior to failure.
If applicable, identify the manufacture of the defective or noncompliant component.:
Proterra, Inc.
Involved Components
Component Name: DISC SW-AUTO,LOW,VOLT,EB2
Component Description: Automatic Low Voltage Disconnect Switch
Component Part Number: 06-96364-000 (DTNA) MXSL15BE (Supplier)
Component’s country of origin: China Business address: 1 Whitlee Ct. Greenville, SC 29607 Business Contact Information: Proterra, Inc. First / Last Name: Kelly Irving Position: Customer Quality Manager Email: kirving@proterra.com Phone: (864)641-6044
DAIMLER TRUCK NORTH AMERICA | 4555 N CHANNEL AVE, PORTLAND, OR 97217 | 503.745.8000 | WWW.DAIMLERTRUCKNORTHAMERICA.COM
Chronology of Defect / Noncompliance Determination
Provide the chronology of events leading up to the defect decision or test data for the noncompliance decision:
Friday, March 3, DTNA learned that our supplier (Proterra, Inc.) was investigating a potential defect with the automatic low voltage disconnect switch (Gigavac Switch) used on our SAF-T-LINER C2 JOULEY. DTNA immediately began an investigation into this topic, speaking to Engineering and QA and beginning a detailed warranty analysis. At this time, DTNA knew of no vehicle shutdowns when in motion or otherwise in route. Monday, March 13, DTNA completed a warranty analysis, finding no reports from the field from a shutdown while the vehicle was in motion. On or about that same time, DTNA questioned the supplier about possible shutdowns while in motion and continued DTNA’s own internal investigation into possible failures while in motion; nonetheless, at this time, there continued to be no known occurrences of such a failure effect. However, DTNA continued to analyze the possibility that such a shutdown was possible. On March 28, DTNA decided that there exists a theoretical possibility of such a shutdown in motion and, out of an abundance of caution given the circumstances, decided to recall. On May 25, DTNA amended the DIR to update the remedy, stating it is currently under validation.
Identify the Remedy
Describe the defect/noncompliance remedy program, including the manufacture’s plan for reimbursement.
Daimler Truck is currently validating the repair. Repairs will be performed free of charge by Daimler Truck North America authorized service facilities. Details of the reimbursement plan will be included in the owner’s notification letter. Owners are directed to seek reimbursement through authorized dealers.
DAIMLER TRUCK NORTH AMERICA | 4555 N CHANNEL AVE, PORTLAND, OR 97217 | 503.745.8000 | WWW.DAIMLERTRUCKNORTHAMERICA.COM
Identify the Recall Schedule
Describe the recall schedule for notifications.:
Customer notification will be made by first class mail using Daimler Trucks North America records to determine the customers affected.
Planned Dealer Notification Begin Date: 5/26/2023
Planned Dealer Notification End Date: 5/26/2023
Planned Owner Notification Begin Date: 5/26/2023
Planned Owner Notification End Date: 5/26/2023
Does DTNA plan to file inconsequentiality petition? ⃝ Yes X No
Manufacturer’s identification code for this recall (if applicable): FL-968
DTNA Representative;
Tiffani Torgeson
Manager, Compliance and Regulatory Affairs
**************************************************************************************************************
Daimler Truck North America LLC
Updated Chronology – September 13, 2023
4883-1814-6175 v.1 001302/00009, 2:59 PM, 09/13/2023
Friday, March 3, DTNA learned that our supplier (Proterra, Inc.) was investigating a potential defect with the automatic low voltage disconnect switch (Gigavac Switch) used on our SAF-TLINER C2 JOULEY. DTNA immediately began an investigation into this topic, speaking to Engineering and QA and beginning a detailed warranty analysis. At this time, DTNA knew of no vehicle shutdowns when in motion or otherwise in route. Monday, March 13, DTNA completed a warranty analysis, finding no reports from the field from a shutdown while the vehicle was in motion. On or about that same time, DTNA questioned the supplier about possible shutdowns while in motion and continued DTNA’s own internal investigation into possible failures while in motion; nonetheless, at this time, there continued to be no known occurrences of such a failure effect. However, DTNA continued to analyze the possibility that such a shutdown was possible. On March 28, DTNA decided that there exists a theoretical possibility of such a shutdown in motion and, out of an abundance of caution given the circumstances, decided to recall. On May 25, DTNA amended the DIR to update the remedy, stating it is currently under validation. Subsequent to submitting this Defect Information Report, in June 2023, DTNA was informed of two reports of vehicles in the recall population that had experienced a shutdown. Upon review, there was no evidence of water intrusion into the automatic low voltage disconnect switch and DTNA began to investigate further. In mid-June, DTNA received notice from a District Service Manager of some vehicles having a separate issue, one of which may have had a shutdown; DTNA promptly began investigating. Within that investigation, DTNA found 10 warranty claims (of which two are for one vehicle) and 4 field reports (of which one is ambiguous), no reported injuries nor deaths. On August 17, DTNA determined that on this same, exact vehicle population there exists an additional failure mechanism impacting the automatic low voltage disconnect switch (Gigavac Switch) where an overload on the vehicle’s electrical system could occur, resulting in the same consequence (vehicle loss of drive power, steering or vehicle lighting) without warning. DTNA’s remedy for this issue and the issue originally described in this Defect Information Report will resolve both conditions. On September 13, 2023, DTNA submitted this updated chronology to replace the prior version that was provided in error. All substantive information related to the recall remains unchanged.
**************************************************************************************************************
DAIMLER TRUCK NORTH AMERICA | 4555 N CHANNEL AVE, PORTLAND, OR 97217 | 503.745.8000 | WWW.DAIMLERTRUCKNORTHAMERICA.COM
Defect / Noncompliance Information Report
(Section 573.6)
FL968
Date of Submission: 03/28/2023 (amended 08/22/2023)
Manufacturer: Daimler Truck North America LLC
P.O. BOX 3849
Portland, Oregon 97208
Type of Report: X Safety Defect ⃝ Non-Compliance
Vehicle Information
Make
Model
Model Yr. Start
Model Yr. End
Prod. Begin Date
Prod. End Date
Thomas Built Bus
SAF-T-LINER C2 JOULEY
2021
2023
12/11/2019
10/12/2022
Descriptive Information:
All SAF-T-LINER C2 JOULEY busses built equipped with an automatic low voltage disconnect switch.
Basis for Determination of the Recall Population:
All SAF-T-LINER C2 JOULEY busses built equipped with an automatic low voltage disconnect switch.
Number potentially involved: 380
Estimated percentage of involved with defect: 5%
DAIMLER TRUCK NORTH AMERICA | 4555 N CHANNEL AVE, PORTLAND, OR 97217 | 503.745.8000 | WWW.DAIMLERTRUCKNORTHAMERICA.COM
Defect / Noncompliance Description
For this Defect/Noncompliance:
Describe the defect or noncompliance: A defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in certain Thomas Built Bus SAF-TLINER C2 JOULEY 2021-2023 vehicles
Describe the safety risk:
PROBLEM: A defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in certain Thomas Built Bus SAF-T-LINER C2 JOULEY 2023 vehicles. On the affected vehicles, a defect in the automatic low voltage disconnect switch could potentially cause the switch to fail open, resulting in a loss of power without warning. Although DTNA has no evidence that this defect has occurred on a vehicle in motion or otherwise in route, this failure could theoretically result. This may result in loss of propulsion with inability to restart, loss of lights, and loss of power steering, which can increase the risk of a crash.
Identify any warning which can precede or occur:
No warning exists prior to failure.
If applicable, identify the manufacture of the defective or noncompliant component.: Proterra, Inc.
Involved Components
Component Name: DISC SW-AUTO,LOW,VOLT,EB2
Component Description: Automatic Low Voltage Disconnect Switch
Component Part Number: 06-96364-000 (DTNA) MXSL15BE (Supplier)
Component’s country of origin: China
Business address: 1 Whitlee Ct. Greenville, SC 29607
Business Contact Information: Proterra, Inc.
First / Last Name: Kelly Irving
Position: Customer Quality Manager
Email: kirving@proterra.com
Phone: (864)641-6044
DAIMLER TRUCK NORTH AMERICA | 4555 N CHANNEL AVE, PORTLAND, OR 97217 | 503.745.8000 | WWW.DAIMLERTRUCKNORTHAMERICA.COM
Chronology of Defect / Noncompliance Determination
Provide the chronology of events leading up to the defect decision or test data for the noncompliance decision:
Friday, March 3, DTNA learned that our supplier (Proterra, Inc.) was investigating a potential defect with the automatic low voltage disconnect switch (Gigavac Switch) used on our SAF-TLINER C2 JOULEY. DTNA immediately began an investigation into this topic, speaking to Engineering and QA and beginning a detailed warranty analysis. At this time, DTNA knew of no vehicle shutdowns when in motion or otherwise in route. Monday, March 13, DTNA completed a warranty analysis, finding no reports from the field from a shutdown while the vehicle was in motion. On or about that same time, DTNA questioned the supplier about possible shutdowns while in motion and continued DTNA’s own internal investigation into possible failures while in motion; nonetheless, at this time, there continued to be no known occurrences of such a failure effect. However, DTNA continued to analyze the possibility that such a shutdown was possible. On March 28, DTNA decided that there exists a theoretical possibility of such a shutdown in motion and, out of an abundance of caution given the circumstances, decided to recall. On May 25, DTNA amended the DIR to update the remedy, stating it is currently under validation. Subsequent to submitting this Defect Information Report, in June 2023, DTNA was informed of two reports of vehicles in the recall population that had experienced a shutdown. Upon review, there was no evidence of water intrusion into the automatic low voltage disconnect switch and DTNA began to investigate further. In mid-June, DTNA received notice from a District Service Manager of some vehicles having a separate issue, one of which may have had a shutdown; DTNA promptly began investigating. Within that investigation, DTNA found 10 warranty claims (of which two are for one vehicle) and 4 field reports (of which one is ambiguous), no reported injuries nor deaths.
Identify the Remedy
Describe the defect/noncompliance remedy program, including the manufacture’s plan for reimbursement.
Daimler Truck is currently validating the repair. DTNA’s remedy will resolve each of the defect conditions described in this Defect Information Report. Repairs will be performed free of charge by Daimler Truck North America authorized service facilities. Details of the reimbursement plan will be included in the owner’s notification letter. Owners are directed to seek reimbursement through authorized dealers.
DAIMLER TRUCK NORTH AMERICA | 4555 N CHANNEL AVE, PORTLAND, OR 97217 | 503.745.8000 | WWW.DAIMLERTRUCKNORTHAMERICA.COM
Identify the Recall Schedule
Describe the recall schedule for notifications.:
Customer notification will be made by first class mail using Daimler Trucks North America records to determine the customers affected.
Planned Dealer Notification Begin Date: 5/26/2023
Planned Dealer Notification End Date: 5/26/2023
Planned Owner Notification Begin Date: 5/26/2023
Planned Owner Notification End Date: 5/26/2023
Does DTNA plan to file inconsequentiality petition? ⃝ Yes
X No
Manufacturer’s identification code for this recall (if applicable): FL-968
DTNA Representative;
Tiffani Torgeson
Manager, Compliance and Regulatory Affairs
**************************************************************************************************************
Daimler Truck North America LLC
Updated Chronology – November 03, 2023
4883-1814-6175 v.1 001302/00009, 2:59 PM, 09/13/2023
Friday, March 3, DTNA learned that our supplier (Proterra, Inc.) was investigating a potential defect with the automatic low voltage disconnect switch (Gigavac Switch) used on our SAF-TLINER C2 JOULEY. DTNA immediately began an investigation into this topic, speaking to Engineering and QA and beginning a detailed warranty analysis. At this time, DTNA knew of no vehicle shutdowns when in motion or otherwise in route. Monday, March 13, DTNA completed a warranty analysis, finding no reports from the field from a shutdown while the vehicle was in motion. On or about that same time, DTNA questioned the supplier about possible shutdowns while in motion and continued DTNA’s own internal investigation into possible failures while in motion; nonetheless, at this time, there continued to be no known occurrences of such a failure effect. However, DTNA continued to analyze the possibility that such a shutdown was possible. On March 28, DTNA decided that there exists a theoretical possibility of such a shutdown in motion and, out of an abundance of caution given the circumstances, decided to recall. On May 25, DTNA amended the DIR to update the remedy, stating it is currently under validation. Subsequent to submitting this Defect Information Report, in June 2023, DTNA was informed of two reports of vehicles in the recall population that had experienced a shutdown. Upon review, there was no evidence of water intrusion into the automatic low voltage disconnect switch and DTNA began to investigate further. In mid-June, DTNA received notice from a District Service Manager of some vehicles having a separate issue, one of which may have had a shutdown; DTNA promptly began investigating. Within that investigation, DTNA found 10 warranty claims (of which two are for one vehicle) and 4 field reports (of which one is ambiguous), no reported injuries nor deaths. On August 17, DTNA determined that on this same, exact vehicle population there exists an additional failure mechanism impacting the automatic low voltage disconnect switch (Gigavac Switch) where an overload on the vehicle’s electrical system could occur, resulting in the same consequence (vehicle loss of drive power, steering or vehicle lighting) without warning. DTNA’s remedy for this issue and the issue originally described in this Defect Information Report will resolve both conditions. On September 13, 2023, DTNA submitted this updated chronology to replace the prior version that was provided in error. All substantive information related to the recall remains unchanged.
On November 3, 2023 DTNA is providing revised planned final owner and dealer notification dates and added the final remedy.
**************************************************************************************************************
DAIMLER TRUCK NORTH AMERICA | 4555 N CHANNEL AVE, PORTLAND, OR 97217 | 503.745.8000 | WWW.DAIMLERTRUCKNORTHAMERICA.COM
Defect / Noncompliance Information Report
(Section 573.6)
FL-968
Date of Submission: 3/28/2023
Manufacturer: Daimler Truck North America LLC
P.O. BOX 3849
Portland, Oregon 97208
Type of Report: X Safety Defect ⃝ Non-Compliance
Vehicle Information
Make Model Model Yr. Start Model Yr. End Prod. Begin Date Prod. End Date
Thomas Built Bus SAF-T-LINER C2 JOULEY 2021 2023 12/11/2019 10/12/2022
Descriptive Information:
All SAF-T-LINER C2 JOULEY busses built equipped with an automatic low voltage disconnect
switch.
Basis for Determination of the Recall Population:
All SAF-T-LINER C2 JOULEY busses built equipped with an automatic low voltage disconnect
switch.
Number potentially involved: 380
Estimated percentage of involved with defect: 5%
DAIMLER TRUCK NORTH AMERICA | 4555 N CHANNEL AVE, PORTLAND, OR 97217 | 503.745.8000 | WWW.DAIMLERTRUCKNORTHAMERICA.COM
Defect / Noncompliance Description
For this Defect/Noncompliance:
Describe the defect or noncompliance:
A defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in certain Thomas Built Bus SAF-TLINER
C2 JOULEY 2021-2023 vehicles
Describe the safety risk:
PROBLEM: A defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in certain Thomas Built Bus
SAF-T-LINER C2 JOULEY 2023 vehicles. On the affected vehicles, a defect in the automatic low
voltage disconnect switch could potentially cause the switch to fail open, resulting in a loss of
power without warning. Although DTNA has no evidence that this defect has occurred on a
vehicle in motion or otherwise in route, this failure could theoretically result. This may result in
loss of propulsion with inability to restart, loss of lights, and loss of power steering, which can
increase the risk of a crash.
Identify any warning which can precede or occur:
No warning exists prior to failure.
If applicable, identify the manufacture of the defective or noncompliant component.:
Proterra, Inc.
Involved Components
Component Name: DISC SW-AUTO,LOW,VOLT,EB2
Component Description: Automatic Low Voltage Disconnect Switch
Component Part Number: 06-96364-000 (DTNA) MXSL15BE (Supplier)
Component’s country of origin: China
Business address: 1 Whitlee Ct. Greenville, SC 29607
Business Contact Information: Proterra, Inc.
First / Last Name: Kelly Irving
Position: Customer Quality Manager
Email: kirving@proterra.com
Phone: (864)641-6044
DAIMLER TRUCK NORTH AMERICA | 4555 N CHANNEL AVE, PORTLAND, OR 97217 | 503.745.8000 | WWW.DAIMLERTRUCKNORTHAMERICA.COM
Chronology of Defect / Noncompliance Determination
Provide the chronology of events leading up to the defect decision or test data for the
noncompliance decision:
Friday, March 3, DTNA learned that our supplier (Proterra, Inc.) was investigating a potential
defect with the automatic low voltage disconnect switch (Gigavac Switch) used on our SAF-TLINER
C2 JOULEY. DTNA immediately began an investigation into this topic, speaking to
Engineering and QA and beginning a detailed warranty analysis. At this time, DTNA knew of no
vehicle shutdowns when in motion or otherwise in route. Monday, March 13, DTNA completed a
warranty analysis, finding no reports from the field from a shutdown while the vehicle was in
motion. On or about that same time, DTNA questioned the supplier about possible shutdowns
while in motion and continued DTNA’s own internal investigation into possible failures while in
motion; nonetheless, at this time, there continued to be no known occurrences of such a failure
effect. However, DTNA continued to analyze the possibility that such a shutdown was possible.
On March 28, DTNA decided that there exists a theoretical possibility of such a shutdown in
motion and, out of an abundance of caution given the circumstances, decided to recall.
Identify the Remedy
Describe the defect/noncompliance remedy program, including the manufacture’s plan for
reimbursement.
Repairs will be performed free of charge by Daimler Truck North America authorized service
facilities. Details of the reimbursement plan will be included in the owner’s notification letter.
Owners are directed to seek reimbursement through authorized dealers.
DAIMLER TRUCK NORTH AMERICA | 4555 N CHANNEL AVE, PORTLAND, OR 97217 | 503.745.8000 | WWW.DAIMLERTRUCKNORTHAMERICA.COM
Identify the Recall Schedule
Describe the recall schedule for notifications.:
Customer notification will be made by first class mail using Daimler Trucks North America
records to determine the customers affected.
Planned Dealer Notification Begin Date: 5/26/2023
Planned Dealer Notification End Date: 5/26/2023
Planned Owner Notification Begin Date: 5/26/2023
Planned Owner Notification End Date: 5/26/2023
Does DTNA plan to file inconsequentiality petition? ⃝ Yes X No
Manufacturer’s identification code for this recall (if applicable): FL-968
DTNA Representative;
Sam Geser
Manager, Compliance and Regulatory Affairs
**************************************************************************************************************
Daimler Truck
North America LLC
IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL
This notice applies to your vehicle(s), see enclosed VIN list.
May 2023
FL968A
Interim Recall Notice
NHTSA #23V209 (School Bus)
Subject: Automatic Low Voltage Disconnect Switch
This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.
Daimler Truck North America LLC (DTNA), on behalf of its wholly owned subsidiary, Thomas Built Buses, has decided that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exist on certain model year 2021-2023 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 Jouley electric school buses, manufactured between December 11, 2019, through October 12, 2022.
On the affected vehicles, the automatic low voltage disconnect switch could fail, resulting in a loss of power without warning. This may result in loss of drive power with inability to restart, loss of lights, and loss of power steering, which can increase the risk of a crash.
This is the first of two notices you will receive regarding this subject. This letter is to inform you of an upcoming Recall to correct the issue noted above. Daimler Truck is currently validating the final repair and/or securing replacement parts. There is no action for you to take at this time.
A second notice will inform you when the final, free remedy is available. When you receive the second notice, please contact your authorized Daimler Truck North America dealer to schedule the repair for your vehicle.
If you do not own the vehicle that corresponds to the identification number(s), which appears on the Recall Notification, please return the notification to the Warranty Campaigns Department with any information you can furnish that will assist us in locating the present owner. If you have leased this vehicle, Federal law requires that you forward this notice to the lessee within 10 days. If you are a subsequent stage manufacturer, Federal law requires that you forward this notice to your distributors and retail outlets within five working days.
If you have questions about this Recall, please contact the Warranty Campaigns Department at (800) 547-0712, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday, e-mail address DTNA.Warranty.Campaigns@Daimlertruck.com. For other concerns, you may contact the Customer Assistance Center at (800) 385-4357. If your manufacturer, distributor, or dealer fails to remedy the defect or noncompliance without charge and within a reasonable time, you may wish to submit a complaint to the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590; or call the Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236 (TTY: 800-424-9153); or go to http://www.nhtsa.gov.
We regret any inconvenience this action may cause but feel certain you understand our interest in motor vehicle safety.
WARRANTY CAMPAIGNS DEPARTMENT
Enclosure
Daimler Truck North America LLC
Warranty Campaigns Department
P.O. Box 4090
Portland, OR 97208-4090
800.547.0712 Phone
Daimler Truck
North America LLC
For Final Only:
Reimbursement to Customers for Repairs Performed Prior to Recall
If you have already paid to have this recall condition corrected you may be eligible to receive reimbursement.
Requests for reimbursement may include parts and labor. Reimbursement may be limited to the amount the repair would have cost if completed by an authorized Daimler Truck North America LLC dealer. The following documentation must be presented to your dealer for consideration for reimbursement.
Please provide original or clear copies of all receipts, invoices, and repair orders that show
• The name and address of the person who paid for the repair
• The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of the vehicle that was repaired
• What problem occurred, what repair was done, when the repair was done
• Who repaired the vehicle
• The total cost of the repair expense that is being claimed
• Proof of payment for the repair (such as the front and back of a cancelled check or a credit card receipt)
Reimbursement will be made by check from your Daimler Truck North America LLC dealer.
Please speak with your Daimler Truck North America LLC authorized dealer concerning this matter.
Daimler Truck North America LLC
Warranty Campaigns Department
P.O. Box 4090
Portland, OR 97208-4090
800.547.0712 Phone
**************************************************************************************************************
Daimler Truck
North America LLC
IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL
This notice applies to your vehicle, see enclosed VIN list
October 2023
FL968A-B
Final Recall Notice
NHTSA #23V209 (School Bus)
Subject: Automatic Low Voltage Disconnect Switch
This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.
Daimler Truck North America LLC (DTNA), on behalf of its wholly owned subsidiary, Thomas Built Buses, has decided that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exist on certain model year 2021-2023 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 Jouley electric school buses, manufactured between December 11, 2019, through October 12, 2022.
On the affected vehicles, the automatic low voltage disconnect switch could fail, resulting in a loss of power without warning. This may result in loss of drive power with inability to restart, loss of lights, and loss of power steering, which can increase the risk of a crash.
A Daimler Truck North America authorized service facility will remove the automatic low voltage disconnect switch. The Recall will take approximately one hour and will be performed free of charge.
Please contact an authorized Daimler Truck North America dealer to arrange to have the Recall performed and to ensure that parts are available at the dealership. To locate an authorized dealer, search online at Daimler-TruckNorthAmerica.com/Contact-us. Scroll down to “Locate a Dealer” and select the appropriate brand. You may also confirm your vehicle’s involvement in this recall at this URL: https://dtna-dlrinfo.prd.freightliner.com:48518/VinLookup/vin-module/getVinLookupPage.
You may be liable for any progressive damage that results from your failure to complete the Recall within a reasonable time after receiving notification.
If you do not own the vehicle that corresponds to the identification number(s) which appears on the Recall Notification, please return the notification to the Warranty Campaigns Department with any information you can furnish that will assist us in locating the present owner. If you have leased this vehicle, Federal law requires that you forward this notice to the lessee within 10 days. If you are a subsequent stage manufacturer, Federal law requires that you forward this notice to your distributors and retail outlets within five working days. If you have paid to have this recall condition corrected prior to this notice, you may be eligible to receive reimbursement. Please see the reverse side of this notice for details.
If you have questions about this Recall, please contact the Warranty Campaigns Department at (800) 547-0712, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday, e-mail address DTNA.Warranty.Campaigns@Daimlertruck.com. For other concerns, you may contact the Customer Assistance Center at (800) 385-4357. If your manufacturer, distributor, or dealer fails to remedy the defect or noncompliance without charge and within a reasonable time, you may wish to submit a complaint to the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590; or call the Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236 (TTY: 800-424-9153); or go to http://www.nhtsa.gov.
We regret any inconvenience this action may cause but feel certain you understand our interest in motor vehicle safety.
WARRANTY CAMPAIGNS DEPARTMENT
Enclosure
Daimler Truck North America LLC
Warranty Campaigns Department
P.O. Box 4090
Portland, OR 97208-4090
800.547.0712 Phone
Daimler Truck
North America LLC
Reimbursement to Customers for Repairs Performed Prior to Recall
If you have already paid to have this recall condition corrected you may be eligible to receive reimbursement.
Requests for reimbursement may include parts and labor. Reimbursement may be limited to the amount the repair would have cost if completed by an authorized Daimler Truck North America LLC dealer. The following documentation must be presented to your dealer for consideration for reimbursement.
Please provide original or clear copies of all receipts, invoices, and repair orders that show:
• The name and address of the person who paid for the repair.
• The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of the vehicle that was repaired.
• What problem occurred, what repair was done, when the repair was done.
• Who repaired the vehicle.
• The total cost of the repair expense that is being claimed.
• Proof of payment for the repair (such as the front and back of a cancelled check or a credit card receipt).
Reimbursement will be made by check from your Daimler Truck North America LLC dealer.
Please speak with your Daimler Truck North America LLC authorized dealer concerning this matter
Daimler Truck North America LLC
Warranty Campaigns Department
P.O. Box 4090
Portland, OR 97208-4090
800.547.0712 Phone
**************************************************************************************************************
The information contained in this letter supercedes and supplements any related policies and procedures in any previously
released bulletins, the Warranty Manual, and/or previously released letters. Failure to read or distribute this letter will not
exempt addressees from compliance with the information contained herein.
Page 1 of 1
Daimler Truck North America LLC
REF #:
ICI23-019
Effective:
05/24/2023
Release:
05/24/2023
SUBJECT:
FL968 – Interim Recall Notice
This letter is to inform you that an interim recall notice is being sent to affected customers for recall FL968~Automatic Low Voltage Disconnect Switch. The interim notices will be mailed on 05/24/2023. A copy follows for your reference.
If you have questions or need further information, contact the Warranty Campaigns Department by submitting an inquiry using the Warranty Support Center (WSC) app, located on the DTNA Portal.
WARRANTY CAMPAIGNS DEPARTMENT
P.O. Box 4090
800-547-0712
Portland, Oregon 97208-4090
ATTENTION: Dealer Principal, Warranty Manager, Service Manager, Parts Manager
Freightliner Dealers – U.S. and Canada
Western Star and Sterling Dealers – U.S. and Canada
FCCC Dealers – U.S. and Canada
Thomas Built Buses Dealers – U.S. and Canada
Direct Warranty Customers – U.S. and Canada
Detroit Diesel Distributors
Export Distributors
If you have questions about this letter, please submit your inquiry using the WSC app on the DTNA Portal.
Daimler Truck
North America LLC
IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL
This notice applies to your vehicle(s), see enclosed VIN list.
May 2023
FL968A
Interim Recall Notice
NHTSA #23V209 (School Bus)
Subject: Automatic Low Voltage Disconnect Switch
This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.
Daimler Truck North America LLC (DTNA), on behalf of its wholly owned subsidiary, Thomas Built Buses, has decided that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exist on certain model year 2021-2023 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 Jouley electric school buses, manufactured between December 11, 2019, through October 12, 2022.
On the affected vehicles, the automatic low voltage disconnect switch could fail, resulting in a loss of power without warning. This may result in loss of drive power with inability to restart, loss of lights, and loss of power steering, which can increase the risk of a crash.
This is the first of two notices you will receive regarding this subject. This letter is to inform you of an upcoming Recall to correct the issue noted above. Daimler Truck is currently validating the final repair and/or securing replacement parts. There is no action for you to take at this time.
A second notice will inform you when the final, free remedy is available. When you receive the second notice, please contact your authorized Daimler Truck North America dealer to schedule the repair for your vehicle.
If you do not own the vehicle that corresponds to the identification number(s), which appears on the Recall Notification, please return the notification to the Warranty Campaigns Department with any information you can furnish that will assist us in locating the present owner. If you have leased this vehicle, Federal law requires that you forward this notice to the lessee within 10 days. If you are a subsequent stage manufacturer, Federal law requires that you forward this notice to your distributors and retail outlets within five working days.
If you have questions about this Recall, please contact the Warranty Campaigns Department at (800) 547-0712, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday, e-mail address DTNA.Warranty.Campaigns@Daimlertruck.com. For other concerns, you may contact the Customer Assistance Center at (800) 385-4357. If your manufacturer, distributor, or dealer fails to remedy the defect or noncompliance without charge and within a reasonable time, you may wish to submit a complaint to the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590; or call the Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236 (TTY: 800-424-9153); or go to http://www.nhtsa.gov.
We regret any inconvenience this action may cause but feel certain you understand our interest in motor vehicle safety.
WARRANTY CAMPAIGNS DEPARTMENT
Enclosure
Daimler Truck North America LLC
Warranty Campaigns Department
P.O. Box 4090
Portland, OR 97208-4090
800.547.0712 Phone
**************************************************************************************************************
DATE: 09/05/2023
TO: My Communication
SUBJECT: Stop Delivery Order: Safety Recall FL968
SAFETY RECALL NOTICE On March 28, 2023, Daimler Truck North America (“DTNA”) filed a Defect Information Report (“DIR”) with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (“NHTSA”) informing the agency of our intent to conduct a voluntary safety recall.
It is a violation of Federal law for a dealer to deliver a new motor vehicle or any new or used item of motor vehicle equipment (including a tire) covered by this notification under a sale or lease until the defect or noncompliance is remedied. Some of the vehicles subject to this “Stop Delivery Order” may be in your new vehicle inventory. Until further instructions are available, new vehicles subject to this “Stop Delivery Order” must be held and not be delivered to customers.
Affected Vehicles:
Make
Model
Model Year
Manufacture Start Date
Manufacture End Date
Thomas Built Bus
Saf-T-Liner C2 Jouley
2021 – 2023
December 11, 2019
October 12, 2022
Problem:
On the affected vehicles, a defect in the automatic low voltage disconnect switch could potentially cause the switch to fail open, resulting in a loss of power without warning.
Solution:
DTNA is currently developing the repair solution.
Owner Notification Mailing Schedule:
Owner letters are expected to be mailed to affected Customers during the beginning of October.
**************************************************************************************************************
Subject: Automatic Low Voltage Disconnect Switch
Models Affected: Specific model year 2021-2023 Thomas Built
Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 Jouley electric school buses, manufactured
between December 11, 2019, through October 12, 2022.
General Information
Daimler Truck North America LLC (DTNA), on behalf of its wholly owned subsidiary, Thomas Built Buses, has
decided that a defect that relates to motor vehicle safety exists on the vehicles mentioned above.
On the affected vehicles, the automatic low voltage disconnect switch could fail, resulting in a loss of power
without warning. This may result in loss of drive power with inability to restart, loss of lights, and loss of power
steering, which can increase the risk of a crash.
The automatic low voltage disconnect switch will be removed. Vehicles equipped with a wheelchair lift (FL968-B)
require the installation of a new jumper cable.
There are approximately 381 vehicles involved in this campaign.
Additional Repairs
Dealers must complete all outstanding recall and field service campaigns prior to the sale or delivery of a
vehicle. A dealer will be liable for any progressive damage that results from its failure to complete campaigns
before sale or delivery of a vehicle.
Owners may be liable for any progressive damage that results from failure to complete campaigns within a
reasonable time after receiving notification.
Work Instructions
Please refer to the attached work instructions. Prior to performing the campaign, check the vehicle for a
completion sticker (Form WAR260).
Replacement Parts
Replacement parts are now available and can be obtained by ordering the part number listed below from your
facing Parts Distribution Center (PDC).
If our records show your dealership has ordered any vehicle(s) involved in campaign number FL968, a list of
the customers and vehicle identification numbers will be available on the DTNA Portal. Please refer to this list
when ordering parts for this recall.
Table 1 – Replacement Parts for FL968
Campaign Number Part Description Part Number Qty.
FL968B
CABLE-BATTERY,JUMPER,POS,4/0 A66-19607-012 1 ea
BLANK COMPLETION STICKER WAR260 1 ea
Table 1
Removed Parts
U.S. and Canadian Dealers, please follow Warranty Failed Parts Tracking shipping instructions for the
disposition of all removed parts. Export distributors, please destroy removed parts unless otherwise advised.
Daimler Truck
North America LLC Recall Campaign
October 2023
FL968A-B
NHTSA #23V-209 (School Bus)
Page 1
Labor Allowance
Table 2 – Labor Allowance
Campaign
Number Procedure Time Allowed
(hours) SRT Code Corrective Action
FL968A Remove automatic low voltage disconnect switch 0.6 996-R216A 12-Repair Recall/Campaign
FL968B
Remove automatic low voltage disconnect switch
and install new jumper cable
0.6 996-R216A 12-Repair Recall/Campaign
Table 2
IMPORTANT:When the recall has been completed, locate the base completion label in the appropriate location
on the vehicle, and attach the red completion sticker (Form WAR260). If the vehicle does not have a base
completion label, clean a spot on the appropriate location of the vehicle and first attach the base completion
label (Form WAR259). If a recall kit is not required or there is no completion sticker in the kit, write the recall
number on a blank sticker and attach it to the base completion label.
Claims for Credit
You will be reimbursed for your parts, labor, and handling (landed cost for Export Distributors) by submitting
your claim through the warranty system within 30 days of completing this campaign. Please reference the
following information in OWL:
• Claim type is Recall Campaign.
• In the Campaign field, enter the campaign number and appropriate condition code (e.g. FL968-A or
FL968-B).
• In the Primary Failed Part Number field, enter 25-FL968-000.
• In the Parts field, enter the appropriate part number as shown in the Replacement Parts table.
• In the Labor field, first enter the appropriate SRT from the Labor Allowance table. Administrative time will
be included automatically as SRT 939-6010A for 0.3 hours.
• The VMRS Component Code is F99-999-005 and the Cause Code is A1 – Campaign.
• U.S. and Canada — Reimbursement for Prior Repairs. When a customer asks about reimbursement,
please do the following:
• Accept the documentation of the previous repair.
• Make a brief check of the customer’s paperwork to see if the repair may be eligible for reimbursement.
(See the “Copy of Owner Letter” section of this bulletin for reimbursement guidelines.)
• Submit an OWL Recall Pre-Approval request for a decision.
• Include the approved amount on your claim in the Other Charges section.
• Attach the documentation to the pre-approval request.
• If approved, submit a based-on claim for the pre-approval.
• Reimburse the customer the appropriate amount.
IMPORTANT: OWL must be viewed prior to performing the recall to ensure the vehicle is involved and the
campaign has not been previously completed. Also, check for a completion sticker prior to beginning work.
U.S. and Canadian dealers, if you need additional information, contact the Warranty Campaigns Department
using the WSC (Warranty Support Center) app on the DTNA Portal. Export distributors, submit a WSC ticket or
contact your International Service Manager.
Daimler Truck
North America LLC Recall Campaign
October 2023
FL968A-B
NHTSA #23V-209 (School Bus)
Page 2
U.S. and Canadian Dealers: To return excess kit inventory related to this campaign, U.S. dealers must submit a
Parts Authorization Return (PAR) to the Memphis PDC. Canadian dealers must submit a PAR to their facing
PDC. All kits must be in resalable condition. PAR requests must include the original purchase invoice number.
Export Distributors: Excess inventory is not returnable.
The letter notifying U.S. and Canadian vehicle owners is included for your reference.
Please note that the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act, as amended (Title 49, United States Code,
Chapter 301), requires the owner’s vehicle(s) be corrected within a reasonable time after parts are available to
you. The Act states that failure to repair a vehicle within 60 days after tender for repair shall be prima facie
evidence of an unreasonable time. However, circumstances of a particular situation may reduce the 60 day
period. Failure to repair a vehicle within a reasonable time can result in either the obligation to (a) replace the
vehicle with an identical or reasonably equivalent vehicle, without charge, or (b) refund the purchase price in
full, less a reasonable allowance for depreciation. The Act further prohibits dealers from selling a vehicle unless
all outstanding recalls are performed. Any lessor is required to send a copy of the recall notification to the
lessee within 10 days. Any subsequent stage manufacturer is required to forward this notice to its distributors
and retail outlets within five working days.
Daimler Truck
North America LLC Recall Campaign
November 2023
FL968A-B
NHTSA #23V-209 (School Bus)
Page 3
Daimler Truck
North America LLC
IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL
This notice applies to your vehicle, see enclosed VIN list
October 2023
FL968A-B
Final Recall Notice
NHTSA #23V-209 (School Bus)
Subject: Automatic Low Voltage Disconnect Switch
This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.
Daimler Truck North America LLC (DTNA), on behalf of its wholly owned subsidiary, Thomas Built Buses, has decided
that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exist on certain model year 2021-2023 Thomas Built Buses Saf-TLiner
C2 Jouley electric school buses, manufactured between December 11, 2019, through October 12, 2022.
On the affected vehicles, the automatic low voltage disconnect switch could fail, resulting in a loss of power without
warning. This may result in loss of drive power with inability to restart, loss of lights, and loss of power steering, which can
increase the risk of a crash.
A Daimler Truck North America authorized service facility will remove the automatic low voltage disconnect switch. The
Recall will take approximately one hour and will be performed free of charge.
Please contact an authorized Daimler Truck North America dealer to arrange to have the Recall performed and to ensure
that parts are available at the dealership. To locate an authorized dealer, search online at Daimler-
TruckNorthAmerica.com/Contact-us. Scroll down to “Locate a Dealer” and select the appropriate brand. You may also
confirm your vehicle’s involvement in this recall at this URL: https://dtna-dlrinfo.prd.freightliner.com:48518/VinLookup/vinmodule/
getVinLookupPage.
You may be liable for any progressive damage that results from your failure to complete the Recall within a reasonable
time after receiving notification.
If you do not own the vehicle that corresponds to the identification number(s) which appears on the Recall Notification,
please return the notification to the Warranty Campaigns Department with any information you can furnish that will assist
us in locating the present owner. If you have leased this vehicle, Federal law requires that you forward this notice to the
lessee within 10 days. If you are a subsequent stage manufacturer, Federal law requires that you forward this notice to
your distributors and retail outlets within five working days. If you have paid to have this recall condition corrected prior to
this notice, you may be eligible to receive reimbursement. Please see the reverse side of this notice for details.
If you have questions about this Recall, please contact the Warranty Campaigns Department at (800) 547-0712, 7:00 a.m.
to 4:00 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday, e-mail address DTNA.Warranty.Campaigns@Daimlertruck.com. For
other concerns, you may contact the Customer Assistance Center at (800) 385-4357. If your manufacturer, distributor, or
dealer fails to remedy the defect or noncompliance without charge and within a reasonable time, you may wish to submit a
complaint to the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
Washington, DC 20590; or call the Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236 (TTY: 800-424-9153); or go to
http://www.nhtsa.gov.
We regret any inconvenience this action may cause but feel certain you understand our interest in motor vehicle safety.
WARRANTY CAMPAIGNS DEPARTMENT
Enclosure
Daimler Truck North America LLC
Warranty Campaigns Department
P.O. Box 4090
Portland, OR 97208-4090
800.547.0712 Phone
Daimler Truck
North America LLC
Reimbursement to Customers for Repairs Performed Prior to Recall
If you have already paid to have this recall condition corrected you may be eligible to receive reimbursement.
Requests for reimbursement may include parts and labor. Reimbursement may be limited to the amount the repair would
have cost if completed by an authorized Daimler Truck North America LLC dealer. The following documentation must be
presented to your dealer for consideration for reimbursement.
Please provide original or clear copies of all receipts, invoices, and repair orders that show:
• The name and address of the person who paid for the repair.
• The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of the vehicle that was repaired.
• What problem occurred, what repair was done, when the repair was done.
• Who repaired the vehicle.
• The total cost of the repair expense that is being claimed.
• Proof of payment for the repair (such as the front and back of a cancelled check or a credit card receipt).
Reimbursement will be made by check from your Daimler Truck North America LLC dealer.
Please speak with your Daimler Truck North America LLC authorized dealer concerning this matter
Daimler Truck North America LLC
Warranty Campaigns Department
P.O. Box 4090
Portland, OR 97208-4090
800.547.0712 Phone
Work Instructions
Subject: AutomaticLow Voltage Disconnect Switch
Removal of the Automatic Low Voltage Disconnect (ALVD)
Switch
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface, place the vehicle in neutral, shut down the vehicle, and set the park
brake. Chock the tires.
2. Turn off the manual battery disconnect switch.
3. Disconnect the positive and negative battery cables on the batteries.
4. Remove the fasteners from the jumper cable (A66-22793-005) that connects the ALVD switch to the power
distribution module (PDM/PDC), then remove the jumper cable. See Fig. 1.
5. Remove the fastener that attaches the jumper cable (A66-19607-015) to the ALVD switch, then remove the
jumper cable from the ALVD switch.
10/04/2023 f548384
1
2
3
4
1. ALVD Switch
2. Fasteners
3. Jumper Cable (A66-22793-005)
4. Jumper Cable (A66-19607-015)
Fig. 1, Location of the Jumper Cables
Daimler Truck
North America LLC Recall Campaign
October 2023
FL968A-B
NHTSA #23V-209
Page 6
Models Affected: Specific model year 2021-2023 Thomas Built
Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 Jouley electric school buses, manufactured
between December 11, 2019, through October 12, 2022.
(School Bus)
7. Disconnect the ALVD switch harness from the toggle switch, located beside the manual battery cut-off
switch.
8. Remove the fasteners and the clipping points from the harness, then remove the toggle switch. See Fig. 3.
10/04/2023 f548385
1
2
3
1. ALVD Switch
2. Manual Battery Cut-off Switch
3. Fasteners
Fig. 2, Location of the ALVD Switch
10/04/2023 f548386
1 2 3
4
5
6
5
6
7
8
1. Chassis Rail
2. Ground Stud
3. PDM/PDC
4. Harness Connector
5. Fasteners
6. Clipping Points
7. Toggle Switch
8. ALVD Switch Harness
Fig. 3, Location of the Toggle Switch
Daimler Truck
North America LLC Recall Campaign
October 2023
FL968A-B
NHTSA #23V-209
Page 7
6. Remove the fasteners that hold the ALVD switch in place, then remove the ALVD switch. See Fig. 2.
(School Bus)
10. Is the vehicle equipped with a wheelchair lift?
YES → Instead of the existing jumper cable (A66-19607-015), use the new one (A66-19607-012).
NO → Use the existing jumper cable (A66-19607-015).
11. Install the jumper cable on the PDM using the original lock washer and fastener. Tighten the fastener 24 lbf·ft (33 N·m).
IMPORTANT: Battery cable installation should correspond with the illustrations shown in the drawing D66-35173.
NOTE: Grease all the ring terminal connections.
12. Connect the positive and negative battery cables to the batteries. See Fig. 4.
10/04/2023 f548387
1
1. PDM
Fig. 4, Location of the PDM
Daimler Truck
North America LLC Recall Campaign
October 2023
FL968A-B
NHTSA #23V-209
Page 8
(School Bus)
9. Remove the harness from the ground stud on the chassis rail. Install the fastener and tighten 37 lbf·ft (50 N·m).
Apply varnish on the ground stud that is on the rail.
14. Turn on the manual battery disconnect switch.
15. Verify the vehicle operation and ensure that no malfunction indicator lamps (MILs) are illuminated.
10/11/2023 f548391
1
2
3
4
1. PDM
2. Butterfly Tie Band
3. Power Cable
4. Jumper Cable (A66-19607-015)
Fig. 5, Securing Jumper Cable with the Power Cable
Daimler Truck
North America LLC Recall Campaign
October 2023
FL968A-B
NHTSA #23V-209
Page 9
13. Use a butterfly tie band to secure the jumper cable (A66-19607-015) with the power cable connected to the
chassis harness inside the battery box, as shown in Fig. 5.
**************************************************************************************************************
OMB Control No.: 2127-0004
Part 573 Safety Recall Report 23V-209
The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573
Manufacturer Name : Submission Date :
Daimler Trucks North America, LLC SEP 13, 2023 NHTSA Recall No. : 23V-209 Manufacturer Recall No. : FL-968 Manufacturer Information :
Manufacturer Name : Daimler Trucks North America, LLC Address : 4747 N. Channel Avenue
Portland OR 97217-3849
Company phone : 800-745-8000 Population :
Number of potentially involved : 380 Estimated percentage with defect : 5 % Vehicle Information : Vehicle 1 : 2021-2023 Thomas Built Bus SAF-T-LINER C2 JOULEY Vehicle Type : BUSES, MEDIUM & HEAVY VEHICLES Body Style : OTHER Power Train : HYBRID ELECTRIC
Descriptive Information : All SAF-T-LINER C2 JOULEY busses built equipped with an automatic low voltage disconnect switch.
Production Dates : DEC 11, 2019 – OCT 12, 2022
VIN Range 1 : Begin : NR End : NR Not sequential Description of Defect :
Description of the Defect : A defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in certain Thomas Built Bus SAF-TLINER C2 JOULEY 2021-2023 vehicles
FMVSS 1 : NR FMVSS 2 : NR
Description of the Safety Risk : PROBLEM: A defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in certain
Thomas Built Bus SAF-T-LINER C2 JOULEY 2023 vehicles. On the affected vehicles, a defect in the automatic low
voltage disconnect switch could potentially cause the switch to fail open, resulting in a loss of power without warning. Although DTNA has no evidence that this defect has occurred on a vehicle in motion or otherwise in route, this failure could theoretically result. This may result in loss of propulsion with inability to restart, loss of lights, and loss of power steering, which can increase the risk of a crash.
Description of the Cause : NR
Identification of Any Warning
that can Occur :
No warning exists prior to failure. Part 573 Safety Recall Report 23V-209 Page 2 Involved Components : Component Name 1 : DISC SW-AUTO,LOW,VOLT,EB2
Component Description : Automatic Low Voltage Disconnect Switch Component Part Number : 06-96364-000 (DTNA) MXSL15BE (Supplier) Supplier Identification : Component Manufacturer
Name : Proterra, Inc. Address : 1 Whitlee Ct.
Greenville South Carolina 29607
Country : United States Chronology :
Please see attached Miscellaneous Document for recall chronology. Description of Remedy :
Description of Remedy Program : Daimler Truck is currently validating the repair. DTNA’s remedy will
resolve each of the defect conditions described in this Defect Information Report. Repairs will be performed free of charge by Daimler Truck North America authorized service facilities. Details of the reimbursement plan will be included in the owner’s notification letter. Owners are directed to seek reimbursement through authorized dealers. How Remedy Component Differs NR from Recalled Component :
Identify How/When Recall Condition NR was Corrected in Production : Recall Schedule :
Description of Recall Schedule : Customer notification will be made by first class mail using Daimler
Trucks North America records to determine the customers affected.
Planned Dealer Notification Date : MAY 26, 2023 – MAY 26, 2023
Planned Owner Notification Date : MAY 26, 2023 – MAY 26, 2023 The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573 Part 573 Safety Recall Report 23V-209
Page 3
The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573
* NR – Not Reported
**************************************************************************************************************
OMB Control No.: 2127-0004
Part 573 Safety Recall Report 23V-209
The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573
Manufacturer Name : Daimler Trucks North America, LLC
Submission Date : MAY 25, 2023
NHTSA Recall No. : 23V-209
Manufacturer Recall No. : FL-968
Manufacturer Information :
Manufacturer Name : Daimler Trucks North America, LLC
Address : 4747 N. Channel Avenue
Portland OR 97217-3849
Company phone : 800-745-8000
Population :
Number of potentially involved : 380
Estimated percentage with defect : 5 %
Vehicle Information :
Vehicle 1 : 2021-2023 Thomas Built Bus SAF-T-LINER C2 JOULEY
Vehicle Type :
Body Style :
Power Train : NR
Descriptive Information : All SAF-T-LINER C2 JOULEY busses built equipped with an automatic low voltage
disconnect
switch.
Production Dates : DEC 11, 2019 – OCT 12, 2022
VIN Range 1 : Begin : NR End : NR Not sequential
Description of Defect :
Description of the Defect : A defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in certain Thomas Built
Bus SAF-TLINER
C2 JOULEY 2021-2023 vehicles
FMVSS 1 : NR
FMVSS 2 : NR
Description of the Safety Risk : PROBLEM: A defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in certain
Thomas Built Bus
SAF-T-LINER C2 JOULEY 2023 vehicles. On the affected vehicles, a defect in
the automatic low
voltage disconnect switch could potentially cause the switch to fail open,
resulting in a loss of
power without warning. Although DTNA has no evidence that this defect has
occurred on a
vehicle in motion or otherwise in route, this failure could theoretically result.
This may result in
loss of propulsion with inability to restart, loss of lights, and loss of power
steering, which can
Part 573 Safety Recall Report 23V-209 Page 2
The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573
increase the risk of a crash.
Description of the Cause : NR
Identification of Any Warning
that can Occur :
No warning exists prior to failure.
Involved Components :
Component Name 1 : DISC SW-AUTO,LOW,VOLT,EB2
Component Description : Automatic Low Voltage Disconnect Switch
Component Part Number : 06-96364-000 (DTNA) MXSL15BE (Supplier)
Supplier Identification :
Component Manufacturer
Name : Proterra, Inc.
Address : 1 Whitlee Ct.
Greenville 29607
Country : United States
Chronology :
Friday, March 3, DTNA learned that our supplier (Proterra, Inc.) was investigating a potential defect with the
automatic low voltage disconnect switch (Gigavac Switch) used on our SAF-TLINER C2 JOULEY. DTNA
immediately began an investigation into this topic, speaking to Engineering and QA and beginning a detailed
warranty analysis. At this time, DTNA knew of no vehicle shutdowns when in motion or otherwise in route.
Monday, March 13, DTNA completed a warranty analysis, finding no reports from the field from a shutdown
while the vehicle was in motion. On or about that same time, DTNA questioned the supplier about possible
shutdowns
while in motion and continued DTNA’s own internal investigation into possible failures while in motion;
nonetheless, at this time, there continued to be no known occurrences of such a failure effect. However, DTNA
continued to analyze the possibility that such a shutdown was possible. On March 28, DTNA decided that there
exists a theoretical possibility of such a shutdown in motion and, out of an abundance of caution given the
circumstances, decided to recall. On May 25, DTNA amended the DIR to update the remedy, stating it is
currently under validation.
Part 573 Safety Recall Report 23V-209 Page 3
The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573
Description of Remedy :
Description of Remedy Program : Daimler Truck is currently validating the repair. Repairs will be performed
free of charge by Daimler Truck North America authorized service
facilities. Details of the reimbursement plan will be included in the owner’s
notification letter. Owners are directed to seek reimbursement through
authorized dealers.
How Remedy Component Differs
from Recalled Component :
NR
Identify How/When Recall Condition
was Corrected in Production :
NR
Recall Schedule :
Description of Recall Schedule : Customer notification will be made by first class mail using Daimler
Trucks North America
records to determine the customers affected.
Planned Dealer Notification Date : MAY 26, 2023 – MAY 26, 2023
Planned Owner Notification Date : MAY 26, 2023 – MAY 26, 2023
* NR – Not Reported
**************************************************************************************************************
OMB Control No.: 2127-0004
Part 573 Safety Recall Report 23V-209
The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573
Manufacturer Name : Submission Date :
Daimler Trucks North America, LLC MAR 28, 2023 NHTSA Recall No. : 23V-209 Manufacturer Recall No. : FL-968 Manufacturer Information :
Manufacturer Name : Daimler Trucks North America, LLC Address : 4747 N. Channel Avenue
Portland OR 97217-3849
Company phone : 800-745-8000 Population :
Number of potentially involved : 380 Estimated percentage with defect : 5 % Vehicle Information : Vehicle 1 : 2021-2023 Thomas Built Bus SAF-T-LINER C2 JOULEY Vehicle Type :
Body Style :
Power Train : NR
Descriptive Information : All SAF-T-LINER C2 JOULEY busses built equipped with an automatic low voltage disconnect
switch.
Production Dates : DEC 11, 2019 – OCT 12, 2022
VIN Range 1 : Begin : NR End : NR Not sequential Description of Defect :
Description of the Defect : A defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in certain Thomas Built Bus SAF-TLINER
C2 JOULEY 2021-2023 vehicles FMVSS 1 : NR
FMVSS 2 : NR
Description of the Safety Risk : PROBLEM: A defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in certain
Thomas Built Bus
SAF-T-LINER C2 JOULEY 2023 vehicles. On the affected vehicles, a defect in the automatic low
voltage disconnect switch could potentially cause the switch to fail open, resulting in a loss of
power without warning. Although DTNA has no evidence that this defect has occurred on a
vehicle in motion or otherwise in route, this failure could theoretically result.
This may result in
loss of propulsion with inability to restart, loss of lights, and loss of power
steering, which can Part 573 Safety Recall Report 23V-209 Page 2 increase the risk of a crash.
Description of the Cause : NR Identification of Any Warning
that can Occur : No warning exists prior to failure. Involved Components : Component Name 1 : DISC SW-AUTO,LOW,VOLT,EB2
Component Description : Automatic Low Voltage Disconnect Switch Component Part Number : 06-96364-000 (DTNA) MXSL15BE (Supplier) Supplier Identification : Component Manufacturer
Name : Proterra, Inc. Address : 1 Whitlee Ct.
Greenville 29607
Country : United States Chronology :
Friday, March 3, DTNA learned that our supplier (Proterra, Inc.) was investigating a potential defect with the automatic low voltage disconnect switch (Gigavac Switch) used on our SAF-TLINER C2 JOULEY. DTNA immediately began an investigation into this topic, speaking to
Engineering and QA and beginning a detailed warranty analysis. At this time, DTNA knew of no vehicle shutdowns when in motion or otherwise in route. Monday, March 13, DTNA completed a warranty analysis, finding no reports from the field from a shutdown while the vehicle was in motion. On or about that same time, DTNA questioned the supplier about possible shutdowns while in motion and continued DTNA’s own internal investigation into possible failures while in motion; nonetheless, at this time, there continued to be no known occurrences of such a failure effect. However, DTNA continued to analyze the possibility that such a shutdown was possible. On March 28, DTNA decided that there exists a theoretical possibility of such a shutdown in motion and, out of an abundance of caution given the circumstances, decided to recall. The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573 Part 573 Safety Recall Report 23V-209
Page 3
The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573
Description of Remedy :
Description of Remedy Program : Repairs will be performed free of charge by Daimler Truck North America
authorized service
facilities. Details of the reimbursement plan will be included in the owner’s notification letter.
Owners are directed to seek reimbursement through authorized dealers. How Remedy Component Differs NR from Recalled Component :
Identify How/When Recall Condition NR was Corrected in Production : Recall Schedule :
Description of Recall Schedule : Customer notification will be made by first class mail using Daimler
Trucks North America
records to determine the customers affected.
Planned Dealer Notification Date : MAY 26, 2023 – MAY 26, 2023
Planned Owner Notification Date : MAY 26, 2023 – MAY 26, 2023
* NR – Not Reported
**************************************************************************************************************
OMB Control No.: 2127-0004
Part 573 Safety Recall Report 23V-209
The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573
Manufacturer Name : Submission Date :
Daimler Trucks North America, LLC NOV 03, 2023 NHTSA Recall No. : 23V-209 Manufacturer Recall No. : FL968 Manufacturer Information :
Manufacturer Name : Daimler Trucks North America, LLC Address : 4747 N. Channel Avenue
Portland OR 97217-3849
Company phone : 800-745-8000 Population :
Number of potentially involved : 380 Estimated percentage with defect : 5 % Vehicle Information : Vehicle 1 : 2021-2023 Thomas Built Buses SAF-T-LINER C2 JOULEY Vehicle Type : BUSES, MEDIUM & HEAVY VEHICLES Body Style : OTHER Power Train : HYBRID ELECTRIC
Descriptive Information : All SAF-T-LINER C2 JOULEY busses built equipped with an automatic low voltage disconnect switch.
Production Dates : DEC 11, 2019 – OCT 12, 2022
VIN Range 1 : Begin : NR End : NR Not sequential Description of Defect :
Description of the Defect : A defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in certain Thomas Built Bus SAF-TLINER C2 JOULEY 2021-2023 vehicles
FMVSS 1 : NR FMVSS 2 : NR
Description of the Safety Risk : PROBLEM: A defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in certain
Thomas Built Bus SAF-T-LINER C2 JOULEY 2023 vehicles. On the affected vehicles, a defect in the automatic low
voltage disconnect switch could potentially cause the switch to fail open, resulting in a loss of power without warning. Although DTNA has no evidence that this defect has occurred on a vehicle in motion or otherwise in route, this failure could theoretically result. This may result in loss of propulsion with inability to restart, loss of lights, and loss of power steering, which can increase the risk of a crash.
Description of the Cause : NR
Identification of Any Warning
that can Occur :
No warning exists prior to failure. Part 573 Safety Recall Report 23V-209
Page 2
The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573
Involved Components : Component Name 1 : DISC SW-AUTO,LOW,VOLT,EB2
Component Description : Automatic Low Voltage Disconnect Switch Component Part Number : 06-96364-000 (DTNA) MXSL15BE (Supplier)
Supplier Identification : Component Manufacturer
Name : Proterra, Inc. Address : 1 Whitlee Ct.
Greenville South Carolina 29607
Country : United States
Chronology :
Please see attached Miscellaneous Document for recall chronology.
Description of Remedy :
Description of Remedy Program : A Daimler Truck North America authorized service facility will remove the
automatic low voltage disconnect switch. The Recall will take approximately one hour and will be performed free of charge. How Remedy Component Differs NR from Recalled Component :
Identify How/When Recall Condition NR was Corrected in Production : Recall Schedule :
Description of Recall Schedule : Customer notification will be made by first class mail using Daimler
Trucks North America records to determine the customers affected.
Planned Dealer Notification Date : OCT 23, 2023 – OCT 23, 2023
Planned Owner Notification Date : OCT 18, 2023 – OCT 18, 2023
* NR – Not Reported
**************************************************************************************************************
OMB Control No.: 2127-0004
Part 573 Safety Recall Report 23V-209
The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573
Manufacturer Name : Submission Date :
Daimler Trucks North America, LLC AUG 22, 2023 NHTSA Recall No. : 23V-209 Manufacturer Recall No. : FL-968 Manufacturer Information :
Manufacturer Name : Daimler Trucks North America, LLC Address : 4747 N. Channel Avenue
Portland OR 97217-3849
Company phone : 800-745-8000 Population :
Number of potentially involved : 380 Estimated percentage with defect : 5 % Vehicle Information : Vehicle 1 : 2021-2023 Thomas Built Bus SAF-T-LINER C2 JOULEY Vehicle Type : BUSES, MEDIUM & HEAVY VEHICLES Body Style : OTHER Power Train : HYBRID ELECTRIC
Descriptive Information : All SAF-T-LINER C2 JOULEY busses built equipped with an automatic low voltage disconnect switch.
Production Dates : DEC 11, 2019 – OCT 12, 2022
VIN Range 1 : Begin : NR End : NR Not sequential Description of Defect :
Description of the Defect : A defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in certain Thomas Built Bus SAF-TLINER C2 JOULEY 2021-2023 vehicles
FMVSS 1 : NR FMVSS 2 : NR
Description of the Safety Risk : PROBLEM: A defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in certain
Thomas Built Bus SAF-T-LINER C2 JOULEY 2023 vehicles. On the affected vehicles, a defect in the automatic low
voltage disconnect switch could potentially cause the switch to fail open, resulting in a loss of power without warning. Although DTNA has no evidence that this defect has occurred on a vehicle in motion or otherwise in route, this failure could theoretically result. This may result in loss of propulsion with inability to restart, loss of lights, and loss of power steering, which can increase the risk of a crash.
Description of the Cause : NR
Identification of Any Warning
that can Occur :
No warning exists prior to failure. Part 573 Safety Recall Report 23V-209 Page 2 Involved Components : Component Name 1 : DISC SW-AUTO,LOW,VOLT,EB2
Component Description : Automatic Low Voltage Disconnect Switch Component Part Number : 06-96364-000 (DTNA) MXSL15BE (Supplier) Supplier Identification : Component Manufacturer
Name : Proterra, Inc. Address : 1 Whitlee Ct.
Greenville South Carolina 29607
Country : United States Chronology :
Friday, March 3, DTNA learned that our supplier (Proterra, Inc.) was investigating a potential defect with the automatic low voltage disconnect switch (Gigavac Switch) used on our SAF-TLINER C2 JOULEY. DTNA immediately began an investigation into this topic, speaking to Engineering and QA and beginning a detailed warranty analysis. At this time, DTNA knew of no vehicle shutdowns when in motion or otherwise in route. Monday, March 13, DTNA completed a warranty analysis, finding no reports from the field from a shutdown while the vehicle was in motion. On or about that same time, DTNA questioned the supplier about possible shutdowns while in motion and continued DTNA’s own internal investigation into possible failures while in motion; nonetheless, at this time, there continued to be no known occurrences of such a failure effect. However, DTNA continued to analyze the possibility that such a shutdown was possible. On March 28, DTNA decided that there exists a theoretical possibility of such a shutdown in motion and, out of an abundance of caution given the circumstances, decided to recall. On May 25, DTNA amended the DIR to update the remedy, stating it is currently under validation. Subsequent to submitting this Defect Information Report, in June 2023, DTNA was informed of two reports of vehicles in the recall population that had experienced a shutdown. Upon review, there was no evidence of water intrusion into the automatic low voltage disconnect switch and DTNA began to investigate further. In mid-June, DTNA received notice from a District Service Manager of some vehicles having a separate issue, one of which may have had a shutdown; DTNA promptly began investigating. Within that investigation, DTNA found 10 warranty claims (of which two are for one vehicle) and 4 field reports (of which one is ambiguous), no reported injuries nor deaths. On August 17, DTNA determined that on this same, exact vehicle population there…( chronology continued see attachment) The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573 Part 573 Safety Recall Report 23V-209
Page 3
The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573
Description of Remedy :
Description of Remedy Program : Daimler Truck is currently validating the repair. DTNA’s remedy will
resolve each of the defect conditions described in this Defect Information Report. Repairs will be performed free of charge by Daimler Truck North America authorized service facilities. Details of the reimbursement plan will be included in the owner’s notification letter. Owners are directed to seek reimbursement through authorized dealers. How Remedy Component Differs NR from Recalled Component :
Identify How/When Recall Condition NR was Corrected in Production : Recall Schedule :
Description of Recall Schedule : Customer notification will be made by first class mail using Daimler
Trucks North America records to determine the customers affected.
Planned Dealer Notification Date : MAY 26, 2023 – MAY 26, 2023
Planned Owner Notification Date : MAY 26, 2023 – MAY 26, 2023
* NR – Not Reported
SEOCONTENT-END
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