January 2, 2019 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V022000
Aerial Device May Rotate Unintentionally
If the aerial device moves in an unexpected direction, the ladder may contact an object, such as a building or an electrical wire, increasing the risk of injury.
NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V022
Manufacturer Pierce
Manufacturing
Components ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Potential Number of Units Affected 994
Summary
Pierce Manufacturing (Pierce) is recalling certain 2004-2018 Arrow XT, Dash, Enforcer, Impel, Quantum and Velocity aerial vehicles. The aerial device may unexpectedly rotate to the right when the ladder is being extended.
Remedy
Pierce will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the aerial control module, free of charge. The recall began February 28, 2019. Owners may contact Pierce customer service at 1-888-974-3723. Pierce’s number for this recall is 74B295.
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.safercar.gov.
| Date: | February 15, 2019 |
| To: | Pierce Aftermarket & Product Support Team Members |
| From: | David Harrison |
| Distribution: | Pierce Dealer Network & Product Support Staff |
| RE: | NHTSA Campaign # 19V02 / Pierce Campaign # 74B295 Unintended Aerial Movement / Talking Points |
| Purpose: | The following Frequent Asked Questions (FAQ) document should be used to answer questions & concerns regarding the referenced NHTSA campaign with dealers or endcustomers. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q: Can Pierce provide more insight into the nature of the concern that created this campaign activity?
A: Pierce discovered the concern of unintended aerial movement (a.k.a. “the concern”) on 3 of 886 nonAscendant platform aerial devices built between 2004 to 2018. Through various testing procedures & methods, Pierce was able to replicate the concern under the following conditions:
- A CommandZone™ II module was removed from the aerial device & placed in a cold chamber at temperatures below -40⁰ F. The concern was duplicated on a test stand repeatedly.
- Lower temperatures in the testing chamber correlated to higher frequency of the concern.
- As power ran through the module, the circuit board generated heat and got warmer, correlating to a lower frequency of the concern.
- The concern only occurred when completing an extend function of the aerial. The concern always manifests as a rotation of the aerial device to the right.
- In cases where the aerial device experienced unintended movement, the operator was able to activate the e-stop function successfully, ceasing movement of the device. After approximately 30 seconds, the e-stop can be turned-off and the aerial will resume normal functionality.
Q: How many Pierce aerial units are affected by this campaign action?
A: 886 non-Ascendant platform aerial devices, regardless of chassis, built between 2004 & 2018 are affected by this campaign action.
Q: Why is Pierce performing a software update versus replacement of the module in question?
A: Pierce created a new version of the software that operates the existing module. The software was testing at both high & low temperatures, and the concern did not occur.
Q: Should our department take the affected aerial(s) out-of-service?
A: Customers should use their discretion when determining whether a vehicle should remain in-service.
However, the following facts should be considered:
- Three (3) occurrences on 886 non-Ascendants platform aerials built between 2004 & 2018.
- Ability for operators to successfully activate the e-stop function to cease movement of the aerial. After 30 seconds, the e-stop can be turned-off and the aerial will resume normal functionality.
Q: If we experience an accident while operating the aerial device, will Pierce stand behind its product? A: Any unintended movement or accident while operating the vehicle should be reported to the local Pierce dealer. Pierce has an established process to document & record unintended movement or accidents, in partnership with the local dealer network. This process enables all parties to properly investigate the root cause of such events, ensuring affected vehicles are properly repaired & placed back in-service.
Proper set-up and operation of the aerial device is critical. Ensure operators are properly trained & educated on the proper methods & techniques to operate any aerial device.
Q: How quickly can my local dealer perform this action?
A: We will respond quickly. Software required to update existing CommandZone™ II controllers has been provided to the dealer network at no-charge. The Pierce dealer network also possesses the proper hardware & cable connectors to perform the software update. Pierce estimates the software update to take no more than one (1) hour to complete. The software update can be done on-site (your local department or fire station) or local Pierce dealership service center.
Q: Can we perform this campaign without a Pierce dealer?
A: No. The campaign requires the CommandZone™ II controller to be re-programmed with a new version of software by a certified Pierce Master Technician. The local Pierce dealer owns & maintains the necessary special tools (computer, software, cable connectors) & technical training to perform this campaign. These special tools & technical certifications are not available for purchase through the Pierce dealer network.
Q: Will we have to pay for this campaign action?
A: No. The local Pierce dealer will perform this update at no-charge to the customer.
Q: We have replaced CommandZone™ II controllers in the past. Are they eligible for reimbursement under this campaign action?
A: Yes. Provide the local Pierce dealer a copy of the original repair invoice, showing the owner’s name & addressed, vehicle identification number (VIN), Pierce job number, and complaint/cause/correction details for repairs made prior to this campaign. A Pierce representative will review the documents with the local Pierce dealer to determine eligibility for warranty reimbursement under this campaign action.
Q: How can we locate our local Pierce dealer?
A: Visit our website at www.piercemfg.com or call +1 (888)-974-3723 we can assist you via phone.
90 Affected Products
Vehicles
| PIERCE | ARROW XT | 2004-2018 |
| PIERCE | DASH | 2004-2018 |
| PIERCE | ENFORCER | 2004-2018 |
| PIERCE | IMPEL | 2004-2018 |
| PIERCE | QUANTUM | 2004-2018 |
| PIERCE | VELOCITY | 2004-2018 |
8 Associated Documents
Recall 573 Report- Amendment 2
RCLRPT-19V022-2220.PDF 212.652KB
Defect Notice 573 Report
RCLRPT-19V022-1662.PDF 212.622KB
Recall Acknowledgement
RCAK-19V022-4422.pdf 245.262KB
Recall Quarterly Report #1, 2019-1
RCLQRT-19V022-5438.PDF 211.133KB
Recall 573 Report- Amendment 1
RCLRPT-19V022-4214.PDF 212.647KB
Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc)- Frequently Asked Questions
Recall Quarterly Report #2, 2019-2
RCLQRT-19V022-2427.PDF 211.237KB
Recall Quarterly Report #3, 2019-3
RCLQRT-19V022-3251.PDF 211.321KB
Latest Recalls Documents
1 Associated Investigation
Unintended aerial platform movement
NHTSA ID: PE18009
Dated opened: August 21, 2018
This Preliminary Evaluation (PE) was opened August 21, 2018 based on 5 consumer complaints for unintended aerial platform movement on the subject vehicles. ODI complaint numbers 11101301, 11101303, 11101304, 11101305 and 11105134 allege there is a defect with the aerial ladder control mechanism that resulted unintended movement.
ODI conducted several field inspections, meeting with local fire houses and municipalities to better understand and witness the alleged defect. In addition, ODI met with Pierce and the Fleet Operations Manager of the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service’s Central Fleet to discuss the known complaints, possible attributing factors and vehicles to be tested/instrumented. On November 30, 2018 Pierce met with ODI staff at DOT headquarters and agreed that a safety defect existed on their vehicle aerial devices. The subject vehicles may unintentionally rotate right when a command to extend the aerial ladder is given. This unintentional movement is the result of faulty Random Access Memory (RAM) chip configuration on the aerial ladder controller. If the aerial device is operated in this manner it may contract an obstruction, potentially causing property damage or injury. In addition, it may hinder the ability to perform emergency functions as intended. The effected population includes 886 2004–2018 model year Pierce Arrow XT, Dash, Enforcer, Impel, Quantum and Velocity fire trucks.
This Preliminary Evaluation is closed with Safety Recall 19V-022.
- Over 75 Years of Play: Tonka toys are proudly passed down through generations for over 75 years. Designed to foster imaginative play, Tonka is a trusted brand that connects generations of families and creates memories that last a lifetime.
- Tonka Tough: Trust the Tonka name for high-quality toys that last. Constructed with steel and sturdy plastic, the Steel Classics Mighty crane can withstand even the the heaviest of loads.
- Realistic Actions: Made Tonka tough and designed to last a lifetime, the Tonka Mighty Crane is made of cold-rolled steel, stands 23" high and is made with colorful and realistic detail . It rotates, lifts, and carries - just like a real crane!
- There is only 1 Tonka: Tonka inspires kids to put down their screens and get back to real play. Tonka’s sturdy trucks inspire active, open-ended playtime for kids either outdoors or in, instead of passive, stationary screen time.
- WORKING CRANE ARM: This construction crane toy features a rotating cabin, extendable boom arm, and movable crane for lifting and moving pretend loads. One of the best toy trucks for kids, it inspires imaginative construction play while exploring realistic vehicle functions.
- LIGHTS & SOUNDS: This toy crane truck features built-in lights and realistic sound effects for exciting construction play. One of the most engaging heavy equipment toys, it inspires imaginative job site adventures, hands-on role-play, and screen-free fun while encouraging creativity.
- SKILL-BUILDING PLAY: This construction vehicle toy set helps kids develop fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, spatial awareness, and problem-solving. Ideal as one of the best engineering toys for toddler play, it encourages building, lifting, and imaginative construction adventures.
- DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: Made from durable, BPA-free materials with smooth, child-friendly edges, this crane truck is built for lasting indoor and outdoor play. A great choice for kids heavy equipment toys and engineering toys for kids, it offers durability, safety, and hours of imaginative fun.
- GREAT GIFT IDEA: This construction truck toy is perfect for boys and girls ages 3+. The crane toy truck makes a fun gift for birthdays, holidays, classroom rewards, or everyday surprises, encouraging imaginative play, creative storytelling, and hands-on construction adventures.
- 【Full Function RC Crane Toy】This realistic 12-channel RC crane toy features forward and backward movement, left and right steering, boom lifting, hook lifting, a 720° rotating platform, mist spray, LED lights, realistic sounds and an auto-demo mode. Kids can enjoy immersive construction adventures indoors or outdoors while experiencing realistic crane operation and hands-on play
- 【2.4GHz Long-Range Control】This 2.4GHz remote control crane delivers responsive control with a range of up to 82 ft for smooth indoor and outdoor operation. Its strong anti-interference signal allows multiple RC construction vehicles to operate at the same time without signal interference, making construction play even more exciting with friends and family
- 【Safe & Durable Design】Built with a tough, drop-resistant ABS body and durable alloy hook, this remote control crane is designed for long-lasting construction fun. The secure battery compartment with a screw-lock cover helps keep the batteries safely in place during active play for added peace of mind
- 【All-Terrain Rubber Tracks】This RC crane toy features durable anti-slip rubber tracks that provide strong traction and smooth movement across grass, gravel, sand, dirt and indoor floors. Built for realistic construction adventures, it delivers stable performance on multiple terrains for even more exciting play
- 【Realistic Lifting Experience】The lifting boom raises and lowers smoothly to lift small objects weighing up to 190 g, giving kids a more realistic operating experience with this construction crane toy. The foldable boom design allows convenient storage while helping save space after playtime, making it easy to take along for indoor or outdoor construction adventures
- Multifunctional Large Crane Truck Toy: The big truck toy for kids is designed with an air pump function, which can easily lift the racing car. The load-bearing machine can rotate 360°. The mechanical arm can be extended, moved up and down, and rotated left and right, to truly play the vehicle rescue scene, providing more fun for children. This crane truck toy set can well exercise children's hand-eye coordination and imagination.
- Value Driven Trucks Toy Set: This toddler truck toy for boys comes with a 14.2-inch friction-driven truck toy. Everything children need to build a traffic rescue scene is in it. In addition, The lifting arm of this 3-year-old boy toy can be extended and contracted, the handwheel controls the length of the lanyard, and the air is pumped and deflated to control the raising or lowering of the lifting arm. Equipped with an operating crane and an independent hook, it can crane different car models. Children will be thrilled to receive this toy truck gift.
- Simulation Sound and Light: This unique boy truck toy comes with three sound and light effects (batteries included). It has buttons that toddlers can use easily. Boys aged 3-5 can press the button above the truck to play sounds and turn on the lights. Simulate roadside rescue scenes with sound and light effects, this is an ideal big truck toy for kids, it will bring lots of joy and surprises and it is the perfect truck toy for boys and girls aged 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.
- 14-inch Premium Truck Toy: This 14" big truck toy is made of high-quality plastic, non-toxic, and BRA-free. This tow truck toy for toddlers has rounded edges for safe play. In addition, this kids truck has a push-and-go function, which kids to push and drive easily, which could exercise kids' motor skills well.
- Ideal Gift for Kids 3+ Years Old: The toddler crane truck toy set comes with a beautiful gift box, which is a great gift for kids' birthdays, Thanksgiving, Children's Day, Christmas, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and New Year, and a top toy trailer gift for boys aged 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. This big truck toy for kids is an ideal toy to improve children's hand-eye coordination, and imagination, stimulate creativity, and promote kids' development.
- Inertial Wheel Design: Designed with a smooth inertial wheel system, this crane toy moves forward easily with a simple push. No batteries required, allowing kids to enjoy realistic construction play anytime anywhere.
- Easy Operation: Features an adjustable boom, rotating upper cab, and extendable lifting rope, enabling children to simulate real construction site operations and enjoy hands-on role play.
- Sturdy Alloy Hook: Built with a solid metal alloy hook and high-quality ABS plastic body, this construction crane toy is sturdy, durable, and designed to withstand active play by kids.
- Educational & Fun: Encourages imaginative play while helping develop hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, and basic engineering concepts—perfect for learning through play.
- Perfect Gift for Kids: An ideal gift choice for birthdays, Christmas, holidays, or everyday surprises. A great construction toy for boys and girls who love trucks, vehicles, and building adventures.
This product presentation was made with AAWP plugin.