Tail Lights may be too Bright/FMVSS 108 – 2019 Indian Chieftain Motorcycles

August 29, 2019 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V638000

Tail Lights may be too Bright/FMVSS 108

Due to increased brightness, other drivers may have difficulties discerning the brake light from the tail light, and thus may be unaware that the motorcycle is braking, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.

 

NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V638

Manufacturer Indian Motorcycle Company

Components EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Potential Number of Units Affected 3,147

 

Summary

Indian Motorcycle Company (Indian) is recalling certain 2019 Chieftain motorcycles. The tail lights may be too bright, exceeding the maximum light output allowed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, “Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment.”

 

Remedy

Indian will notify owners, and dealers will update the engine control module software to correct the rear tail light’s intensity, free of charge. The recall began September 18, 2019. Owners may contact Indian customer service at 1-877-204-3697. Indian’s number for this recall is I-19-04.

 

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.

 

Check for Indian Motorcycle Recalls

 

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SAFETY BULLETIN

Release Date: September 3, 2019 Communication #: I-19-04 Model Year(s): 2019

 

VERSION: R01 (September 3, 2019)

 

IMPORTANT STOP SALE SAFETY NOTICE!

Stop selling affected vehicles immediately until the repair procedure has been completed on affected units at your dealership. Federal law prohibits the sale of products subject to a recall. Selling such products could subject the seller to substantial penalties.

 

IMPORTANT

If you are working with a printed copy, please verify you have the most current version of this document.

 

SUBJECT: CHIEFTAIN TAIL LIGHT BRIGHTNESS PURPOSE

Indian Motorcycle has determined that the tail lights on 2019 Chieftain models do not meet the brightness intensity requirements defined by the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 108 regulations. The tail lights are too bright. Due to the increased intensity, other drivers may have a problem determining if brakes are engaged, increasing the risk of a collision.

To correct this concern, Indian Motorcycle has released this safety bulletin instructing dealers to reflash affected units with an updated ECM calibration. The calibration will change the tail light intensity to meet the requirements defined by the FMVSS.

 

AFFECTED MODELS

MODELYEAR	MODELS	VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER RANGE
2019	Chieftain, Chieftain Dark Horse, Chieftain Limited	Reference Unit Inquiry on the dealer website or the Service Communications list on the STOP site to lookup affected VINs.

 

CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION

Dealers are required to review their sales records and make arrangements with customers for Bulletin completion. In addition to consumer units, dealers are required to correct any affected units in their inventory. Indian Motorcycle will be mailing a notification letter to consumers affected by this Bulletin.

 

WARRANTY CLAIM PARTS INFORMATION

Bulletin/Advisory parts are excluded from the standard RMA policy and cannot be returned. An Initial Recommended Order Quantity has not been provided for this bulletin. Use Quantity Ordered to Date and the Open VIN List from the STOP site to determine an order amount that’s right for your dealership. For more details, refer to University of Polaris training course “Polaris Item Availability and Daily Ordering” and click on “Bulletin Ordering Training”.

	2019 CHIEFTAIN
Bulletin #	I-19-04
Claim Type	SB (Service Bulletin)
Labor Allowance	0.3 hours (18 minutes)
Part Number / Description	0000541 (QTY 1) Bulletin Misc Labor
Parts Availability	Reflash only
Universityof Polaris Video Training Required	NO

 

BULLETIN CONTACT LIST & SCHEDULING TOOL

A scheduling tool is available for dealers to keep a record of customers contacted and scheduled for this bulletin. This optional tool provides visibility for your dealership and will be helpful to track the status of scheduled service. For more information, log in to https://www.universityofpolaris.com.

 

COVERAGE PERIOD

Coverage will begin on 9/3/2019. This bulletin has no expiration date.

 

FEEDBACK FORM

A feedback form has been created for the technician to provide Polaris with an overall satisfaction rating for the instructions, provide comments on your experience or upload pictures/video. This feedback form is viewable on a mobile device by scanning the QR code or by clicking HERE if viewing this document electronically.

 

REPAIR PROCEDURE I-19-04 REFLASH

1. Verify that Digital Wrench version 4.0 Update 9/3/19 or later has been installed on your PC or laptop and proceed to step 6.

If you do not have Version 4.0 – Update 9/3/19 or later installed, you must first download it before proceeding with the reflash.

NOTICE

If you do not have Digital Wrench installed on your computer, you must first download the Digital Wrench Base Version Installer (STEP 2).

 

2. To download Digital Wrench Base Version, go to your dealer homepage and select Digital Wrench Base Version Installer from the Service and Warranty dropdown menu and download.

NOTICE

International Subsidiaries and Distributors use the Digital Wrench Subscriptions link to purchase and update your digital wrench software.

 

3. Once the Base Version is installed, go to your dealer homepage and select Digital Wrench Updates from the Service and Warranty dropdown menu.

5. Download and install Digital Wrench Version 4.0 update 9/3/19 or higher.
6. Connect SmartLink / MultiLink XP cables to PC and vehicle.
7. Open the Digital Wrench program.
8. Select the model year, product line, and vehicle description by selecting the “Change Vehicle Type” icon .
9. Select the Special Test Tab .
10. 10. Select Vehicle Controller Update .

IMPORTANT

Use of Vehicle Controller Reprogramming instead of Vehicle Controllers Update will result loss of stage calibration.

 

NOTICE

Digital Wrench will automatically identify current software levels and determine which modules require software updates.

IMPORTANT

Make sure the vehicle battery is fully charged or connected to a battery charger before proceeding.

 

STAGE CALIBRATION: If a motorcycle is equipped with an Indian Motorcycle stage calibration, Digital Wrench will identify and maintain the upgraded software calibration.

CAUTION

The VCM update procedure will take you through TWO separate reprogramming procedures. Boot Mode Reflash Application During the reflash process the gauge and all indicators will power down. Each procedure must be completed in sequence or the VCM will not function.

 

11. Follow the on-screen prompts until all control modules have been updated.
12. Once the flash is complete, hit the continue button and leave Digital Wrench connected and ignition powered ON. Do NOT touch the unit for 35 seconds.
13. Power ignition off and wait 130 Seconds.
14. Check / clear any stored fault codes, disconnect Digital Wrench and test ride the motorcycle.
15. File Bulletin I-19-04.

 

I-19-04 (R01)

 

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IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL
Indian Motorcycle – Tail Light Brightness
2019 Chieftain
Warning and Safety Recall Notice 19V638
Reference: Indian Motorcycle Safety Recall Bulletin I-19-04
PLEASE READ IMMEDIATELY

 

VIN  I-19-04

FIRST NAME LAST NAME
ADDRESS
CITY, ST ZIP

 

Dear Indian Motorcycle Owner:

This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Our records indicate you have purchased an affected vehicle.

 

The reason for this recall:

Indian Motorcycle has determined that the tail lights on 2019 Chieftain models fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108. “Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment.” The tail lights are too bright. Due to the increased intensity, other drivers may have a problem determining if brakes are engaged, increasing the risk of a crash.

 

What you should do:

Contact your authorized Indian Motorcycle dealer to schedule an appointment to have the bulletin repair performed. Do not attempt repairs yourself. Repairs must be done only by an authorized Indian Motorcycle dealer.

 

What your dealership will do:

Indian Motorcycle will issue a Safety Bulletin to all Indian Motorcycle dealers, with instructions required to reflash affected units with an updated ECM calibration. Repairs will be made by any authorized Indian Motorcycle dealers at no cost to you. The time needed for this repair is approximately 18 minutes.

This notice was mailed to you according to our most current registration information. If you no longer own this vehicle, or if some of the contact information in this notice is incorrect, please contact your local Indian Motorcycle dealer to complete a transfer of ownership. Federal law requires that any vehicle lessor receiving this recall notice must forward a copy of this notice to the lessee within 10 days.

If you need assistance contacting or locating an Indian Motorcycle dealer, or if you have questions your Indian Motorcycle dealer is not able to address, you may contact our Indian Motorcycle Customer Connections Department at 1-877-204-3697, scan the QR code, or go to www.polaris.com/en-us/contact/.

If you believe that Indian Motorcycle has failed to remedy this defect without charge or is unable to do so within a reasonable time, you may submit a complaint to the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, D.C. 20590; or call the toll-free Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); or on the web go to www.safercar.gov.

We apologize for this inconvenience and assure you that we are committed to customer satisfaction and providing world class products for riders to enjoy.

 

Sincerely,

Indian Motorcycle Company

 

For the latest updates to this safety recall, or to check if your vehicle is part of another safety recall, scan the QR code, or go to www.polaris.com/en-us/on-road-recalls/.

 

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2019 Chieftain Tail Lamps Safety Bulletin FAQ

Version: R01 (September 3rd, 2019)

 

What is the purpose of the I-19-04 Safety Bulletin?

Indian Motorcycle has determined that the tail lights on 2019 Chieftain models do not meet the brightness intensity requirements defined by the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 108 regulations. The tail lights are too bright. Due to the increased intensity, other drivers may have a problem determining if brakes are engaged, increasing the risk of a collision.

 

What make & model years are included in this bulletin?

2019 Chieftain, Chieftain Dark Horse, Chieftain Limited

 

How can a dealer see which units in inventory are impacted by this?

1. Login to the dealer website (DEX).
2. Locate the ‘Service and Warranty’ dropdown, click on STOP Site.
3. On the left-hand side of the page, under ‘STOP Site Links,’ click on ‘Service Bulletins’.
4. Locate the link for the bulletin of interest and click on the ‘All VINs’ link located on the right.
5. The ‘All VINs’ page will display all affected VINs within your dealership’s inventory.

NOTE: Unit Inquiry can always be used to check an individual VIN.

 

Is this a STOP SALE and a STOP RIDE?  

This is a STOP SALE until wholegood stock vehicles are updated as needed.  This is NOT a STOP RIDE for consumers.

 

What Dealers CAN Do

1. Can quote new products.
2. Can accept deposits from consumers as a reservation for a future sale.
3. Can utilize PCDX to begin setup and PDI.
4. Can, and should, warranty register impacted product that was delivered to consumers prior to the release of the stop sale to ensure Polaris has accurate records and can notify the customer if required.

 

What Dealers CANNOT Do

1. Cannot complete a sale.
2. Cannot deliver newly purchased impacted products to consumers.
3. Cannot allow a consumer to purchase and take an affected product.
4. Cannot warranty register an affected product (unless delivered to the consumer prior to the release of the stop sale).
5. Cannot hold customers’ vehicles in service against their will.

 

Will Polaris notify consumers?  

Yes. Polaris will mail a standard consumer notification letter outlining the nature of this bulletin in the United States and Canada.

 

Should dealers notify consumers?

Yes.  Dealers should follow their standard process for contacting consumers regarding bulletin work on their affected vehicles. Dealers should reference the STOP site for a list of their dealership’s affected VINs.

 

Is training required before ordering parts or filing claims for this bulletin? 

No.  An updated ECM calibration is all that’s required to address affected units, so no dealer training is required.  Prior to completing a reflash, verify that Digital Wrench version 4.0 Update 9/3/19 or later has been installed on your PC or laptop.

 

What parts are required to update the vehicles affected by this bulletin, and will dealers need to order them?

An updated ECM calibration is all that’s required to address affected units- no parts are required.  Prior to completing a reflash, verify that Digital Wrench version 4.0 Update 9/3/19 or later has been installed on your PC or laptop.

 

Will Dealers have all of the appropriate tools to complete this bulletin?

Yes, this repair procedure requires Digital Wrench connectivity and that version 4.0 Update 9/3/19 or later has been installed.

 

What should a dealer do if they don’t have Digital Wrench, or the most updated version, installed? Reference the instructions provided in the Stop Sale dealer communication to install/update Digital Wrench

 

Will dealers be paid for performing this update?

Yes.  Dealers will be reimbursed for the cost of labor to perform the update.

 

How does a dealer warranty register a unit that a customer has paid for and taken delivery of PRIOR to the STOP SALE announcement? 

The warranty registration capability is disabled for all units affected by the stop sale.  If the unit has not been paid for, or if the unit has not yet been delivered to the customer, you should retrieve or hold the unit until repairs have been completed.

In the event that a warranty registration must be completed, please submit an Ask Polaris case using Sales Question > Wholegoods Question and include the following:

• Completed PCDX Customer Information and Customer Delivery form Sales invoices: Paper & DMS
• Copies of form of payment document or payment check
• Copies of purchaser’s identification
• Copies of the state registration forms unless the registration was VERY recent and this has not yet been obtained
• The promo selection for the unit (Program Number, Rebate Amount, Promotional Financing, etc.) Salesperson’s First Name and Last Name and My Polaris Rewards Username to award points or spiffs.

* Warranty Registrations that are received and processed by Polaris more than three (3) days after the date of the retail delivery of the unit to the customer will not qualify for any financial incentives and may be assessed a $300 late fee.

If you have questions that are not addressed in this document or in the bulletin, contact Polaris Service through Ask Polaris or by phone at 800-330-9407.

 

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TIMING: Release on 9/5 at 10am

Subject: IMPORTANT Information Regarding Your Indian Motorcycle

BODY:

 

Dear Indian Motorcycle Customer,

Our records indicate that you are the owner of a unit affected by Safety Recall I-19-04 that was announced on September 3, 2019.

Indian Motorcycle has determined that the tail lights on 2019 Chieftain models do not meet the brightness intensity requirements defined by the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 108 regulations. The tail lights are too bright. Due to the increased intensity, other drivers may have a problem determining if brakes are engaged, increasing the risk of a collision

Visit our On-Road Safety Recall  page to verify if your unit is impacted by the recall. Contact your dealer to schedule a service appointment or complete a transfer of ownership if you no longer own the vehicle. Your local POLARIS dealer can be found on our Dealer Locator page.

While your dealer is in the best position to answer your questions, you can also call our Polaris Owner Connections Department at: 1-800-POLARIS (1-800-765-2747) to speak with a representative.

Sincerely,

Polaris Service

 

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1 Affected Product

Vehicle

MAKE	MODEL	YEAR
INDIAN	CHIEFTAIN	2019

 

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10 Associated Documents

Miscellaneous Document – 2019 Chieftain Tail Lamps Safety Bulletin FAQ

RMISC-19V638-4008.pdf 161.664KB

 

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Remedy Instructions and TSB

RCRIT-19V638-0038.pdf 1509.573KB

 

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Miscellaneous Document – Consumer Email I-19-04

RMISC-19V638-0713.pdf 86.779KB

 

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Recall Quarterly Report #2, 2019-4

RCLQRT-19V638-1689.PDF 211.25KB

 

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Recall Quarterly Report #1, 2019-3

RCLQRT-19V638-0201.PDF 211.145KB

 

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Recall Quarterly Report #3, 2020-1

RCLQRT-19V638-5449.PDF 211.333KB

 

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Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)

RCONL-19V638-6386.pdf 127.046KB

 

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Recall Acknowledgement

RCAK-19V638-4554.pdf 263.37KB

 

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Non-Compliance Notice 573 Report

RCLRPT-19V638-7818.PDF 213.285KB

 

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Recall Quarterly Report #4, 2020-2

RCLQRT-19V638-1151.PDF 211.443KB

 

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Latest Recalls Documents

https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/acms/cs/documentList.xhtml?docId=19V638&docType=RCL

 

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