February 19, 2021 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 21V100000
Anti-Lock Brake System Malfunction
Incorrect wiring can cause the trailer brakes to not operate properly when the ABS system is activated. This could lead to loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of a crash.
NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V100
Manufacturer Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp.
Components SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
Potential Number of Units Affected 94
Summary
Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp. (KME) is recalling certain 2001-2020 TDA tractor-drawn aerial firetrucks. The Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) control module on the ladder trailer may have incorrect wire connections.
Remedy
KME will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the wiring and connections, and replace any incorrect hardware, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 5, 2021. Owners may contact KME customer service at 1-800-235-3928.
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.
WORK INSTRUCTIONS
1. Ensure the vehicle is parked in a safe area with the park brake set.
2. Chock the wheels.
3. Turn on the Master Battery Switch.
4. Activate Ignition Switch.
The self-test will start. During the self-test the ECU/modulator valve assembly should click two times and the dash mounted “Trailer ABS” Indicator illuminates for 3 seconds.
Check mark the questions below.
• Did the ABS valve click two times? _____ PASS _____ FAIL
• Did the “Trailer ABS” Indicator illuminate for 3 seconds? _____ PASS _____ FAIL
5. If both answers are PASS, no further action required. Contact the KME Contact on previous page. If any or both answers to the question is FAIL, Go to Step 6.
6. Fail Results and actions:
a. If both answers are FAIL, the trailer ABS module is not activating and power connections to the ABS module must be evaluated.
b. If only the “Trailer ABS” Indicator remains illuminated, beyond the 3 second self-test, the system is active, but fault codes are present.
7. Based on A or B in Step 6, perform the Work Instructions in next two Sections, Work Instructions A or Work Instructions B.
WORK INSTRUCTIONS A
(Both questions, FAIL.)
1. Locate trailer ABS module and test signals at ABS power cable.
• Trailer ABS module is located on the forward face of the crossmember above the trailer axle.
• The ABS power cable connects to the curb side of the module.
Figure 1 ABS Module and ABS Power Cable
2. Ensure that the truck is parked with the wheels chocked, the ignition on and the engine not running:
• Release the retaining lock from the ABS Power Cable and unplug the connector.
• Refer to the ABS Power Cable drawing for wire function and pin location.
3. Use a voltmeter set to measure DC voltage.
• Measure voltage between pins 3 and 4. Reading should be equal to chassis voltage.
Record voltage: ____
• Using a frame ground as a reference, measure the voltage on pin 2.
Record voltage: ____
• Using a frame ground as a reference, measure the voltage on pin 2 with the service brake applied.
Record voltage: ____
4. Verify function of Trailer ABS dash indicator.
• Locate Trailer ABS indicator light on dash panel.
• Using a jumper wire make a temporary connection between pins 3 and 1.
• Confirm activation of Trailer ABS indicator.
• Pass __ Fail __
Contact KME contact, Dennis Wittig, with the results of Trailer ABS power cable test. Include GSO number of truck, name of Fire Department and current mileage. KME will provide detailed instructions relative to model year and test results.
NOTE: If a wiring issue is found, the technician should contact Dennis Wittig before the circuit is modified. See first page of this bulletin.
WORK INSTRUCTIONS B
(“Trailer ABS” Indicator illuminates longer than 3 second Self-Test.)
1. The illumination of the Trailer ABS indicator for more than three seconds after the ignition is activated indicates that the Trailer ABS Module is functioning, but active codes are present.
• Refer to the Wabco Maintance Manual for Enhanced Easy-Stop Trailer ABS with PLC (MM0180) for information on code identification and diagnostics.
• If you need the Wabco Manual, contact Dennis Wittig. See first page of this bulletin.
IMPORTANT! If a wiring issue is found, the technician should contact Dennis Wittig before the circuit is modified. See first page of this bulletin.
The timeline is as follows:
6/2/20 – Mechanic at Ontario, CA contacted KME for assistance in troubleshooting an ABS fault light. This mechanic had previously been in contact with Wabco, the manufacturer of the system, for their assistance as well.
June, 2020 – KME checks the operation of similar units in production on site. KME discovers that some of the connectors are miswired from what was expected. KME also identifies that the system has been designed with a 4 channel input, but a 2 channel input is more appropriate to this installation as it is a single axle and will reduce chances of the connections from being made incorrectly.
7/6/20 – KME contacts Wabco to discuss the schematic KME had on file related to the wiring of the ECU cable connector purchased for the system. KME believed that the colors of two of the wires were reversed on the connector circuit diagram.
7/7/20 – Wabco states that the harness kit being purchased for this application was incorrect as it is designed for retrofit rather than new installations. KME modifies the harness connectors for installations currently in process.
2/3/21 – Reviewed history with REV management and made decision to issue recall on 2/17.
SEOCONTENT-START
ONRD – 00003312021- 28
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN
1 OF 5
Title:
TDA Trailer ABS System Inspection
Date:
March 31, 2021
Vehicles:
Vehicles Part of KME Recall 21V100
Issue:
Verify Activation of Trailer ABS Module
Corrective Action:
Perform Start-up Test of Trailer ABS System while Monitoring System Response.
Work Instructions:
See Attachment.
Tools Required:
• Personal Protective Equipment (Protective Glasses, Gloves, Face Shield, etc.)
• Voltmeter
KME Parts Required:
None
KME CONTACT:
Dennis Wittig, Technical Support
TELEPHONE:
570-233-1891
EMAIL:
[email protected]
MAILING ADDRESS:
KME Fire Apparatus
Plant #8
One Industrial Complex
Nesquehoning, PA 18240
ATTENTION: Mr. Dennis Wittig
***************************************************************************************************************
May 10, 2021
Department of Transportation, NHTSA
Attn: Kristin Lepper, Safety Recall Specialist
1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Room W46-421
Washington, DC 20590
Subject: Chronology for KME Recall 21V100
Per your 4/28 e-mail to Brian Polgrean, this letter serves to provide additional information on the timeline related to KME recall 21V100 related to the anti-lock brake components failures.
The details of the timeline are provided below, but please note the following in particular:
– There was a single report from a single customer, Ontario, CA, related to a troubleshooting issue on the ABS system.
– No accidents or injuries have been reported related to this issue.
***************************************************************************************************************
kmefire.com One Industrial Complex | Nesquehoning, PA 18240
T (800) 235-3928 | P (570) 669-9461
Member of the REV Group
April 5, 2021
Name
Address
City, State Zip
IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL NOTICE: 20V100
IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL
This notice applies to your vehicle(s):
Dear KME Vehicle Owner:
This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.
Why is a recall being conducted?
KME has decided that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in certain model year 2001-2020 KME vehicles manufactured from April 2001 through February 2020.
Vehicles included in this recall may have incorrect wire connections on the ABS control module located on the ladder trailer of a tractor-drawn aerial fire truck. The incorrect wiring may mean that the trailer brakes do not operate correctly in an ABS event. This could lead to loss of control of the vehicle causing a crash.
What are we doing about the problem?
KME or its dealers will inspect and verify the correct wiring and connections and replace any incorrect hardware found at no cost to the vehicle owner. If the owner already incurred costs to remedy this issue, they will be directed in the notification letter to contact KME for reimbursement. Estimated time for the remedy is 0.25 hours for inspection and 1.5 hours for repair if required.
What should you do?
If you receive this notification, please contact your KME Dealer or KME Customer Service at (570) 669-5230 to schedule an appointment to have your vehicle(s) remedied.
INCLUDED WITH THIS LETTER IS AN OWNER RESPONSE CARD TO BE FILLED OUT AND RETURNED TO KME. Please have your Truck VIN or GSO available. After the repair has been completed, please fill in the appropriate information on the enclosed Owner Response Postcard, sign it, and return it to:
Mail: KME, One Industrial Complex, Nesquehoning, PA 18240
E-mail: [email protected]
Fax: (570) 669-5182
What if you no longer own this vehicle?
If you are not the current owner of the vehicle, please indicate this on the Owner Response Postcard and return the card to us.
Federal law requires any lessor who receives a notification of a safety related defect or noncompliance pertaining to any leased motor vehicle shall send the notice to the lessee within 10 days. If you are no longer the owner of this vehicle, please provide us with any contact information so we may contact the new owner.
If you have already paid to have your vehicle repaired for this condition, you may be eligible for reimbursement of the charges you paid for the repair or replacement of components. To learn more about what you need to do to obtain reimbursement, contact our customer service department at (570) 669-5230.
If after having attempted to take advantage of this recall you believe you have not been able to have your vehicle remedied without charge and within a reasonable amount of time, you may submit a complaint to the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Ave., S.E., Washington, D.C., 20590; or call the toll-free Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); or go to https://www.safercar.gov.
We apologize for any inconvenience this safety recall may cause, but your safety is our first concern.
Sincerely,
KME, Inc.
From:
(Customer name)
To: KME Fire Apparatus
One Industrial Complex
Nesquehoning, PA 18240
RE: NHSTA Recall No. 20V100
Date:
KME GSO(s) or VIN(s) __________________________________________
***************************************************************************************************************
kmefire.com One Industrial Complex | Nesquehoning, PA 18240
T (800) 235-3928 | P (570) 669-9461
Member of the REV Group
March 31, 2021
SAFETY RECALL NOTICE: 21V100
TO: Affected KME Dealers
KME has decided that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in certain model year 2001-2020 KME vehicles manufactured from April 2001 through February 2020.
Vehicles included in this recall may have incorrect wire connections on the ABS control module located on the ladder trailer of a tractor-drawn aerial fire truck. The incorrect wiring may mean that the trailer brakes do not operate correctly in an ABS event.
KME or its dealers will inspect and verify the correct wiring and connections and replace any incorrect hardware found at no cost to the vehicle owner. If the owner already incurred costs to remedy this issue, they will be directed in the notification letter to contact KME for reimbursement. Estimated time for the remedy is 0.25 hours for inspection and 1.5 hours for repair if required.
Please be reminded that it is a violation of Federal law for you deliver a new motor vehicle or any new or used item of motor vehicle equipment covered by this notification until this defect has been remedied. Substantial civil penalties apply to violations of this law.
Your assistance with this recall is appreciated. Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact KME Customer Service at (570) 669-5230.
Sincerely,
KME, Inc.
SEOCONTENT-END
20 Affected Products
Vehicle
| MAKE | MODEL | YEAR |
| KME | TDA | 2001-2020 |
10 Associated Documents
Recall Quarterly Report #1, 2021-2
RCLQRT-21V100-5465.PDF 211.124KB
Recall 573 Report- Amendment 1
RCLRPT-21V100-1891.PDF 213.374KB
Recall Acknowledgement
RCAK-21V100-9541.pdf 645.537KB
Miscellaneous Document- Supplemental Chronology
RMISC-21V100-9637.pdf 86.481KB
ISSUED Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)
RCONL-21V100-7051.pdf 138.428KB
Defect Notice 573 Report
RCLRPT-21V100-4085.PDF 213.702KB
Remedy Instructions and TSB
RCRIT-21V100-9761.pdf 201.385KB
Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc)
Recall Quarterly Report #2, 2021-3
RCLQRT-21V100-2785.PDF 211.229KB
Recall Quarterly Report #3, 2021-4
RCLQRT-21V100-1468.PDF 211.315KB
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