Truck Parts and Service | Heavy Duty Trucking, Aftermarket, Service Info
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/272272
10 Tech Updates I nterstate Batteries says cold weather affects batteries more than any other engine component. Because they are fi lled with fl uid containing mostly water, batteries are susceptible to freezing when not fully charged. Additionally, Interstate says cold weather thickens engine oil, forcing batteries to work harder when starting an engine. Here are several tips Interstate gives to maintaining a battery in cold weather: Have a vehicle's starting and charg- ing system periodically tested. Use a battery charger to maintain charge levels and keep the battery in good condition. (Note: If the battery is more than three years old, have it tested more frequently.) Inspect the battery cables, posts and fasteners Clean the battery terminals with a wire brush or battery cleaner spray. When possible, keep the vehicle in a garage overnight or plugged in, especially in areas with extremely harsh winter conditions. Avoid damage to the battery and keep connections tight. T R U C K P A R T S & S E R V I C E | M a r c h 2 0 1 4 SAFETY RECALLS The following are safety recalls issued by the National Highway Traffi c Safety Administration: DTNA is recalling certain model year 2014 Freightliner 108SD, 114SD, 122SD, Coronado, Argosy, Cascadia, M2 Business Class, Western Star 4700, 4900, and 6900 vehicles and Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2, Saf-T- Liner HDX, and Minotour school buses manufactured Aug. 5, 2013, through Nov. 15, 2013; and equipped with IMMI-brand L9 seat belt buckles. When the button is pressed to release the seat belt, the latch plate can become partially engaged with the buckle, making the seat belt diffi cult to unlatch. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies." If the latch plate remains partially engaged after the button is pressed, egress from the vehicle could be hindered, resulting in an increased risk of injury in the event of an accident or emergency. DTNA is recalling certain model year 2014 Freightliner Custom Chassis MT45, MT55 and MBC Chassis manufactured Sept. 24, 2013, through Nov. 7, 2013. In the affected vehicles, due to an incorrect calibration, the speed- ometer may display a speed lower than the vehicle is actually travel- ing. With the incorrect calibra- tion, the driver may unknowingly exceed the posted speed limit, increasing the risk of a crash. Mack is recalling certain model year 2014 CXU and MRU trucks manufactured Aug. 12, 2013, through Oct. 9, 2013 and equipped with IMMI-brand L9 seat belt buckles. When the button is pressed to release the seat belt, the latch plate can become partially engaged with the buckle, making the seat belt diffi cult to unlatch. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies." If the latch plate remains partially engaged after the button is pressed, egress from the vehicle could be hindered, resulting in an increased risk of injury in the event of an accident or emergency. PACCAR Is recalling certain 2011- 2014 model year Kenworth T440 vehicles manufactured March 10, 2010, through Sept. 23, 2013 and equipped with Allison transmissions, Cummins Westport ISL-G engines, and NAMUX2 software. In the affected vehicles, the engine harness may have been installed incorrectly rendering the neutral start interlock inoperable. If the engine harness is installed incorrectly, the truck may be able to be started with the transmission in gear, increasing the risk of a crash. PACCAR is recalling certain 2012 and 2014 model year Kenworth K300 and Peterbilt 210 and 220 chassis equipped with Sure Power-brand battery equalizers or DC-DC converters containing a particular epoxy sealing, aka 'potting', compound. The specifi c potting compound used in the subject products for electrical insulation was found to be capable of conducting electricity after be- ing exposed to heat. If the potting compound is exposed to heat and conducts electricity, there is an increased risk of a vehicle fi re and personal injury. PACCAR is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Peterbilt 587 vehicles manufactured May 8, 2012, through Oct. 24, 2013, and equipped with Inteva-brand door pad assemblies. Due to loose fasteners, the door pull portion of the door pad assembly may sepa- rate from the door when used. If an occupant is using the door pull to assist in getting in or out of the vehicle, the sudden detachment of the pull handle may result in a fall, increasing the risk of injury. PACCAR is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Kenworth T680 chassis manufactured Jan. 1, 2012, through Oct. 14, 2013, and Peterbilt 567 and 579 chassis manufactured Jan. 20, 2012, through Oct. 11, 2013, and equipped with Inteva-brand door latch assemblies. In the affected vehicles, the doors may lock permanently while closed or may be opened from the outside even after they have been locked. If the doors latch assembly becomes permanently locked while closed occupants could be prevented from exiting the vehicle in the event of a crash or fi re, increasing the risk of injury. Volvo Trucks NA is recalling certain model year 2014 VAH, VHD, VNL, and VNM trucks manufactured Aug. 12, 2013, through Nov. 14, 2013; and equipped with IMMI- brand L9 seat belt buckles. When the button is pressed to release the seat belt, the latch plate can become partially engaged with the buckle, making the seat belt diffi cult to unlatch. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies." If the latch plate remains partially engaged after the button is pressed, egress from the vehicle could be hindered, resulting in an increased risk of injury in the event of an accident or emergency. COLD WEATHER BATTERY TIPS