Recall FL-893 – Aluminum Battery Cable Failure – 2019-2022 Freightliner Cascadia P4, 2021 Western Star WH126, 2020 Western Star WJ121, & 2021-2022 Western Star 49X

“This site contains affiliate links for which OEMDTC may be compensated”

June 25, 2021 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 21V481000

Battery Cable May Break and Cause Engine Stall

An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

 

NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V481

Manufacturer Daimler Trucks North America, LLC

Components ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Potential Number of Units Affected 122,056

 

Summary

Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Freightliner Cascadia P4, 2021 Western Star WH126, 2020 Western Star WJ121, and 2021-2022 Western Star 49X vehicles. The battery cable terminal may break, resulting in a loss of electrical power and unintended engine stall.

 

Remedy

Dealers will repair or replace the battery cables, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 7, 2022. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA’s number for this recall is FL-893.

 

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

 


2021 Freightliner Cascadia
2021 Freightliner Cascadia

 


Subject: Aluminum Battery Cable Failure

Models Affected: Specific model years 2019-2022 Freightliner Cascadia vehicles; and Western Star 47X RHD, 48X RHD, and 49X vehicles manufactured April 28, 2018, through June 11, 2021.

 

General Information

Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA), on behalf of its Freightliner Trucks Division, and its wholly owned subsidiary, Western Star Truck Sales, Inc., has decided that a defect that relates to motor vehicle safety exists on the vehicles mentioned above.

On certain vehicles, the battery cable terminal at the frame connecting point may break, resulting in the loss of electrical power and unintended engine shutdown without warning, increasing the risk of crash.

The affected battery cables will be replaced with copper battery cables.

There are approximately 141,000 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 kit and/or part number(s) listed below from your facing Parts Distribution Center.

 


Work Instructions

Subject: New Cascadia Aluminum Battery Cable Replacement

 

Models Affected: New Cascadia Vehicles without Cummins engines or in-rail battery boxes built from 11/26/2018 to the present

 

General Information

This customer advisory letter is intended to provide parts for inspection by DTNA Engineering to finalize a technical solution for an upcoming recall: FL893/NHTSA 21V-481.

The work instructions below describe the replacement of four aluminum battery/powernet cables with copper equivalents and the installation of an updated DK clamp (part number 23-13454-001). The four cables are located in the following modules: 281, 29A, 291, 49U, 49V, 49W, and 49Y.

Please see the attached spreadsheet for a part number crossover parts list of aluminum cables to copper cables.

 

Work Instructions

  1. Park the vehicle on a level surface, shut down the engine, set the parking brake, and remove the key from the ignition. Chock the tires.
  2. Disconnect the batteries.
  3. Open the hood.
  4. Using PartsPro®, determine the location of the four cables to be replaced on each specific vehicle using the modules noted above.
  5. Remove and set aside the negative cables at the battery location.
  6. Make a note of both the part number in PartsPro and the respective length of the negative cables.

 

NOTE: The battery cable access (BCA) is located on the passenger side of the engine wall, facing forward. See Fig. 1.

 

  1. Locate the two studs that secure the main positive 29A cable to the BCA. See callout 1 in Fig. 1. The 29A cable may be covered in a red dielectric coating.

 

NOTE: Do not use power tools when removing the nuts from the studs of the BCA.

 

  1. Hold the ends of the studs in the non-threaded area with vice grip pliers to avoid the stud spinning in the case of the BCA during removal.
  2. Using a 13 mm box end wrench, turn the nuts counterclockwise to remove them from the studs.
  3. Remove the 29A positive cable and set it aside.
  4. Replace it with the appropriate copper cable from the crossover parts list.
  5. Replace the nuts on the stud with fresh stainless steel patchlock nuts (part number 23-14592008) or non-patchlock stainless steel equivalent. Apply a drop of LOCTITE® Blue 242 to the area of the studs the tightened nuts will overlap.

 

NOTE: If the stud(s) start to turn in the BCA, do not discard the BCA. The BCA will not be damaged by minor rotation of the 29A cable-mounting studs.

 

  1. Hold the end of each stud with a vice grip pliers and tighten each nut to 3 to 11.8 lbf•ft (154 ±1 N•m) with a 13 mm box end wrench to secure the newly installed copper cable to the BCA.
  2. Install the new DK clamp (part number 23-13454-001) to keep cables properly routed.
  3. Please present your respective field service representative with any aluminum cables replaced that have not failed. Please label cables as belonging to one of the following categories:
    1. Below 100K miles of service.
    2. From 100K to 250K miles of service.
    3. Over 250K miles of service.

 


Chronology :

In or about January 2021, DTNA received a single field report of unintended vehicle shutdown while in motion due to a broken battery cable. In or about March 2021, DTNA received another field report of positive battery cable separation at the 90 degree frame terminal and promptly began an investigation by, among other things, seeking to identify potentially similar incidents and seeking supplier analysis. In April 2021, DTNA received a failed part analysis report from the supplier.

As a result, DTNA reviewed relevant warranty rate data to assess the matter. In or about May 2021, DTNA’s cross-functional team was tasked to conduct a battery cable test evaluation. Test reports suggested that mating two incompatible galvanic materials, Aluminum and Brass, and not sealing them appropriately increases the likelihood of debris intrusion, which in turn may cause progressive damage to the weld joint area.

However, at this time, DTNA lacked information sufficient to determine if a defect existed or in what population it existed. In or about June 2021, supplier process investigation revealed that the current procedure doesn’t involve preheating of the joint before application of the wrap and due to that, it may not achieve a required surface bond which would be enough to prevent debris intrusion.

Field input disclosed that the largest portion of these events are occurring outside of warranty and parts are being replaced by customers with dealer made copper cables, further complicating DTNA’s effort to understand if there was a defect observed in the field and, if so, what was the population.

That said, DTNA’s estimates indicated a rate of occurrence significantly below 1%. Despite the uncertainty and the low rate of occurrence, out of an abundance of caution, on June 21, 2021, DTNA reasonably decided to conduct a voluntary recall as set forth in this report.

 


8 Affected Products

Vehicles

MAKE MODEL YEAR
FREIGHTLINER CASCADIA 2019-2022
WESTERN STAR 49X 2021-2022
WESTERN STAR WH126 2021
WESTERN STAR WJ121 2020

 


12 Associated Documents

Defect Notice 573 Report

RCLRPT-21V481-2549.PDF 215.134KB

Loader Loading...
EAD Logo Taking too long?

Reload Reload document
| Open Open in new tab

Download [210.09 KB]

 


Recall Acknowledgement

RCAK-21V481-7156.pdf 645.246KB

Loader Loading...
EAD Logo Taking too long?

Reload Reload document
| Open Open in new tab

Download [630.12 KB]

 


Miscellaneous Document- Amended Defect Information Report

RMISC-21V481-8437.pdf 586.527KB

Loader Loading...
EAD Logo Taking too long?

Reload Reload document
| Open Open in new tab

Download [572.78 KB]

 


Miscellaneous Document- Amended Defect Information Report

RMISC-21V481-1265.pdf 588.696KB

Loader Loading...
EAD Logo Taking too long?

Reload Reload document
| Open Open in new tab

Download [574.90 KB]

 


ISSUED Interim Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)

RIONL-21V481-0051.pdf 139.918KB

Loader Loading...
EAD Logo Taking too long?

Reload Reload document
| Open Open in new tab

Download [136.64 KB]

 


Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc)

RCMN-21V481-1896.pdf 420.494KB

Loader Loading...
EAD Logo Taking too long?

Reload Reload document
| Open Open in new tab

Download [410.64 KB]

 


Miscellaneous Document- Defect Information Report

RMISC-21V481-1272.pdf 581.376KB

Loader Loading...
EAD Logo Taking too long?

Reload Reload document
| Open Open in new tab

Download [567.75 KB]

 


ISSUED Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)

RCONL-21V481-3914.pdf 303.784KB

Loader Loading...
EAD Logo Taking too long?

Reload Reload document
| Open Open in new tab

Download [296.66 KB]

 


Miscellaneous Document

RMISC-21V481-2499.pdf 176.895KB

Loader Loading...
EAD Logo Taking too long?

Reload Reload document
| Open Open in new tab

Download [172.75 KB]

 


Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc)

RCMN-21V481-7216.pdf 1209.595KB

Loader Loading...
EAD Logo Taking too long?

Reload Reload document
| Open Open in new tab

Download [1.15 MB]

 


ISSUED Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)

RCONL-21V481-2704.pdf 331.827KB

Loader Loading...
EAD Logo Taking too long?

Reload Reload document
| Open Open in new tab

Download [324.05 KB]

 


ISSUED Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)

RCONL-21V481-8433.pdf 146.35KB

Loader Loading...
EAD Logo Taking too long?

Reload Reload document
| Open Open in new tab

Download [142.92 KB]

 


Latest Recalls Documents

For the Latest and Most Recent Recalls Information Visit the link below…

https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/acms/cs/documentList.xhtml?docId=21V481&docType=RCL

 


 

Bestseller No. 1
Cartman 4AWG 18-Inch Battery Inverter Cables Set, 4Gauge x 18" (1 Positive & 1 Negtive) for Car, Truck, RV, Solar
  • 4 AWG wire, fits 3/8" stud, SAE 4 GAUGE COPPER
  • Zinc plated 95% copper lugs for superior corrosion and oxidation resistance
  • Better stamping process to improve the current and reduce the resistance.
  • Boat cable wire stays ultra flexible even in the most extreme conditions
  • Heat-resistant up to 105C
Bestseller No. 2
Energizer Jumper Cables for Car Battery, Heavy Duty Automotive Booster Cables for Jump Starting Dead or Weak Batteries with Carrying Bag Included (16-Feet (6-Gauge)
  • ENERGIZER 16 FEET JUMPER CABLES - 6 Gauge, 16 FT booster battery jumper cables for jump starting a dead or weak battery. Ideal for trucks, SUVs, full-size cars, mid-size cars and small/compact cars
  • THICK VINYL COATING - Includes a strong spring and a comfortable handle for secure placement and easy positioning. Thick vinyl coating for protection against rust and corrosion.
  • CARRYING CASE INCLUDED - Our Energizer jumper cables come with a high-grade travel bag for easy transport and compact storage.
  • TANGLE FREE CCA BOOSTER CABLES - 16 Foot length makes it easy to reach from one car battery to another. Copper clad aluminum cables remains flexible even at -40°C.
  • THE BRAND NAME YOU CAN TRUST - 2 Years Warranty! We are here to power your car battery and truck with our booster jumper cables. We keep you going and going!
Bestseller No. 3
2 AWG 2 Gauge Red + Black Pure Copper Battery Cables Power Inverter Wire Set for Solar, RV, Car, Boat, Automotive 12in 3/8 in Lugs (2PCS)
  • Include: 2 cables, this 2awg (2 ft) battery cable contains a positive (red) and a negative (black) power inverter cable. There is a 3/8” ring on each end.
  • Material: Pure oxygen-free copper wiring for maximum conductivity. Copper terminals are tin-plated to minimize corrosion, and the oxygen-free copper wiring is a 105 degree flame-retardant outer skin.
  • Protective cover: PVC insulating sheath, flexible PVC insulation of battery cable, wear-resistant, waterproof, moisture-proof, flame-retardant and heat-insulating, can withstand the harsh test of the car or marine environment, please rest assured to buy.
  • Application: 2 positive and negative cables are widely used in various equipment, and are ideal for heavy-duty vehicles, solar energy, motorcycles, RVs, lawn equipment or inverter batteries.
  • Warranty: This Battery Cables will come with 30 days HASSLE-FREE RETURN & 1 year UNLIMITED REPLACEMENT PROMISE. If you don't like it, just return it and get a full refund, All we wanna do is to make you love Bestway products.
Bestseller No. 4
Ampper 5 AWG Battery Cable Set, 20 Inch Copper Power Inverter Cables with Terminals for Car, Vehicle, RV, Solar Application and More (3/8" Ring, 1 Set)
  • Heavy Duty: one set of 5 gauge wire positive (red) and negative (black) copper battery cables, 20 inch for every cable.
  • Easy to Use: each cable have 2 pcs 3/8" (M10) round center hole terminals (already crimped) on both ends, fit for 3/8" (M10) stud.
  • High Quality: copper cables for maximum power transfer, nickel plated copper lugs for superior corrosion and oxidation resistance.
  • Safe & Durable: premium PVC insulated jacket for the cables, cable ends are sealed with heat shrink tubing for heat insulation.
  • Compatible: used for car, vehicle, RV, solar application, boat and more, also used for electrical equipment.
Bestseller No. 5
4 AWG Battery Cable 4AWG Gauge Pure Copper Battery Inverter Cables with 3/8 in Lugs Both Ends Power Inverter Wire Set for Automotive Solar Marine Boat RV Car Motorcycle Red and Black (4FT)
  • Fit for Automotive Solar Marine Boat RV Car Motorcycle
  • 4 gauge battery/welding cable with 3/8 " lugs; Battery Cable Length: 4 Feet
  • Package will come with each one of the red and black cable, each cable end is sealed with heat shrink tubing for heat insulation
  • Copper Cable lugs are made of solid copper with a tin plating cover for corrosion protection
  • Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions about our products, your satisfaction would be our greatest motivation
Bestseller No. 6
1/0 Gauge Wire(20ft Each - Red/Black) Copper Clad Aluminum CCA - Primary Automotive Wire,Car Amplifier Power & Ground Cable, Battery Cable for Car Audio Speaker,Solar, Auto, RV Trailer & Marine
  • 1/0 GAUGE 20-FEET(6m) OF EACH COLOR BLACK & RED CCA POWER GROUND WIRE - The lower the gauge number, the thicker the wire. Thicker wire presents less resistance to current flow. Copper coated aluminum gives you an economic power cable with excellent power transfer.
  • HIGH QUALITY MATERIALS - High quality stranded CCA wire offers strong power transfer performance, while remaining lightweight with maximum flexibility.Oxygen Free Coppe(OFC) wiring provides a superior electrical conductor to aluminum because it does not expand or contract with heat and can carry a higher current load.
  • RUGGED PVC JACKET - Low memory, flexible soft-touch jacket material is perfect for routing in hard to reach places,designed for the electrical and auto repair installer in mind. Strong, yet durable pvc jacket has has flexibility, elasticity, and impact resistance built in,is resistant to extreme temperatures, liquid, oil, gas, abrasions and high impact.
  • PACKAGE - 2 pcs 1/0 gauge black/red CCA power ground wire(20 feet of each color);10pcs 1/0 AWG-3/8" Battery Lugs;10pcs 1/0 AWG-5/16" Battery Lugs;20pcs 3:1 Dual Wall Adhesive Heat Shrink Tubing.
  • WIDE COMPATIBILITY - Our bundled power wire set is great for a car amplifier or subwoofer or to be used as a ground wire on your electric wire installs. Use for many different applications such as indoor lighting, car radio, automotive, lighting, car speakers, power cables, 12v power inverter, ground wire, or welding cable.
Bestseller No. 7
A ABIGAIL 2 AWG Battery Cable 2AWG Gauge Pure Copper Battery Inverter Cables with 3/8 in Lugs Both Ends Power Inverter Wire Set for Automotive Solar Marine Boat RV Car Motorcycle Red and Black (1FT)
  • 【High Quality】A ABIGAIL battery cables are made of pure copper and tinned copper lugs with superior corrosion and oxidation resistance, which improves the oxidation resistance of copper and maintains its conductivity better.
  • 【Safe & Durable】Premium flexible PVC insulated jacke of battery cables which resists abrasion, waterproof and moisture proof, flame retardant and heat insulation, cable ends are sealed with heat shrink tubing for heat insulation.
  • 【Wide Application】Our positive and negative cables are widely used for car automotive, solar, marine, RV, motorcycle, golf cart, lawn/garden equipment or power inverter batteries, also used for electrical equipment.
  • 【Package Includes】With 2 AWG 12 Inch wire positive (Red) and negative (Black) copper battery cables, 3/8” ring terminal at each end.
  • 【Service】100% satisfaction guarantee, If you have any issues with the part, simply contact customer service for troubleshooting help, parts, replacement, or refund. Our aim is to make you satisfy the parts and the service we provide for you.
Bestseller No. 8
2 Gauge Battery Cable 2Ft Copper Power Inverter Wire with 3/8" Lugs, Marine Battery Cables for Solar Car Boat RV (2pcs)
  • Sold as a set: 2 gauge battery cable, includes 1x positive(red) and 1x negative(black) cable. Length: 2ft, Gauge: 2AWG, fits 3/8" stud.
  • Durable material: The copper 2 gauge battery cable lugs are tinned coated, well crimped, and utilize a closed end design for corrosion protection.Heat-resistant up to 105C.
  • Easy to connect: These flexible 2 gauge battery cable are made with thinly stranded pure copper, making them easy to handle an install ,It can also be used normally in extreme environments.
  • Use for: Marine battery cables are to withstand harsh environments. 2 gauge battery cable is ideal for various equipments, inverter batteries, cars, solar energy, RV, boat, etc.
  • Warranty: 1 year warranty, 30 days worry-free return, if you have any questions, our customer service will be online 24 hours a day. You can buy our 2 gauge battery cable with confidence.
Bestseller No. 9
6 AWG Battery Cables 6 Gauge Battery Power Inverter Cable with 5/16 Inch Tinned Copper Lugs Both Ends for Solar Marine Boat RV Car Motorcycle 2 pcs (3FT)
  • The battery cable replacement is designed to fit for automotive, solar, marine, boat, rv, car, motorcycle, etc
  • Package comes with 2 pcs 6 AWG battery cables, each cable has two 5/16 inch tinned copper ring terminals
  • Wires have 5/16 inch hole allowing it to fit over battery disconnects/switches. The tinned copper wires prevent corrosion and allow for more easily soldering
  • Temperature Range: -45°C to +105°C; Length: 3FT
  • Please carefully check all the product information to make sure this is the right one you want before purchasing
Bestseller No. 10
GearIT 8 Gauge 25ft Black/Red CCA Wire - For Automotive Power/Ground, Battery Cable, Car Audio, RV, Trailer, Amp
  • COPPER CLAD ALUMINUM (CCA) - Our primary cable CCA wire is the most economical option for choosing power or ground wire and is a great conductor of power. Copper coated aluminum gives you an economic power cable with excellent power transfer. Systems that require more power should use ofc cable wiring.
  • POWER / GROUND WIRE SET - Our bundled power wire set is great for a car amplifier or subwoofer or to be used as a ground wire on your electric wire installs. Use for many different applications such as indoor lighting, car radio, automotive, lighting, car speakers, power cables, 12v power inverter, ground wire, or welding cable.
  • SOFT TOUCH JACKET - Soft touch jacket design designed for the electrical and auto repair installer in mind. Strong, yet durable pvc jacket that is best for indoor use but has flexibility, elasticity, and impact resistance built in.
  • EASY POLARITY IDENTIFICATION - Easy color coded ground wire helps with installation to let you know which cable should connect to the terminal. Making a polarity error could cause serious damage to your audio equipment.
  • WIDE COMPATIBILITY - Also known as power wire, ground wire, trolling motor wire, automotive wire, speaker wire, car radio wire, amp wire, electrical wire, or welding wire designed for up to 300v voltage. We have many gauge wires to choose from, such as 1/0awg, 4awg, 8awg with black, red, blue wire color options and 25ft, 50ft lengths

Last update on 2024-04-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

This product presentation was made with AAWP plugin.

 


Leave a Comment

Share to...