2018FA08
January, 2019
Page 1 of 5
SUBJECT:

Special Coverage - Torque Converter Backing Plate Bolt (3000 SeriesTM Product Family).

MODELS AFFECTED:

B300, B400, T260, T270, T280, T310, T325, T350, T375, T390, 3000 SeriesTM Product
Family

VOCATIONS AFFECTED:

Transit Bus, Dock Spotter

Introduction:
Allison Transmission, Inc. has identified a potential condition whereby a bolt (P/N 29537507) internal to the torque
converter of transmission models B300, B400, T260, T270, T280, T310, T325, T350, T375, and T390 transmission
models installed in bus applications and 3000 seriesTM transmissions installed in Dock Spotter Vocations, may
impact the torque converter turbine and backing plate, resulting in internal debris.

Effects of the Condition:
Loose and broken bolts can impact the torque converter turbine and backing plate resulting in noise and internal
debris. Noise, high transmission fluid temperature, and DTC P088A are some of the most common symptoms
reported. Other reported symptoms have included vehicle limp mode, engine stall during stationary shifts, engine
lug at low speeds, illumination of Transmission Service Indicator Light, and Check Transmission Light.
Failure requires a transmission overhaul.
The purpose of this field action is to provide a reactive repair (after a failure has occurred) of the covered condition
for transit and dock spotter applications. Refer to the following instructions to identify the affected transmissions,
obtain authorization to perform the repair, and submit the proper warranty claim.

AG / FA8474EN

4452937

Copyright © 2019 Allison Transmission, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

2018FA08
January, 2019
Page 2 of 5
Table 1. Affected Serial Number Range, Models, Vocations and Restrictions
Global Customer Satisfaction Initiative (CSI) Special
Coverage 3000 Series Torque Converter Backing Plate
Bolts Transit Bus & Dock Spotter Vocations Only.
Eligibility for this CSI expires five years after vehicle
In-service date.
Exclusions to eligibility for this CSI Include
transmissions with previous failure and repair, or Field
Action Investigation of the subject part number.

Product Code

Starts with S/N 652

Affected Serial Number
(S/N) Range

Affected Transmission
Models

Affected Vocations

6520116424 - 6520210466

B300, B400, T260, T270,
T280, T310, T325, T350,
T375, T390, 3000 series
in Dock Spotters

Transit, Dock Spotter

Field Action Transmission Identification:
Prior to the repair of a suspect transmission, verify that the field action repair has NOT already been
performed. Login to https://sap.allisontransmission.com/extranet/bom/fieldactions, enter the transmission
serial number and vehicle vocation code, and request an authorization. If you receive an authorization
number, then this is the confirmation that the field action has NOT been performed. If the field action has NOT
been performed, proceed with the repair. Include the authorization number in the warranty claim narrative prior
to submitting the claim. If you are unable to obtain an authorization number, and you believe the transmission
qualifies for the field action based on the serial number range and vehicle vocation, contact the Allison Technical
Assistance Center (TAC) at 1-800-252-5283 or 317-242-0700 or Email: Allison[email protected].
NOTE: This Field Action applies only to Transit and Dock Spotter vocations that have experienced
broken backing plate bolts P/N 29537507. It is possible for an authorization number to be issued and
your warranty claim denied because the vehicle vocation did not qualify for the field action. This Field
Action Letter is the master document in determining whether a unit qualifies for the field action.

Allison Service Outlets Field Action Responsibility:
When a Transit or Dock Spotter Customer has a vehicle in the affected serial number range that displays the
symptoms previously listed, the service outlet shall take the following steps to support the customer:
1. Check in-service date and determine status of original transmission coverage. If CT01 or CT02 coverage has
expired determine status of potential 2018FA08 coverage – limited to 5 years from vehicle in-service date.
2. Confirm Vehicle Vocation is Transit or Dock Spotter.
3. Confirm Transmission is within the affected Serial Number range shown in Table 1.
4. Verify the transmission nameplate does not have the “X” Identification Mark indicating Field Action service
work has already been completed. Refer to Figure 1.
5. Check AWAARE to verify there is no previous warranty claim for Primary Failed Part Number 29537507.
Copyright © 2019 Allison Transmission, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

2018FA08
January, 2019
Page 3 of 5
6. Verify the vehicle is eligible for 2018FA08 coverage by requesting an authorization number for confirmation
to repair.
7. Under 2018FA08, repair as under normal warranty, damage related to failure of part number 29537507
torque converter backing plate bolt. Refer to Table 2 for clarification.
8. Record Torque Converter serial number for the warranty claim narrative when submitting a claim in
Allison Warranty Administration and Analysis Reporting Environment (AWAARE).
9. Perform all service repair work as directed by SM4013 Service Manual, with exception of torque converter
cover reassembly.
NOTE: Upon reassembly of the torque converter cover assembly, torque thirty (30) new part number
29537507 backing plate bolts to final torque of 35 – 40 N·m, target 37.5 N·m (26 – 30 lb ft, target 28 lb ft).
10. Fill transmission with the same type of fluid that was drained.
11. Upon completion of repairs, stamp or etch an “X” identification mark into the transmission nameplate in
the location shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1. Identification Mark
12. File AWAARE claim per Table 2.

Transmission Fluid:
After the repair is completed, fill the transmission with the same type of fluid that was drained.

Warranty Information:
Allison Repair Outlets shall submit an AWAARE Claim for each vehicle completed under the Field Action. Claims
submitted, regardless of claim type, must be submitted as outlined in Table 2. This Customer Satisfaction Initiative
(CSI) remains active until five years from the in-service date of each eligible vehicle.
For each repair covered by this CSI, a Field Action Authorization number must be included with each AWAARE
claim.
Failed transmissions with remaining Standard Warranty (CT01), Extended Transmission Coverage (ETC) (CT02)
must have AWAARE claims for repair submitted under the applicable existing coverage – not under 2018FA08.

Copyright © 2019 Allison Transmission, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

2018FA08
January, 2019
Page 4 of 5

AWAARE Warranty Claim Submittal Information:
Approved authorized Allison service outlets must submit work performed per this field action as outlined in Table 2.
This Global Customer Satisfaction Field Action initiative remains active until five years from the in-service date
of the vehicle. The Claim Type and related details are determined based on the coverage that is available at
the time of service.
Table 2. Claim Type and Related Details
Does Unit Have ETC or Standard
Coverage Still In Effect?

No

Yes

04

Available Claim Type (01 or 02)

Special Activity Indicator

2018FA08

2018FA08

Primary Failed Part

29537507

29537507

Complaint Code

AT02

AT02

Failure Code

CC03

CC03

Torque Converter Serial Number

*

*

Field Action Authorization Number

**

None

Claim Type

* Failed torque converter serial number must be listed in claim narrative. See example below.
** Provided from Extranet, must be listed in claim narrative. See example below.

Claim Narrative Example (applicable to Claim Types 01, 02, 04)
Include Torque Converter Serial number in format shown in first line. Include Field Action Authorization Number in
format shown in second line. Include additional narrative information afterward, as shown in Figure 2.

Copyright © 2019 Allison Transmission, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

2018FA08
January, 2019
Page 5 of 5

Figure 2. Claim Narrative Example
Any additional parts, labor, or travel costs deemed necessary to complete this Investigation must be described in
detail in the claim narrative; if not, they will be deducted from the claim.
The Allison Distributor must follow the published Allison Transmission current labor time guide for work performed
when adding any additional charges.

Contact Information:
Questions concerning this Global Customer Satisfaction initiative please contact:
Allison Transmission, Inc.
P.O. Box 894
Indianapolis, IN 46206 0894
FAX: 317–242–2712
Allison[email protected]

Copyright © 2019 Allison Transmission, Inc. All Rights Reserved.