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NHTSA Preliminary Evaluation PE09055

Preliminary Evaluation · HVAC Switch Failures · Opened 2009-12-07 · Closed 2010-04-21

Investigation

Action number
PE09055
Type
Preliminary Evaluation
Open date
2009-12-07
Close date
2010-04-21
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Affected makes
FORD
Affected components
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
Affected model years
1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
Affected (make, year) variants
27

Summary

ODI has received 1 complaint and reports from 4 transportation fleets alleging 182 switch failures.Each fleet operates mini buses built on a Ford E350 or E450 cutaway chassis.The OEM HVAC blower switches have melted, smoked, burned or experienced open flame and become inoperable on vehicles in each fleet.Some drivers have reported a burning smell or smoke coming from the dash.One fleet reported a vehicle fire.No injuries were sustained.However, the bus was carrying special needs children when the driver noticed smoke coming from the dash.The driver was able to evacuate the children prior to the vehicle becoming engulfed in flames.This PE has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA) to determine if the blower motor switch failures create a situation where a vehicle fire is possible and presents a safety risk to the driver and other passengers.

Source

Authoritative
NHTSA ODI investigation page
Machine
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