Technical Data
Chassis Recalls, Service Bulletins, and Manufacturing Data
Your one-stop resource for the latest chassis recalls, service bulletin information, as well as a wide range of technical and manufacturing data to help you keep track of your ambulance needs.
NEW VEHICLE DEMONSTRATION / DELIVERY HOLD
Safety Recall / Driveshaft Flexible Coupling
Reason for This Safety Recall
In the affected vehicles, the driveshaft flexible coupling may crack with increasing mileage, resulting in driveline noise and vibration. Continued driving with a cracked flexible coupling may cause separation of the driveshaft, resulting in a loss of motive power while driving, or unintended vehicle movement in park without the parking brake applied. In addition, separation of the driveshaft can result in secondary damage to surrounding components, including brake and fuel lines. A driveshaft separation may increase the risk of injury or crash.
General Motors has decided that certain 2009-2014 model year Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vehicles with a GVWR of 10,000 pounds (4536 kg) and below equipped with front passenger air bags fail to conform to Federal/Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 201, Occupant Protection in Interior Impact. On these vehicles, during a frontal impact below the air bag deployment threshold, if an unrestrained front passenger head hits the instrument panel above where the passenger airbag is located, it may decelerate at a rate exceeding the requirements of F/CMVSS 201, resulting in a greater risk of injury.
Certain 2010-2016 model year Chevrolet Express, GMC Savana, 2011-2013 model year Chevrolet Silverado HD, 2015-2016 model year Chevrolet Silverado HD, 2011-2012 model year GMC Sierra HD, 2015 model year GMC Sierra HD vehicles equipped with Duramax diesel engine (RPO LGH or LML) and Ambulance Upfitter or Fire Truck Upfitter (RPO YF2 or ANM), may have a condition in which the emission control system as designed will limit speed under certain conditions. The EPA has approved General Motor’s request to remove the emission control system speed limitations on these emergency vehicles where applicable.
If you have received a letter from Mercedes or Dodge this issue may effect your vehicle:
The automotive industry is facing an unprecedented challenge with respect to the recall of Takata airbags. As you probably know, the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) has made the determination that millions of Takata airbags are potentially defective and the inflators in these airbags, if defective, could explode causing injury or even death… See links below for more information and VIN search.
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain model year 2015 – 2016
Mercedes Benz and Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles manufactured April 1, 2015, to October 31, 2015. The affected vehicles may have had multiple layers of paint applied, and as a result, in a crash, the windows may separate from the vehicle when the outer layer of paint peels from the layer below.
Mercedes Benz and Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles manufactured April 1, 2015, to October 31, 2015. The affected vehicles may have had multiple layers of paint applied, and as a result, in a crash, the windows may separate from the vehicle when the outer layer of paint peels from the layer below.
If the windows separate from the vehicle in a crash, the occupants are at a greater risk of injury. DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will remove the windows and inspect the paintwork, repainting the vehicles as necessary, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-770-705-2070.
A software issue has been discovered that can cause the Vehicle System Interface Module (VSIM) to intermittently lock up and become unresponsive. The symptom most often associated with this issue is one where the up fit systems or components connected to the VSIM will become inoperative. This issue can be seen in 2013 through 2015 model year 2500, 3500, 4500 and 5500 trucks equipped with a VSIM. Please visit the link to the Ram website below for more information.
American Emergency Vehicles has decided that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in certain 2008-2014 Type II Ambulances, when equipped with a cable mounted seat belt on the rearward facing attendant seat. We apologize for this inconvenience. We are concerned about your safety and satisfaction with our product Owners should be receiving the letter in the mail. Owners may also view the content of the letter in the links below.
View Owners Notification Letter
View Seatbelt Modification Notice
On your vehicle, it may be possible for a sensor in your ASA Electronics rear backup camera to fail and cause the camera to reverse the image displayed on the observation monitor. Do not rely on the image displayed. If the camera displays the image in reverse, the driver may inadvertently turn the wrong direction to avoid hitting an object behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. Please utilize your mirrors when backing up your vehicle.
SUBJECT: Engine Block Coolant Heater Seal Leaking / Power Cord Melted.
On certain 2003-2015 model year Chevrolet Express, 2003-2007 Chevrolet Silverado, 2008-2013 Chevrolet Silverado HD, 2003-2015 GMC Savana, 2003-2007 GMC Sierra 3500, and 2007-2012 GMC Sierra HD model vehicles equipped with a Duramax diesel engine and an engine-block heater (RPO YF2 and K05), continuously activating the engine-block heater through Ambulance body up fit “shore power” may cause excessive heat buildup, cause a high-resistance short, damage the engine-block heater, or, in rare cases, melt electrical connections or cause an engine-compartment fire.
On certain 2003-2015 model year Chevrolet Express, 2003-2007 Chevrolet Silverado, 2008-2013 Chevrolet Silverado HD, 2003-2015 GMC Savana, 2003-2007 GMC Sierra 3500, and 2007-2012 GMC Sierra HD model vehicles equipped with a Duramax diesel engine and an engine-block heater (RPO YF2 and K05), continuously activating the engine-block heater through Ambulance body up fit “shore power” may cause excessive heat buildup, cause a high-resistance short, damage the engine-block heater, or, in rare cases, melt electrical connections or cause an engine-compartment fire.
AEV has received reports of the cab a/c not performing properly on the Ford F series chassis with the X series package. This model has the Intermotive module A-CVC502-A installed under the dash (AEV part # AIRC-CLUTCH) for the a/c compressor clutch activation from the rear switch panel.
The issue is the front a/c evaporator core will freeze up causing the cab vent temperature to rise in the cab.
Stryker has launched a Cot Retention Service Campaign.
Ferno has launched a Cot Retention Service Campaign.
Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 RAM 4500 and 5500 trucks manufactured February 20, 2007, through December 22, 2012. The left tie rod assembly may break. A failure of the tie rod assembly may result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the tie rod assembly, free of charge. The recall began on May 19, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler’s recall campaign number is R16.
(RPO) K05 Block Heater is to be used for Intermittent Cold Ambient starts when the outside temperature is between -18 degrees C (-0 degrees F) and -29 degrees C (-20 degree F) – not to be continuously plugged into an “A/C” source.
The dedicated emergency vehicle special emissions are related to the Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system and are summarized in the attachment “MY 2014i Emergency Vehicle EPA Relief Provisions.pptx”. GM relief strategy is compliant with EPA regulations. It maximizes the mileage range before limp mode occurs when the emission system generates SCR codes. Also, limp mode is eliminated from SCR and EGR system faults.
In order to demonstrate compliance with the law, GM requires additional documentation to show that the incomplete chassis are sold only for use by manufacturers building dedicated emergency vehicles. GM dealers who order the chassis initially are required to document the chassis sale with the attached end product certification form.
Michelin is recalling one version of a specific size of the Michelin LTX M/S tire. These tires are typically found on such vehicles as commercial light trucks, full-sized heavy duty vans, small RVs and some large pickup trucks. The tires were produced between January 2010 and June 2012. The tire version and size are: Michelin LTX M/S LT 225/75R16 115/112R LRE.
Factory Bulletin ( TYPE I ) Ford F-Series equipped with Ambulance Prep package Code 47A. Bad Exhaust Gas Sensor will cause engine to shut down and not allow it to be started for an hour.
AEV has recently learned that there is a “No Start, No Crank” issue with sprinter vans in colder climates, usually under extreme cold conditions ( below 0* F ) this could have been a result of a blown fuse. The current draw of the starter exceeds 20 amps when the temperature outside is cold, the engine oil thickens and the engine requires more effort to turn over. On early model vehicles a 20 amp fuse has been installed. This fuse was changed to a 25 amp fuse in OEM production.
AEV has recently learned that the use of antifreeze in an International chassis must exactly meet the specifications required by International. Known universal antifreeze types do not fully meet this specification.
Some customers my experience a front suspension bounce under full throttle acceleration from a standstill and/or the front end sits too low. This condition may be due to the design of the front springs and shock absorbers. Read the attachment.
In case you haven’t seen this and have been getting any calls about this, attached is a service bulletin from GM regarding the 2007/08 G-Van equipped with the 6.6L diesel. Due to extended idle times of ambulances and buses, the diesel particulate filter (DPF) can be more susceptible to clogging and initiating an error code(s). Since this vehicle does not have a manual regeneration function, it relies on driving above a certain speed for a period of time to clean out the DPF, and long idle times with no continuous driving will tend to load up the filter faster. Service procedures for the dealer technicians are included in this.
Please read the attached update link for important information on the Ford F-Series Suspension.
“The Engine Control Module (ECM) on about 39,100 vehicles may not actuate the EGR valve sufficiently to prevent soot accumulation, resulting in improper valve operation or sticking. Improper valve operation may cause excessive exhaust emissions, illumination of the Malfunction Indicator Lamp and a vehicle in limp-in condition. Repair: The Engine Control Module (ECM) must be reprogrammed (flashed). Enter your VIN at Dodge.
Please read the attached link regarding the control arm on the GM 4500/5500 chassis.
Factory Bulletin ( TYPE II & TYPE III ) Ford Econoline Series Vehicles equipped with Ambulance Prep package Code 47A and Auxiliary Heater A/C Connector Package Code 57L. It has been brought to AEV’s attention that OEM A/C lines on some 2001 & 2002 Econoline series chassis have rubbed through causing leakage and loss of air conditioning. Known questionable areas are OEM lines at right angle turns below body cab and over frame just before the OEM connector valves. These OEM parts connect the Ford system to the ambulance conversion A/C components. AEV has received and forwarded to Ford Motor Company, and encourage all Ford E-Series owners to inspect these components. Effective with units we have produced after April 2002 (and until otherwise directed by Ford) AEV is installing a protective rubber covering on A/C lines in suspect areas. This problem may effect one or all of the following Ford Part #’s : YC2Z.19835.BA / YC2Z.19867.BA / F4UZ.19A990.A . 2005 AEV UPDATE – Customers are reporting that Ford has modified some or all of these parts. Verify all necessary repair components with your Ford Dealer. Ford valve change may now also be necessary Part # YC2Z-19752-AA.
Ford Vehicles
Email Ford
Email Ford
Michelin Tires
Visit Michelin’s Site
Good Year Tires
Visit Goodyear’s Site
Bridgestone / Firestone Tires
Visit the Site
We have recently received reports concerning the failure of a specific Ford component in Econoline Type II and Type III vehicles. Although this is a minor component, it’s critical location has the potential of creating a serious problem if it fails. Specifically, a wire spring in the bottom of the driver’s seat in some ambulance units has broken, and the detached end of that broken spring has evidently dropped into the driver’s seat base. One of these incidents apparently resulted in a fire which destroyed the vehicle. On most ambulances, regardless of brand, this seat base houses wiring for the ambulance conversion and aftermarket radio and computer installations. AEV standardly installs a cover both front and back of the driver’s seat base. You should be sure these have not been removed. Be advised that this same configuration and potential risk may consist on all Ford Type II and Type III ambulances regardless of manufacturer. In addition, the identical problem potentially exists for wheelchair and bus vehicles on Econoline chassis which may also utilize this type of design. AEV has developed a seat base cover which can and should installed on any Econoline modified vehicle. This cover will not prevent a broken or detached spring from protruding into the seat base. As a service to our customers, we will provide this cover and installation instructions for any AEV vehicle free of charge. Additional covers for non AEV units can be purchased for $5 each (AEV Part number COVE-SB). Please forward this important information to your fleet managers and customers so that we may send them the required quantity of covers. We also suggest you contact them in the interim, and recommend that they inspect the driver’s seat base of any vehicles they are operating to determine if the springs are all intact, and to insure that no foreign components are intruding in this critical area. Orders for covers should be forwarded to dominick.gaetano@aev.com.
General Recall Information Line. To see if there are any Ford Factory Recalls active for your specific vehicle, please click the link below and follow the instructions.
FORD: 2004-2006 E-Series TSB 05-23-16 This article supersedes TSB 05-19-3 to update the Service Procedure. Some 2004-2006 E-350/450 vehicles equipped with a 6.0L diesel engine may exhibit poor air conditioning (A/C) performance and/or A/C Compressor failure caused by high side temperatures/pressures during certain operating conditions, such as extended engine idling.
In connection with the Field Fix for the LCR/Axle Bracket on the GMC4500 application. Link will be sending out a letter to our dealers to check the LCR/Axle Bracket on the 13.5k rear axle applications for cracks. If there is a crack present on the bracket, then Link will send a replacement Field Fix Kit (800M 1041) to have the bracket removed and replaced with the new LCR/Axle Bracket. If no cracks are present if will be reviewed on an individual basis as to when and if the bracket is replaced. Generally Ambulance and Bus applications will be eligible for the replacement. Please examine the vehicle at the time of service for the condition of the bracket and contact Link with the results. Thank you, Richard Schwanke Customer Service Specialist – Chassis Suspension 712.722.4874 phone
CALL DIRECT TO FORD FLEET SERVICES 1-800-34-FLEET (3538)
Dear Ford Owner,
The safety of our customers is a primary concern to Ford Motor Company. For that reason, we want to make sure that you understand how to properly position and restrain all vehicle occupants, especially children. Air bags are safe and beneficial and are intended to be used with safety belts. They have been credited with saving over 1,100 lives and preventing injuries in thousands of other instances. However, improperly positioned or improperly belted occupants (especially children 12 and under, who should be buckled in the rear seat, if possible) can be seriously injured or killed during air bag deployment.
We urge you to adhere to the following very important guidelines:
- Always wear (and require passengers to wear) safety belts.
- Always read and follow your child seat manufacturer’s Owner Guide and your Ford Owner Guide
- Always move driver and front passenger seats as far rearward as practical
- Never place a rear-facing child seat in front of an air bag unless used in a Ford truck where the air bag has been manually deactivated
- Never allow children (or any occupant) to slide the shoulder belt behind them.
- Always buckle children 12 and under in the rear seat, if possible. Older children should also be properly buckled up and are safer in the rear seat.
We have also enclosed with this letter two warning labels to help remind you of these important guidelines. Please follow the mounting instructions on the back of the labels.
Remember, with or without air bags, children are ALWAYS safer in the rear seat. Ford Motor Company urges that every time you drive: “Buckle Up, Children in the Back.”
Ford E-350 and E-450 Spring Tower Cracks 1998-2005 EMS News reports that anyone who has a FORD E-350 or E-450 Chassis, year modules 1998-2005; should go to their local Ford Dealer and inquire about TSB 05-1-1, Publication Date Jan. 5, 2005, “Weld Repair Procedure For Spring Tower Cracks” ISSUE:Some Higher -Mileage E-350 and E-450 cutaway vans may exhibit cracks in the left or right spring tower flange. (Please keep in mind this is NOT just Ambulances, it may be other response or personal vehicles.) Small cracks can be repaired, other cracks will require FRAME REPLACEMENT and are NOT under Warranty in many cases. According to EMSN, the only people that can access the notice at a local Ford dealer is the Ford personnel themselves, however, EMSN obtained copies and scanned them and we made the three files available here. EMSN adds that this will have a huge impact on EMS vehicles and public vehicles and is a huge liability and safety risk/danger. He has received some reports of EMS services completely shutting down, while others may have to change the chassis on their complete fleet – “AT THEIR COST” due to warranty issues. Ford TSB-05-1-1
The following link will demonstrate for the service departments, Ford’s recommendation for engine maintenance without removing the cab body.
On some Chevrolet chassis AEV has found an OEM Alternator power cable that was not attached to a junction post by the OEM plant. The attached document explains the inspection procedure.
On some Dodge Cab and Chassis’ there has been some concern with front end steering with a wandering issue. Please click on the link for a tsb in regard to this issue from Dodge.
If you encounter flickering tail lights on your 2008 E-Series Ford Chassis, read the attached PDF and please follow the instructions. If you need further assistance, contact our warranty administrator.
Ask the AEV
Ambulance Experts
800-374-9749