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Smeal Aerial Recall 16V583: Fire Truck Pump May Fail to Engage at a Fire Scene

NHTSA campaign 16V583, reported August 4, 2016, 88 vehicles potentially affected.

What this recall means for you

Certain 2015-2016 Smeal fire trucks may have a Waterous C20 or C21 split-shaft transmission with a damaged component in the shift unit. This can prevent the operator from switching the power output, so the truck may be unable to run its water pump or drive power when it arrives at a fire.

If the power output cannot be changed, the fire truck may not be able to pump water to help extinguish the fire, which increases the risk of injury. Owners should contact Smeal customer service at 1-877-415-8628 for more information and check their vehicle identification number (VIN) for open recalls.

Smeal will notify owners. Authorized dealers will remove the shift unit assembly and replace the clevis pin and retaining rings at no cost to the owner.

Check whether this recall is open on your vehicle

The repair is normally free at an authorized dealer.

Official recall notice

Safety recall 16V583Smeal Fire Apparatus Co., Inc.
Component
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
Problem
Smeal Fire Apparatus Co., Inc. (Smeal) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Smeal Aerial and Pumper fire trucks manufactured July 16, 2015, to August 1, 2016. The affected vehicles may be equipped with certain C20 and C21 split-shaft transmissions from Waterous. This transmission sends power to the wheels of an emergency response vehicle or powers an add-on unit such as a water pump used for fighting fires. A component within the shift unit may be damaged and as a result, the operator may not be able to switch the power output.
Risk
If the power output cannot be changed, once the fire truck arrives at the scene, it may not be able to pump water to aid in extinguishing the fire, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Smeal will notify owners, and dealers will remove the shift unit assembly and replace the clevis pin and retaining rings, free of charge. The recall began on September 12, 2016. Owners may contact Smeal customer service at 1-877-415-8628.
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.safercar.gov.

Affected vehicles

Smeal Aerial2015
Smeal Aerial Fire Apparatus2016
Smeal Pumper20152016