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KME Predator Recall 20V192: Corroded battery studs can short circuit and drain battery

NHTSA campaign 20V192, reported April 2, 2020, 678 vehicles potentially affected.

What this recall means for you

Corrosion can build up between the positive battery jumper stud and its retaining ring, creating an electrical short circuit. The short can drain the battery, which may keep the emergency vehicle from operating when it is needed, increasing the risk of injury in an emergency.

KME will notify owners. Dealers will clean the jumper studs, connection surfaces and connections, then seal the connection surfaces and wire terminals with silicone electrical sealant. All services are free of charge. The recall began May 18, 2020.

Owners may contact KME customer service at 1-800-235-3928. You can also check your vehicle identification number (VIN) for open recalls.

Check whether this recall is open on your vehicle

The repair is normally free at an authorized dealer.

Official recall notice

Safety recall 20V192Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp.
Component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES
Problem
Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp. (KME) is recalling certain 2016-2020 Predator Custom, Predator Panther, Predator Severe Service, and 2016-2019 Commercial Cab/Chassis vehicles. An electrical short circuit can occur due to a build-up of corrosion between the positive battery jumper stud and the retaining ring for the stud.
Risk
An electrical short circuit may drain the battery, preventing the emergency vehicle from being able to operate, thereby increasing the risk of injury in the event of an emergency.
Remedy
KME will notify owners, and dealers will clean the jumper studs, connection surfaces, and connections. Additionally, the connection surfaces and wire terminals will then be sealed with a silicone electrical sealant. All services will be performed free of charge. The recall began May 18, 2020. Owners may contact KME customer service at 1-800-235-3928.
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

KME Commercialcab/ Chassis2016201720182019
KME Predator20162017201820192020
KME Predator Panther20162017201820192020