Automatic Equipment Tow Bar Recalls

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 00E001000
Manufacturer: AUTOMATIC EQUIP. MFG. CO.
Manufactured Begin Date: June 1st, 1997
Manufactured End Date: October 31st, 1999
Date of Owner Notification: January 20th, 2000

Defect Summary:
EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION: TOW BARS. THESE UNITS MAY DEVELOP CRACKS IN THE MOUNTING BRACKETS

Consequence Summary:
THE FAILURE OF THESE BRACKETS COULD CAUSE SEPARATION OF THE TOWED VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Corrective Summary:
OWNERS WILL RECEIVE A REPLACEMENT TOW BAR. AUTOMATIC EQUIPMENT HAS REQUESTED THE RETURN OF THE DEFECTIVE TOW BAR.

Recall Notes:
OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JANUARY 20, 2000.OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT AUTOMATIC EQUIPMENT AT 402-385-3051. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 92E022000
Manufacturer: AUTOMATIC EQUIP. MFG. CO.
Manufactured Begin Date: February 1st, 1990
Manufactured End Date: September 1st, 1992
Date of Owner Notification: October 15th, 1992

Defect Summary:
TOW BAR CAN DEVELOP CRACKS IN THE CENTER PLATE MOUNTING WHERE THE TWO LEGS ARE ATTACHED. THE CRACKING IS CAUSED BY METAL FATIGUE IN A POTENTIALLY WEAK PART OF THE TOW BAR.

Consequence Summary:
IF A CRACK OCCURS AND CONTINUES TO DEVELOP, THE PLATEWILL BREAK INTO TWO PIECES. THE TOW BAR WILL STILL BE ATTACHED AT THIS TIME. BUTIT COULD FOLD IF THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED BY THE TOWING VEHICLE. CONTINUED USECOULD EVENTUALLY CAUSE TOTAL SEPARATION OF THE VEHICLE BEING TOWED.

Corrective Summary:
A NEW REDESIGNED WELDMENT WHICH INCLUDES THE CENTER PLATE AND TWO LEGS WILL BE PROVIDED TO THE CUSTOMER.

Recall Notes:
SYSTEM: EQUIPMENT: TOW BAR.EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION: TOW BARS WITH MODEL NAMES RANGEFINDER 4222SL ANDRANGEFINDER BX42222.