Kwikee Eletronic Step Control Recalls

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 00E077000
Manufacturer: KWIKEE PRODUCTS COMPANY, INC.
Manufactured Begin Date: July 17th, 2000
Manufactured End Date: October 1st, 2000
Date of Owner Notification: February 1st, 2001

Defect Summary:
EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION: ELECTRIC STEP CONTROLS SERIAL NOS. 93,822-103,007 SOLD BY KWIKEE AS ORIGINAL REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT TO RECREATIONAL VEHICLE MANUFACTURERS AND VAN CONVERTERS BETWEEN JULY 17 AND OCTOBER 1, 2000. PARTS IN THIS RANGE MAY ALSO HAVE BEEN AVAILABLE TO REPAIR SHOPS AND END USE CUSTOMERS DURING THE SAME DATES. THESE STEP CONTROLS (BLACK BOX ONLY) WERE IMPROPERLY ASSEMBLED BY SUBSTITUTING A FUSE (IN PLACE OF A DIODE) ON THE PORCH LAMP CIRCUIT. THE PORCH LIGHT CIRCUIT EXITS THE CONTROL THROUGH A PURPLE WIRE ON THE POTTED SIDE OF THE CONTROL. THE PORCH LIGHT/PURPLE WIRE CONNECTION GIVES THE MANUFACTURERS THE OPTION OF ILLUMINATING THE UNDER STEP LIGHT THROUGH A SWITCH MOUNTED INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE SUBSTITUTION OF A FUSE FOR THE INTENDED DIODE MAY CAUSE THE STEP TO INADVERTENTLY RETRACT WHEN THE PORCH LIGHT IS TURNED ON.

Consequence Summary:
INADVERTENT STEP RETRACTION CREATES A RISK OF FALLING FROM THE VEHICLE RESULTING IN PERSONAL INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.

Corrective Summary:
KWIKEE WILL NOTIFY AND INSTRUCT THE CUSTOMERS TO INSPECT THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT FOR THE PURPLE WIRE AND, IF PRESENT, CUT THE WIRE. THEN CONTACT KWIKEE OR THEIR LOCAL DEALER FOR A FREE REPLACEMENT.

Recall Notes:
OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 1, 2001.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 KWIKEE AT 1-800-736-9961. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).