Tekonsha Breakaway Switch Recalls

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 00E045000
Manufacturer: TEKONSHA ENGINEERING CO.
Manufactured Begin Date: April 1st, 2000
Manufactured End Date: July 7th, 2000
Date of Owner Notification: September 5th, 2000

Defect Summary:
EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION: BREAKAWAY SWITCH ASSEMBLIES FOR TRAILERS SHIPPED DURING APRIL 1 THROUGH JULY 7, 2000. THE SUBJECT SWITCHES ARE BASE PARTS 2011 AND 50-85-009, AND ARE BRANDED TEKONSHA (2011) AND BARGMAN (50-85-009). THESE MAY BE PACKAGED IN KIT NUMBERS 1026, 1028, 2011-23, 2028-23, 2011P, 2011AP, 20005, 20010, 20015, 20020, 2026, 2026-LB, 2028, 1026-LB, 50-85-200, 50-85-201, 50-85-250, 5061404, 5061406, 5061407, 5061408, 5061410, 5061506, 5061507, 5061508, 5067406, 5067407, 5067408, 5067409, AND 5067410. THE INTERNAL SWITCHING MECHANISM MAY FAIL TO MAKE PROPER CONTACT AND PROVIDE ELECTRICAL CONTINUITY WHEN THE BREAKAWAY PIN IS PULLED. THIS CONDITION MAY RESULT IN NO ELECTRICAL POWER TO THE TRAILER BRAKES IN THE EVENT OF A TRAILER BREAKAWAY SITUATION AND COULD OCCUR WITHOUT WARNING.

Consequence Summary:
IN THE EVENT OF A TRAILER BREAKING LOOSE FROM A TOW VEHICLE, THE MALFUNCTION OF A BREAKAWAY SWITCH COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH, PERSONAL INJURY, PROPERTY DAMAGE OR BOTH.

Corrective Summary:
TEKONSHA IS NOTIFYING DISTRIBUTORS AND ORIGINAL EQUPIMENT MANUFACTURERS AND WILL REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE BREAKAWAY DEVICE WITH NEW BREAKWAWY KITS FREE OF CHARGE. ALSO, TEKONSHA WILL REIMBURSE FOR ALL FREIGHT CHARGES TO AND FROM ITS CUSTOMERS ON RECALLED PART NUMBER.

Recall Notes:
OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 5, 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 TEKONSHA TOWING SYSTEMS AT 1-800-325-5860.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).