Caterpillar 3406e-engine 1999

• Recall 10045 [USA]: Increased steering effort can occur.
  Equipment description: electronically unit injected diesel engines used in combination with eaton 10 and 18 speed autoshift transmissions. The engines can stall because of software problems.
  dealers will update these engines with software changes.
  owner notification began september 17, 1999. 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 caterpillar at 1-309-675-5658.Also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).

  Show Content

• Recall 2000161 [Canada]: Engine
  On certain vehicles equipped with eaton auto shift transmissions and an auto retarder in cruise options, if the driver initiates a downshift when the cruise control is being used and the auto retarder in cruise is on, the retarder may stall the engine without prior warning when the transmission shifts into neutral without prior warning. This is due to incorrect programming of the engine electronic control module. Correction: electronic control module will be reprogrammed with a software update.

  Show Content

To ensure accuracy and for your safety, it is recommended to do a free VIN recall check here or here [USA] - UK - Canada.

Bulletins are notices put out by manufacturers in conjunction with the NHTSA to notify the public of manufacturing issues or changes.

• Crankshaft failures investigation # PE04046

  The pe was opened based on reports of failing crankshafts on heavy truck enginess and a related service letter (ps50663) issued by caterpillar.The service letter makes available a phased-in extended warranty for a replacement crankshaft, based on mileage.Odi is concerned that a failed crankshaft mayresult in a disabled (stalled) 80,000 pound vehicle.Odi also has concerns about vehicle control, given that the power steering pump may be disabled, in the event of an engine shut down.During the pe it was discovered that at least some of the engines may continue to operate, but with dramatically reduced power and possible adverse affects on vehicle (steering) control.Odi is concerned that the engines high failure rate will continue to increase with time in service.Odi is aware that many of the engines are reaching the point of being overhauled, however, it is unknown what affect this will have on identifying potential future crankshaft failures.Caterpillar has determined the root cause of the crankshaft failures to be grinder burn,whichresults in a crack at the # 1 or # 6 connecting rod fillet. This crack is not visible during a visual inspection of the crankshaft.In summary, a heavy vehicle with limited or no mobility and possibly compromised steering control is of concern to odi and more so if hazerdous materials are being transported.Therefore, odi has upgraded this investigation to gain a full understanding of the safety impact on vehicle operation. Odi will be contacting fleets and vehicle manufacturers during the engineering analysis.
  

  Show Content

Faulty equipment. *ak

The crankshaft broke when slowing for a scale house, leaving the truck disabled. The truck was towed to a shop. The cluch and transmission input shaft had to be replaced. *jb