Investigation EA04001: Vehicles

Status

CLOSED

Opened

Dec 23, 2003

Closed

Feb 27, 2004

Model years

—

Subject

Ambulance alternator failures

Component: Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulator

Summary

Odi investigated this problem when notified of multiple alternator fanfailures by a western ambulance fleet that travelled long distances during their calls. Odi's concern was that when an alternator fandisentegrated,it would result in a disabled ambulance, which placed the passengers at an increased risk, since timely medical assistance would be delayed. Odi, working with horton and leece-neville, (the alternator mfr) found that the fan's cooling blades were not designed to withstand the rpms inherent to the operating conditions of this application.horton is working with the alternator manufacturer prestolite (leece-neville) to modifiy the alternator setup to be more robust.the vehicles of concern are equipped with a 454 cu in gasoline engine (gm chassis) and are built with alternators which were designed for diesel engines, which have a lower rpm operating range.horton, with leece-neville assistnace, will be providing the correct altenators, appropriate for this application, to ambulance owners.horton's safety recall satisfies odi's concerns.therefore this investigation is closed.

An NHTSA investigation looks into whether a safety defect exists. Opening one is not a finding. Outcomes can include a recall, closure without action, or further inquiry.