EngineFuel system
Filed Jul 20, 2021
Motorhome engine went into derate mode because of faulty DEF sensor. Spartan is the chassis manufacturer and advises this is a common problem with the DEF sensors. We have since learned there is a protocol to follow to keep engine from going to 5 MPH derate mode but did not know about this at time and Spartan apparently did not know it either because they advised just getting off the road ASAP. Luckily we avoided shut down on I-95 but if it occurred on a busy interstate the safety ramifications are enormous. It seems to me a safety recall should be issued on all vehicles with this defective part and the design changed so that if a failure occurs, reasonable advance notice should be incorporated in the design as I understand some trucks have.
- NHTSA ID
- 11425697
- Incident
- May 31, 2021
EngineFuel system
Filed Jul 17, 2021
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) head failure. Diagnostics codes SPN 3364 / 1761 / 3031 The offending unit is not available from me, the mobile mechanic took it with him. My Motorcoach derated. I was able to get to a safe parking spot, where I waited one week to be repaired, (1000 miles from home) Could not move from that spot, as top speed was limited to 5 MPH. I was warned during travel by dashboard warning lights to check engine. It was good I was aware of potential DEF head issues, so I immediately checked the diagnostic codes, then immediately found a safe place to stop. I contacted Spartan, Entegra, and Coachnet, whom between them, acknowledged the problem and sent a replacement head. Once the head was replaced, fault codes were cleared and I was able to continue. So, other than the monitoring head itself being faulty, all the inputs the head monitored were fine.
- NHTSA ID
- 11425251
- Incident
- May 1, 2021
DEF sensor/head made by Shaw Industries. Currently up to Generation 7. IT IS NOT AVAILBALE FOR INSPECTION TAKEN BY REPAIR COMPANY. Vehicle engine gives warning if you continue to drive will only allow 5 MPH and then shut down. Part was replaced and codes cleared. This is a common problem. Hard to get replacement parts. Codes can be found in SPartan manual.
- NHTSA ID
- 11423271
- Incident
- Jun 28, 2021