NHTSA safety investigation
NHTSA Investigation EA85031
Engineering Analysis · Ford Motor Company · SUSPENSION
An investigation is not a finding that a defect exists.
NHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
What NHTSA is examining
The agency's own description of the inquiry, quoted as published
REAR WHEEL LOCKUP
SUMMARY: THE 6.9L DIESEL ENGINE WAS NOT UTILIZED IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLESPRIOR TO THE 1983 MODEL YEAR.A PROPORTIONING VALVE WAS ADDED AND THEFRONT BRAKE METERING VALVE (WHICH DELAYS FRONT BRAKE APPLICATION) WASDELETED ON 1984 MODELS.FORD ISSUED A SERVICE BULLETIN IN NOVEMBER 1983RECOMMENDING THAT A 275 PSI PROPORTIONING VALVE BE INSTALLED FOR OWNERSWHO COMPLAIN OF EXCESSIVE REAR BRAKE SENSITIVITY.ANALYSIS:THE 6.9L DIESEL ENGINE INCREASES VEHICLE WEIGHT BY ALMOST900 LBS. COMPARED TO A TRUCK WITH A SMALLER V-8 GASOLINE ENGINE. MOST OFTHE ADDITIONAL WEIGHT IS SUPPORTED BY THE FRONT WHEELS.THE DESIGN CHAN-GES INCORPORATED IN 1984 APPEAR TO HAVE CORRECTED THE PROBLEM.STATUS:FINAL ETF TEST REPORT RECEIVED 6/15/87.IR RESPONSE DATED10/12/87.
An investigation is a separate record from a recall and from a manufacturer communication. A manufacturer campaign to repair a safety defect or a failure to meet a federal safety standard.
Investigation details
Identifiers, dates and outcome as recorded by NHTSA
- Action number
- EA85031
- Investigation type
- Engineering Analysis (EA)
- Status
- Closed
- Manufacturer
- Ford Motor Company
- Component
- SUSPENSION
- Opened
- Jul 12, 1985
- Closed
- Oct 11, 1988
- Associated recall campaign
- None recorded
Vehicles named in this investigation
2 model years across 1 model
Being named here means NHTSA included the vehicle in the scope of its inquiry. It is not a statement that these vehicles have a defect.