Daily dispatch, March 23: Peterbilt recalls more than 35,000 trucks over potential battery issue

Trucking news and briefs for Monday, March 23, 2020:

Paccar recalls more than 35,000 Peterbilts
Paccar has issued a recall that affects approximately 35,671 Peterbilt tractors from model year 2015-2020 equipped with a left-hand under hood jumper terminal, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration documents.

Affected trucks include Peterbilt 365, 389, 567 and 579 models. In the affected trucks, the positive battery jumper terminal cable may be too long, allowing it to chafe against the left front suspension spring and result in an electrical short circuit, which increases the risk of the fire.

Paccar will notify owners of affected trucks, and dealers will inspect the battery jumper terminal cables and replace them as necessary. Owners can contact Paccar customer service at 1-940-591-4220 with recall number 20PBA. NHTSA’s recall number is 20V-130.

The company also issued a separate recall for approximately 233 model year 2016-2020 Peterbilt 320 and 520 models with dual foot valves and a liftable tag or tri-drive rear axles. The rear brake signal hose in these trucks may be missing a quick release valve, possibly causing a delay in their brake release timing.

Paccar will notify owners, and dealers will check the trucks for a quick release valve, installing one if necessary. Owners can contact Paccar customer service at 1-940-591-4220 with recall number 20PBB. NHTSA’s recall number is 20V-132.