Bendix has issued the following statement regarding reports detailing a potential defect in its AT-6 brake valve:
“Safety and customer satisfaction are a top priority at Bendix. When concerns arise, we do everything possible to provide accurate information and to ensure the fastest and least disruptive resolution possible. Bendix has identified a potential defect in our Bendix ATR-6 valve manufactured between December 2, 2010, and January 18, 2012. On January 26, 2012, Bendix advised NHTSA of the potential defect. The defect, which can potentially occur only in vehicles operating in extremely cold conditions (at or below 0 degrees Fahrenheit / -18 degrees Celsius), has caused several vehicle manufacturers – PACCAR, Volvo, and Navistar – to defer shipments of trucks with the ATR-6 valve manufactured between December 2, 2010, and January 18, 2012. Approximately 50 – 60,000 vehicles are covered. We remain in close contact with our customers and are working diligently to address the issue and remedy the situation. A temporary remedy kit is available now. A permanent remedy kit will be forthcoming.
The ATR-6 valve is an Automatic Traction Control Relay Valve. Vehicle operators are advised that this is an intermittent air leakage issue, not related to Bendix stability systems. Vehicle ABS and service braking will still operate normally on covered vehicles. It is also essential to understand that if a vehicle operator elects to install the temporary remedy kit, Bendix ESP full stability system and Bendix® Wingman ACB & Wingman Advanced will be temporarily suspended until the permanent remedy kit is installed.
A Q&A about this issue is available through the Bendix ATR Value Update link at www.bendix.com. In addition, our Bendix ATR-6 Action Line is staffed from 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. ET seven days a week for technical questions and ordering information. The toll free number is 1-800-478-1793.”
