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Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems is recalling certain EC80 Advanced Electronic Control Units (ECUs) due to potential safety risks. Electrical noise and low signal strength may cause these ECUs to malfunction, leading to diminished or lost functionality of critical safety systems such as ABS, Automatic Traction Control, and Electronic Stability Control. This malfunction increases the risk of a crash. Bendix will reprogram the ECU software at no cost, and owners will be notified by December 1, 2024.
Key Highlights:
- EC80 ECU recall affects over 442,000 units.
- Electrical noise and weak signal may cause the ECU to malfunction.
- Critical safety systems like ABS, ATC, and ESC may stop functioning.
- Bendix will offer free ECU software reprogramming to resolve the issue.
Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems has initiated a recall for 442,139 units of the Bendix EC80 Advanced ECU. The recalled units include various models, such as those with Advanced Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and Automatic Traction Control (ATC). The malfunction stems from electrical noise and low power line carrier (PLC) signal strength, which can prevent the ECU from correctly processing commands or cause it to stop working altogether.
The affected ECUs are installed in towing vehicles, specifically in tractors or trucks that pull trailers and use the PLC network for communication. Vehicles that do not pull trailers over the PLC network are not affected by this recall.
Bendix will reprogram the faulty software, free of charge, to prevent these issues. Notification letters will be sent to owners starting December 1, 2024. For additional information, owners can contact Bendix Customer Service at 440-329-9000 or reach out to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or visit nhtsa.gov.
The defect could lead to faults in multiple safety systems, including ABS, ATC, Electronic Stability Control, Active Cruise Control, and Collision Mitigation Systems. This issue increases the likelihood of a crash, especially during stability events or automated braking requests. Owners are advised to check for illuminated ABS warning lamps, which indicate the ECU has detected a fault.
Bendix halted the production of affected ECUs in early October 2024 and resumed production later that month with updated software that eliminates the defect. Notifications to vehicle manufacturers and owners are scheduled to be completed by December 1, 2024.
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