More Ford F-150 recalls issued

Ford has announced that it will recall approximately 271,000 F-150 pickups in North America. There are concerns over a potential fluid leak that could reduce braking power in the front brakes on the 2013 and 2014 models equipped with 3.5 liter V6 engines. Ford is aware of nine reported crashes without injuries. Notices will be sent out starting in July for affected vehicles or you may contact your local Ford dealer for more information. Dealers will replace the master cylinder and the brake booster, at no cost, if leaks are found.

Ford also issued a recall back in March 2016 on certain 2016 F-150 trucks manufactured April 27, 2015 to November 22, 2015 equipped with Multi-Contour Seats (MCS). This recall is for the front passenger seat air bag in affected trucks. The Occupant Classification System (OCS) that calibrates the air bag deployment level could possibly classify an adult as a child when the seat’s massage feature is activated. If this classification error occurs, the air bag on the front passenger side will not deploy during a crash, therefore increasing the risk of injury. Ford started notifying owners March 7, 2016. Dealers will update the Occupant Classification System Module (OCSM) with new software, free of charge, in affected trucks. If you feel your vehicle may be at risk, you may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 and reference recall number 16S05.

Snow business in the spring?

The 2016 APWA North American Snow Conference is the premier Event in Snow & Ice Management. The Snow Conference, hosted by the APWA New England Chapter, is being held at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford, May 22-25^th. The Show for Snow will bring together more than 2,000 snowfighters from all regions of the winter maintenance circle. The conference features an exhibit floor guaranteed to educate you with the newest snow related equipment and products, training programs and technical tours. It’s the best opportunity to network and exchange ideas with manufacturers, distributors, consultants, and other public works professionals. For more information about the 2016 Show for Snow, visit www.apwa.net/snow.

Even though Fleetwest will not be in attendance, we extend our warm Tempe sunshine to Hartford.

If your business is snow, then you won’t want to miss this show! 

Ford F-150 Safety Recall

Ford has issued a safety recall for 2011-2012 Ford F-150s due to a potential issue with the output speed sensor on the transmission lead frame. Ford says the transmission controls could force a temporary downshift into first gear under certain conditions. The recall notice goes on to say that depending on the speed of the vehicle during the downshift, the driver could experience an abrupt reduction in speed that could cause the rear tires to slide or lock up. A loss of vehicle control, which increases the risk of a crash, could occur under these circumstances.

Ford is aware of three reports of accidents with no injuries related to this situation. There are around 202,000 vehicles affected by the transmission recall that includes the 2012 Ford Expedition, Ford Mustang and the Lincoln Navigator.

These vehicles are equipped with a 6R80 transmission and include certain 2011-2012 Ford F-150 vehicles built at the Dearborn Assembly Plant and the Kansas City Assembly Plant from August 19, 2011 through March 9, 2012. As well as, 2012 Ford Expeditions built at the Kentucky Truck Plant from August 19, 2011 through December 19, 2011; Ford Mustangs built at the Flat Rock Assembly Plant from August 19, 2011 through February 21, 2012; and Lincoln Navigators built at the Kentucky Truck Plant from August 19, 2011 through December 17, 2011.

If you feel you may be affected by this recall, vehicle owners can call Ford at 866-436-7332 for more information; or go to Cars.com to find your local dealer for service. Dealers will inspect the powertrain control module for diagnostic trouble codes related to the issue. If no trouble codes are present, an update in the powertrain control module software will be provided to eliminate the condition. In addition, Ford will provide a one-time replacement of the lead frame at no charge within 10 years or 150,000 miles from the warranty start date.  If the trouble codes are present, then dealers will update the software needed and replace the lead frame at no cost to the customer.

If your work truck is a F-150 affected by this recall and you have a Fleetwest transferable truck body, there is no need to worry about technician downtime during repairs. Simply transfer your work truck body out of the F-150 and into another truck bed and in a matter of minutes your technician is back to work. Fleetwest has the innovative solutions to optimize your fleets’ evolution. 

http://www.fleetwest.net/

10 items you should keep in truck for emergencies

Regardless of the season, it’s always a good idea to keep a vehicle stocked with essential items. These include the obvious, like windshield scraper and brush, flashlight, extra batteries, jumper cables, first-aid kit, cell phone charger, blanket and tire gauge. 

Many of the things that people keep in their cars vary with their needs. There are also some that are not as obvious. Here are some items to help prepare you for whatever situation may arise.

10 items you should keep in your car, and why:

 1. Disinfectant wipes:   Use for many things, such as cleaning up a spill to cleaning dirty hands.

2. USB mobile device charger:

 Important to have in case there is ever a moment when your phone might run out of battery.

3. Energy bars:  These snacks are non-perishable and will hold you over if ever stuck waiting for assistance.

4. Bottled water:  Important to stay hydrated when on the road.

 5. Maps: Yes, the paper kind. It's always important to keep an updated map on hand.

6. WD-40:  Can loosen a lug nut or protect rubber truck molding.

7. Duct tape:  Great for temporary fixes, such as holding your muffler in place.

8. Flares or reflective triangle:  Important to have so you don’t get hit on the side of the road.

9. Utility knife:  This multipurpose tool can handle numerous problems that may arise.

10. Matches:  Keep a couple matchbooks in a freezer bag so that they stay dry.  Good to have just in case, you never know when you might need them.

You can keep all these items stored nice and organized inside your Fleetwest transferable truck body. Fleetwest offers numerous options to help keep you more organized, safe and efficient, such as:

• Custom shelving and storage bins
• Drawers with multi-sized dividers
• 1000 lb. slides
• LED lighting

Call Fleetwest today for a quote at (866) 497-7200

Need a Facelift?

Are you looking for a less expensive way to change the color of your truck? You may want to look into Plasti Dip. Plasti Dip is a flexible, rubber coating originally used to coat tool handles. This innovative product has now been enhanced with additives to be used as an alternative finish on vehicles. Not only is this process cheaper than a new paint job, it is also a non-permanent way to change the color of your truck or van. This flexible coating’s most alluring feature allows for you to peel it off later for another color or design.

Even though once used for just covering tools, auto applications are now the number one use for Plasti Dip. According to representatives at Plasti Dip, it’s best to apply three to five coats to a vehicle, making it easier to peel off later. The thicker the coat, the easier it is to remove. Also, one thing to keep in mind is to be careful filling up at the gas station. Gas will stain the surface of the Plasti Dip finish.  To help avoid this, a gas guard can be purchased online at dipyourcar.com for around $9.

If it’s graphics you desire, stencils can be applied and Plasti Dip rolled over top; though this method is recommended on matte finishes. As far as vinyl graphics being placed on a Plasti Dipped vehicle, such as a business logo, it will work as well. However, if the graphic is removed the coating will peel, according to Chicago Dipped co-owner, Jameson Emling.  Plasti Dip can even be used to update other items such as dashboard components, rims, grills, trim and bumpers.

Plasti Dip does offer a primer that will make this product more permanent if you are not interested in the peeling feature. Plasti Dipped vehicles and items can be pressure or hand-washed. This product is an affordable way to change your truck without affecting its resale value.

Another way to protect a truck's resale value, and even keeping with the non-permanent theme, is with a Fleetwest transferable truck body. At Fleetwest we offer innovative service bodies, in steel or fiberglass composite, that transfer on and off your pick-up truck fully loaded in minutes. All of this made possible with a no holes drilled installation. Other benefits of transferability include:

·         Reduces downtime

·         Flexibility and security

·         Increase technician job satisfaction

·         Better return on investment (ROI)

Call a Fleetwest representative today for a quote toll-free in the US at (866) 497-7200