Recall Corner — February 2001

Allison Transmission has announced a customer satisfaction campaign related to certain AT500 Series transmissions. Some of these transmissions contain a torque converter that has an inadequately heat-treated component. If this condition exists, the torque converter could fail, resulting in a change in the vehicle performance and/or shift quality.

The defect is randomly distributed in AT500 Series transmissions with serial numbers 3210988813 through 3211064342 and in all AT500 torque converter service parts kits 29514487 to 29514486 sold from April 1999 to April 2000. The campaign also involves ReTran transmissions built between April 1999 and April 2000 with serial numbers 9108086917 to 9108101327.

Dealers or distributors will repair or replace transmissions, service parts kits, and ReTran units at no charge to owners regardless of mileage, age of vehicle, or ownership. All affected torque converters will be replaced, and failing transmissions will be repaired or replaced. The time needed for the repair varies according to vehicle.

For more information, contact an authorized Allison distributor or dealer, or visit www.allisontransmission.com.

Allison first released this campaign bulletin in May 2000.

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Roadmaster Inc. is contacting customers who may be using Roadmaster mounting brackets on 1998 or 1999 Volkswagen Beetles. Roadmaster has determined that the frame of the Volkswagen is not strong enough for the vehicle to be towed with the original bracket design. If not caught in time, the frame will likely crack or fail.

Roadmaster is offering a free update kit (part #521225-1), which will reinforce the frame. The company reports that it has already supplied the kit to a majority of customers affected.

This safety bulletin involves only Roadmaster tow bar brackets part #521225-1 for 1998 and 1999 Volkswagen Beetles, and only those brackets purchased before September 1999.

If you have one of these brackets, contact Roadmaster at (800) 669-9690 and ask for Jody at extension 138.

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