Investigations
REAR WHEEL LOCKUP
NHTSA Engineering Analysis EA85031 - closed, opened 1985-07-12 and involving the FORD FORD.
NHTSA investigation EA85031 is a Engineering Analysis opened on 1985-07-12 and currently closed. The subject of record is FORD FORD, which places this file inside the Office of Defects Investigation queue for FORD. Latest activity on this investigation was logged on 1988-10-11 - NHTSA updates that field whenever an Information Request goes out, a supplement is filed, or a status change is recorded in the public docket.
An Engineering Analysis like EA85031 is the deeper technical phase that follows a PE. NHTSA requests design, warranty, and field-failure data from the manufacturer, conducts its own testing when needed, and determines whether the evidence supports a safety defect finding that would compel a recall.
Investigators summarized the matter as follows: "SUMMARY: THE 6.9L DIESEL ENGINE WAS NOT UTILIZED IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLESPRIOR TO THE 1983 MODEL YEAR. A PROPORTIONING VALVE WAS ADDED AND THEFRONT BRAKE METERING VALVE (WHICH DELAYS FRONT BRAKE APPLICATION) WASDELETED ON..." Investigations are the early-warning layer of the federal auto-safety system, sitting upstream of formal recalls and defect orders. Whether this one closes without action or escalates into an Engineering Analysis, the full history stays in the ODI archive so researchers, litigators, and buyers can pull the paper trail at any time. Related FORD files, listed below, give context on whether this is an isolated concern or part of a broader pattern across the brand.
Investigation Summary
SUMMARY: THE 6.9L DIESEL ENGINE WAS NOT UTILIZED IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLESPRIOR TO THE 1983 MODEL YEAR. A PROPORTIONING VALVE WAS ADDED AND THEFRONT BRAKE METERING VALVE (WHICH DELAYS FRONT BRAKE APPLICATION) WASDELETED ON 1984 MODELS. FORD ISSUED A SERVICE BULLETIN IN NOVEMBER 1983RECOMMENDING THAT A 275 PSI PROPORTIONING VALVE BE INSTALLED FOR OWNERSWHO COMPLAIN OF EXCESSIVE REAR BRAKE SENSITIVITY.ANALYSIS: THE 6.9L DIESEL ENGINE INCREASES VEHICLE WEIGHT BY ALMOST900 LBS. COMPARED TO A TRUCK WITH A SMALLER V-8 GASOLINE ENGINE. MOST OFTHE ADDITIONAL WEIGHT IS SUPPORTED BY THE FRONT WHEELS. THE DESIGN CHAN-GES INCORPORATED IN 1984 APPEAR TO HAVE CORRECTED THE PROBLEM.STATUS: FINAL ETF TEST REPORT RECEIVED 6/15/87. IR RESPONSE DATED10/12/87.
About This Investigation Type
An Engineering Analysis (EA) is the in-depth phase following a Preliminary Evaluation. NHTSA engineers conduct testing, collect data from manufacturers, and perform detailed technical analysis to determine whether a safety defect exists. An EA may lead to a voluntary recall by the manufacturer or, in rare cases, a mandatory recall order.
Other FORD Investigations
Unintended Transmission Downshift and Rear Wheel Lock-up
Timing Belt Failure
Underbody shields detachment
B-Pillar Trim Detachment
Unintended Transmission Downshift and Rear Wheel Lock-up
Data from NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Cross-references: NHTSA recall campaign API and NHTSA FARS where fatality records overlap. PlainCars does not rate or recommend vehicles. about how PlainCars sources NHTSA data.
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.