Investigations
HEATER HOSE MISROUTING
NHTSA Preliminary Evaluation PE89044 - closed, opened 1989-02-17 and involving the FORD FORD.
NHTSA investigation PE89044 is a Preliminary Evaluation opened on 1989-02-17 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 1989-04-19 - NHTSA updates that field whenever an Information Request goes out, a supplement is filed, or a status change is recorded in the public docket.
A Preliminary Evaluation like PE89044 is the entry point of the federal defect-investigation process. NHTSA engineers scan complaint databases, field reports, and manufacturer data to decide whether an Engineering Analysis is warranted, whether a voluntary recall is already sufficient, or whether the pattern does not rise to a defect finding.
Investigators summarized the matter as follows: "SUMMARY: CHAMPION HAS FURNISHED HEATER HOSE ROUTING DIAGRAMS WHICHCLEARLY SHOW THAT THE ONLY HEATER HOSE ROUTING EVER USED BY CHAMPIONROUTES THE HOSES FROM THE HEATER, ACROSS THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT NEAR THERADIATOR, AND..." 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: CHAMPION HAS FURNISHED HEATER HOSE ROUTING DIAGRAMS WHICHCLEARLY SHOW THAT THE ONLY HEATER HOSE ROUTING EVER USED BY CHAMPIONROUTES THE HOSES FROM THE HEATER, ACROSS THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT NEAR THERADIATOR, AND DOWN TO THE DRIVERS SIDE FRAME RAIL THE SIDE MOST REMOTEFROM THE EXHAUST SYSTEM, AND REARWARD ALONG THIS FRAME RAIL TO THE REAROF THE VEHICLE. THIS ROUTING IS THE ROUTING PREFERRED AND MOST HIGHLYRECOMMENDED BY FORD.===
About This Investigation Type
A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first phase of NHTSA's investigation process. It is opened when the agency identifies a potential safety defect pattern, usually triggered by consumer complaints, manufacturer reports, or field monitoring. During a PE, NHTSA gathers information to determine whether a formal engineering analysis is warranted.
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.