Return spring

An NHTSA Engineering Analysis into Williams vehicles. Closed 16 November 1990.

Investigation
EA89035
Type
Engineering Analysis
Opened
29 August 1989
Closed
16 November 1990

What NHTSA investigated

Summary:subject electronic pedals are equipped with a double returnspring.two units reportedly have completely failed, with several othersexperiencing a single spring failure.williams attempted to address theissue with a service bulletin mandating an annual inspection of the subjectsprings, and biannual replacement.this procedure is deemed unrealisticfor over the road truck operators.failure of the springs results in wideopen throttle.williams currently is conducting a fleet survey andadditional durability testing to determine the magnitude of the problem.at least two trucks manufacturers have issued strongly worded servicebulletins concerning this matter.this problem appears to have safetyimplications.additional information is needed.===

Recalls that followed

  1. Williams — Vehicle Speed Control: Accelerator Pedal90E03400025 September 19903,850 vehicles
  2. Williams — Vehicle Speed Control: Accelerator Pedal90E0100001 May 199030,000 vehicles

Vehicles covered

MakeModelModel years
WilliamsFOOT PEDALModel year not recorded
WilliamsWILLIAMS1985–1988

Source

From NHTSA’s investigation file, rebuilt daily. To report a problem with your own vehicle, go to nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem. All open investigations.