CATERPILLAR 2003 MY 3126E ENGINES WITH CONVERTER MUFFLERS WITH WELDS ADDED TO THE STRAPS THAT SUPPORT THE CONVERTER MUFFLERS TO THE CHASSIS. THESE WELDS ARE CAUSING THE STRAPS TO FAIL.
WHEN THE STRAPS FAIL, THE MUFFLER CAN DROP TO THE GROUND.
CATERPILLAR WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS TO TAKE THEIR VEHICLE TO A CATERPILLER ENGINE REPAIR FACILITY TO HAVE THE CONVERTER MUFFLER STRAPS REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN OCTOBER 29, 2004. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CATERPILLER AT 309-675-6496.
ALSO, CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).