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Vehicle recall 96V179000 · September 23, 1996

Altec Whisper Chipper and Whisperdisc

The brake wire inside the trailer brake wiring plug was connected to the wrong terminal and, therefore, not properly connected to the switch in the truck cab which controls the…

Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.

Summary
The brake wire inside the trailer brake wiring plug was connected to the wrong terminal and, therefore, not properly connected to the switch in the truck cab which controls the trailer brakes.
Consequence
The trailer brakes may be inoperable or could inadvertently be applied when the truck chassis lights are switched on, increasing the risk of a vehicle accident.
Remedy
The trailer brake wiring will be inspected and corrected if necessary. Owners can perform this inspection and replace or have a dealer do the necessary corrections if they so desire.
Notes
Owner notification:owner notification is expected to begin November 15, 1996. Note: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 altec at 1-919-528-2535. Also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-800-424-9393.

Recall details

NHTSA campaign
96V179000
Reported to NHTSA
September 23, 1996
Filed by
ALTEC, INCORPORATED
Owner notification
November 15, 1996
Vehicles potentially affected
825
Initiated by
the manufacturer
Components
Service brakes, electric
Recall 96V179000 on nhtsa.gov, with the manufacturer’s documents

Vehicles covered

As listed by NHTSA. A recall usually covers only some vehicles of each model and year, often a production date range.

Has your Altec been repaired?

Recalls here come from NHTSA’s records for the model and year. Not every vehicle of a model is included in every recall, and this site can’t see whether a repair has been done. Only a VIN lookup can tell you that.

NHTSA’s VIN search doesn’t show recalls that were already repaired, recalls more than 15 years old, or some small manufacturers’ recalls. A Altec dealer can also check your VIN. Recall repairs are free.