Certain medium duty trucks equipped with the optional caterpillar diesel engine (LG5) option were built with a misrouted battery cable that could come in contact with the exhaust pipe. The conduit and the nylon cable coating could degrade to the point where the copper wire strands of the cable are exposed.

If the cable strands contacted the exhaust pipe a short circuit could cause the battery cable coatings to ignite and possibly lead to an engine compartment fire.

Dealers will inspect the battery cable for proper routing and reroute the cable if necessary. Owner notification is expected to begin during October 2002. 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 GMC at 1-800-462-8782.

Certain 2003-2005 model year 4500/5500 series Chevrolet Kodiak, school bus chassis, and GMC Topkick vehicles; and 2003-2004 model year GMC school bus chassis vehicles equipped with an 8.1 liter engine and Hydromax brake system. The power steering hose may come into contact with a portion of the intermediate steering shaft. A hole could be worn in the hose and a loss of hydraulic fluid would occur.

If there is sufficient amount of fluid loss, the driver will hear a noise from the power steering pump, the brake warning light and warning tone will activate. Increased effort may be required for steering and braking, increasing the risk of a crash.

GM will notify its customers and dealers will reroute the power steering hose. If the steel braiding of the hose is exposed, dealers are to replace the hose. This remedy will be at no charge to the consumer. The recall is expected to begin July 5, 2005. Owners should contact GMC at 866-996-9463.