Recall 13V434 affects 30 2012-2013 Vactor Ramjet vehicles for an incorrect transmission software parameter that lets drive engage during PTO use. Free dealer reprogramming.
Vactor is recalling 30 2012-2013 Ramjet vehicles equipped with Allison transmissions because an incorrect transmission software setting can let the vehicle enter drive while the PTO is in use. That can let the remote throttle overpower the park brake and lead to personal injury or a crash, and the dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The transmission control software on 2012-2013 Vactor Ramjet vehicles with Allison transmissions tells the transmission when to stay parked, when to shift, and how to respond when the power take-off is engaged. The power take-off, or PTO, lets the truck run work equipment while the vehicle is supposed to stay stationary. That software setting has to keep the transmission and PTO commands separated.
On affected Ramjet vehicles, an incorrect software parameter lets the transmission enter drive mode while the PTO is being used. In plain terms, the truck can receive a drive command during stationary work. That is a software setup problem, not a wear item, and the repair path is to correct the transmission programming.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner or operator should not count on a light, noise, or pedal change before the truck shifts into drive during PTO operation.
Who's affected?
Covers the Ramjet across the 2012 and 2013 model years, with the same electrical system software listed for both.
| 2013 Vactor Ramjet | electrical system software |
|---|---|
| 2012 Vactor Ramjet | electrical system software |
| Units affected | 30 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the remote throttle functions while the park brake is set, the vehicle can overpower the park brake and cause personal injury or a crash. There is no listed warning sign before this condition. Use the vehicle cautiously and schedule the software reprogramming soon. Repair will be free at any franchised Vactor dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2012-2013 Vactor Ramjet is included in this recall.
- Contact Vactor customer service at 1-815-672-3171 to confirm the repair path and reference recall number 13V434.
- Schedule the free transmission software reprogramming that corrects the PTO drive-mode parameter.
- Bring the recall notice if Vactor sent one, or give the dealer recall number 13V434 when you call.
- Avoid using PTO until the software repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
Vactor identifies the repair as a transmission software reprogram, but the remedy status provided for this page does not show the final repair as available. Once the repair opens, a Vactor technician will reprogram the Allison transmission software so the transmission parameter no longer allows the vehicle to enter drive while PTO is in use. The dealer repair will be free once available. When calling the service desk, describe the recall as a transmission software reprogram for a Ramjet with an Allison transmission, and ask whether Vactor recall SB 264 is ready for your VIN.
Timeline
| September 16, 2013 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 21, 2013 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 13V434?
Recall 13V434 covers 30 2012-2013 Vactor Ramjet vehicles with Allison transmissions. An incorrect transmission software parameter can let the vehicle enter drive mode while PTO is in use, creating a risk of personal injury or a vehicle crash. Vactor dealers will reprogram the transmission software for free.
What should I do if my 2012-2013 Vactor Ramjet is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Ramjet is included in recall 13V434. If it is, contact a franchised Vactor dealer or Vactor at 1-815-672-3171 to arrange the transmission software reprogramming. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Vactor's remedy states that dealers will reprogram the transmission software free of charge. Use recall 13V434 when you speak with the dealer or Vactor service support.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is vehicle movement during PTO use. If the transmission software lets the Ramjet enter drive mode, the remote throttle can overpower the park brake, creating a risk of personal injury or a vehicle crash. Confirm your VIN and arrange the free software reprogramming.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/13V434000 |
|---|---|
| Vactor customer service | 1-815-672-3171 |
| NHTSA recall # | 13V434 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 13V434000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →