Recall 18V434 affects 290 2016-2017 Altec Aerial Device and Service Body vehicles for a battery disconnect short. Repair is free at any franchised Altec dealer.
Altec is recalling 290 2016-2017 Aerial Device and Service Body vehicles built on Ram 5500 Diesel chassis because the positive stud on the battery disconnect bracket can contact the hood and short. An electrical short can increase fire risk, and Altec dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The lead acid battery disconnect bracket on these 2016-2017 Altec Aerial Device and Service Body vehicles holds the battery disconnect connection on the Ram 5500 diesel chassis. The positive stud is the live electrical post on that bracket. It needs clear space under the hood so the battery cable connection stays isolated from metal body parts.
On affected vehicles, the stud sits too close to the hood because of the stud location and the hood slope. That clearance falls outside the intended tolerance. After battery replacement or related repair work, cable routing or bracket position can reduce the gap further. When the hood closes, it can touch the positive stud and create an electrical short.
The warning sign is tied to battery servicing. If closing the hood causes an immediate electrical short, have Altec inspect the battery disconnect area before the hood is closed again.
Who's affected?
Covers two Altec product types across the 2016-2017 model years, with battery and electrical-system listings for each.
| 2017 Altec Aerial Device | battery |
|---|---|
| 2017 Altec Aerial Device | electrical system |
| 2016 Altec Aerial Device | battery |
| 2016 Altec Aerial Device | electrical system |
| 2016 Altec Service Body | battery |
| 2016 Altec Service Body | electrical system |
| 2017 Altec Service Body | battery |
| 2017 Altec Service Body | electrical system |
| Units affected | 290 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.
What's the safety risk?
An electrical short can increase the risk of a fire. After battery servicing, a short can show up when the hood is closed, so treat any unusual electrical behavior as a reason to stop using the equipment and call the dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Altec dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016-2017 Altec Aerial Device or Service Body is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Altec dealer to schedule the free lead acid battery disconnect replacement that keeps the positive stud from contacting the hood and shorting.
- Bring the recall notice if Altec mailed one. If not, reference recall number 18V434 and Altec recall CSN 688 when you call.
- Call Altec customer service at 1-877-462-5832 with questions before your appointment.
- Avoid using the vehicle if you see smoke, heat, or electrical arcing near the hood or battery disconnect before the repair.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Altec technician replaces the lead acid battery disconnect so the positive stud on the disconnect bracket no longer contacts the hood. The replacement parts and labor are free under the recall. Altec has a general reimbursement plan on file for eligible owner-paid repairs tied to this defect. Keep repair paperwork and ask Altec customer service or the dealer service desk how to submit documentation under that plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| June 27, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 22, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| August 22, 2018 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| August 22, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| August 23, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V434?
Recall 18V434 covers 290 2016-2017 Altec Aerial Device and Service Body vehicles with a battery disconnect bracket defect. The positive stud on the lead acid battery disconnect bracket can contact the hood and create an electrical short, increasing fire risk. Altec dealers replace the disconnect for free.
What should I do if my 2016-2017 Altec Aerial Device or Service Body is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 18V434. If it is, contact an Altec dealer or Altec customer service at 1-877-462-5832 to schedule the lead acid battery disconnect replacement. Reference recall 18V434 or Altec CSN 688 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the defect repair at no cost, and Altec's remedy says dealers will replace the lead acid battery disconnect free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for vehicles included in recall 18V434.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is fire from an electrical short. Per NHTSA campaign 18V434, the positive stud on the lead acid battery disconnect bracket can contact the hood, creating a short circuit and increasing the risk of a fire.
When did Altec begin this recall repair?
Altec began the recall repair on August 23, 2018. Because the remedy is available, owners with included VINs can contact an Altec dealer or Altec customer service at 1-877-462-5832 to arrange the free battery disconnect replacement.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V434000 |
|---|---|
| Altec customer service | 1-877-462-5832 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V434 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V434000 |
Source documents
-
Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF) - Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →