The summer of 2018 was a scorcher for several French departments. Although the overall outcome of the forest fires was positive, some firefighters found themselves in a very hot situation. The cause: an incorrect setting for the engine cooling fan on the latest red fire engines fitted with Euro 6 engines.
On one of the manufacturer’s chassis Renault Trucks, in particular the one intended to be converted into a forest fire tanker (CCF), a programme was launched to reprogramme the engine control unit and install insulation, after"incorrect settings for the engine cooling fan" has been detected.
A series of fixes
The manufacturer confirms that it is fully aware of this "wave of complaints" and assures that "These fixes are already being applied as standard".
"Our after-sales service, in collaboration with the design office, carried out a series of measurements. We simulated a service operation to replicate the circumstances of the incident as closely as possible. We also compared Euro 5 and Euro 6 vehicles and observed a temperature difference. When set to the correct setting, the fan runs faster and is more effective at dissipating heat from under the engine tunnel. This, combined with the installation of insulation, reduces the amount of heat rising into the cab." a spokesperson for the manufacturer told our editorial team. This is good news for fire brigades equipped with these lorries.