[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 215 (Monday, November 6, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Pages 66584-66585]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-28343]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

[Docket No. NHTSA 2000-8201; Notice 1]


Subaru of America, Inc., Receipt of Application for Decision of 
Inconsequential Noncompliance Regarding Headlamp Lens Marking

    Subaru of America, Inc., of Cherry Hill, New Jersey, has determined 
that certain headlamp lens assemblies manufactured by North American 
Lighting, Inc., are not in full compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle 
Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108, ``Lamps, reflective devices, and 
associated equipment.'' Pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 30118(d) and 30120(h), 
Subaru has petitioned for a determination that this

[[Page 66585]]

noncompliance is inconsequential to motor vehicle safety and has filed 
an appropriate report pursuant to 49 CFR part 573, ``Defect and 
Noncompliance Reports.''
    This notice of receipt of an application is published under 49 
U.S.C. 30118 and 30120 and does not represent any agency decision or 
other exercise of judgment concerning the merits of the application.
    FMVSS No. 108 establishes the performance and equipment 
requirements for lamps, reflective devices and associated equipment. 
Under S7.5(g) of FMVSS No. 108, the lens of each replaceable bulb 
headlamp shall bear permanent marking in front of each replaceable 
light source with which it is equipped that states the official light 
source type designation.
    Under S7.8.5.3(f)(2), the lens shall have a mark or markings 
identifying the optical axis of the headlamp visible from the front of 
the headlamp when installed on the vehicle, to assure proper horizontal 
and vertical alignment.
    Approximately 87 headlamp lens assemblies manufactured by North 
American Lighting, Inc., for use in Model Year 2000 Subaru Legacy and 
Outback vehicles were installed on production vehicles from October 5, 
1999, through December 5, 1999. During the manufacturing process, 
``headlamp assemblies were assembled with lens covers with the wrong 
marking specification required under FMVSS 108, S7.5(g) and FMVSS 108, 
S7.8.5.3(f)(2).''
    Because there are two different headlamp designs, a 2-bulb version 
and a 1-bulb version, both the same shape, there are two different 
lenses that are molded. The manufacturing process for assembling these 
headlamps mismatched the 2-bulb lens and 1-bulb lens assemblies 
resulting in the noncompliance.
    Subaru stated that the installation of the incorrect lens in the 2-
bulb and 1-bulb headlamp assemblies does not result in performance 
variations in beam light patterns resulting in the noncompliances with 
FMVSS 108.
    Subaru's supporting data, views and arguments are as follows:

    (1) Headlamp aiming performed during the manufacturing process 
does not rely on lens marking for beam pattern alignment. The result 
is proper alignment regardless of the mismatch in headlamp assembly 
lens.
    (2) The rate of replacement for headlamp bulbs within the 3/36 
warranty period is 0.6 percent. The remaining parts demand for 
headlamp bulbs is due to collision which results in purchase and 
installation of new headlamp assemblies not containing the 
noncompliance.
    (3) Installation of replacement headlamp bulbs is outlined in 
the Service Manual for Subaru Legacy vehicles. The Service Manual 
procedure for alignment of the headlamp does not rely on the 
markings found in noncompliance, but rather references the center 
marking on the bulb.
    (4) Incorrect lens assembly installation results in the 
following light performance variations:

2-bulb lens on 1-bulb assembly: slight decrease in long range 
visibility, but within FMVSS performance requirements.
1-bulb lens on 2-bulb assembly: Slight broadening of the beam 
pattern. Vertical alignment specification variation does not exceed 
0.57 degrees plus/minus specified aiming.

    (5) There is a small possibility that consumers would purchase 
replacement bulbs for non-dealer installation based on the incorrect 
marking. However, the incorrect bulb will not install in the 
headlamp assembly irrespective of the incorrect marking. 
Additionally, the owner's manual provides the correct specification 
for replacement bulbs required.

    Subaru also submitted data which show the difference in beam 
patterns of the four possible bulb combinations in the two lamp 
housings. The data are in the docket for this application.
    The petitioner has indicated that the noncompliances will not 
result in any safety, reliability or serviceability concern for the 
operator of a subject motor vehicle.
    Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views, and 
arguments on the application described above. Comments should refer to 
the docket number and be submitted to : U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Management, Room PL-401, 400 Seventh Street, SW, 
Washington, DC 20590. It is requested that two copies be submitted.
    All comments received before the close of business on the closing 
date indicated below will be considered. The application and supporting 
materials, and all comments received after the closing date, will also 
be filed and will be considered to the extent possible. When the 
application is granted or denied, the notice will be published in the 
Federal Register pursuant to the authority indicated below. Comment 
closing date: December 6, 2000.

(49 U.S.C. 301118, 301120; delegations of authority at 49 CFR 1.50 
and 501.8)

    Issued on: November 1, 2000.
Stephen R. Kratzke,
Associate Administrator for Safety Performance Standards.
[FR Doc. 00-28343 Filed 11-03-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-59-P