Vehicle report

2020 PETERBILT 579

Service bulletins

91 bulletins

Technical service bulletins are instructions a manufacturer sent its dealers about a known fault. They are not recalls and the work is usually not free, but they are the clearest signal of a problem the manufacturer already knows about.

43-088

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

The procedure has been updated to include additional steps for verifying the software level on the vehicle electronic control unit (VECU2) and digital display (DD). Steps have also been added to the PACCAR Common Rail Injection 2 (PCI2) software verification.

E311

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

105 chassis have been removed from the chassis list and unflagged in PRWS due to expiration of applicable warranty coverage. Total chassis population is 732.

41-029

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

Incorrect air filters may be inadvertently installed in certain chassis equipped with under-hood Donaldson air filter housings.

02-177

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

Troubleshooting procedures for 2.1m cab power windows are now available.

41-024

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

Procedures have been updated to include additional truck models in the service intervals table.

42-064

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

Fix-as-Fail On certain Kenworth T680 chassis equipped with PACCAR MX-13 engines, wiring to the Horton LCX230 crank-mounted fan drive may experience a short due to chafing or water ingress, affecting fan drive operation.

45-070

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

The attached procedures document has been updated with more detail and explanations. This is not a stand-alone procedure. Cummins Quickserve troubleshooting will specify the use of these procedures while troubleshooting specific fault codes.

CE037

Warranty Program/Extension

KW & PB DEF Quality Sensor part number Q21-6127-001 for Cummins X15 engines has been added to this warranty policy.

14-034

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

Bogie Crossmember Torque Value Update - Procedure has been updated to correct torque values.

E326

Emissions

EPA17-24 MX Fuel Injector Connector - This bulletin has been revised to include all EPA17-24 and CARB24 PACCAR MX engines.

14-036

Other

One-Piece Aluminum Crossmember Repair - Repair procedures are available to support the replacement of intermediate or midship one-piece aluminum crossmembers.

98-030

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

5/29/2025: A new Ethernet Multiplexed Architecture (EMUX) Service Tool Kit service manual (SM034-022) has been released to provide general use information. The new EMUX Service Tool Kit improves cab & chassis electrical troubleshooting efficiency, while reducing risk of component damage. 4/29/2025: The Ethernet Multiplexed Architecture (EMUX) Service Tool Kit and individual kit components are now available to order. Dealers that have received their first kit may order an additional kit. The EMUX Service Tool Kit Part number has been updated to match OEM drawings (P74-1045-001). Individual kit component part numbers can be found in the Reference Bill of Materials sheet. The new EMUX Service Tool Kit improves cab & chassis electrical troubleshooting efficiency, while reducing risk of component damage. Information Only New diagnostic tool is required to support PACCAR Ethernet Multiplexed Architecture (EMUX). The EMUX Service Tool Kit will help improve cab & chassis electrical troubleshooting efficiency, while reducing the risk of component damage.

T016 / 26-040

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

T016: Warranty section updated to include 0.5 hours for test drive. Recommended Repair T016C has been updated from 6.4 hours to 6.9 hours. SRT codes updated in PRWS Claim Coding Table: B25-17A for 6.9 hours created to replace all other codes. 26-040: Warranty section updated to include 0.5 hours for test drive. Recommended Repair 26040C has been updated from 6.4 hours to 6.9 hours. SRT codes updated in PRWS Claim Coding Table: B25-17A for 6.9 hours created to replace all other codes.

46-016

Service Campaign

4/29/2025: Campaign A software update is available for 520EV and 579EV Battery Electric Vehicles. This software update corrects or improves certain functions. Software update procedures have been revised. Campaign start date is 12/05/2024. Campaign A software update is available for 520EV and 579EV Battery Electric Vehicles. This software update corrects or improves certain functions. Campaign start date is 12/05/2024.

32-025

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

Info Only Unnecessary starter replacements can result from customer complaints regarding engine starting issues. A new Starter Troubleshooting Guide has been created to provide a comprehensive list of starting system checks, which should reduce unnecessary starter replacements and associated warranty claims. Engine starting system warranty claims now require a completed Starter Checklist, a Battery Pack Midtronics Report, and a Cable Drop Midtronics Report. Claims filed without these documents may be denied.

7-700

Warranty Program/Extension

7/700 Service Agreement - Letter Only.

46-014

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

Information Only Storage guideline procedures are now available for both Medium Duty and Heavy-Duty Battery Electric Vehicles.

16-044

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

Fix As Fail The height control valve (HCV) rod on vehicles with low air leaf suspensions is prone to toggling over center during rough road conditions. With full suspension articulation, HCV bracket flexes and toggles over center the HCV linkage, which results in either deflated airbags or makes them unable to inflate. Fix-as-fail start date is 07/30/2024.

36-191

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

Information Only Vehicles equipped with Digital Vision System (DVS) Mirror Mounted Cameras, that do not have optional left-hand or right-hand blind spotters, may set false Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) 522490-9 or 522491-9. These DTCs can be ignored if corresponding blind spotter is not equipped. The next Digital Vision System Mirrors (DVS-M) software update will correct these false DTCs.

E273

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

Fix As Fail Updated: Two part numbers added: 1818119 DPF Delta Pressure Sensors for MX-13-2 EMY18 2200138 DPF Delta Pressure Sensors for MX-13 -2, EMY19 Per Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) regulations and guidance (Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA)), a letter has been provided to owners of Canadian registered chassis that provides a list of emissions components that have been reported (to ECCC) as having a defect.

45-066

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

A testing procedure has been created for the coolant level sensor on model 520.

28-001

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

For all Peterbilt chassis equipped with an air shifted PTO. Oil from the air shift cover of the PTO may leak into the air line, causing the EOA solenoid to become inoperative.

45-065

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

Certain 579 MLU chassis equipped with Cummins X15 engines have fan hub bracket hardware that are incorrect for the application and/or under torqued and could become loose and/or fail. Procedures are available to replace and properly torque the hardware.

01-079

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

Fix-as-Fail - HVAC Intermittently Stops Blowing Cold Air

36-008

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

Certain 579 chassis are eligible to receive production level Digital Display software, Digital Display, Lane Keep Assist MUX switches, and Kick Panel.

02-178

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

Fix As Fail – Certain 579, and New Model 579 chassis that were manufactured with a Bendix forward looking camera system may experience bracket failure causing the bracket and camera to fall from the windshield.

34-096

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

Fix As Fail – All New Model 579 chassis with Bendix radar opti on may have a harness rub against the radiator that is causing possible damage.

32-019

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

Fix As Fail – Chassis that were manufactured with certain battery cable routing brackets may experience rubbing or chafing of the battery cables.

E303

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

This campaign is the final opportunity to replace the oil filter screw cap to reduce occurrences of broken bypass valve tabs. Broken oil valve tabs can cause oil flow obstruction to critical engine parts, resulting in serious engine damage. Customers that do not receive this repair may be responsible for progressive engine damage caused by broken oil bypass valve tabs.

21PBN

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

21PBN – LNG/CNG Methane Detecti on System Will Not Warn Operator if System Loses Power – NHTSA ID:21V00N, TC: 2021-793

45-064

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

Info Only - PACCAR is introducing Over-the-Air (OTA) software updates for engine MY17 and newer chassis equipped with Cummins X15, X12, ISX12, ISX12N, L9N, PX-7, and PX-9 engines The technology will leverage the existing Remote Diagnostic cs hardware to deliver secure software updates remotely. This will reduce downtime and save on maintenance costs for eligible vehicles.

14-043

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

Fix-As-Fail On certain chassis with Low Air Leaf Suspension or Low-Low Air Leaf Suspension, the Height Control Valve (HCV) arm may be rubbing on other components when the bend in the arm is facing outboard. Flipping the bend in the HCV arm inboard prevents the rub.

02-165

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

Fix-As-Fail: Forces being applied to the split fender and fairing structure are causing the connection to crack and potentially separate. Reinforcement brackets secure the connection and prevent separation.

13-060

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

The service information for Bendix Air Dryer maintenance is being updated to include new procedures.

04-019

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

A roof fairing reinforcement kit increases structural support for one-piece 579 roof fairings that are experiencing fatigue from external forces such as reverse towing.

13-057

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

Fix-As-Fail – A hill start assist (HSA) valve plumbing revision eliminates ice buildup in the HSA valve exhaust in cold weather.Â

34-090

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

A frame mounted left-hand marker light bracket interferes with the rear fuel tank fill location. A redesigned bracket can be purchased that relocates the marker bracket to the front fuel tank bracket to eliminate interference.

41-020

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

The Turbo Inlet Elbow is susceptible to tearing, potentially allowing dust to enter the engine. The Turbo Inlet Elbow will be replaced with an improved part.

51-013

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

Due to major data carriers phasing out 3G networks, chassis currently utilizing first generation Peoplenet Mobile Gateway (PMG001) will experience severe 3G service degradation as early as January of 2022. Chassis currently utilizing 3G antennas as a primary antenna may experience this degradation.

R2103

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

Retrofit - The emissions exemption will be expiring on 5/15/2022 for certain pre-production vehicles equipped with PACCAR MX-11 and MX-13 EPA 2021 Emissions engines. Production-level components are now available to make these vehicles compliant.

21PBM

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

​Safety Recall – Work Brake May Unintentionally Disengage – NHTSA ID: 21V906, TC: 2021-713. The work brake (also known as winch brake) may unintentionally disengage during winching operations, releasing the service brakes, increasing the risk of crash or injury. The VECU software will be updated to correctly set the speed interlock parameter.

26-038

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

Non-Safety Campaign:  Eaton Endurant transmissions may experience premature Main Drive Gear damage due to clutch housing and main case countershaft bearing bore wear. A Clutch Housing Front Cover Kit will be installed to address the issue.

T012

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

Non-Safety Campaign: ​Drivers of vehicles equipped with PACCAR TX-12 transmissions may experience harsh shifts and gear grinding noise. Premature Main Drive Gear damage may occur due to clutch housing and main case countershaft bearing bore wear.

42-059

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

Non-Safety Campaign - Vehicles with a Cummins X15 engine and Horton fan drive may set Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) 6637 and/or 3838 due to fan speed that results in the fan remaining activated until the power is cycled. A new controller will resolve the issue.

43-071

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

Fix-As-Fail – Due to undersupply issues, only a limited supply of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) sensors are available. As a temporary solution, after PACCAR confirms a DEF sensor is not available, a temporary software update will allow a vehicle to continue operation with a failed DEF sensor by disabling the DEF sensor diagnostics.

02-168

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

Information Only - Rear axle Quarter Fenders with less than two inches of clearance between the top of the quarter fender and the bottom of the trailer/equipment are susceptible to damage. The lack of clearance could result in cracked/broken quarter fenders or complete separation if undetected or un-remedied. ​

21 PBJ

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

​Safety Recall – Hill Start Assist (HSA) Valve Clearance – NHTSA ID: 21V-648, TC: 2021-521. Crossmember mounted Hill Start Assist valve may not have sufficient clearance to the rear axle, resulting in hose or fitting damage. Damage could cause the loss of rear brake signal, resulting in reduced braking capability and increasing the risk of a crash.

52-004

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

Fix-as-Fail: Radio does not mute when truck with auto trans is placed in reverse. Software flash resolves issue.

21PBE

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

​Safety Recall – TSE Brake Chamber Air Leak – NHTSA ID: 21V328. Meritor brake chambers were built with a misaligned park spring, which may cause a fatigue hole in the diaphragm and an internal air leak. The affected brake chambers will be replaced.

21-PBF

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

Safety Recall – Interim Notification - The Daytime Running Lamps (DRLs) may turn off while the vehicle is in motion and the headlamps, fog lamps or turn signals are not on. This is non-compliant with Canadian Regulation CMVSS 108, which states that the DRLs must be on while the vehicle is in motion without certain other lamps being activated. This bulletin will be updated when a repair is available.

36-007

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

​Non-Safety Campaign - Certain Peterbilt Model 579 vehicles may have an incorrect blind spot sensor installed on the right-hand side.

02-161

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

Non-Safety Campaign- Chassis Fairings become loose and rattle.

21PBB

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

Safety Campaign - Cummins Engine Flywheel Capscrews improperly torqued. Cummins Recall C2402.

32-017

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

Non-Safety Campaign – The batteries may drain quickly due to the VECU not going to sleep. Updated VECU software is available to resolve the issue.

32-018

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

Non-Safety Campaign – Chassis with the City Horn option may generate unexpected alerts. A VECU software update is available to resolve the issue.

02-160

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

Information Only – Windshield washer pumps have a high No Trouble Found rate. Washer pumps may fail to spray due to a clogged filter.

T011

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

Fix-As-Fail - Prior versions of PACCAR transmission software may be prone to setting Linear Clutch Actuator (LCA) fault codes leading to possible LCA hardware replacement.

26-035

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

Non-safety campaign: Vehicles equipped with an Eaton Endurant 12 speed transmission may experience transmission service lamp activation, no gear engagement from neutral, and/or DTC 511 FMI 7 or 10 is set. Resolution is to update the transmission software and calibrations.

26-037

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

Fix-As-Fail - Prior versions of Eaton Endurant transmission software may be prone to setting Linear Clutch Actuator (LCA) fault codes leading to possible LCA hardware replacement.

13-055

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

Fix as Fail: Peterbilt has introduced an improved mounting bracket for low mount air tanks for vehicles built between January 01, 2017 and July 06, 2020. Torsional vibration may stress the currently-installed brackets and cause them to fail near the bottom of the frame rail.

14-027

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

Information only: In 2020, Peterbilt and Kenworth began using the same M10, M12, M16, and M20 frame fasteners on all vehicles. Torque specifications for these fasteners are different from previous fasteners.

02-158

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

Fix as Fail: Peterbilt has determined that certain model 348, 365, 367, 382, 384, 386, 388, 389, 567, 579, and 587 trucks, built between 4/13/2010 and 3/16/2020 and equipped with a flush mounted battery box, utilized rubber washers that could rub through and cause the aluminum box mounting tabs to rub directly on the steel frame brackets. This could result in cracked battery box mounting angles. Resolution is to add the reinforcement bracket(s) to affected vehicles.

13-054

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

Fix-As-Fail - Bendix New-Gen Lightweight Steer Axle Drum Brake Spider Cracking

43-067

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

Fix as Fail: For all conventional models, except 387/587, equipped with Side-of-Cab (“SOC”) exhaust and built from 03/6/2006 to 1/20/2020, the clamps that secure the SOC exhaust stacks may not be tightened properly. This may allow the exhaust stack to rotate and contact the cab or sleeper.

32-015

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

Information Only: This bulletin provides dealers with a battery warranty quick reference guide to ensure the appropriate tests for battery warranty are performed in order to prevent battery warranty claims filed with incorrect or incomplete information.

11-001

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

Information only: Hendrickson Softek front axle maintenance intervals and requirements.

20PBA

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

Safety Recall: NHTSA recall number is 20V130. A defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, may exist in certain Model 365, 389, 567, and 579 vehicles manufactured between April 18, 2014 and March 09, 2020 with a left-hand under hood jumper start terminal. Jumper terminal battery cables may be too long, or eligible for improved routing. Battery cables that are too long may chafe against the left front suspension leaf spring, which could cause a short circuit, fire under the hood, or increased risk of crash.

34-086

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

Fix as Fail: Peterbilt has determined in model 567 and 579 vehicles built after 2011, the door harnesses may fail due to repeated door open and close cycles. Resolution is to replace the door harness with a more robust designed harness if a failure is experienced.

32-016

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

Information Only: Proper jump-starting voltage will eliminate high voltage related issues and equipment damage.

02-157

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

Fix as Fail: Certain model 567 and 579 vehicles may have been built with a windshield seal that could delaminate. Vehicles built from 9/27/2019 through 2/06/2020 with windshield Julian date codes between 263 of 2019 and 031 of 2020 could be affected. Resolution is to replace any failed windshields with a delaminated seal.

32-013

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

Information Only: The AutoStart System Test does not recognize the hood opening and closing when running the test on a model 579 or 567 chassis equipped with a VECU software version 9.8 and 9.9. The issue will be fixed on a future VECU software update. This bulletin will be updated when the resolution is available.

01-077

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

Fix as Fail: Peterbilt has determined that model 567 and 579 vehicles built after January 01, 2013 and equipped with Espar fuel fire heater and SmartAir may have temperature overshoot issue. User may experience higher sleeper interior temperature than the set temperature on the SmartAir control. Resolution is to install an additional external temperature sensor on the sleeper control panel.

01-078

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

Fix as Fail: Peterbilt has determined that certain models 567 and 579 vehicles built after January 01, 2013 with an Espar fuel fire heater and SmartAir may have an auto On/Off malfunction at lower temperatures. User may experience lack of heat function on SmartAir if the set temperature is < 76 °F. Resolution is to install a jumper harness.

03-071

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

Information Only - Vehicles built with NAMUX software from 2013 to present may experience accuracy issues with the tachometer. The issue can be temporarily resolved using any one of the included procedures.

52-002

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

Fix-As-Fail - DEA5XX radio may be locked in the ON position or stuck in hi volume. A software update is available to resolve this issue.

01-075

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

Information Only: This bulletin provides guidance for repairing an air-conditioning system after internal failure of the A/C compressor.

19PBE

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

Safety Recall: A regulatory non-compliance, may exist in certain model 579 vehicles manufactured between 8/26/2019 and 9/12/2019. On certain trucks, the reflective conspicuity tape on the back wall of the sleeper box was installed in incorrect locations. FMVSS 108 Section S8 2.4.2 regulations require the conspicuity tape to be placed in specific areas. A truck that does not have properly placed conspicuity tape may be less visible to others and could create an increased risk of a crash. Vehicles operating without a trailer may be cited for incorrect tape location and fail an annual truck inspection. REsolution is to inspect the location of the back of sleeper reflective tape, and apply in the proper location if required.

16-041

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

Non Safety Campaign: Peterbilt has determined that certain Model 365, 384, 386, 388, 389, 3895, 587 and 579 vehicles built between March 27, 2012 and January 20, 2019 with Flex Air suspension in a 6x2 configuration have U-bolts that may fail prematurely.

TIB43-062

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

Information Only – This bulletin provides information about the California Air Resources Board (CARB) Periodic Smoke Inspection Program (PSIP) and Heavy Duty Vehicle Inspection Program (HDVIP).

26-034

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

Fix as Fail: Certain model 579 and 567 vehicles equipped with Eaton Endurant or PACCAR AMT transmissions, built between 5/01/2017 and 4/07/2019, may have a fluid pressure sensor rubbing or experiencing hard interference with routing brackets, power cables, wiring harnesses, or air lines in the driver’s side frame rail.

34-082

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

Fix as Fail Vehicles are susceptible to noise interference due to an incorrect V-Can wiring in the roof harness. A procedure for installing a V-CAN overlay will correct this issue.

42-056

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

Fix-As-Fail -“ Composite fittings used in the cooling system may crack, resulting in coolant leaks. Brass fittings are available to replace the composite fittings.

42-058

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

Fix-As-Fail: Two separate causes have been identified as root cause of intermittent low coolant indicator illumination.

02-150

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

Fix as Fail Vehicles equipped with chassis fairings may have battery box openings that allow debris to enter the box. A battery box closeout has been designed and when installed will prevent debris from entering the battery box.

01-073

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

Fix as Fail HVAC system may demonstrate inadequate temperature control, be stuck in defrost mode, or have intermittent changes in fan speed that can be remedied with an updated HVAC software.

15-027

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

Non Safety Campaign: ZF (supplier) steering gear boxes may have a sealing plug not seated corrected allowing power steering fluid loss.

34-066

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

Information Only - Quick Reference Guide for Electric harness damage repairs.

19PBA

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

Safety Recall: Peterbilt Motors Company has determined that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, may exist in certain model year 2020 Model 567 and 579 vehicles manufactured between 2/15/2019 and 3/15/2019. The upper mirror in the side mirror assemblies could fall from the housing and limit the visibility of the driver. The mirror and carrier will be inspected to verify the Mekra Lang manufacture date and replaced if necessary.

34-079

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

Fix-As-Fail ? Intermittent throttle hesitation may be encountered after installing an optional PTO connector.

34-077

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

Information Only: Proper instructions for closure of power distribution box cover to prevent corrosion.

116-1

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

SmartNav 2.0 Hardware retrofit for quality validation and vehicle validation units.

Reading this report

Complaint counts are reports filed with NHTSA, not failure rates. A common model collects more of them than a rare one that breaks more often.

2020 Peterbilt 579 Service Bulletins: 91 bulletins | CarFathom