Recall: Replacement Of "On" Switch Offered For Big Wheel Battery-Operated Riding Toy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 27, 1989
Release # 89-061

Replacement Of "On" Switch Offered For Big Wheel Battery-Operated Riding Toy

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Empire of Carolina, Inc., Tarboro, North Carolina is offering to replace the "ON" switch for approximately 39,000 battery-operated, Big Wheel-ride-on toys sold nationwide from 1986 through 1988. The "ON" switch can overheat and may burn a child's hand or may become stuck causing loss of control of the riding toy.

Empire and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission are aware of five instances in which the switch overheated or burned out, and one incident in which the switch stuck in the "ON" position and the operator was unable to stop the riding toy. Two of the incidents involved minor burns from contact with the overheated switch.

Battery-operated, Big Wheel toys by Empire are three-wheel, ride-on toys which come in several models: Kawasaki KLT 250 Prairie Big Wheel (item numbers 1215, 1220, and 1223) and Sweet- Tee-Nuff Big Wheel-(item number 1221). All models are decorated with decals which read either "Kawasaki" or "Sweet-Tee- Nuff." The models are also marked by decals which read "Electric Rechargeable." NOTE: Kawasaki permits the use of its name, but is not the manufacturer of the product.

The "ON" switch of the riding toy is located on the handlebar and is pushed down to drive the toy. The toy should stop when the push button is released. The riding toy can travel up to five mph.

Consumers should immediately discontinue using the battery- operated Big Wheel riding toy until the switch is replaced. Empire of Carolina will send a new switch and handlebar free of charge to all owners. This repair is necessary even for a previously replaced switch. owners should call Empire of Carolina toll-free at 1-800-334-5666. In North Carolina, owners should call collect: 919-823-4111. owners should have the model name and number of their toy ready when calling. Owners may also write for their new switch to: EMPIRE CAMPAIGN, c/o Empire of Carolina, Inc., P.O. Box 427, Daniel Street Extension, Tarboro, North Carolina 27886.