Electrical system: 12V/24V/48V battery
- Component
- Electrical system: 12V/24V/48V battery
- Manufacturer
- VAN HOOL, N.V.
- Vehicles affected
- 865
- Reported to NHTSA
- 2002-02-26
Defect description
ON CERTAIN TRANSIT BUSES EQUIPPED WITH VANNER 60 SERIES BATTERY EQUALIZERS, THE EQUALIZER COULD FAIL TO OPERATE PROPERLY AND CAUSE MALFUNCTION OF THE BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM.
Safety risk
WITHOUT FUSING, THE EQUALIZER MAY MELT, BURN, OR SMOKE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE OR A SMOKE FILLED BUS, THUS NECESSITATING A PASSENGER EVACUATION OF THE BUS. THE FAILURE MODE CAN CAUSE OPERATOR DISTRACTION, AND/OR POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
Manufacturer remedy
VANNER IS CONDUCTING THE OWNER NOTIFICATION AND REMEDY FOR THIS CAMPAIGN. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BUSES FOR CERTAIN EQUALIZERS BY THE DATE CODE. THE AFFECTED EQUALIZERS WILL BE REPLACED BY VANNER. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT VANNER AT 1-800-227-6937 OR VAN HOOL/ABC COACH AT 407-656-7977.