Service brakes, air
- Component
- Service brakes, air
- Manufacturer
- BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY
- Vehicles affected
- 417
- Reported to NHTSA
- 2003-12-04
- Owners notified
- 2003-12-08
Defect description
ON CERTAIN CONVENTIONAL STYLE SCHOOL BUSES, ONLY THOSE EQUIPPPED WITH AIR BRAKES, THE UNDERHOOD FIREWALL LOCATION OF THE AIR BRAKE MANIFOLD MAY PERMIT RAINWATER ENTRY INTO THE PARKING BRAKE EXHAUST PORT FITTING OF THE MANIFOLD. IN FREEZING WEATHER, THIS WATER COULD FORM ICE BLOCKING THE EXHAUST PORT. WHEN THIS OCCURS, THE PARKING BRAKE DOES NOT OPERATE AS DESIGNED.
Safety risk
IN THE EVENT THAT THIS CONDITION SHOULD OCCUR AND THE PARKING BRAKE FAILED TO APPLY, THE BUS COULD ROLL AWAY, RESULTING IN PROPERTY DAMAGE OR PERSONAL INJURY.
Manufacturer remedy
DEALERS WILL MODIFY THESE VEHICLES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON DECEMBER 8, 2003. 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 BLUE BIRD AT 1-478-822-2242.