Electrical system: wiring
- Component
- Electrical system: wiring
- Manufacturer
- Blue Bird Body Company
- Vehicles affected
- 276
- Reported to NHTSA
- 2013-04-09
- Owners notified
- 2013-05-03
Defect description
Blue Bird is recalling certain model year 2008 through 2011 All American rear engine school buses manufactured from August 9, 2007, through June 9, 2010, powered by Cummins ISB07 engines. In the affected vehicles, the grid heater power cable may be improperly routed, which could result in contact with the chassis frame rail.
Safety risk
If the cable contacts the chassis frame rail it could potentially chafe against the frame thereby creating a direct short which could result in a fire.
Manufacturer remedy
Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the buses for proper positioning of the grid heater power cable. Any cables found contacting the chassis frame rail will have the grid heater cable repositioned to prevent further contact. Any damaged cables found will be replaced. The repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began on May 3, 2013. On August 15, 2014, Blue Bird sent out renoticiation letters to owners regarding the recall. Owners may contact Blue Bird at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's recall campaign number is R13WD.