VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL AND TRANSIT BUSES EQUIPPED WITH REAR MOUNTED ENGINES. THE 12-VOLT POWER SUPPLY CABLE(S) MAY BE CHAFFED BY HOSES, HARNESSES, FRAME COMPONENTS, OR CLAMPS.
Safety risk
THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN POWER FAILURE AND/OR RISK OF FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
Manufacturer remedy
DEALERS WILL REMOVE AND INSPECT THE 12-VOLT POWER CABLE(S) FROM THE BATTERY TO THE STARTER AND, IF NECESSARY, WILL REPLACE THE CABLES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 30, 2001. 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 1-912-822-2242.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL AND TRANSIT BUSES EQUIPPED WITH BENDIX AIR BRAKES. BENDIX CHANGED THE INTERNAL DESIGN OF THE QR1C RELAY VALVE BY ADDING A HOLE IN THE INTERNAL DIAPHRAGM. WHEN THE HOLE IN THE DIAPHRAGM ALIGNS WITH THE HOLE IN THE VALVE BODY, THE BRAKE APPLICATION TIME INCREASES.
Safety risk
UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, SUCH AS PARKED ON AN INCLINE, DRIVER ACTIVATES THE PARKING BRAKE BUT REMOVES FOOT FROM THE THREADLE VALVE, THE BUS COULD ROLL BEFORE THE PARKING BRAKE IS FULLY ENGAGED.
Manufacturer remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DIAPHRAGMS WITH HOLES WITH SOLID DIAPHRAGMS FOR THE QR1C VALVES.
Service brakes, air: supply: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Manufacturer
BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY
Vehicles affected
3,113
Reported to NHTSA
2000-02-22
Owners notified
2000-03-08
Defect description
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL AND TRANSIT BUSES EQUIPPED WITH BENDIX ABS ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM. THE PRIMARY AND SECONDARY BRAKE TREADLE VALVE AIR LINES WERE INSTALLED INCORRECTLY AT THE BENDIX R12DC RELAY VALVE.
Safety risk
WITH THE BRAKE SYSTEM INSTALLED INCORRECTLY, FUTURE MAINTENANCE MIGHT BE AFFECTED BY THIS INCONSISTENCY, CAUSING THE BRAKES TO BE INSTALLED INCORRECT, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Manufacturer remedy
DEALERS WILL CORRECT THE AIR LINE PLUMBING AT THE BENDIX R12DC RELAY VALVE.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL AND TRANSIT FORWARD AND REAR ENGINE BUSES EQUIPPED WITH CUMMINS ISB AND ISC ENGINES. THE WIRING HARNESS TO THE COMBUSTION AIR INTAKE GRID HEATER CAN CHAFE AGAINST THE ENGINE AND WEAR THROUGH CAUSING AN ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE GRID HEATER POWER SUPPLY. THE SHORT CAUSES THE FUSIBLE LINK TO FAIL.
Safety risk
WHEN THE FUSIBLE LINK FAILS, INSULATION ON THE FUSIBLE LINK CAN IGNITE, CREATING A FIRE RISK IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
Manufacturer remedy
OWNERS WILL BE ADVISED TO REPLACE THE ORIGINAL GRID HEATER POWER SUPPLY HARNESS WITH FUSIBLE LINKS WITH A NEW GRID HEATER POWER SUPPLY HARNESS EQUIPPED WITH FUSES. IN ADDITION, A CLAMP WILL BE ADDED TO SUPPORT THE HARNESS AWAY FROM THE ENGINE COMPONENTS.
Owner complaints
A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.
No complaints recorded for this model year.
Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.