NHTSA Recall 10V379000
Filed by Blue Bird Body Company. Component: Engine And Engine Cooling. Reported 2010-08-20. An estimated 3,992 vehicles are affected. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.
Defect
BLUE BIRD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007 THROUGH 2010 ALL AMERICAN SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 29, 2006 THROUGH AUGUST 7, 2010 EQUIPPED WITH CUMMINS ISB-02, ISB-07, AND ISB-10 ENGINES. AN INCORRECT COMBINATION OF FLAT WASHER AND SERRATED NUT WAS INSTALLED ON THE BOLT THAT SECURES THE STARTER CABLE RETAINING CLAMP TO ITS ATTACHING BRACKET AT THE FRONT OF THE ENGINE ABOVE THE ENGINE COOLING FAN. THE FLAT WASHER PREVENTS THE SERRATED NUT FROM LOCKING AGAINST THE ATTACHING BRACKET. OVER TIME, THE SERRATED NUT MAY BACK OFF ALLOWING THE STARTER CABLE TO FALL AND CONTACT THE FAN HUB WHILE IN OPERATION.
Risk
IF THE STARTER CABLE CONTACTS THE FAN HUB WHILE THE FAN HUB IS IN OPERATION, THE CABLE COVERING MAY ABRADE WHICH COULD RESULT IN A DIRECT SHORT. A SHORT COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
What the manufacturer will do
BLUE BIRD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPAIR THE BUSES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 24, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 1-478-822-2242.
Manufacturer campaign number: R10SL
Notes
BLUE BIRD'S RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER IS R10SL.OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .