NHTSA Recall 99V234000
Filed by Blue Bird Body Company. Component: Electrical System. Reported 1999-08-23. An estimated 101 vehicles are affected. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: FRONT ENGINE SCHOOL BUSES EQUIPPED WITH ALLISON WORLD TRANSMISSIONS. THESE BUSES DO NOT FULLY COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 102, "TRANSMISSION, SHIFT LEVER SEQUENCE, STARTER INTERLOCK, AND TRANSMISSION BRAKING EFFECT." THE NEUTRAL SAFETY SWITCH IS WIRED INCORRECTLY ALLOWING THE STARTER TO ENGAGE WHEN THE IGNITION IS TURNED "ON," FOLLOWED BY THE TRANSMISSION SELECTOR BEING PLACED IN FORWARD OR REVERSE POSITIONS, AND THEN THE IGNITION TURNED TO THE "START" POSITION.
Risk
THIS CONDITION WOULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STAR AND RUN IF THE IGNITION WAS TURNED TO THE "START" POSITION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
What the manufacturer will do
OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH PARTS AND INSTRUCTIONS NECESSARY TO MODIFY THE ENGINE STARTER/TRANSMISSION SHIFT ELECTRICAL CIRCUITRY. IF AN OWNER SO DESIRES, A DEALER CAN PERFORM THE MODIFICATION FOR THEM.
Manufacturer campaign number: R99DE
Notes
OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 26, 1999.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.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).