2000 Blue Bird ALL AMERICAN: complaints, problems and recalls

Reported: 2000-02-22 (February 22, 2000)

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.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL CORRECT THE AIR LINE PLUMBING AT THE BENDIX R12DC RELAY VALVE.

Reported: 2000-03-06 (March 6, 2000)

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: FRONT ENGINE SCHOOL AND TRANSIT BUSES. THE POWER DISTRIBUTION UNIT (PDU) CABLES ARE INADEQUATELY SUPPORTED OR ROUTED IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO THE STEERING PITMAN ARM.

Consequence: THE CABLE CAN CHAFE RESULTING IN AN ELECTRICAL SHORT, INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE.

Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH STEP BY STEP REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS FOR RE-ROUTING THE WIRES.

Reported: 2000-06-12 (June 12, 2000)

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.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DIAPHRAGMS WITH HOLES WITH SOLID DIAPHRAGMS FOR THE QR1C VALVES.

Reported: 2000-08-03 (August 3, 2000)

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL AND TRANSIT BUSES EQUIPPED WITH CUMMINS ISC ENGINES. THE WIRING HARNESS TO THE COMBUSTION AIR INTAKE GRID HEATER CAN CHAFE AGAINST THE ENGINE AND WEAR THROUGH.

Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE AN ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE GRID HEATER POWER SUPPLY.

Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE ADVISED TO RE-ROUTE THE ORIGINAL GRID HEATER POWER SUPPLY HARNESS. IN ADDITION, A CLAMP WILL BE ADDED TO SUPPORT THE HARNESS AWAY FROM THE ENGINE COMPONENTS.

Reported: 2000-08-17 (August 17, 2000)

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL AND TRANSIT BUSES EQUIPPED WITH ELECTRONIC ENGINES AND FELSTED ELECTRONIC ACCELERATOR PEDALS. THE RETURN SPRINGS CAN BREAK ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDALS THAT ARE EQUIPPED WITH STAINLESS STEEL OR ELECTROPLATED MUSIC WIRE RETURN SPRINGS.

Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE PEDAL TO GO TO FULL THROTTLE IF BOTH RETURN SPRINGS BREAK, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: REPLACEMENT ACCELERATOR PEDALS EQUIPPED WITH RETURN SPRINGS MANUFACTURED OF MUSIC WIRE WITH ONE ADDITIONAL COIL ON EACH SPRING AND WITH AN ORGANIC COATING, ELIMINATING ELECTROPLATING WILL BE INSTALLED.

Reported: 2000-09-08 (September 8, 2000)

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL AND TRANSIT BUSES BUILT WITH BENDIX AIR ABS WITH AN EC-17 1030R ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU), THERE HAVE BEEN REPORTS OF UNWANTED ABS ACTIVATION AT LOW SPEEDS CAUSED BY 1) CHAFED ABS WHEEL SPEED SENSOR WIRES ON ROTATING PARTS OR 2) A DAMAGED COMPONENT AT THE WHEEL END THAT GENERATES A CERTAIN TYPE OF ERRATIC SENSOR SIGNAL.

Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE ABS ECU TO EXHAUST THE AIR AT THE AIR BRAKE MODULATORS FOR ONE OR MORE OF THE WHEELS. THIS COULD RESULT IN EXTENDED BRAKING DISTANCES AND A POSSIBLE CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ABS ECU.

Reported: 2000-08-30 (August 30, 2000)

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL AND TRANSIT BUSES. THESE BUSES COULD HAVE IMPROPERLY INSTALLED OR MISSING PINCH BOLTS IN THE STEERING SHAFT ASSEMBLIES.

Consequence: THIS CAN RESULT IN DISENGAGEMENT OF THE STEERING SLIP SHAFT ASSEMBLY AND LOSS OF STEERING.

Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS AND NEW REPLACEMENT BOLTS AND LOCKING NUTS FOR THE STEERING SHAFT ASSEMBLIES.

Reported: 2000-12-18 (December 18, 2000)

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TRANSIT AND SCHOOL BUSES EQUIPPED WITH MERITOR WABCO PHASE 1, D-VERSION ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS), FAIL TO COMPLY TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 105, "HYDRAULIC AND ELECTRIC BRAKE SYSTEMS." AN INTERNAL DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM IN THE ABS MAY NOT DETECT AN EXTREME WHEEL SPEED SENSOR AIR GAP. SUCH A CONDITION COULD POSSIBLY OCCUR DURING (1) ORIGINAL ASSEMBLY OR (2) SUBSEQUENT WHEEL END SERVICE.

Consequence: FAILURE OF THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT TO DETECT AN EXTREME WHEEL SPEED SENSOR AIR GAP CAN RESULT IN THE LOSS OF ANTILOCK BRAKING FUNCTION ON THE WHEEL(S) WHERE THE AIR GAP EXISTS, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: THE ABS ECU WILL BE REMOVED AND REPLACED OR THE ECU WILL BE REPROGRAMMED.

Reported: 2001-02-23 (February 23, 2001)

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL AND TRANSIT BUSES EQUIPPED WITH A COMBINATION SPICER J230 REAR AXLE, SPRING SUSPENSION, AND CREWSON BRUNNER AUTOMATIC SLACK ADJUSTERS. THE CREWSON BRUNNER SLACK ADJUSTER CONTACTS A U-BOLT MOUNTING BRACKET WHEN A COMBINATION OF THE LISTED COMPONENTS ARE INSTALLED. THE COMBINATION DOES NOT ALLOW FOR FULL EXTENSION OF THE SLACK ADJUSTER WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED.

Consequence: THIS CAN CAUSE A POTENTIAL FOR REDUCED BRAKING EFFORT, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL MODIFIED U-BOLT BRACKETS THAT WILL PROVIDE THE NEEDED CLEARANCE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 15, 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 1-912-825-2021.

Reported: 2001-06-11 (June 11, 2001)

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.

Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN POWER FAILURE AND/OR RISK OF FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.

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.

Reported: 2001-11-02 (November 2, 2001)

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL BUSES EQUIPPED WITH HENDRICKSON REAR AIR SUSPENSION. INADEQUATE TIGHTENING OF THE 5/8" BOLTS ON THE REAR AIR SUSPENSION HANGER BOLTS AND ON REAR AXLE TORQUE ARM AXLE SEAT STUDS.

Consequence: INSUFFICIENT TIGHTENING PERMITS MOVEMENT BETWEEN THE COMPONENTS THAT COULD RESULT IN BOLTS AND STUDS BREAKING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE 5/8" GRADE 8-HANGER BOLTS. IN ADDITION, AXLE SPRING SEAT FASTENERS WILL BE CHECKED FOR PROPER TIGHTNESS AND, IF NEEDED, TIGHTENED TO SPECIFICATIONS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JANUARY 18, 2002. 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.

Reported: 2002-09-05 (September 5, 2002)

ON CERTAIN SCHOOL AND TRANSIT BUSES EQUIPPED WITH PASSENGER SEAT BELTS WITH RETRACTORS, THE COVER HALVES FOR THE RETRACTABLE PORTION OF THE BELT CAN SEPARATE COMPLETELY AND RELEASE THE SEAT BELT CONNECTOR. IF THIS OCCURS, ONE OF THE LOAD BEARING PINS IN THE CONNECTOR COULD SEPARATE FROM THE CONNECTOR AND RENDER THE SEAT BELT UNUSABLE. IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT WOULD NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED RESULTING IN AN INJURY. THE SEAT BELT SUPPLIER, AM-SAFE, WILL PROVIDE A SNAP ON "OVER-COVER" TO OWNERS TO PREVENT THE SEAT BELT COVER FROM SEPARATING.

Consequence: IF THIS OCCURS, ONE OF THE LOAD BEARING PINS IN THE CONNECTOR COULD SEPARATE FROM THE CONNECTOR AND RENDER THE SEAT BELT UNUSABLE. IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT WOULD NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED RESULTING IN AN INJURY.

Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED A SNAP-ON "OVER-COVER" TO PREVENT THE SEAT BELT COVER FROM SEPARATING. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT SEPTEMBER 27, 2002. OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 1-478-822-2242.

Reported: 2002-07-15 (July 15, 2002)

CERTAIN TRANSIT BUSES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE STANDARD NO. 101, "CONTROLS AND DISPLAYS." THIS STANDARD REQUIRES SPECIFIC LABELING FOR "ENGINE START" AND "ENGINE STOP." THE WORDING OF THE LABELS ON THESE VEHICLES DO NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.

Consequence: THE OPERATOR COULD PLACE THE ENGINE SWITCH IN A POSITION OTHER THAN THAT INTENDED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH NEW DECALS AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 29, 2002. OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE LABEL AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 1-478-822-2242.

Reported: 2002-11-12 (November 12, 2002)

ON CERTAIN SCHOOL AND TRANSIT BUSES EQUIPPED WITH CATERPILLAR 3126E ENGINES AND FELSTED ELECTRONIC PEDAL ASSEMBLIES, AN INTERNAL RETURN SPRING ON THE THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR WAS INCORRECTLY MANUFACTURED. THE SPRING, WHICH IS TOO LONG, CUTS A TRACE INTO THE PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD CAUSING THE SENSOR TO FAIL.

Consequence: THIS WILL CAUSE THE ENGINE TO RETURN TO IDLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE THROTTLE POSITION SENSORS. ANY CHAFED BRAKE HOSES WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 12, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 1-478-822-2242.

Reported: 2003-10-08 (October 8, 2003)

CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 221, "SCHOOL BUS BODY JOINT STRENGTH." ONE OR MORE OF THE BOLTS ATTACHING THE DRIVER'S PLATFORM TO THE FLOOR STRUCTURE WAS OMITTED.

Consequence: THE REAR OF THE DRIVER'S PLATFORM MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RETAINED IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH WHICH COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY OR DEATH TO PASSENGERS.

Remedy: BLUE BIRD WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND INSPECT AND REPAIR THE AFFECTED UNITS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 20, 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 478-822-2242.

Reported: 2005-02-22 (February 22, 2005)

CERTAIN 1998 THROUGH 2002 BLUE BIRD ALL AMERICAN, TC2000 SCHOOL AND TRANSIT BUSES, AND COMMERCIAL SERIES BUSES EQUIPPED WITH CUMMINS ISB DIESEL ENGINES. THE FUEL PUMP COULD FAIL TO TRANSFER FUEL APPROPRIATELY CREATING AN ENGINE STALL CONDITION.

Consequence: SHOULD THE ENGINE STALL WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN USE, A POSSIBLE VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR.

Remedy: CUSTOMERS WILL BE NOTIFIED BY CUMMINS TO BRING THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER TO HAVE THE FUEL LIFT PUMP REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT CUMMINS AT 1-800-DIESELS.