Recalls: 2001 - BLUE BIRD - Q-BUS

• NHTSA Campaign ID Number: 01V060000 - SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:SLACK ADJUSTERS
  Recall Date: 03/01/2001

  Summary:
  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.
  
  Manufacturer that filed the Recall:
  BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY
  
  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.

• NHTSA Campaign ID Number: 01V191000 - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
  Recall Date: 06/14/2001

  Summary:
  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.
  
  Manufacturer that filed the Recall:
  BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY
  
  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.

• NHTSA Campaign ID Number: 01V320000 - SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:DRUM:CHAMBER
  Recall Date: 10/10/2001

  Summary:
  VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL AND TRANSIT BUSES. INSUFFICIENT TORQUE ON THE ARVIN-MERITOR AIR BRAKE CHAMBER MOUNTING NUTS CAN ALLOW THE NUTS TO LOOSEN OVER TIME.
  
  Manufacturer that filed the Recall:
  BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY
  
  Consequence:
  THIS CONDITION COULD REDUCE BRAKING OF THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.
  
  Remedy:
  DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TORQUE VALUES ON EACH BRAKE CHAMBER NUT AND TIGHTEN TO SPECIFICATIONS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 16, 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.

• NHTSA Campaign ID Number: 01V338000 - SUSPENSION
  Recall Date: 11/05/2001

  Summary:
  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.
  
  Manufacturer that filed the Recall:
  BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY
  
  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.

• NHTSA Campaign ID Number: 05V152000 - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  Recall Date: 04/15/2005

  Summary:
  CERTAIN 2001 THROUGH 2005 ALL AMERICAN, COMMERCIAL SERIES, AND Q-BUS SCHOOL AND TRANSIT BUSES EQUIPPED WITH JOHN DEERE 8.1 CNG ENGINES. THE SUBJECT BUSES EQUIPPED WITH THE JOHN DEERE ENGINES MAY SURGE INAPPROPRIATELY DUE TO ERRACTIC OPERATION OF THE AIR THROTTLE IF THE ENGINE IS TAKEN FROM FULL TO ZERO LOAD.
  
  Manufacturer that filed the Recall:
  BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY
  
  Consequence:
  UNEXPECTED ENGINE SURGE COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN PERSONAL INJURY.
  
  Remedy:
  JOHN DEERE WILL NOTIFY BLUE BIRD'S CUSTOMERS AND REPAIR THE ENGINES FREE OF CHARGE. CUSTOMERS ARE BEING INSTRUCTED TO CONTACT JOHN DEERE AT 1-800-JD-ENGINE.