2005 BLUE BIRD VISION Recalls (18)

Campaign:
04V426000 on 08/30/2004
Component:
Equipment adaptive
Manufactured:
09/10/2003 - 03/16/2004
Affected:
372
Defect:
Certain blue bird 1999-2005 all american, tc/2000, micro bird, vision, conventional, and commercial series school buses equipped with sure-loc wheelchair securement systems and manufactured between february 17, 1999, and august 13, 2004. certain sure-lok wheelchair tie-down securement assemblies p/n 8625-13. the sprocket teeth of the retractor assembly may be out of alignment causing the load pawl not to fully seat in the sprocket teeth.
Consequence:
In the event of a vehicle crash, the wheelchair may not be adequately secured possibly resulting in injuries.
Correction:
Blue bird will notify its customers and replace the defective part free of charge. the recall began september 21, 2004. owners who take their buses to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact at blue bird at 478-822-2242.
Notes:
Also, customers can contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).
Campaign:
05V075000 on 03/06/2005
Component:
Electrical system
Manufactured:
06/11/2003 - 02/21/2005
Affected:
4,657
Defect:
Certain 2004-2006 my blue bird vision conventional school and non school buses maunfactured from june 12, 2003, through february 22, 2005. a short can occur in the crossing arm circuit or the 8-way warning light circuit, causing the heavy duty transistor w/built in circuit protect to trip resulting in an inadvertent engine shutdown.
Consequence:
A vehicle crash could occur should the engine shutdown while the bus is in use, possibly resulting in injury or death.
Correction:
Blue bird will notify its customers and repair the buses by relocating the circuits to a separate circuit protected by a circuit breaker free of charge. the recall began on march 24, 2005. owners may contact blue bird at 478-822-2242.
Notes:
Blue bird recall no. r05jn.customers 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 http://www.safercar.gov.
Campaign:
05V204000 on 05/05/2005
Component:
Service brakes, hydraulic:switches:brake warning
Manufactured:
03/23/2003 - 04/24/2005
Affected:
2,108
Defect:
Certain blue bird my 2004-2006 vision school buses equipped with hydraulic brakes manufactured between march 24, 2003, and april 25, 2005. the hydraulic brake dash warning light was incorrectly labeled with the canadian version which uses symbols rather than words as required by federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 105, hydraulic and electric brake systems.
Consequence:
The original dash warning light indicator displays an international symbol on the brake warning light indicator whereas fmvss 105 requires the word "brake" to be displayed. the operator may not recognize the international symbol as warning indicating a problem in the hydraulic brake system which could result in a vehicle crash if the warning is not heeded.
Correction:
Blue bird will mail replacement decals with correct nomenclature for the brake dash warning indicator light. the recall began july 15, 2005. owners may contact blue bird at 478-822-2242.
Notes:
Blue bird recall no. r05js.customers 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 http://www.safercar.gov.
Campaign:
05V239000 on 05/25/2005
Component:
Other:school bus stop arm assembly
Affected:
8,894
Defect:
Certain school buses originally sold in or currently registered in the following states: alaska, colorado, connecticut, delaware, idaho, illinois, indiana, iowa, kansas, kentucky, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, montana, nebraska, nevada, new hampshire, new jersey, new mexico, new york, north dakota, ohio, oregon, pennsylvania, rhode island, south dakota, tennessee, utah, vermont, virginia, washington, west virginia, wisconsin, wyoming, and the district of columbia. in extremely cold weather, the microswitches used internally to position the stop arm sign in the open and closed positions may malfunction, causing the sign to open or close in an improper position, or to not open at all.
Consequence:
Should the stop arm not perform properly, a child or pedestrian may be endangered by passing vehicles should the motorist not stop at the correct location.
Correction:
Blue bird will notify its customers and replace the original switch with a switch pack that is not sensitive to extreme cold weather and will inspect to ensure the microswitch heater wiring is properly connected free of charge. the recall began on august 12, 2005. owners may contact blue bird at 478-822-2242.
Notes:
Customers 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 http://www.safercar.gov.
Campaign:
05V251000 on 06/05/2005
Component:
Other:school bus stop arm assembly
Affected:
3,121
Defect:
Certain blue bird 2002 through 2006 my all american, conventional, minibird, microbird, vision, and tc2000 school buses originally sold in or currently registered in states other than the following states: alaska, colorado, connecticut, delaware, idaho, illinois, indiana, iowa, kansas, kentucky, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, montana, nebraska, nevada, new hampshire, new jersey, new mexico, new york, north dakota, ohio, oregon, pennsylvania, rhode island, south dakota, tennessee, utah, vermont, virginia, washington, west virginia, wisconsin, wyoming, and the district of columbia. in extremely cold weather, the microswitches used internally to position the sign in the open and closed positions may malfunction, causing the sign to open or close in an improper position, or to not open at all.
Consequence:
Should the stop arm not perform properly, a child or pedestrian may be endangered by passing motorists should the motorist not stop at the correct location.
Correction:
Blue bird will notify all its customers of this campaign. for those buses operated in or near any of the states listed above, blue bird is encouraging the bus owners to obtain the replacement switch. for those buses operated in the warmer states, blue bird will replace the switch upon owner request. for those customers who request the remedy, blue bird will replace the original switch with a switch pack that is not sensitive to extreme cold weather and will inspect to ensure the microswitch heater wiring is properly connected. the safety improvement campaign began on august 12, 2005. owners may contact blue bird at 478-822-2242.
Notes:
Blue bird campaign no. r05jw.this action is deemed a safety improvement campaign and is not being conducted under the safety act.customers can contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236.
Campaign:
05V382000 on 08/30/2005
Component:
Electrical system:battery
Manufactured:
10/21/2003 - 07/14/2005
Affected:
5,863
Defect:
Certain 2001 through 2006 my blue bird all american, tc2000, and vision transit school buses manufactured between january 5, 2001, and july 15, 2005. these buses are equipped with a battery disconnect switch that has connections that may be loose on the battery switch studs creating the potential for the bus to shut down while in operation.
Consequence:
Should the bus shut down while in operation, a vehicle crash could occur.
Correction:
Blue bird will notify its owners and instruct them on how to repair the switch. the recall began on october 19 , 2005. owners may contact blue bird at 478-822-2242.
Notes:
Blue bird recall no. r05ka.customers may contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236; (tty:1-800-424-9153); or go to http://www.safercar.gov.
Campaign:
06V261000 on 07/16/2006
Component:
Electrical system:battery:cables
Manufactured:
08/04/2003 - 06/12/2006
Affected:
7,980
Defect:
Certain 2004-2007 my vision school buses manufactured between august 5, 2003, and june 13, 2006, equipped with option 40280-02 ammeter shunt. the power cable originally installed between the toe board and the shunt may be too short and may break due to engine vibration.
Consequence:
Should the power cable break while the bus is in use, the bus could become stranded in an active lane which could possibly result in a vehicle crash.
Correction:
Blue bird will notify owners and replace the short power cable with a longer one free of charge. the recall began on august 31, 2006. owners may contact blue bird at 478-822-2242.
Notes:
Blue bird recall no. r06kw.customers may contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty: 1-800-424-9153); or go to http://www.safercar.gov.
Campaign:
07V258000 on 06/21/2007
Component:
Service brakes, air:supply:check valve
Manufactured:
10/08/2003 - 09/20/2006
Affected:
5,977
Defect:
Certain blue bird my 2004 through 2007 vision school and transit buses manufactured between october 9, 2003, and september 21, 2006, equipped with parker single check vavles (scv) provided by bendix. the defect exists in the parker scv that connects with the supply port of the sr-7 spring brake modulating valve. after prolonged use of the parker scv, the valve body retainer may become excessively worn and eventually break apart. pieces of the parker scv can become lodged inside the sr-7 spring brake modulating valve, potentially causing either leakage out of the sr-7 valve or preventing air from properly exhausting from the sr-7 valve.
Consequence:
This condition can cause a delay in the application of the spring brakes to park the vehicle after the operator pulls the dash valve button. these conditions can occur without warning, leading to unintended vehicle rollaway, brake drag, or in the case of loss of primary circuit, inability to modulate the spring brakes.
Correction:
Blue bird will notify owners and provide a free remedy. the recall began on september 30, 2007. owners can contact blue bird at 478-822-2242.
Notes:
Blue bird recall no. r07ly.customers may contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty: 1-800-424-9153); or go to http://www.safercar.gov.
Campaign:
07V258000 on 06/21/2007
Component:
Service brakes, air:supply:check valve
Manufactured:
10/08/2003 - 09/20/2006
Affected:
5,977
Defect:
Certain blue bird my 2004 through 2007 vision school and transit buses manufactured between october 9, 2003, and september 21, 2006, equipped with parker single check vavles (scv) provided by bendix. the defect exists in the parker scv that connects with the supply port of the sr-7 spring brake modulating valve. after prolonged use of the parker scv, the valve body retainer may become excessively worn and eventually break apart. pieces of the parker scv can become lodged inside the sr-7 spring brake modulating valve, potentially causing either leakage out of the sr-7 valve or preventing air from properly exhausting from the sr-7 valve.
Consequence:
This condition can cause a delay in the application of the spring brakes to park the vehicle after the operator pulls the dash valve button. these conditions can occur without warning, leading to unintended vehicle rollaway, brake drag, or in the case of loss of primary circuit, inability to modulate the spring brakes.
Correction:
Blue bird will notify owners and provide a free remedy. the recall began on september 30, 2007. owners can contact blue bird at 478-822-2242.
Notes:
Blue bird recall no. r07ly.customers may contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty: 1-800-424-9153); or go to http://www.safercar.gov.
Campaign:
08V229000 on 05/19/2008
Component:
Structure:body:roof and pillars
Manufactured:
03/05/2003 - 03/27/2008
Affected:
23,464
Defect:
Blue bird is recalling 23,464 my 2005 through 2009 all american and vision school and transit model buses manufactured from january 22, 2004, and march 28, 2008, and my 2004 through 2007 all american school buses and conventional model school buses manufactured from march 6, 2003, through june 16, 2006. the rivet pattern may be incorrect in sections of the rear roof sheet joint that attaches to the rear roof cap. without the appropriate amount of roof rivets, the buses fail to conform with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no 221, "joint strength."
Consequence:
In the event of a crash, these panels may separate exposing the occupants to increased risk of injury.
Correction:
Blue bird will notify owners and inspect and repair the buses by adding additional rivets. the recall began on september 18, 2008. owners may contact blue bird at 478-822-2242.
Notes:
Blue bird recall no. r08nc.customers may contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty: 1-800-424-9153); or go to http://www.safercar.gov.
Campaign:
08V229000 on 05/19/2008
Component:
Structure:body:roof and pillars
Manufactured:
03/05/2003 - 03/27/2008
Affected:
23,464
Defect:
Blue bird is recalling 23,464 my 2005 through 2009 all american and vision school and transit model buses manufactured from january 22, 2004, and march 28, 2008, and my 2004 through 2007 all american school buses and conventional model school buses manufactured from march 6, 2003, through june 16, 2006. the rivet pattern may be incorrect in sections of the rear roof sheet joint that attaches to the rear roof cap. without the appropriate amount of roof rivets, the buses fail to conform with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no 221, "joint strength."
Consequence:
In the event of a crash, these panels may separate exposing the occupants to increased risk of injury.
Correction:
Blue bird will notify owners and inspect and repair the buses by adding additional rivets. the recall began on september 18, 2008. owners may contact blue bird at 478-822-2242.
Notes:
Blue bird recall no. r08nc.customers may contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty: 1-800-424-9153); or go to http://www.safercar.gov.
Campaign:
08V312000 on 07/10/2008
Component:
Service brakes, hydraulic
Manufactured:
01/10/2004 - 04/21/2008
Affected:
5,422
Defect:
The hydraulic brake hoses from the master cylinder to the chassis frame may have been improperly routed or retained on certain 2004 through 2009 my blue bird vision conventional school and transit buses manufactured from january 11, 2004 through april 22, 2008.
Consequence:
Improper routing or retention of the hydraulic brake hoses may result in brake hoses chaffing against the bus body and/or chassis components which could cause a leak in the hydraulic brake system resulting in reduced braking capacity which could result in a crash.
Correction:
Blue bird will notify owners and inspect and repair the buses free of charge. the recall began on august 8, 2008. owners may contact blue bird at 1-478-822-2242.
Notes:
Blue bird recall no. r08nb.customers may contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty: 1-800-424-9153); or go to http://www.safercar.gov.
Campaign:
08V312000 on 07/10/2008
Component:
Service brakes, hydraulic
Manufactured:
01/10/2004 - 04/21/2008
Affected:
5,422
Defect:
The hydraulic brake hoses from the master cylinder to the chassis frame may have been improperly routed or retained on certain 2004 through 2009 my blue bird vision conventional school and transit buses manufactured from january 11, 2004 through april 22, 2008.
Consequence:
Improper routing or retention of the hydraulic brake hoses may result in brake hoses chaffing against the bus body and/or chassis components which could cause a leak in the hydraulic brake system resulting in reduced braking capacity which could result in a crash.
Correction:
Blue bird will notify owners and inspect and repair the buses free of charge. the recall began on august 8, 2008. owners may contact blue bird at 1-478-822-2242.
Notes:
Blue bird recall no. r08nb.customers may contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty: 1-800-424-9153); or go to http://www.safercar.gov.
Campaign:
09V328000 on 08/12/2009
Component:
Seats
Manufactured:
07/13/2003 - 05/06/2009
Affected:
37,095
Defect:
Blue bird is recalling certain model year 2004 through 2010 all american, vision, micro bird, and conventional school buses manufactured between january 30, 2003 and may 7, 2009. incorrect offset leg barrier pads or 2/3 seat back pads may have been installed. buses with incorrect pads installed fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 222, "school bus passenger seating and crash protection."
Consequence:
In the event of a crash, there is an increased risk of injury to the seat occupant(s).
Correction:
Blue bird will notify owners and the buses will be repaired free of charge. the safety recall began on september 18, 2009. owners may contact blue bird at 1-478-822-2242.
Notes:
Blue bird's recall campaign number is r09pm.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> .
Campaign:
10V170000 on 04/22/2010
Component:
Electrical system
Manufactured:
09/18/2003 - 07/01/2008
Affected:
195
Defect:
Blue bird is recalling certain model year 2004 through 2009 vision non-school buses manufactured from september 19, 2003 through july 2, 2008. the power cables running to the power distribution unit stud and driver's control module stud may have been installed with the lug (eyelet) flat side up. when this condition exists, vibration may wear the insulation permitting direct contact between the bare lug and the pdu or dcm which could cause a direct short in the electrical system.
Consequence:
This condition could result in a fire.
Correction:
Blue bird will notify owners and repair the buses as necessary free of charge. the safety recall began on may 26, 2020. owners may contact blue bird at 1-478-822-2242.
Notes:
Blue bird's recall campaign number is r10rw. 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> .
Campaign:
10V169000 on 04/22/2010
Component:
Electrical system
Manufactured:
01/29/2003 - 09/23/2008
Affected:
18,821
Defect:
Blue bird is recalling certain model year 2004 through 2009 vision school buses manufactured from january 30, 2003 through september 24, 2008. the power cables running to the power distribution unit stud and driver's control module stud may have been installed with the lug (eyelet) flat side up. when this condition exists, vibration may wear the insulation permitting direct contact between the bare lug and the pdu or dcm which could cause a direct short in the electrical system.
Consequence:
This condition could result in a fire.
Correction:
Blue bird will notify owners and repair the buses as necessary free of charge. the safety recall began may 26, 2020. owners may contact blue bird at 1-478-822-2242.
Notes:
Blue bird's recall campaign number is r10rw.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> .
Campaign:
11V219000 on 04/05/2011
Component:
Electrical system:battery:cables
Manufactured:
06/25/2003 - 12/08/2004
Affected:
30
Defect:
Blue bird is recalling certain model year 2004 through 2006 vision conventional style non school buses manufactured from june 26, 2003, through december 9, 2004. the starter cable may contact and potentially chafe against the steel braided power steering hose thereby creating a direct short.
Consequence:
A short could result in a fire.
Correction:
Blue bird will notify owners and dealers will inspect the subject buses for proper clearance between the starter cable and the power steering hose. buses found to have insufficient clearance will have a clamp installed to prevent further contact. any damaged power steering hoses or starter cables will be replaced free of charge. the safety recall is expected to begin on or about may 10, 2011. owners may contact blue bird at 1-478-822-2242.
Notes:
Blue bird's recall campaign number is r11ta.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> .
Campaign:
11V218000 on 04/05/2011
Component:
Electrical system:battery:cables
Manufactured:
06/25/2003 - 12/08/2004
Affected:
3,919
Defect:
Blue bird is recalling certain model year 2004 through 2006 vision conventional style school buses manufactured from june 26, 2003, through december 9, 2004. the starter cable may contact and potentially chafe against the steel braided power steering hose thereby creating a direct short.
Consequence:
A short could result in a fire.
Correction:
Blue bird will notify owners and dealers will inspect the subject buses for proper clearance between the starter cable and the power steering hose. buses found to have insufficient clearance will have a clamp installed to prevent further contact. any damaged power steering hoses or starter cables will be replaced free of charge. the safety recall is expected to begin on or about may 10, 2011. owners may contact blue bird at 1-478-822-2242.
Notes:
Blue bird's recall campaign number is r11ta.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> .

2005 BLUE BIRD VISION TSBs (15)

Bulletin:
04
Component:
200000 wheels
Summary:
Contact between the wheel weights and tie rod ends resulting in dislodging of the wheel weights. service bulletin s04ja. blue bird. *tt
Bulletin:
04
Component:
110000 electrical system
Summary:
In operations where buses are commonly left parked for extended periods, the current draw of the multiplex system in non-sleep mode may drain batteries. communications to blue bird owner and multiplex modification bulletin. all blue bird
Bulletin:
S04JA
Component:
200000 wheels
Summary:
Bbcv wheel weight-tie rod end contact. *tt
Bulletin:
SB-S0701
Component:
061200 engine and engine cooling:engine:diesel
Summary:
Blue bird bus: re-issue service update engine coolants. the cooling system on the buses be properly maintained and monitored to insure proper operation of your cooling system. *pe
Bulletin:
SU-S-0706
Component:
220000 seats
Summary:
Blue bird: information is being provided regarding maintenance for vehicles equipped with aluminum seat floor tracks. *pe
Bulletin:
SB-S-70-LJ
Component:
062100 engine and engine cooling:cooling system:radiator assembly
Summary:
Blue bird: see document search button for owner letter. information on excessive cycling of engine cooling fan and shutter and how to install thermo switches for cooling system and charge air system. *pe
Bulletin:
RC-R-06-KW
Component:
980000 unknown or other
Summary:
Blue bird: see document search button for owner letter. on some buses a safety issue exist regarding the installation and replacing of power cable and shunt base due to breakage. *pe
Bulletin:
SB-S-06-KH
Component:
162310 structure:body:door:hinge and attachments
Summary:
Blue bird: see document search button for owner letter. on some buses, a guard was designed to prevent the snagging of bag straps and jacket pockets on air power entrance doors' emergency release lever. *pe
Bulletin:
SB-S-07-LM
Component:
136000 visibility:windshield wiper/washer
Summary:
Blue bird: see document search button for owner letter. on model year buses, the bicycle crank arm, in wiper assembly, must be replaced due to design being out of specification. *pe
Bulletin:
SU-S-0705
Component:
017500 steering:linkages:tie rod assembly
Summary:
Blue bird: for some model year buses, front axles undergone several changes regarding tie rods not being interchangeable when replacement service is required. *pe
Bulletin:
SB-S-07-LS
Component:
113000 electrical system:starter assembly
Summary:
Blue bird: see document search button for owner letter. on some buses, starter cable is located on power junction block, causing slow starter cranking and misdiagnoses. starter cable should be located on ammeter junction block instead.
Bulletin:
SB-S-09-PA
Component:
111100 electrical system:battery:cables
Summary:
Blue bird: see document search button for owner letter. on certain model year buses, the wrong disconnect stud(s) switch may be connected to battery disconnect jumper cable switch. *pe
Bulletin:
SU-1503
Component:
356000 equipment adaptive
Summary:
Blue bird: correct information provided for the front hub torque specification, not found in manuals for certain buses for hub and rotor assembly and front installation. model 2005-14 vision, all-american and activity. *pe
Bulletin:
SM1601
Component:
355200 equipment:other:owners/service/other manual
Summary:
Blue bird troubleshooting guides: blue bird announcement of the addition of troubleshooting guides for assisting in the service of the blue bird products. these troubleshooting guides are available on the vantage website.
Bulletin:
SM1608
Component:
355200 equipment:other:owners/service/other manual
Summary:
New blue bird support center - technical bus support: dealer memo to announce the new on-line blue bird support center for technical bus support requests.

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