1997 Neoplan An440 Recalls

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 03V254000
Manufacturer: NEOPLAN USA CORPORATION
Manufactured Begin Date: June 1st, 1997
Manufactured End Date: September 30th, 1997

Defect Summary:
ON CERTAIN BUSES EQUIPPED WITH CUMMINS ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES ON THE C8.3G AND L10G ENGINES, THE ECM DOES NOT HAVE THE ABILITY TO DETECT A THROTTLE FAIL-SAFE ENGINE SHUTDOWN COMMAND. THIS COULD RESULT IN AN UNANTICIPATED, UNCOMMANDED OPEN THROTTLE CONDITION WITHOUT WARNING.

Consequence Summary:
IF THIS EVENT OCCURS, THE VEHICLE OPERATOR WILL NOT HAVE CONTROL OF THE ENGINE SPEED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Corrective Summary:
CUMMINS WILL NOTIFY THE CUSTOMERS AND REPLACE THE ECM. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CUMMINS AT 1-800-343-7357 OR NEOPLAN AT 719-336-3256, EXT. 476.

Recall Notes:
CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 99V242003
Manufacturer: NEOPLAN USA CORPORATION
Manufactured Begin Date: April 1st, 1998
Manufactured End Date: October 31st, 1998

Defect Summary:
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TRANSIT BUSES. FAILURE OF A SOFT SEAT CHECK VALVE IN WHEELCHAIR LIFTS PROVIDED BY LIFT-U, MAY ALLOW THE FRONT AND REAR PLATFORM BARRIERS TO RETURN TO A HORIZONTAL POSITION FROM THE VERTICAL POSITION THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO BE LOCKED IN.

Consequence Summary:
THIS COULD ALLOW A MOBILITY AID TO ROLL OFF OF THE LIFT PLATFORM INJURING ITS OCCUPANT. LIFT-U WILL REPLACE THE SOFT SEAT CHECK VALVES.

Corrective Summary:
LIFT-U WILL REPLACE THE SOFT SEAT CHECK VALVES.

Recall Notes:
OWNER NOTIFICATION IS BEING HANDLED BY LIFT-U. 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 LIFT-U AT 1-209-838-2400 OR NEOPLAN AT 1-719-336-3256. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 98V298000
Manufacturer: NEOPLAN USA CORPORATION
Manufactured Begin Date: May 18th, 1995
Manufactured End Date: November 6th, 1997
Date of Owner Notification: November 30th, 1998

Defect Summary:
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TRANSIT COACHES EQUIPPED WITH CUMMINS L-10 ENGINES AND NELSON CATALYSTS AND SOLD TO LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA TRANSIT AUTHORITY. THE CATALYST CAN EXPERIENCE HIGH TEMPERATURES, WHICH COULD BE CAUSED FROM UNBURNED METHANE IGNITING INSIDE THE CATALYST BRICK.

Consequence Summary:
THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN EXTREME OVERHEATING OF THE CATALYST AND COULD CAUSE IGNITION OF SURROUNDING COMBUSTIBLES IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO THE CATALYST.

Corrective Summary:
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLES FOR PROPER INSTALLATION AND POSITIONING; INCREASE THE SIZE OF THE FIBERGLASS HOLE SURROUNDING THE TAIL PIPE, REMOVE A RUBBER AIR INLET BOOT THAT WAS TOO CLOSE TO THE CATALYST; REPLACE THE FLEX PIPE IN THE EXHAUST SYSTEM; AND ADD A BLANKET AROUND THE CATALYST TO PROVIDE ADDED INSULATION.

Recall Notes:
OWNER NOTIFICATION HAS BEGAN. 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 NEOPLAN AT 1-719-336-3256.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).