1994 Thomas Saf-t-liner Recalls

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 97V133000
Manufacturer: THOMAS BUILT BUSES, INC.
Manufactured Begin Date: August 1st, 1988
Manufactured End Date: June 12th, 1997
Date of Owner Notification: October 24th, 1997

Defect Summary:
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL AND TRANSIT BUSES EQUIPPED WITH IN-LINE SIX ENGINE,"S" TYPE FRAME RAILS AND SIDE MOUNTED BATTERY BOX. THE BATTERY CABLE ROUTING ALLOWS THE POSITIVE CABLE TO CHAFE RESULTING IN A POSSIBLE SHORT CIRCUIT OF THE CABLE.

Consequence Summary:
IF AN ELECTRICAL SHORT OCCURS, IT CAN CAUSE LOSS OF POWER TO THE VEHICLE AND A POSSIBLE VEHICLE FIRE.

Corrective Summary:
THOMAS BUILT WILL PROVIDE OWNERS WITH REPAIR PARTS AND DETAILED REPAIR PROCEDURES TO SECURE THE CABLE TO PREVENT FURTHER DAMAGE. IF THE OWNER SO DESIRES, THOMAS BUILT WILL PERFORM THE REPAIR FOR THEM.

Recall Notes:
OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 24, 1997. OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REPAIR PARTS AND DETAILED REPAIR PROCEDURE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT THOMAS BUILT AT 1-910-889-4871.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 97V030000
Manufacturer: THOMAS BUILT BUSES, INC.
Manufactured Begin Date: September 1st, 1988
Manufactured End Date: January 31st, 1996
Date of Owner Notification: April 28th, 1997

Defect Summary:
CONTACT BETWEEN THE BRAKE CHAMBER AND THE SUSPENSION BEAM CAN RESULT IN DAMAGE TO THE BRAKE CHAMBER CLAMP BAND.

Consequence Summary:
IF THE DAMAGE TO THE CLAMP BAND RESULTED IN BAND BREAKAGE, THE CHAMBER COULD COME APART RESULTING IN LOSS OF THE SERVICE BRAKES. THE EMERGENCY BRAKES WOULD AUTOMATICALLY APPLY.

Corrective Summary:
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BRAKE CHAMBER FOR SIGNS OF CONTACT. IF CONTACT IS INDICATED, THE BRAKE CAM SHAFT AND CHAMBER SUPPORT BRACKET WILL BE REPLACED, ELIMINATING THE POSSIBILITY OF CONTACT BETWEEN THE BRAKE CHAMBER AND THE SUSPENSION BEAM.

Recall Notes:
OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DURING APRIL 1997. 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 THOMAS BUILT AT 1-910-889-4871.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 97V018000
Manufacturer: THOMAS BUILT BUSES, INC.
Manufactured Begin Date: November 1st, 1994
Manufactured End Date: November 19th, 1996
Date of Owner Notification: March 31st, 1997

Defect Summary:
THE NUT THAT SECURES THE VEHICLE'S MAIN POWER SUPPLY CAN LOOSEN CAUSING LOSS OF CONTACT.

Consequence Summary:
THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE POWER INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Corrective Summary:
THOMAS BUILT WILL SHIP REPAIR PARTS AND A DETAILED REPAIR PROCEDURE TO THE BUS OWNERS. THE REPAIR WILL CONSIST OF REMOVING THE ORIGINAL NUT, LOCATED AT THE ELECTRICAL PANEL, THAT SECURES THE VEHICLE'S MAIN POWER SUPPLY, AND REPLACING IT WITH A FLAT WASHER AND LOCKING NUT.

Recall Notes:
OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 31, 1997. OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE REPAIR PARTS AND A DETAILED REPAIR PROCEDURE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME FREE OF CHARGE SHOULD CONTACT THOMAS BUILT AT 1-910-841-5708.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 96V164000
Manufacturer: THOMAS BUILT BUSES, INC.
Manufactured Begin Date: January 1st, 1992
Manufactured End Date: July 31st, 1996
Date of Owner Notification: December 2nd, 1996

Defect Summary:
AN ITEM WORN BY A CHILD, SUCH AS A LONG DRAWSTRING, SASH, OR BACKPACK/BOOKBAG ACCESSORY, CAN BECOME CAUGHT ON THE FATENERS THAT SECURE THE HANDRAIL SUPPORT TO THE HANDRAIL.

Consequence Summary:
IF AN ITEM WORN BY A CHILD WERE TO CATCH ON THIS AREA, AND THE DRIVER WERE TO CLOSE THE DOOR AND PUT THE VEHICLE IN MOTION, THIS CAN RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

Corrective Summary:
THE EXISTING 1" BOLTS THAT SECURE THE HANDRAIL SUPPORT WILL BE REPLACED WITH 1/2" BOLTS.

Recall Notes:
OWNER NOTIFICATION:OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURINGNOTE: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 THOMAS BUILT AT 1-910-889-4871.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 96V139000
Manufacturer: THOMAS BUILT BUSES, INC.
Manufactured Begin Date: April 1st, 1977
Manufactured End Date: July 1st, 1996
Date of Owner Notification: October 8th, 1996

Defect Summary:
AN ITEM WORN BY A CHILD, SUCH AS A LONG DRAWSTRING, SASH, OR BACKPACK/BOOKBAG ACCESSORY, CAN BECOME CAUGHT IN THE AREA BETWEEN THE SERVICE DOOR AND THE DOOR CONTROL ROD ATTACHING BRACKET.

Consequence Summary:
IF AN ITEM WORN BY A CHILD WERE TO CATCH ON THIS AREA, AND THE DRIVER WERE TO CLOSE THE DOOR AND PUT THE VEHICLE IN MOTION, THIS CAN RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

Corrective Summary:
A MOLDED COVER WILL BE INSTALLED BETWEEN THE MANUALLY OPERATED OUTWARD OPENING ENTRANCE DOOR AND THE DOOR CONTROL ROD ATTACHING BRACKET WHICH WILL ELIMINATE THE OPENING THAT COULD ALLOW AN ITEM OF A CHILD'S CLOTHING TO BECOME SNAGGED.

Recall Notes:
SYSTEM: STRUCTURE; BODY; HANDRAILS. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL BUSES EQUIPPED WITH MANUALLY OPERATED OUTWARD OPENING SERVICE DOORS. NOTE: 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 THOMAS BUILT AT 1-910-889-4871. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 95V188002
Manufacturer: THOMAS BUILT BUSES, INC.
Manufactured Begin Date: November 1st, 1993
Manufactured End Date: August 1st, 1995
Date of Owner Notification: February 2nd, 1996

Defect Summary:
SOME TEMPERATURE SENSITIVE TRIGGERS WERE NOT X-RAYED. THESE TRIGGERS COULD CONTAIN INTERNAL VOIDS THAT WOULD MAKE THE TRIGGERS SUSCEPTIBLE TO ADVANCED CREEP CAUSING FALSE ACTIVATION AND VENTING OF THE CNG.

Consequence Summary:
VENTING OF THE CNG COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Corrective Summary:
THOMAS BUILT WILL REPLACE THE TYPE III PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE WITH THE NEWER DESIGN "GENERATION 2.5" PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICE.

Recall Notes:
SYSTEM: FUEL; CNG; PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE/DEVICE.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL AND TRANSIT BUSES POWERED BY COMPRESSED NATURALGAS (CNG) ENGINES AND EQUIPPED WITH LINCOLN COMPOSITE CNG FUEL CONTAINERS WHICH INCORPORATE MIRADA TYPE III PRESSURE RELIEF VALVES. (SEE MIRADA CAMPAIGN NO. 95E025 AND LINCOLN CAMPAIGN 95E025003).NOTE: IF THE VALVES HAVE NOT BEEN REPLACED WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME FREE OF CHARGE, PLEASE CONTACT THOMAS BUILT AT 1-910-889-4871. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 96V021000
Manufacturer: THOMAS BUILT BUSES, INC.
Manufactured Begin Date: September 1st, 1988
Manufactured End Date: January 1st, 1996
Date of Owner Notification: April 8th, 1996

Defect Summary:
CONTACT BETWEEN THE BRAKE CHAMBER AND THE SUSPENSION BEAM CAN RESULT IN DAMAGE TO THE BRAKE CHAMBER CLAMP BAND.

Consequence Summary:
IF THE DAMAGE TO THE CLAMP BAND RESULTED IN BAND BREAKAGE, THE CHAMBER COULD COME APART RESULTING IN LOSS OF THE SERVICE BRAKES. THE EMERGENCY BRAKES WOULD AUTOMATICALLY APPLY.

Corrective Summary:
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BRAKE CHAMBER FOR SIGN OF CONTACT. IF CONTACT IS INDICATED, THE BRAKE CAM SHAFT AND CHAMBER SUPPORT BRACKET WILL BE REPLACED, ELIMINATING THE POSSIBLITY OF CONTACT BETWEEN THE BRAKE CHAMBER AND THE SUSPENSION BEAM.

Recall Notes:
THIS RECALL CAMPAIGN HAS BEEN SUPERSEDED BY CAMPAIGN 97V030000.SYSTEM: BRAKES; AIR; DRUM AND SHOE SYSTEMS; CHAMBER; BRAKE. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL AND TRANSIT BUSES, 66-90 PASSENGER, TYPE "D", REAR ENGINE EQUIPPED WITH 10" BRAKES AND "NEWAY" AIR SUSPENSION. NOTE: 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 THOMAS BUILT AT 1-910-889-4871. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.1-800-424-9393.

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 95V148000
Manufacturer: THOMAS BUILT BUSES, INC.
Manufactured Begin Date: August 1st, 1993
Manufactured End Date: December 1st, 1994
Date of Owner Notification: October 20th, 1995

Defect Summary:
THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WILL NOT SHIFT INTO LOW GEAR DUE TO A MISALIGNMENT IN THE PRNDL INDICATOR.

Consequence Summary:
PRNDL MISALIGNMENT CAN CAUSE THE DRIVER TO BE UNAWAREOF THE GEAR POSITION INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.

Corrective Summary:
DEALERS WILL CORRECT THE MISALIGNMENT OF THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION.

Recall Notes:
SYSTEM: POWERTRAIN; TRANSMISSION; AUTOMATIC; INDICATOR; LEVER; GEAR.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: REAR ENGINE CHASSIS SCHOOL AND TRANSIT BUSES EQUIPPED WITH "MORSE" SHIFTERS.NOTE: 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 THOMAS BUILT AT 1-910-889-4871. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 95V087000
Manufacturer: THOMAS BUILT BUSES, INC.
Manufactured Begin Date: September 1st, 1994
Manufactured End Date: April 1st, 1995
Date of Owner Notification: August 7th, 1995

Defect Summary:
THE ROOF HATCHES ON THESE BUSES DO NOT MEET THE EXTERIOR HANDLE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 217, "BUS WINDOW RETENTION AND RELEASE."

Consequence Summary:
CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY, RESCUE PERSONNEL MAY NOT BE ABLE TO OPEN THE ROOF HATCHES FROM THE OUTSIDE.

Corrective Summary:
DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE EXISTING ROOF HATCH LID AND REPLACE IT WITH A LID EQUIPPED WITH AN EXTERIOR HANDLE.

Recall Notes:
SYSTEM: VISUAL; GLASS; OTHER; FMVSS NO. 217.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL BUSES EQUIPPED WITH ROOF HATCHES.NOTE: IF YOUR VEHICLE IS PRESENTED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND THE REMEDY IS NOT PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME, PLEASE CONTACT THOMAS BUILT AT 1-910-889-4871. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 95V042000
Manufacturer: THOMAS BUILT BUSES, INC.
Manufactured Begin Date: January 1st, 1994
Manufactured End Date: February 1st, 1995
Date of Owner Notification: June 9th, 1995

Defect Summary:
THE AIR CONDITIONING HOSE COVERS DO NOT MEET THE HEAD IMPACT REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 222, "SCHOOL BUS PASSENGER SEATING AND CRASH PROTECTION."

Consequence Summary:
CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE PERSONAL INJURY IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Corrective Summary:
DEALERS WILL REROUTE THE COVER FROM THE HEAD IMPACT ZONE AND ALSO REPLACE THE METAL COVER WITH A PLASTIC COVER.

Recall Notes:
SYSTEM: AIR CONDITIONER; OTHER PART. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL BUSES.NOTE: IF YOUR VEHICLE IS PRESENTED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND THE REMEDY IS NOT PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME, CONTACT THOMAS BUILT AT 1-910-889-4871. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 95V004000
Manufacturer: THOMAS BUILT BUSES, INC.
Manufactured Begin Date: June 1st, 1993
Manufactured End Date: August 1st, 1994
Date of Owner Notification: March 10th, 1995

Defect Summary:
THE METAL HOUSING OF THE SAFETY BELT RETRACTORS ON AUTOMATIC LOCKING RETRACTOR/EMERGENCY LOCKING RETRACTOR SAFETY BELTS CAN BECOME DEFORMED PREVENTING EXTENSION AND/OR RETRACTION OF THE BELT.

Consequence Summary:
PASSENGERS WOULD BE UNABLE TO EXTEND OR RETRACT THEIR SAFETY BELTS AND WOULD BE AT A RISK OF INJURY IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT.

Corrective Summary:
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A HARDENED WASHER WHICH WILL DECREASE THE POSSIBILITY OF DEFORMATION OF THE SAFETY BELT RETRACTOR. DAMAGED RETRACTORS WILL BE REPLACED.

Recall Notes:
SYSTEM: INTERIOR SYSTEM; ACTIVE RESTRAINTS; BELT RETRACTORS.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TRANSIT AND SCHOOL BUSES.NOTE: IF THE VEHICLE IS PRESENTED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND THE REMEDY IS NOT PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME, PLEASE CONTACT THOMAS BUILT AT 1-910-889-4871. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 94V172000
Manufacturer: THOMAS BUILT BUSES, INC.
Manufactured Begin Date: January 1st, 1994
Manufactured End Date: September 1st, 1994
Date of Owner Notification: September 2nd, 1994

Defect Summary:
THE AIR COMPRESSOR THAT DRIVES THE POWER STEERING PUMP CAN FAIL, RESULTING IN LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST.

Consequence Summary:
LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST CAN CAUSE LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT.

Corrective Summary:
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AIR COMPRESSOR WITH A NEW, HIGH CAPACITY AIR COMPRESSOR.

Recall Notes:
SYSTEM: STEERING; POWER ASSIST; PUMP.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TRANSIT AND SCHOOL BUSES EQUIPPED WITH CUMMINS 6C ENGINES.NOTE: IF THE VEHICLE IS PRESENTED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND THE REMEDY IS NOT PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME OR THE REMEDY DOES NOT CORRECT THE DEFECT, PLEASE CONTACT THOMAS BUILT AT 1-910-889-4871. ALSO, CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 94V143000
Manufacturer: THOMAS BUILT BUSES, INC.
Manufactured Begin Date: August 1st, 1992
Manufactured End Date: June 1st, 1994
Date of Owner Notification: October 17th, 1994

Defect Summary:
A SUDDEN HYDRAULIC PRESSURE LOSS DURING HARD TURNS RESULTS IN A MOMENTARY LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST. THE PRESSURE LOSS OCCURS WHEN THE HYDRAULICALLY DRIVEN ENGINE COOLING FAN TURNS OFF IN THE TURN.

Consequence Summary:
THE DRIVER REACTS TO THE LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST BY OVERSTEERING, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.

Corrective Summary:
THE HYDRAULIC CONTROL VALVES WILL BE REPLACED WITH VALVES OF A NEW DESIGN. UNTIL SUCH TIME AS PARTS ARE AVAILABLE, OWNERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO DISCONNECT THE FAN CUTOFF SWITCH SO THAT HYDRAULICALLY DRIVEN FANS WILL RUN FULL TIME, ELIMINATING THE PRESSURE SPIKE.

Recall Notes:
SYSTEM: ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM; FAN.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: REAR ENGINE TRANSIT BUSES EQUIPPED WITH CATERPILLAR 3116, CUMMINS 6C 300 HP, OR HERCULES CNG ENGINES.NOTE: IF YOUR VEHICLE IS PRESENTED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND THE REMEDY IS NOT PROVIDED WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME FREE OF CHARGE OR THE REMEDY DOES NOT CORRECT THE DEFECT, PLEASE CONTACT THOMAS BUILT AT 1-910-889-4871. ALSO, CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.