Over stressed battery cables

An NHTSA Preliminary Evaluation into Blue Bird vehicles. Closed 31 August 2006.

Investigation
PE06026
Type
Preliminary Evaluation
Opened
10 July 2006
Closed
31 August 2006

What NHTSA investigated

This investigation was opened after odi was notified by the gsa automotive engineering division that they have had three incidents where abattery cable terminal end failed. Gsa reported the positive battery cable as being too short and being stressed during normal operation resulting in a complete separation.this could lead to an engine shut down or possibly a thermal event if thecable shorts to a ground source upon failure.bluebird has filed a safety defect to resolve the issue. The original cable will be removed and replaced with a longer battery cable. The ammeter shunt mounting will also be upgraded on all buses delivered through july 12, 2006.THIS investigation is close.

The recall that followed

  1. Blue Bird — Electrical System: Cables06V26100017 July 20067,980 vehicles

Vehicles covered

MakeModelModel years
Blue BirdVISION2004–2007

Source

From NHTSA’s investigation file, rebuilt daily. To report a problem with your own vehicle, go to nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem. All open investigations.