Engine compartment fire

An NHTSA Preliminary Evaluation into Blue Bird vehicles. Closed 4 March 2009.

Investigation
PE09001
Type
Preliminary Evaluation
Opened
5 January 2009
Closed
4 March 2009

What NHTSA investigated

This investigation was opened after odi learned about a firealleged to have started from the main battery cable chafing at the rear of the engine.the subject bus was a new 2008 model and the battery cable runs from the electrical junction block to the battery.the problem only affects buses equipped with the caterpillar engine.subsequent field inspections found battery cables on two other buses showing signs of abrasionagainst the rear of the engine.on february 16, 2009, blue bird filed a safety recall to inspect all involved buses. Blue bird will inspect the battery power cables at the rear of the engine on the suspect buses and correct the problem as necessary.this recall action resolves the issues raised by this investigation. Accordingly, this investigation is closed.

The recall that followed

  1. Blue Bird — Electrical System: Cables09V05500017 February 20094,591 vehicles

Vehicles covered

MakeModelModel years
Blue BirdVISION2006–2008

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.