1998 Neoplan AN116

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TRANSIT BUSES EQUIPPED WITH VANNER 60 SERIES BATTERY EQUALIZERS. THE EQUALIZER COULD FAIL TO OPERATE PROPERLY AND CAUSE MALFUNCTION OF THE BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM.

RiskWITHOUT FUSING, THE EQUALIZER MAY MELT, BURN, OR SMOKE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE OR A SMOKE FILLED BUS, THUS NECESSITATING A PASSENGER EVACUATION OF THE BUS. THE FAILURE MODE CAN CAUSE OPERATOR DISTRACTION, AND/OR POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.

FixDEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BUSES FOR CERTAIN EQUALIZERS BY THE DATE CODE. THE AFFECTED EQUALIZERS WILL BE REPLACED BY VANNER. 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 VANNER AT 1-800-227-6937 OR NEOPLAN AT 1-719-336-3256.

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TRANSIT BUSES. THE TETHER PLATES, WHICH ARE ATTACHED TO THE REAR OF BOTH THE UPPER AND LOWER FRAMES OF THE SUSPENSION UNIT, CONTAIN A SHARP EDGE WHICH CAN CAUSE PREMATURE WEAT OF THE NYLON TETHERS. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 207, "SEATING SYSTEMS," AND NO. 210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES."

RiskIN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THESE SEAT BELTS MAY NOT PROPERLY RESTAIN THE OCCUPANT INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.

FixISRINGHAUSEN IS CONDUCTING THE OWNER NOTIFICATION FOR THIS RECALL. OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A REPLACEMENT KIT WHICH INCLUDES NEW TETHERS, TETHER PLATES, NUT, BOLTS, AND A TECHNICAL BULLETIN WITH DETAILED REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS.