Collins Recalls Certain 2009 Bantam School Buses

February 25, 2010

Vehicle Make / Model:		Model Year(s):
COLLINS / BANTAM		2009
COLLINS / GRAND BANTAM		2009
COLLINS / SUPER BANTAM		2009
Manufacturer: COLLINS BUS CORPORATION		Mfr’s Report Date: FEB 18, 2010
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 10V049000		N/A NHTSA Action Number: N/A

Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL

Potential Number of Units Affected: 112

Summary: COLLINS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 BANTAM, SUPER BANTAM, AND GRAND BANTAM SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN APRIL 1 AND OCTOBER 1, 2009, BUILT ON FORD CUTAWAY CHASSIS. THE BRAKE-TURN SEPARATOR MODULE WHICH IS USED TO CONTROL THE BRAKE LIGHTS AND TURN SIGNALS LIGHTS IN THE REAR MAY NOT ALWAYS DISTINGUISH CORRECTLY BETWEEN A BRAKE SIGNAL INPUT AND A TURN SIGNAL INPUT FROM THE FORD CHASSIS OEM WIRING. FOR TYPICAL BRAKE AND TURN SIGNAL OPERATION, THE STOP/TAIL/TURN LIGHTS AT THE REAR OF THE BUS WILL FUNCTION PROPERLY. HOWEVER, IF THE BRAKES ARE PUMPED/APPLIED IN A FREQUENCY MATCHING THAT OF THE BLINKING TURN SIGNAL WHILE THE TURN INDICATOR IS ON, THERE IS THE POTENTIAL THAT THE BRAKE SIGNAL THROUGH THE MODULE MAY CANCEL OUT THE TURN SIGNAL TEMPORARILY OR CAUSE IT TO FLASH INTERMITTENTLY.

Consequence: THIS CAN CAUSE CONFUSION TO VEHICLES BEHIND THE BUS AS TO WHETHER THE BUS IS TURNING OR STOPPING INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: COLLINS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE-TURN SIGNAL SEPARATOR MODULE, IF THE BUS IS EQUIPPED WITH ONE, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING FEBRUARY 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT COLLINS TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-533-1850 EXT. 424.

Notes: OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION’S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV .

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