West Coach Recalls CE Buses with Ricon Wheelchair Lifts

Vehicle Make / Model:		Model Year(s):
WEST COACH / CE		2006-2008
Manufacturer: WEST COACH CORPORATION		Mfr’s Report Date: FEB 04, 2009
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 09V064000		EQ08011 NHTSA Action Number: EQ08011

Component: EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE

Potential Number of Units Affected: 83

Summary: WEST COACH IS RECALLING 83 2006-2008 CE BUSES EQUIPPED WITH RICON PLATFORM STYLE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS. THESE LIFTS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 403, “PLATFORM LIFT SYSTEM ACCESSIBLE FOR MOTOR VEHICLES.” THE ANTI-STOW INTERLOCK MAY NOT DETECT THE PRESENCE OF A WHEELCHAIR OR MOBILITY AID USER. THE PRESSURE SENSING SWITCH THAT DETECTS THE PRESENCE OF WEIGHT ON THE PLATFORM WAS NOT ADJUSTED TO THE NECESSARY SENSITIVITY LEVEL. THE LIFT COULD STOW EVEN THOUGH SOMEONE OR SOMETHING IS STILL ON THE LIFT.

Consequence: A LIFT OCCUPANT CAN BE INJURED SHOULD THE LIFT BEGIN TO STOW UNINTENTIONALLY.

Remedy: WEST COACH IS WORKING WITH RICON TO CORRECT THE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS FREE OF CHARGE (PLEASE SEE 07E097). OWNERS MAY CONTACT RICON AT 1-818-267-3000 OR WEST COACH AT 909-464-1025.

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 .