The problem
Vehicle description: certain buses were built with an improper connection of the heater harness from the heater switch to the connector just outside the heater unit. The assembly left a loose hot wire in the heater harness with an unprotected terminal that could cause a direct short. This wire is protected with a 20-ampere circuit protection, but in a rare case could cause a fire.
The risk
Electrical component failure without the correct protection in some cases can cause overheating of the component.
The fix
Owners will be provided with instructions on how to repair the defect. The repair procedure for this defect will require placing the connectors correctly in the terminals to the high-speed blower relay and harness connection at the heater. Owner notification began december 18, 2001. Owners who do not receive the free instructions within a reasonable time should contact amtran at 1-800-843-5615.
Contacts
Also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).
What to do
- Check your VIN. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls - it shows whether this recall applies to your vehicle and whether the repair has been done.
- Call a dealer. Any authorized Amtran dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 01V350000.
- Ask about parts and a loaner. If parts aren't available yet, ask what to do in the meantime.
- Keep your paperwork. If you paid for this repair before the recall, you may be able to get reimbursed - here's how.