The problem
On certain motor homes and tour coaches, a 'check trans' warning light which is required by allison transmission installation instructions was omitted. In the event the transmission shift selector malfunctions (looses power or sends erroneous signals to the transmission electronic control unit), the computer will stop accepting input from the electronic shift selector unit. If this condition occurs, the transmission will be held in the last valid range selected. Although the single digit range selected display on the shift selector will be blank or a dash, the driver may not be aware that a malfunction has occurred.
The risk
The driver may shift the transmission selector to change direction and the transmission would not recognize it and remain in the original direction resulting in the potential for a crash.
The fix
Dealers will install a "check trans" warning light on these vehicles. Owner notification began july 31, 2002. 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 blue bird at 1-478-822-2242.
Contacts
Customers can 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 Blue Bird dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 02V154000.
- 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.