The problem
Certain girardin my 2005 and 2006 mb iv school and commercial buses and 2006 mb ii school buses manufactured between june 29, 2005, and may 10, 2006, and equipped with ricon k-series wheelchair lifts, p/n k5505-f1020000a & k2010-f1020000a. The welding process may not have achieved full penetration along the seam of the vertical arms. Improperly welded vertical arms will not allow the lift to stow properly.
The risk
In the event this condition occurs during passenger operations it may not be possible to close the lift door causing the vehicle interlocks to remain engaged preventing movement of the vehicle or the ability to load or unload passengers with disabilities from the vehicle.
The fix
Ricon is conducting this recall (please see 06e008000) and will replace the two vertical arms even if only one arm is cracked free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during may 2006. Owners may contact ricon customer support dept. At 800-322-2884 or owners may contact girardin at 819-477-8222.
Contacts
Girardin recall no. 06-013-Liu. Customers may 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.
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 Girardin dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 06V133000.
- 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.