The problem
Certain 2005 guide xl school buses manufactured between june 2005 and january 2006 equipped with ricon's 1200, 2000, and 5500 series platform wheelchair lifts. The platform lifts may have a defect in the weld which will allow a joint on the vertical lift to crack.
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 june 2006. Owners may contact ricon customer support dept. At 800-322-2884 or owners may contact mid bus customer service at 1-877-358-6055.
Contacts
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 Mid Bus dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 06V194000.
- 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.