The problem
Certain my 2006 mid bus guide and guide xl school buses manufactured between january 6 and october 5, 2006, equipped with ricon 2000 and 5500 series wheel chair lifts. The lift's interlock switch system may not detect the presence of a passenger (either wheel chair or standee) on the platform lift which fails to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 403, Platform lift systems for motor vehicles.
The risk
In the event this condition occurs during passenger operations, it may be possible for the wheelchair lift to tip backwards onto the platform if the user is backing onto the lift from inside the vehicle and has the small front wheels fully or partially on the inner barrier when the platform was lowered. A standee could loose his or her balance if they were positioned fully or partly on the inner barrier when the platform is lowered. Either condition could cause personal injury.
The fix
Mid bus will notify owners and is working in conjunction with ricon to repair the school buses free of charge. The recall began on march 15, 2007. Owners can contact ricon at 818-267-3012 or contact mid bus at 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 07V091000.
- 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.