The problem
Certain girardin school and commercial buses manufactured between march and december 2006. The defect involves the interlock switch system in the lift not detecting the presence of a passenger (either wheelchair or standee) on the ricon wheelchair platform lift which does not conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 404, Platform lift systems for motor vehicles. In the event this condition occurs during passenger operations it may be possible for the wheelchair to tip backwards onto the platform when the platform was lowered.
The risk
This could result in injury to the wheelchair's occupant. Also, anyone standing on the platform could lose his or her balance and fall, resulting in injury.
The fix
Girardin is working with ricon to repair the buses free of charge (please see 06e101). The recall began on may 18, 2007. Owners can contact girardin at 819-477-8222 ext. 401 Or ricon at 800-322-2884.
Contacts
Girardin's recall no 07-016-riu. 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 07V189000.
- 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.