The problem
Certain my 2007 and 2008 international school and commercial buses manufactured between january 20 and september 28, 2006, equipped with ricon wheelchair lifts . The lift inner barrier interlock switch system may not detect the presence of a passenger on the inner barrier and allow the platform to move down more than one inch below floor level while occupied which does not conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 403, Platform lift systems for motor vehicles.
The risk
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. 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. 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
International is working with ricon to repair the buses free of charge (please see 06e101). The recall began on july 20, 2007. Owners can contact ricon at 818-267-3012 or international at 1-800-448-7825.
Contacts
International recall no. 07508. 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 IC Bus dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 07V224000.
- 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.