The problem
Mci is recalling certain model year 2008 and 2009 motor coaches, model j4500 manufactured between october 2007 and april 2009; 2009 motor coaches models d4000istv, d4005, d4500, and d4505 manufactured between january and july 2009; 2010 d4500 coaches manufactured between december 2008 and april 2009; 2009 e4500 coaches manufactured between january and april 2009; and one 2003 e4500 coach manufactured in october 2002. These vehicles may have been equipped with meritor wabco steering angle sensors (sas) which can develop internal friction between the sensor gears and the sensor housing as a result of external forces experienced on the vehicle including vibration. If developed friction is great enough, the driving tab of the sas can sheer as the driver turns the steering wheel.
The risk
With a broken sas driving tab, the electronic stability control (esc) will not function properly, which could possibly result in a vehicle crash.
The fix
Mci will notify owners and the vehicles will be repaired free of charge. The safety recall began on july 10, 2009. Owners may contact mci at 1-800-241-2947.
Contacts
Mci's recall campaign nos. 327 (D model series) and 328 (j model series). Owners may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to <a href=http://www.Safercar.Gov>http://www.Safercar.Gov</a> .
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 Mci dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 09V196000.
- 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.