The problem
Daimler trucks is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 thomas built school buses manufactured between march 31, 2008 and february 18, 2009, equipped with specialty manufacturing, inc. (Smi) 000290 led light kits. A change to the wire used in the led light kits may reduce the effective life of the lights used on the stop arms. The lights may stop functioning without warning.
The risk
Should the led lights stop functioning, visibility of a stopped bus would be decreased, possibly endangering a child or pedestrian to injury by passing vehicles.
The fix
Thomas built will notify owners and light kits will be replaced free of charge. The safety recall began on february 3, 2010. Owners may contact thomas built at 1-800-547-0712.
Contacts
Daimler trucks recall no. Fl-562. 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 Thomas Built Buses dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 09V394000.
- 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.