The problem
Corp. Micro bird is recalling certain model year 1999 through 2002 girardin mb iv transit buses built on ford and gm cutaway chassis from august 2, 1999, through may 8, 2002, and equipped with a trans/air ta73 evaporator. The evaporator utilizes a power resistor to regulate blower speed. Should a short occur in the "low or medium speed" circuit while the blower is in high speed, the short will cause the supply voltage to feedback through the resistor to ground, not drawing enough current to trip the fuse.
The risk
This would cause the resistor temperature to rise to a point where it will melt and possibly ignite the plastic blower housing to which it is mounted. The overheating can result in a fire.
The fix
Corp. Micro bird in cooperation with trans/air will install a thermal shutdown device in series with the speed resistors. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on january 11, 2011. Owners may contact trans/air warranty and service center at 1-800-673-2446.
Contacts
Micro bird's recall campaign number is 10-041-acu. 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 Girardin dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 10V645000.
- 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.