The problem
Van Hool is recalling certain model year 2011 and 2012 C2045, and model year 2011 T2140 and T2145 motorcoaches manufactured from September 2010 through September 2011, equipped with a Daimler DD13 engine without ground cables installed on the Prestolite AC172 alternators. Internal corrosion may cause the alternator components to overheat.
The risk
If the alternator overheats, the components may melt, possibly resulting in smoke and creating the potential risk of a vehicle fire.
The fix
Van Hool through their US agent, ABC Bus, Inc., will notify owners, and dealers will add external ground cables to the alternators, free of charge. The safety recall began on December 5, 2012. Owners may contact the warranty administrator for ABC Bus, Inc. toll free at 1-877-427-7278.
Contacts
Van Hool's recall campaign number is P701. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to 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 Van Hool dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 12V495000.
- 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.