The problem
Gillig LLC (Gillig) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Lowfloor transit buses manufactured October 15, 2012, through March 26, 2014, and equipped with electrical harnesses with overmolded J1939 connectors and non-insulated drain wires. The harnesses do not have heat shrink tubing on the drain wire and the overmold may not have sufficient resistance to water or corrosive chemical entry to the connectors.
The risk
If the terminals corrode, there may be an intermittent electrical connection and possibly cause disruption or loss of the J1939 communication, resulting in interruptions of the engine, transmission, ABS and body controllers, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Gillig will notify owners, and dealers will replace the overmold connector, and install heat shrink tubing on the connector/cable junction, free of charge. The recall began in June 2014. Owners may contact Gillig customer service at 1-800-735-1500.
Contacts
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 Gillig dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 14V222000.
- 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.