The problem
Vehicle description: school buses. Some heater/defroster units were built with the blower motor wired improperly. When wired improperly the blower motor runs backward and airflow for heating and defrosting is very limited. This does not meet the requirements of fmvss no. 103, "Windshield defrosting and defogging systems."
The risk
Defrosting needs may not be achieved and could restrict driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Owners will be instructed on how to inspect and repair the defect by switching the connection of two wires.
Contacts
Amtran recall no. 99308. Owner notification began october 22, 1999. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact am-tran at 1-800-993-7686. Also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).
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 Amtran dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 99V253000.
- 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.