A cable installed to temporarily bypass the neutral switch to enable the engine to be started was not removed at delivery. The cable allows the bus to be started while in a forward or reverse drive gear.
Electrical system
Thomas School Bus Electrical problems by year
3 complaints filed with NHTSA about the Thomas School Bus's electrical system. Dead batteries, warning lights, wiring, alternators, infotainment and electronic module failures.
Electrical complaints by model year
Electrical recalls
Latest School Bus electrical complaints
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 thomas school bus body equipped with an international chassis. The contact stated that burning fumes were emitted from under the dashboard and within minutes, the vehicle had become engulfed in flames. There were no injuries and a fire report was filed of the incident. The vehicle was destroyed. A preliminary investigation was conducted and the contact stated that the fire was caused by an electrical failure under the dashboard. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure and current mileage was unknown.
Bus was in service and on route with students on board. Bus interior started filling with smoke. Driver pulled over and did an emergency evacuation of students. Subsequent investigation revealed the a/c 24 volt alt had full fielded and caused the wiring to completely melt the sheathing on the alt power wire. Backfeed through the system caused the controller to burn up inside the bus. Carrier has told us they know of this problem and they have a fix for it. This is one of at least 10 we have had happen. Sometime it burns up the condenser motors and the evap motors as well. *Tr
Alternator is close to oil filter. Lower bracket fell where alternator is located touching oil filter. Contacted dealer. *Ak
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked daily. Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data