Electrical system: 12v/24v/48v batteryRecall 02V-071 · Van Hool vehicles
VAN HOOL, N.V. recall 02V-071 covers 865 Van Hool vehicles for a electrical system: 12v/24v/48v battery problem, reported to NHTSA on February 26, 2002.
Source: NHTSA recall 02V071001 and manufacturer quarterly reports. Started by an NHTSA defect investigation.
The problem
ON CERTAIN TRANSIT BUSES EQUIPPED WITH VANNER 60 SERIES BATTERY EQUALIZERS, THE EQUALIZER COULD FAIL TO OPERATE PROPERLY AND CAUSE MALFUNCTION OF THE BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM.
The risk
WITHOUT FUSING, THE EQUALIZER MAY MELT, BURN, OR SMOKE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE OR A SMOKE FILLED BUS, THUS NECESSITATING A PASSENGER EVACUATION OF THE BUS. THE FAILURE MODE CAN CAUSE OPERATOR DISTRACTION, AND/OR POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
The fix
VANNER IS CONDUCTING THE OWNER NOTIFICATION AND REMEDY FOR THIS CAMPAIGN. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BUSES FOR CERTAIN EQUALIZERS BY THE DATE CODE. THE AFFECTED EQUALIZERS WILL BE REPLACED BY VANNER. 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 VANNER AT 1-800-227-6937 OR VAN HOOL/ABC COACH AT 407-656-7977.
ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Recall repairs are free. Confirm whether this recall is open on your vehicle by entering its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Vehicles in this recall
Built from September 1, 1997 to August 31, 2001. Not every vehicle in these model years is included; check by VIN.