Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulatorRecall 98V-189 · 1997–1998 Orion II
ORION BUS INDUSTRIES, INC. recall 98V-189 covers 45 1997–1998 Orion II for a electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator problem, reported to NHTSA on August 10, 1998.
Source: NHTSA recall 98V189000 and manufacturer quarterly reports. Started by an NHTSA defect investigation.
The problem
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TRANSIT BUSES EQUIPPED WITH CHALLENGER 2000 MODEL 170 SERIES ALTERNATORS. THE POSITIVE POWER STUD MAY NOT BE PROPERLY SEATED IN PLACE CAUSING A LOOSE CONNECTION. THIS LOOSE CONNECTION CAUSES AN OVER-HEAT CONDITION WHEN THE ALTERNATOR IS UNDER A LOAD. ALSO THE MATERIAL USED TO INSULATE THE POWER STUD FROM THE RECTIFIER CAN TEAR AND CAUSE THE POSITIVE POWER STUD TO GROUND TO THE ALTERNATOR CASE.
The risk
THE ALTERNATOR CAN GET HOT ENOUGH TO CATCH FIRE WHICH COULD SPREAD TO OTHER AREAS OF THE VEHICLE.
The fix
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THESE ALTERNATORS.
OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING AUGUST 1998.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 NORTH POWER LLC AT 1-716-492-2278 OR ORION BUS AT 1-905-403-1111.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.