1997 Gillig Low Floor problems

Defect

Gillig LLC (Gillig) is recalling certain model year 1997-2017 Low Floor transit buses. The front turn signals installed on standard profile (non-BRT) buses may not be sufficiently visible to other drivers or pedestrians. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Consequence

The reduced visibility of the turn signals may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Gillig will notify owners, and dealers will install turn signals that have increased visibility. The recall began June 7, 2019. Owners may contact Gillig customer service at 1-510-264-5073 or 1-800-735-1500.

Defect

ON CERTAIN TRANSIT BUSES EQUIPPED WITH DETROIT DIESEL SERIES 40 ENGINES, THE TURBOCHARGER CAN FAIL ALLOWING LUBRICATING OIL TO SPILL ONTO THE ENGINE.

Consequence

THIS CAN RESULT IN A FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE TURBOCHARGER TO PREVENT THE POSSIBILITY OF AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE. DETROIT DIESEL IS CONDUCTING OWNER NOTIFICATION AND REMEDY FOR THIS CAMPAIGN. GILLIG ISSUED A RENOTIFICATION LETTER TO OWNERS ON FEBRUARY 27, 2007. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DETROIT DETROIT DIESEL AT 313-5923708 OR GILLIG AT 510-785-1500.

Defect

INCORRECT ASSEMBLY OF ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS AND SECUREMENT IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT COULD COME LOOSE.

Consequence

INCORRECT ASSEMBLY COULD CAUSE ELECTRICAL SHORTS, ARCING, AND FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT ENGINE COMPARTMENT WIRING FOR CORRECT CABLE ASSEMBLY, FASTNER TORQUE, AND CORRECT WIRE PROTECTION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 29, 2003. 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 GILLIG AT 510-785-1500.

Defect

ON CERTAIN LOW FLOOR 29', 35' AND 40' BUSES, THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT INSULATION COULD FATIGUE AND SAG, POTENTIALLY TOUCHING THE TURBOCHARGER.

Consequence

THIS COULD POTENTIALLY LEAD TO A VEHICLE FIRE.

Remedy

GILLIG IS PROVIDING THE OWNERS WITH NEW INSULATION AND INSTALLATION PROCEDURES. THE NEW INSULATION IS TO BE INSTALLED ON THE INSIDE SIDE SURFACE OF THE ACCESS HATCH AND A MECHANICAL RETAINING STRIP TO SUPPORT THE ADJACENT INSULATION. THE RETAINING STRIP IS ATTACHED WITH NUTS AND BOLTS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 19, 2002. 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 GILLIG AT 1-800-735-1500.

Defect

ON CERTAIN LOW FLOOR 29, 35, AND 40 FOOT BUSES, THE STEERING GEAR INPUT SHAFT BOLT INSTALLED WAS A 3/8" DIAMETER COARSE THREAD GRADE 8 FASTENER INSTEAD OF THE REQUIRED 7/16" DIAMETER FINE THREAD GRADE 8 FASTENER.

Consequence

IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH OR SOME OTHER EXTRAORDINARY SHOCK LOAD ON THE STEERING, A LOSS OF STEERING COULD OCCUR.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SUSPECT FASTENER WITH THE CORRECT FASTENER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 6, 2002. 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 GILLIG AT 1-510-785-1500.

Defect

ON CERTAIN TRANSIT BUSES EQUIPPED WITH ADHESIVELY BONDED ALUMINUM BUS DOOR PANELS, DUE TO AN IMPERFECT BONDING OF THE DOOR PANEL SKIN TO THE PANEL FRAME, ENVIRONMENTAL MOISTURE MAY INFILTRATE REGIONS OF IMPERFECT BONDING AND CAUSE SEPARATION OF THE FRAME AND DOOR PANEL.

Consequence

UNDER THESE CONDITIONS, IF THE PANEL IS SEPARATING OR HAS SEPARATED, A PASSENGER COULD FALL FROM THE BUS ONTO THE ROADWAY, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.

Remedy

VAPOR WILL NOTIFY CUSTOMERS TO HAVE THEIR BUSES INSPECTED AND WILL INSTALL MECHANICAL FASTENERS TO ATTACH THE SKINS TO THE FRAME ELEMENTS FREE OF CHARGE. OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT VAPOR CORPORATION AT 847-967-8300 OR VAPOR AT 1510-785-1500.