14V04100002/06/2014
Marathon Coach, Inc. (Marathon) is recalling certain model year 2001-2013 Marathon Conversions Prevost XL, and H3 motorcoaches equipped with Sure Power-brand battery equalizers or DC-DC converters containing a particular epoxy sealing, aka 'potting', compound. The specific potting compound used in the subject products for insulation was found to be capable of conducting electricity after being exposed to heat.
Model years in this history: 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001
Consequence and remedy
Consequence
Once electrically conductive, the material is capable of melting and burning, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Marathon will notify owners, and Marathon service centers will replace the equalizers or converters, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in March 2014. Owners may contact Marathon at 1-352-588-4500.
01V03300302/27/2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TRANSIT BUSES EQUIPPED WITH VANNER 60 SERIES BATTERY EQUALIZERS. THE EQUALIZER COULD FAIL TO OPERATE PROPERLY AND CAUSE MALFUNCTION OF THE BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM.
Model years in this history: 2001, 2000, 1999
Consequence and remedy
Consequence
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.
Remedy
PREVOST WILL NOTIFY OWNERS TO INSPECT THEIR BUSES FOR CERTAIN EQUALIZERS BY THE DATE CODE. THE AFFECTED EQUALIZERS WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 29, 2000. 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 PREVOST AT 1-418-831-2046 OR VANNER AT 1-800-227-6937.
98V02500002/12/1998
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTOR HOMES EQUIPPED WITH FRONT INDEPENDENT SUSPENSION. ONE OF THE STRUCTURAL MEMBERS CAN CRACK. THIS MEMBER SUPPORTS THE LEFT IDLER ARM AND BELL CRANK.
Model years in this history: 1997, 1996
Consequence and remedy
Consequence
THIS CONDITION COULD REDUCE THE STEERING CAPABILITY INCREASING THE RISK OF LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSTALL TWO BOLTED AND WELDED BRACKETS.
97V03200003/05/1997
THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (VIN) IS NOT IN COMPLIANCE WITH PART 565, "VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER - CONTENT REQUIREMENTS."
Model years in this history: 1997
Consequence and remedy
Consequence
AN INCORRECT VIN CAN CAUSE PROBLEMS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS BEING REGISTERED.
Remedy
PREVOST WILL SUPPLY A "CORRECTED" CERTIFICATION OF ORIGIN FOR THESE VEHICLES.
96V17800712/27/1996
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: BUSES EQUIPPED WITH ISRINGHAUSEN SEATS IN THE DRIVER POSITION. TWO WELDS LOCATED ON THE BACK REST ADJUSTMENT SIDE OF THE SEAT FRAME DID NOT MEET THE MANUFACTURER'S SPECIFICATIONS.
Model years in this history: 1997, 1996
Consequence and remedy
Consequence
IF THESE WELDS WERE NOT TO SPECIFICATION, BACK REST LOADS COULD CAUSE THE WELDS TO FAIL. THE BACK REST WOULD DISENGAGE FROM THE SEAT FRAME ALLOWING LOSS OF SUPPORT TO THE DRIVER'S TORSO AND POSSIBLY CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.
Remedy
ISRINGHAUSEN IS CONDUCTING THE OWNER NOTIFICATION AND REMEDY CAMPAIGN FOR THIS RECALL. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE SEATS AND REPLACE THE SEAT FRAME ASSEMBLY.
96V12700007/02/1996
THE POSITIVE WIRE CONNECTED TO POST #1 ON THE STARTER SOLENOID COULD CONTACT THE GROUND WIRE ON THE SOLENOID (POST #2) AND CREATE A SHORT CIRCUIT.
Model years in this history: 1996, 1995
Consequence and remedy
Consequence
THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE A SHORT CIRCUIT AND RESULT IN A POSSIBLE FIRE.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE CABLES CHANGING THE CABLE POSITION.
95V01300001/03/1995
IF A PASSENGER TRIES TO EXIT THE LAVATORY COMPARTMENT BY PUSHING WITH HIS BACK AGAINST THE LAVATORY WINDOW AND HIS LEGS AGAINST THE LAVATORY DOOR, THE WINDOW CAN SEPARATE.
Model years in this history: 1991, 1990, 1989, 1988, 1987, 1986, 1985, 1984, 1983, 1982, 1981
Consequence and remedy
Consequence
IF THE WINDOW SEPARATES, THE OCCUPANT CAN FALL THROUGH THE WINDOW AND SUFFER SEVERE AND/OR EXTREME INJURIES.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RAIL IN THE LAVATORY COMPARTMENT WINDOW SO THAT LAVATORY OCCUPANTS CAN PRESS AGAINST THE RAIL RATHER THAN THE WINDOW, AND TO HELP THE PASSENGER TO KEEP BALANCE WHILE THE VEHICLE IS MOVING.
95V01600001/03/1995
THE PARKING BRAKE BUTTON CAN BE HIT ACCIDENTLY ALLOWING THE PARKING BRAKE TO RELEASE.
Model years in this history: 1994, 1993, 1992, 1991, 1990, 1989, 1988, 1987, 1986, 1985, 1984
Consequence and remedy
Consequence
UNINTENDED OPERATION OF THE PARKING BRAKE BUTTON CAN ALLOW THE BUS TO ROLL FREELY CAUSING A POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A PROTECTOR OVER THE PARKING BRAKE BUTTON IN ORDER TO PREVENT ACCIDENTAL RELEASE OF THE PARKING BRAKES.
94V16800009/14/1994
THE STEERING ARM CAN DEVELOP CRACKS CAUSED BY REPETITIVE DRY-PARK-STEER MANEUVERS, PARTICULARLY DURING BRAKE APPLICATION. CONTINUED USE CAN CAUSE THE STEERING ARM TO BREAK.
Model years in this history: 1985, 1984
Consequence and remedy
Consequence
A BROKEN STEERING ARM CAUSES COMPLETE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL WHICH CAN RESULT IN A POSSIBLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE STEERING ARM WITH A NEW STEERING ARM.
