Investigation PE02023: 1996–2001 Thomas MVP ER

Status

CLOSED

Opened

Feb 12, 2002

Closed

Mar 25, 2002

Model years

1996–2001

Subject

Fan drive update

Component: Engine and engine cooling

Summary

In october 2001, thomas built buses sent out a vehicle owner notification (von) to bus owners outlining procedures for the proper alignment and replacement of the engine's fan drive components.directions in the communication require that the idler pulley, belt tensioner, and the fan belt will need to be replaced.presumably, this action was being recommended to eliminate fan belt separations while the buses are in service.a fan belt separation would result in the ngine overheating and ultimately stalling.as a result of this action, odi contacted two fleets and determined that they had suffered disabled buses on the shoulder of the road as a result of a fan belt failure.on february 12, 2001, odi opened thie preliminary evaluation to understand the extent of the failures and the rationale for conducting an owner notification program in lieu of a safety recall campaign.on march 15, 2002, thomas built filed a defect report outlining their plans to conduct a safety recall to notify the remaining owners and remedy the affected school buses.this investigation is closed.

An NHTSA investigation looks into whether a safety defect exists. Opening one is not a finding. Outcomes can include a recall, closure without action, or further inquiry.