THE HOLE IN THE BOLT PORTION OF THE VANDALOCK WAS DRILLED IN AN INCORRECT LOCATION, ALLOWING THE PIN TO BE INSERTED WITH THE BOLT IN THE LOCKED POSITION WHILE BYPASSING THE STARTER INTERLOCK. THIS CAN RESULT IN THE ENGINE STARTING SYSTEM OPERATING WHILE THE EMERGENCY EXIT DOOR IS LOCKED. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 217, "BUS WINDOW RELEASE AND RETENTION."
CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: VEHICLES OPERATED WHILE EMERGENCY EXITS ARE LOCKED RESULT IN INCREASED RISK OF PASSENGER ENTRAPMENT WHEN INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT.
DEALERS WILL RIVET A METAL SHIELD TO THE VANDALOCK COVER TO PREVENT PIN INSERTION IN THE EVENT THAT THE PIN HOLE HAS BEEN INCORRECTLY LOCATED.
SYSTEM: STRUCTURE; DOOR ASSEMBLY; LATCHES AND LOCKS.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL BUSES EQUIPPED WITH "VANDALOCK" SYSTEMS AT THE EMERGENCY EXIT DOORS.NOTE: IF THE VEHICLE IS PRESENTED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND THE REMEDY IS NOT PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME OR THE REMEDY DOES NOT CORRECT THE NONCOMPLIANCE, PLEASE CONTACT THOMAS BUILT AT 1-910-889-4871. ALSO, CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.