VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL AND TRANSIT BUSES EQUIPPED WITH NON-ELECTRONIC CUMMINS B5.9L ENGINES. THE SLIDING ACTION OF THE ACCELERATOR LINKAGE LEVER OVER THE HAND THROTTLE CABLE CAN CAUSE THE HAND THROTTLE WIRE TO WEAR A NOTCH IN THE ACCELERATOR LINKAGE RESULTING IN BINDING OF THE LINKAGE. THIS FAILS TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 124, "ACCELERATOR CONTROL SYSTEMS."
SUCH BINDING CAN PREVENT THE ACCELERATOR CONTROL FROM RETURNING TO IDLE QUICKLY OR FROM RETURNING TO IDLE POSITION AT ALL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING ACCELERATOR LINKAGE LEVER AND READJUST THE HAND THROTTLE CABLE, OR REPLACE THE EXISTING HAND THROTTLE ATTACHMENT CLIP AND READJUST THE HAND THROTTLE CABLE.
OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 9, 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 THOMAS BUILT AT 1-336-841-5991.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).