Fire Risk Prompts 'Spirit of Mobility' Bus Recall

Because of a potential fire risk, All American Specialty Vehicles is recalling 28 MY 2009 and 2010 Spirit of Mobility transit buses equipped with Penn Tex 200 amp alternators. The recall covers buses manufactured from Jan. 1, 2009 through April 11, 2010. 

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, these vehicles have the positive cable from the rear of the alternator routed over the transmission dipstick tube to the positive battery terminal and can become pinched between the blower motor housing and the transmission dipstick tube. The pinching may cause the cable's protective convolute and insulation to wear through to the wire. This cable is always carrying electrical current. 

An exposed cable carrying electrical current could generate enough heat to ignite the transmission fluid within the tube, which could result in a fire. To remedy the problem, dealers will perform the necessary repairs free of charge. 

Bus owners can reach All American Specialty Vehicles at (866) 953-5555. This company, through a joint venture with ARBOC Mobility, manufactures ADA-accessible buses under the Spirit of Mobility brand name.