Defect Investigation Detail

NEOPLAN / LG / 9999

Components - Details
NHTSA Action Number: PE05016 Vehicale/Equipment Name: NEOPLAN
Vehicale/Equipment Model: LG Vehicale/Equipment Year: 9999
Component Name: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES Manufacturer's Name: NEOPLAN USA CORPORATION
Date Opened: Mar, 17 2005 Date Closed: Jun, 22 2005
Subject: STARTER CABLE CHANGE Summary: In november 2004, neoplan conducted a field service retrofit/repair procedure (fsrp # 04-092) to relocate the heavy gauge wires (cables) connected to the starter stud.the purpose was to relieve the stress on the starter solenoid housing.this action also stabilized the cables from vibrations caused by the diesel engine. attaching unsupported, multiple heavy gaugewires to the starter stud is not an acceptable industry practice, since over time they may overstress the starter stud, resulting in a fracture of the starter solenoid housing. this will usually result in thewires (which carry full battery voltage), contacting ground and creating an electrical short circuit, possibly resulting in a vehicle fire.as a result of odi¿s investigation, neoplan reevaluated its position on this matter and decided that the appropriate action was to file a saftey recall with the agency on this matter. neoplan relocated the starter cables to stablize and relieve the stress on the solenoid stud (created by the vibration produced by the diesel engine). only buses sold to new jersey transit were affected and subsequent buses built afterwards had the starter cable update incorporated at time of delivery.a copy of the safety recall is attached.neoplan¿s action resolves the issues raised by this investigation.accordingly, this investigation is closed.