Bluebird D3RE 2014 User manual

2014 D3RE DRIVERS HANDBOOK
10032199
COUNT ON BLUE BIRD COUNT ON BLUE BIRD
10032199
D3RE
2014
DRIVERS HANDBOOK
APPLIES TO THESE MODELS
ALL AMERICAN REAR ENGINE
TX3 REAR ENGINE
GLOBAL TRANSIT REAR ENGINE

D3RE
10032199
Edition C

2
© 2012 Blue Bird Body Co. All rights reserved.
All Blue Bird products sold for use in the United States of America and its insular areas comply with all applicable Federal Motor
Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) as of the date of manufacture indicated on the compliance label and applicable Federal ADA
requirements.
Many of the components of Blue Bird buses are obtained from outside suppliers. Where maintenance and/or service information
conflicts with the component manufacturer’s documentation, the manufacturer’s documentation prevails.
In the event of any conflict between the requirements of this publication and any applicable legal requirement, the legal require-
ment prevails. Technical requirements that exceed the legal requirements are not considered to conflict.
Blue Bird Body Co. continually endeavors to improve its products and reserves the right to change specifications without notice
and without incurring obligation. Text, illustrations, photographs, and specifications in this manual are based on information
available at the time of printing. Some equipment and features shown may be optional.

3
CONTENTS
Introduction / 7
About This Manual / 7
Reporting Safety Defects / 8
Noise Emissions / 8
About 2010 Emissions Standards / 9
Regarding Modifications / 10
Before Placing the Bus in Service / 12
Orientation / 13
Product Identification Information / 13
ENTRANCE AND EXIT
Outward Opening Door / 14
Outward Opening (Air Door) / 14
Emergency Pneumatic Door Release / 15
Electric Outward Opening Door / 15
Emergency Electric Power Door Release / 15
Security Lock (Outward Opening Door) / 16
Emergency Door Vandal Lock / 16
Wheelchair Lifts / 17
DRIVER’S AREA
Driver’s Compartment / 18
Driver’s Instrument Panel / 19
Left Switch Panel / 24
Right Switch Panel / 26
Heat and Air Control Panels / 28
Steering Column / 30
Mirrors And Adjustment / 32
SEATING
Standard Driver’s Seat / 34
Premium Driver’s Seat / 34
Driver’s Seat Belt With Shoulder Harness / 35
Passenger Seat Belts (Optional) / 35
Child Restraint Seats / 36
COMPARTMENTS & ACCESS PANELS
All American Front Access / 38
Engine Access / 39
Additional Access Panels / 40
Enroute Emergencies / 41
EMERGENCY EXITS
Transpec™ Safety Vent / 42
EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT
Fire Extinguisher / 44
First Aid Kit / 44
Body Fluid Cleanup Kit / 44
Fire Axe/Crowbar / 44
Flare Kit / 44
Triangular Warning Devices / 45
TIRE / WHEEL EMERGENCIES
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (Optional) / 46
Spare Tire Location And Removal / 46
Damaged Tires / 47
Wheel And Rim Safety / 48
Jacking Instructions / 49
Changing a Flat Tire / 50
Schrader Valve / 50
Towing Or Pushing / 50
Releasing Spring Brake Manually / 52

4
DRIVER’S HANDBOOK
Routine Operation / 53
PRE-ROUTE INSPECTION
Weekly Inspection / 55
ENGINE OPERATION
Engine Exhaust Caution (Carbon Monoxide) / 56
Diesel Fuel / 56
Diesel Engine Starting Procedure / 57
Starting With Booster Cables / 57
Using The Engine As A Brake / 58
Exhaust System / 59
DPF Regeneration In Blue Bird Buses / 60
Levels of Notification / 61
Stationary Regeneration Precautions / 64
SCR System in Blue Bird Buses / 65
COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS
Owner / Operator Responsibilities / 71
National Fire Protection / 71
Fuel System Description / 72
Safety Cautions And Warnings / 73
Compressed Natural Gas Fuel / 75
Compressed Natural Gas Filters / 75
Refueling / 76
Specific Gravity / 77
Fuel Toxicity And Safety / 77
Flammability / 77
Antiknock Properties / 78
Energy Conversions / 78
Vehicle Performance And Emissions / 78
Starting Procedure / 78
Cold Start / 79
Operation And Maintenance Of CNG Vehicle Components / 79
TRANSMISSIONS
Allison Automatic Transmission / 80
Allison Model 3000 Series Transmission / 80
Allison Model 2000 Series Transmission / 82
Range Inhibited Light / 83
Check Transmission Light / 83
Allison Automatic Transmission Driving Tips / 84
Transmission Indicators / 85
Transmission Service Prognostics / 86
Hydraulic Retarder (If Equipped) / 87
BRAKING
Air Brakes / 88
Antilock Braking System (ABS) / 89
HEATERS
Heater Operation / 90
Control Panel Outlet Locations / 91
Defrosting / 92
Heater Defroster Location / 92
Driver / Passenger Comfort / 92
Temperature Control / 92
Standard Heater Cut Off Valves / 93

5
CONTENTS
Care & Maintenance / 95
ELECTRICAL
Interior Lights / 96
Exterior Lights / 96
Doran Warning Light Monitor / 97
Circuit Breakers / 99
DOOR ADJUSTMENT & LUBRICATION
Outward Opening Door Adjustment / 100
Outward Opening (Air Powered) Adjustment / 100
Sliding Bolt Vandal Lock / 101
Security Lock Lubrication (Outward Opening Door) / 101
Access Doors / 101
SEATING CARE
Seat Belt Inspection And Maintenance / 102
Seat Inspection And Maintenance / 102
SIGNS & SIGNALS
Stop Arms / 106
Destination Signs / 107
ENGINE & RUNNING GEAR
Air Intake System Inspection / 108
Engine Cooling System / 109
Transmission / 112
Rear Axle / 112
WINDSHIELD WIPERS
Washer Solution Reservoir / 113
Wiper Assembly Replacement / 113
HEATER CARE
Annual Maintenance / 114
Cleaning Auxiliary Fans / 115
CLEANING
Exterior Cleaning / 116
Floor Cleaning / 118
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Maintenance Task Schedule, D3RE / 119
Maintenance Locations / 132
General Data / 133

6
DRIVER’S HANDBOOK

7
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for selecting the Blue Bird All American. The All American is the culmination of almost a century of Blue Bird heritage in student
and public transportation which began in1927. As always, the design
and construction of the All American reflects Blue Bird’s concern for safe-
ty, efficiency, and quality.
About This Manual
This Drivers Handbook has been prepared to acquaint you with the operation of the Blue Bird All American, and should be read by
all Drivers before operating the unit. Familiarity with automotive operation and control is assumed to be common knowledge to
all who will be operating this bus. This book does not address all driving situations which may arise, and it is not a substitute for
proper driver training. It will, however, enable a School Bus driver to more quickly feel at home in this model All American.
Your Blue Bird All American may not have all of the equipment described in this manual. You may find information on optional
equipment not installed on your bus. You are encouraged to contact your Blue Bird Dealer if additional information or assistance
is needed.
For use as a convenient reference, this Handbook also contains some general maintenance information. Although the Driver
will not likely be performing service procedures, this information nonetheless serves to further familiarize the Driver with the
bus. The maintenance information contained herein is provided as a reference for systems and components that require periodic
service. The intervals given are component manufacturers’ recommendations and should be considered maximum intervals; that
is, the very minimum maintenance schedules that will afford reasonable care of this vehicle.Service technicians should refer to the
Service Manual for more complete service information. If this manual does not address your specific questions or concerns, please
contact your Blue Bird Dealer. The dealer will answer your questions or put you in contact with the proper factory personnel.
Throughout this manual are precautions labeled Warnings and Cautions, and set in the style shown here:
[WARNING] The Warning designation is generally used for precautions which, if not properly observed while performing
the related procedures or handling materials, could result in serious personal injury or death.
[CAUTION] The Caution designation is generally used for precautions which, if not properly observed while performing
the related procedures or handling materials, could result in damage to the bus or its equipment.
For the terms of the Limited Warranty of this Blue Bird product, refer to theWarranty certificate provided in the owner’s documents
that came with the vehicle.
This manual provides you with the most current operation information available. We welcome your comments and sugges-
tions regarding this manual. Please direct all correspondence to:
Blue Bird Body Co.
Attn: TECHNICAL PUBLICATIONS
P.O. Box 937
Fort Valley, GA 31030

8
DRIVER’S HANDBOOK
Reporting Safety Defects
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause
injury or death, you should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA) in addition to notifying Blue Bird.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation and, if it finds
that a safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy
campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved in individual problems be-
tween you, your dealer, or Blue Bird Body Co..
To contact NHTSA, you may call the Vehicle Safety Hotline toll-free at:
1–888–327–4236 (TTY: 1–800–424–9153)
or go to:
http://www.safercar.gov
or write to:
Administrator, NHTSA,
400 Seventh Street, SW.,
Washington, DC 20590
You can also obtain other information about motor vehicle safety from:
http://www.safercar.gov.
Noise Emissions
This vehicle was designed, built, and equipped by Blue Bird to conform to all ap-
plicable United States Environmental Protection Agency Noise Control Regulations.

9
INTRODUCTION
About 2010 Emissions Standards
Buses equipped with 2010 diesel engines are designed to conform to stringent fed-
eral emissions standards. These standards affect both the equipment installed at the
factory and the fuel at the pump.
Buses powered by 2010 emissions standards engines are equipped with special
exhaust systems to reduce emissions. The technical details of the systems employed
by various engine manufacturers differ, but share common general principles. The
exhaust muffler is replaced by a diesel particulate filter which traps and burns micro-
scopic particles in a process referred to as“regeneration.”When heat in the exhaust is
insufficient to fully burn the particulates, the system enters an “active” regeneration
mode so the necessary catalytic reaction can take place. During active regeneration
events, exhaust temperatures are elevated, and an indicator light on the instrument
panel illuminates when the bus is below 5 mph to notify the Driver that regeneration
is active. This regeneration mode is automatic and normal, and requires no special
action on the part of the Driver. If driving conditions have resulted in insufficient ac-
tive regeneration then a “manual” regeneration may be required to clean the filter. If
this condition occurs an indicator will alert the driver and a maintenance technician
should be notified.
Removing particulate matter (soot) from the exhaust stream through regenera-
tion alone will not satisfy the more stringent 2010 emission standard. This standard
requires reduced levels of Nitrogen Oxides (NOx).To achieve this a Selective Catalytic
Reduction system (SCR) is added downstream of the diesel particulate filter. The SCR
system uses a chemical reactant – Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) –which converts to
ammonia in the exhaust stream and reacts with NOx to form harmless nitrogen gas
and water.
Fuel Requirements: As part of the 2007 emissions standards, effective October
15, 2006 the EPA has required fuel retailers to sell lower-emission fuel, designated
“ultra-low-sulfur diesel”. After that date, all commercially-available number 1 and
number 2 highway diesel fuels are Ultra-low-sulfur diesel. This fuel must be used
in all 2014 model buses powered by a diesel engine, as indicated by a decal located
near the fuel filler door, reading:
Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel Fuel Only.
For detailed information on recommended fuels and other fluids, always follow your
engine manufacturer’s guidlines. Also see, Cummins Bulletin No. 3379001.
This engine must be operated only with low sulfur diesel fuel (that is, diesel fuel
meeting EPA specifications for highway diesel fuel, including a 15 ppm sulfur cap).

10
DRIVER’S HANDBOOK
Regarding Modifications
Blue Bird Body Co. offers many items as standard and optional equipment to
meet federal, state, and local specifications and individual customer requirements.
This includes, but is not necessarily limited to, stop arms, crossing guards, warning
lights, warning light monitors, mirrors, first aid kits, fire extinguishers, warning re-
flectors, fuses, directional and brake lights, warning buzzers, security/vandal locks,
emergency exits, and seat belts.
Emergency equipment must be checked daily for proper operation. It is the driv-
er’s responsibility to report any damage to qualified service technicians, and that the
condition be corrected before transporting passengers.
Those interested in modification of this vehicle should consult Blue Bird Custom-
er Service Department for a more complete understanding of the vehicle.
[WARNING] Vehicle alterations, which may cause non-conformance with
the Emission Control and/or Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS),
are expressly not authorized by Blue Bird Company. It is the responsibility of
the entity undertaking the modification of this product to ascertain compli-
ance with all applicable regulations. Any modifications are the responsibility
of the entity making those modifications. Modification must be accomplished
in accordance with strict government standards. The entity completing modi-
fication of this product must certify that all applicable regulations are met. To
certify a modified vehicle, the entity must be a licensed vehicle manufacturer,
or obtain the services of a licensed vehicle manufacturer for that purpose.
Specifically, Blue Bird does not authorize the following modifications.
 •DonotmodifytheFrontorRearSuspension
 •DonotmodifytheWheelbaselength
 •DonotmodifyorremovetheBodyorChassisCrossmembers
 •DonotmodifytheFrameRailFlanges
 •DonotweldontheEngine,Radiator,FuelTank(s),Transmissionoranycompo-
nent of those items
 •DonotmodifytheCoolingSystem/AirIntake
 •DonotmodifytheExhaust/Emissionsystem
 •DonotmodifytheBrakeSystem
 •DonotmodifytheSteeringSystem
 •DonotmodifytheElectricalSystemandLights
 •DonotmodifyorobstructtheMirrors
 •DonotmodifytheSeats
 •Donotinstallanyequipmentorcomponentnearerthan2inches(51mm)to
the fuel tank(s), rotating components or“jounce”movement of driveline com-
ponents
 • Do not install any equipment or component that will obstruct the flow of air
into, around, or from the cooling system
 • Do not install any equipment, components, including flooring and/or carpet-
ing, which will obstruct the functioning of the brake and accelerator pedals

11
INTRODUCTION
For the terms of the Limited Warranty of this Blue Bird product, refer to the Warranty
certificate provided in the owner’s documents that came with the vehicle.
In addition to the safety issues involved in the modification of the unit, any “un-
authorized” modification may adversely affect the warranty of this product by Blue
Bird Body Co..
[CAUTION] All Blue Bird products are certified to meet or exceed all ap-
plicable motor vehicle regulations and standards in the “as purchased”
configuration. Any modifications are the responsibility of the entity making
those modifications. Blue Bird engineering does not authorize any modifica-
tion of the vehicle.
The complete line of Blue Bird Service Parts is available from your Blue Bird Deal-
er. The use of original Blue Bird replacement parts and components will help ensure
that your All American remains true to its original design, best preserving perfor-
mance, efficiency, and safety.
Contact your Blue Bird Dealer or Parts Sales at
Blue Bird Body Co..
For replacement parts…

12
DRIVER’S HANDBOOK
Before Placing the Bus in Service
It is the responsibility of the bus Owner/Operator to ensure compliance with all fed-
eral, state, and local regulations for school bus operation and equipment. As part of a
daily pre-trip inspection, the Driver should consider it his/her responsibility to verify
that the vehicle is in satisfactory working order and that all emergency equipment
is in place, fully stocked (First Aid Kit), up-to-date (Fire Extinguisher), and in proper
working condition.
 •CheckthesuspensionU-bolttorque.
 •Checktheservicebrakeadjustment.
 •Checktheparkbrakeadjustmentonunitsequippedwithhydraulicbrakesys-
tems.
 •Checkthetorqueonallthebody“tie-down”capscrews.
 •Checktheengineoillevel.
 •Checkthetransmissionuidlevel.
 •Checktheenginecoolantlevel.
 •Checktheairpressureinallthetires.
 •Checkthetorqueonthedrivelineuniversaljointstraps.
Inspection guidelines from individual state inspection manuals (such as Com-
mercial Driver’s License pre-trip inspection procedures) take precedence over those
found in this manual. Guidelines found herein are in addition to those in your state’s
inspection requirements.
The Driver is responsible for determining that the loading area is clear before
stopping to load passengers. The Driver must ensure that all unloaded passengers
are clear before moving the bus.
[WARNING] Emergency
equipment must be checked for
proper operation daily. It is the
Driver’s responsibility to report
any damage to qualified Service
Technicians and to ensure that
the condition is corrected before
transporting passengers.

13
ORIENTATION
This section is to familiarize the Blue Bird All American Driver with the locations of controls and other bus features with which he or she will
interact daily.
Product Identification Information
Federal Vehicle Compliance Label certifies that the vehicle
complies with all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standards (FMVSS) in effect on the date of manufacture. Do
not remove, deface or cover this decal.
The Body Serial and Service Number Plate is located on
the front upper inner panel above the windshield. Refer to the
data on this plate for registration purposes or for replacement
part information.
The Axle Record and Chassis Service Number Label is lo-
cated on the front headlining panel above the entrance door.
Refer to the data on these plates for registration purposes or
for replacement part information.
The Vehicle Identification Number Plate is located on
the driver’s side forward dash panel. It is visible through the
driver’s side windshield lower corner area near the roadside
exterior rearview mirror. The VIN number for your bus may
also be obtained through the Customer Access website at
http://service.blue-bird.com by entering your vehicle body
number. The VIN number is used by state , provincial, and
federal government as a unique means of identifying each
vehicle. It will also be used by Blue Bird for identification pur-
poses and the manufacturer’s certificate of origin. See sample
below for VIN identifiers.
Country
Series (Body Model)
Production Sequence No.
Manufacturer
Check Digit
Body Type
Type
Model Year
Engine Type
Line (Product) Manufacturing Plant
Brake System (if Bus)
GVWR (if MPV)
BODY SERVICE NO.
FORT VALLEY, GEORGIA
BODY NO.
MODEL YEAR
MFG. BODY DATE
STATE / PROVINCE
EQUIPPED CAPACITY
SPECIFICATION YEAR
MAX. DESIGN CAPACITY
BLUE BIRD
FORT VALLEY
Federal Vehicle Compliance Label
Body Serial & Service Number Plate
Axle Record & Chassis Service
Body Serial & Service Number Plate
Federal Compliance Label
Axle Record & Chassis Service Plate
VIN Number

14
DRIVER’S HANDBOOK
Outward Opening Door
Outward Opening Doors are mounted in a prefabricated framework, which elimi-
nates the effect of body construction variations on door and seal operation. Doors
are suspended completely on sealed ball bearings located at the top corners of the
framework, inside the body. The interlink connection between the doors is a single
assembly with oppositely threaded, spherical bearing rod end connectors at each
end, providing simple link length adjustment without disassembly. The geometry
of the mechanical link between the doors causes the rear door to close well ahead
of the front door, so that the front nosing seal rubber always overlaps the rear. Oil
impregnated bronze bearings in the lower corners of the framework serve as pivots
(not supports). All controls and mechanisms and the complete lower step tread are
sealed inside the bus and out of the weather when the door is closed.
The manual control is the Blue Bird over center locking type with built in Saf
Latch. The door’s ease of operation allows use of a short handle arm, so the handle is
six inches closer to the driver in the open position than with the jack-knife door.
Your bus’s outward opening door may be actuated by an optional electric control
connected to a lever on the front door panel. Mechanically operated switches control
automatic stop positions as well as stepwell and warning lights.
Outward Opening (Air Door)
The pneumatic actuator is a cylinder connected to a lever on each door, located in-
side the header cover. An interconnecting link between the doors controls the opera-
tion sequence. A safety release valve is located over the door. Mechanically operated
switches inside the header cover operate Stepwell lights. A three position spring
loaded switch signals a valve controling the flow of air to open or close the doors. Air
pressure holds the door either open or closed. The operation speed is adjustable by
use of flow control valves located on the actuator
ENTRANCE AND EXIT

15
ORIENTATION
Emergency Pneumatic Door Release
An emergency release valve is located above the door in the header cover. To use the
emergency release, push the lever in the direction of the arrow. This valve exhausts
air pressure in the door cylinder, allowing the door to be opened and closed manu-
ally.
Electric Outward Opening Door
The electrically operated outward opening door has a gear box that moves a lever
attached to the front door. To open the door, hold the spring-loaded switch in the
driver’s area in the“OPEN”position until the door stops moving. An automatic switch
stops the action of the door. To close the door, move the switch to the “CLOSE” posi-
tion; the door will stop automatically when fully closed. Depending on option or-
dered there is a keyed switch on the outside of the body, on the cowl panel by the
door, which operates the door from outside the bus.
Emergency Electric Power Door Release
With the door in the fully closed position, pull the release lever in the header panel
toward OPEN as far as possible. The linkage will release and the lever will“snap”into a
“park”position so it will not return forward when released. Push the door open to exit
the bus. To reset the release mechanism, move the lever to its rearward position, and
hold the driver operated spring-loaded switch in the “open” position until it clearly
engages, or until door is in the fully open position.
Air Door Emergency Release
Electric Door Emergency Release

16
DRIVER’S HANDBOOK
Security Lock (Outward Opening Door)
Outward opening doors have an optional key locking mechanism, accessible from
outside the bus. A key operated bolt slides into a hole in the header when the door
is in the closed position and locked. This option also requires use of the hinged stop
on the door control.
Emergency Door Vandal Lock
The emergency door and the rear emergency window may have an optional vandal
lock feature, which prevents entry through the emergency exit. There are two types
of locking mechanisms; a Cylindrical Key Lock and a Sliding Bolt Latch lock. These
locks will prevent the emergency exit from being opened from the outside.
The bus will not start if an emergency exit is locked. An audible buzzer will notify
the driver of the locked condition. The Cylindrical Key Lock type mechanism can be
unlocked by using the key to remove the cylinder and placing it in the receptacle at
the side of the door. For the Slide Bolt Latch lock, simply move the latch to the unlock
position. Unlocking the exit in this manner will activate a microswitch which will al-
low the bus to start. If a lock is activated while the engine is running, an alarm will be
activated in the exit and driver’s area.
[WARNING] The bus must not be operated with the emergency exit locked.
Manual Security Lock (interior)

17
ORIENTATION
Wheelchair Lifts
Blue Bird All American school buses may be fitted with lifting platforms designed
to aid in loading and unloading passengers. There are two optional wheelchair lifts
available. The units available are the Ricon™ and the Braun™. Both offer a maximum
of 48 inches (122 cm) lift from the ground to the level of the bus floor. For the correct
operation and maintenance of the wheelchair lift on your bus, please refer to the
operator’s manual supplied by the OEM.
[WARNING] Operators should familiarize themselves with the lift manufac-
turer’s operator’s manual prior to loading passengers on the lift. All lifts have
maximum weight limits that should never be exceeded.
These lifts are operated by an independent, electro-hydraulic power system and
are controlled by the operator from outside the bus. There is a master switch located
in the driver’s area that must be activated as well.
The bus electrical system powers a hydraulic pump, internal to the lift, which
moves the lift up. The“down”function is gravity type and is controlled by pressure re-
lief valves. Manual operation of the“down”function requires that the operator manu-
ally control the pressure relief valves. To provide for the manual“up”function, the lift
is fitted with a hand operated hydraulic jack, located on the right-hand (from inside
the bus) side of the lift assembly.
A buzzer sounds when the door is unlatched or partially opened. The buzzer
stops if the door is completely open.

18
DRIVER’S HANDBOOK
Driver’s
Compartment
1. See Driver’s Instrument Panel.
2. See steering column with horn and controls.
3. Automatic transmission shift control range selector or electronic push but-
ton pad location.
4. See Left switch panel.
5. See Right switch panel.
6. Driver’s storage compartment.
7. Driver’s seat.
8. Brake pedal or air treadle - applies service brakes.
9. Accelerator pedal - controls engine speed.
10. See Heater and defroster controls.
11. Radio with optional PA system.
12. Drink cup holder. (Optional)
13. Park brake control applies parking
brakes.
14. Air conditioning control panel.
15. PA system interior/exterior switch.
16. PA microphone.
17. Tire Pressure Monitoring Display
(Optional)- Not Indicated.
Under Dash (Items not indicated)
 • DriversFreshAirVent-Handlelocat-
ed to the left of the steering column.
Push or pull to open and close.
 • FireExtinguisher-Locatedatoorin
center.
Above Windshield (Item not indicated)
 • Auxiliaryfans
 • Interiorrearviewmirror
 • Firstaidkit
 • Identicationplates
DRIVER’S AREA
4 2 1 3 5 1413
6 7 8 9 121116 17 1510