Bluebird VISION 2011 User manual
10013333
2011 BBCV DRIVERS HANDBOOK
10013333
BBCV
BLUE BIRD VISION
2011
10013333
Revision B
VISION D R I V ERSHANDB O O K
2
© 2010 Blue Bird Corporation. 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) 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 Corporation continually endeavors to improve its products and reserves the right to change without notice. Text, illustra-
tions, and specifications in this manual are based on information available at the time of printing.
CONTENTS
3
Introduction / 7
Blue Bird Authorized Dealers / 8
Blue Bird School Bus Support / 8
Blue Bird School Bus Training / 8
Blue Bird Parts Sales / 8
Blue Bird Technical Publications / 8
Blue Bird Bus Warranty / 9
Reporting Safety Defects / 9
Driver Certification / 9
About 2010 Emissions Standards / 10
Regarding Modifications / 11
About This Driver’s Handbook / 12
Safety Precautions / 12
Scope and Content / 12
General Specication, Chassis / 13
General Specification, Chassis / 13
Alternator / 13
Axle & Suspension, Front / 13
Axle & Suspension, Rear / 13
Batteries / 13
Braking System / 13
Bumpers / 14
Controls / 14
Cooling System / 14
Drive Line / 14
Engines / 14
Intake / 15
Exhaust / 15
Frame, Chassis / 15
Fuel System / 15
Horn / 16
Instruments / Gauges / 16
Steering / 16
Tires / 16
Tow Hooks / 16
Transmission / 16
Wheels / 16
Wiring / 16
General Specification, Body / 17
Panels & Compartments / 17
Emergency Doors / 17
Entrance Doors / 17
Electrical / 17
Fans (optional) / 17
Floor / 18
Heater/Defroster / 18
Insulation / 18
Lettering / 18
Lights / 18
Mirrors / 19
Paint / 19
Panels, Exterior / 20
Panels, Interior / 20
Reflectors / 20
Rubrails / 21
Safety Equipment / 21
Seats / 21
Stepwell / 21
Stop Arm, Crossing Arm / 21
Sun Visor / 21
Switch Panel / 22
Ventilation / 22
Windows / 22
Windshield / 22
Windshield Wipers / 22
Wiring / 22
Dimensions / 23
VISION D R I V ERSHANDB O O K
4
Driver Orientation / 25
Driver Orientation / 25
Emergency Equipment Locations / 25
First Aid Kit / 25
Body Fluids Clean-up Kit / 25
Fire Extinguisher / 25
Triangular Roadside Hazard Reflector Kit / 25
Flare Kit / 26
Fire Axe and Crowbar / 26
Driver’s Area / 27
Left Switch Console / 28
Radio Switch Panel / 29
Upper Left Switch Panel / 30
Heater Control Panel / 31
Lower Left Switch Panel / 32
Right Console Switch Panel / 34
Driver’s Instrument Panel / 35
Instrument Cluster / 36
Message Display Center / 37
Warning Bank Indicators / 38
Set the Clock / 40
Dimmer Adjustment / 40
Contrast Adjustment / 41
Backlight Color Adjustment / 41
Heat and Air Controls / 42
Heater Valve Lever / 43
Heater FIlter Panel / 43
Steering Column / 44
Steering Wheel Position / 44
Left Switch Stalk / 44
Right Switch Stalk / 44
Cruise Control / 44
Parking Brake, Units With Air Brakes / 46
Parking Brake, Units With Hydraulic Brakes / 47
Driver’s Seat, Standard / 48
Driver Lap & Shoulder Belt / 48
Driver’s Seat, Air / 50
Driver Lap & Shoulder Belt / 50
Interior Compartments / 52
Passenger Seats / 54
Passenger Area Heaters / 55
Passenger Windows / 56
Emergency Exits / 57
Rear Emergency Door / 57
Vandal Lock / 57
Emergency Pushout Windows / 58
Emergency Roof Hatch / 59
Entrance Door Emergency Release / 60
Exterior Compartments / 61
Engine Compartment / 61
Battery Compartment / 62
Fuel Filler / 62
Hazard Rating (NFPA/HMIS) / 63
Keeping Your Bus Looking New / 63
Rating Scale / 63
Wax / 64
Bus Downtime Treatment / 64
Product Identification Information / 66
Federal Vehicle Certification Plate / 66
Axle Record and Chassis Service Number Plate / 66
Body Serial Number and Service Number Plate / 66
Data Plates Reference / 67
Pre-Trip Inspection / 69
Before Placing the Bus in Service / 69
Daily Pretrip Inspection / 69
Exterior Walkaround / 69
Entrance Area Inspection / 72
Engine Compartment Inspection / 73
Instrumentation & Driver’s Alert Checks / 75
Exterior Lights Check / 76
Passenger Area Inspection / 77
Emergency Equipment Check / 77
Prepare For Driveaway / 78
Mirrors and Mirrors Adjustment / 79
5
Routine Operation / 81
Routine Operation / 81
Maneuvering Safety / 81
Prior to Starting the Engine / 82
Starting the Engine / 82
High Idle Function / 83
Engine Cooling System / 84
Coolant Types / 84
Coolant Testing and Replacement / 85
Service Brakes / 87
About Hydraulic Brakes / 87
Parking Brake (With Hydraulic Brakes) / 88
About Air Brakes / 89
Parking Brakes (With Air Brakes) / 89
Parking / 90
Allison Automatic Transmissions / 91
Allison Model 2000 Bus Series Transmission / 91
Allison 2000 Bus Series Transmission Gear Selection / 92
Allison Model 3000 Bus Series Transmission / 93
Allison Model 3000 Bus Series Transmission Gear Selection / 93
Range Inhibit Feature / 94
Allison Automatic Transmission Driving Tips / 95
Electric Retarder (If Equipped) / 96
Transmission Indicator Lights / 97
Exhaust System / 98
DPF Regeneration In Blue Bird Buses / 99
Aftertreatment Terms / 99
Levels of Notification / 100
Stationary Regeneration Precautions / 103
SCR System in Blue Bird Buses / 104
DEF Levels of Priority Notification / 105
General Propane Tank Filling Procedures / 107
Propane Powered Motor Vehicle Filling Procedures / 108
Enroute Emergencies / 111
Enroute Emergencies / 111
Using Triangular Hazard Reflectors / 111
Using Booster Cables / 112
Starting Problems / 113
Jacking and Towing / 114
Jack Points / 114
Towing / 114
Air Tank Schrader Valve / 116
Scheduled Maintenance / 117
Scheduled Maintenance / 117
Fluids & Filters / 118
Maintenance Task Schedule / 120
VISION D R I V ERSHANDB O O K
6
INTRODUCTION
7
We at Blue Bird Corporation wish to thank you for your investment of trust
in Blue Bird quality, and congratulate you on being a Driver of one of the
most innovative vehicles in pupil transportation; the Blue Bird Vision.
Blue Bird Strength; Blue Bird Innovation
The BLUE BIRD VISION is the first C-Type (“conventional”) school bus built upon a chas-
sis designed specifically for pupil transporation, rather than mounted upon a multi-
purpose truck chassis. The VISION’S chassis is purpose-built at Blue Bird’s Fort Valley,
Georgia plant, as are Blue Bird’s ALL AMERICAN transit-type buses and the VISION’s C-
Type “little brother,” the EC72.
The BLUE BIRD VISION, with its and ALL AMERICAN FE and RE siblings, comprise a com-
plete line of built-from-the-ground-up buses, providing an ideal fit for any school
route need.
Unlike most “conventional” type school buses, the VISION is anything but “ordi-
nary.”The VISION is the result of Blue Bird’s steadily innovative engineering and over
85 years of school bus experience, applied to the C-Type category.
What kind of innovation? For 2008, the VISION receives a handsome new engine
hood mounted to a rugged torsion pivot mount. Opening and closing the hood is
a light-as-a-feather breeze. Yet this new engine hood sacrifices none of the VISION’s
legendary field-of-view.
The Driver’s area has received multiple improvements for 2011 you are sure to
enjoy. An all new dash houses the new instrument cluster and also provides a built-in
glove box.The instrument cluster includes a major new features: the Message Display
Center with on-board diagnostics. This is a large LCD panel which provides you and
your service technician access to a wide array of system information. The infinitely-
adjustable steering column is also new, providing quick and easy adjustment.
Of course, there are myriad other technical technical refinements “under the
hood”with which the Driver may never interact directly; but which nonetheless con-
tribute to an overall improved operating and ownership experience.
Built to purpose. Built to last. Built to bring to your operation a new level of value,
efficiency, and rugged reliability.
h Y
…n ngrlis!
VISION D R I V ERSHANDB O O K
8
Backed By Blue Bird
Blue Bird provides all the behind-the-scenes support you depend upon for success in
your school transportation operation:
Blue Bird Authorized Dealers
Blue Bird administers its full range of Customer Services through a nationwide
network of local or regional Blue Bird Authorized Dealers. The Dealer through
whom your bus was purchased should always be your first point of contact for
information and assistance. Contact information for your dealer is located on
the back cover of this manual.
Blue Bird School Bus Support
Your Blue Bird Dealer is equipped and staffed to handle your service-related
issues, and also has immediate and direct access to Blue Bird’s own factory-
based Customer Support. All Blue Bird Support Representatives are true Blue
Bird technical experts with long histories at the Blue Bird plants where your
buses are built.
Blue Bird School Bus Training
The Training staff of Blue Bird Technical Comunications conducts an ongoing
program of Field Service, Factory Service, and Focussed Training classes and
seminars, to ensure that service technicians of Dealers are always up-to-date
on the latest service information and techniques. Some of these training classes
are open to the service personnel of customers.
Blue Bird Parts Sales
Blue Bird’s modern Service Parts facility ships parts directly to Blue Bird Autho-
rized Dealers and Blue Bird Bus Spec and Bus Care centers nationwide. Blue Bird
Parts Sales consists of modern warehousing facilities, efficient ordering and
inventory control systems, and expert technical staff who know your bus in-
side and out. Service Parts also publishes its own parts catalogs, available for
customer purchase.
Blue Bird Technical Publications
Blue Bird Driver’s Handbooks and Service Manuals are produced and continu-
ally updated by a full-time in-house staff with full access to manufacturing as-
sembly lines and Blue Bird Engineering. Additional manuals are available for
purchase through your Blue Bird Authorized Dealer.
9
introduction
Blue Bird Bus Warranty
For your convenience and efficiency, warranty claims are handled at the local
Dealer level, as are all other Customer Services. Be assured that your Blue Bird
is backed by one of the strongest factory warranties in the industry, and that
factory-based Bus Warranty representatives are in constant contact with your
local dealer about your warranty issues.
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 informthe 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 Corporation.
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.
Driver Certification
US Federal regulations require that school bus Drivers possess a Commercial Driver’s
License (CDL). The purpose of this manual is to acquaint the Driver with the particu-
lar Blue Bird bus model it covers. Its information must be considered supplemental
to, not a replacement for, the specific requirements for Driver certification, testing,
and operational procedures.
For example, the Pre-trip inspection routine described in this manual may not
include all items or details of the Pre-trip inspection required by legally-mandated
inspections.
Contact the Pupil Transportation Director or similar office for your particular
state/district for more information.
VISION D R I V ERSHANDB O O K
10
About 2010 Emissions Standards
Buses equipped with 2010 engines are designed to conform to new and stringent
federal 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 particulate filter which traps and burns microscopic
particles in a process referred to as“regeneration.”When heat in the exhaust is insuf-
ficient 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 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.
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 Oxide (NOx). To achieve this a Selective Catalytic
Reduction system (SCR) is added downstream to the diesel particulat filter. The SCR
system uses a chemical reactant –in this case Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) –which
converts to ammonia in the exhaust stream and reacts with NOx to form harmless
nitrogen gas and water.
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-sulfer diesel”.
After that date, all commercially-available number 1 and number 2 highway diesel
fuels are Ultra-low-sulfer diesel. This fuel must be used in all 2011 model buses pow-
ered by a diesel engine, as indicated by a decal located near the fuel filler door, read-
ing:
The engine in this vehicle must be operated only with low ash engine oil and
ultra low sulfur diesel fuel (meeting EPA specifications for highway diesel fuel,
including a 15 ppm sulfur cap).
For detailed information on recommended fuels and other fluids, always follow your
engine manufacturer’s guidlines.
11
introduction
Regarding Modifications
Blue Bird Corporation offers many items as standard and optional equipment to
meet federal, state, and local specifications and individual customer requirements.
Those interested in modification of this vehicle should consult the Service Man-
ual and Blue Bird Engineering Department for a more complete understanding of
the vehicle.
Vehicle modifications which may cause non-conformance with the emission
control and/or Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards ((FMVSS), are expressly not
authorized by Blue Bird Corporation.
It is the responsibility of the entity undertaking the modification to ascertain
compliance of the modified vehicle with any and all applicable regulations. The en-
tity performing modification of this product must certify that all applicable regula-
tions are met. In order to certify a modified vehicle, the upfitter or other entity per-
forming the modification must be a licensed vehicle manufacturer or must objtain
the services of a licensed vehicle manufacturer for that purpose.
Specifically, Blue Bird Corporation does not authorize any modifications to or
such as the following:
•Frontorrearsuspension
•Wheelbaselength
•Bodyorchassiscrossmembers
•Framerailanges
•Weldingontheengine,radiator,fueltank(s),transmissionoranycomponent
of those items
•Coolingsystem
•Additionofanyequipmentorcomponentnearerthan2inches(51mm)tothe
fuel tank(s), rotating components or “jounce” movement of driveline compo-
nents
VISION D R I V ERSHANDB O O K
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About This Driver’s Handbook
Blue Bird Technical Communications endeavors to continuously improve the value of
its manuals. Your comments and suggestions are welcome, and we value the feed-
back we receive from our users. Send your comments to:
Blue Bird Corporation
Attn: Technical Communications
P.O. Box 937
Fort Valley, Georgia 31030
Safety Precautions
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,
could result in serious personal injury or death.
[CAUTION] The Caution designation is generally used for precautions which,
if not properly observed, could result in damage to the bus or its equipment.
This manual is intended for use by qualified professional bus Drivers who understand
and observe all appropriate safety precautions and procedures associated with safe
driving in general, and pupil transportion in particular. The user of this manual must
read and abide by all safety warnings noted not only in this manual, but also on any
labels and documentation for vehicle equiment and devices.
Scope and Content
This handbook is intended to acquaint the bus Driver with the Blue Bird bus model
it describes. It is recommended that after being thoroughly read by the Driver, it be
stored in the bus. Although not a service manual, it contains general information that
may be of value in situations of roadside hazard assistance, such as the location of
jacking points, or the location of fuses.
Scheduled Maintenance tables are included as a convenience. These should be
regarded as the minimum maintenance procedures to keep the bus in proper op-
erational condition. The service technician should refer to and become thorougly
acquainted with the separate Blue Bird Service Manual.
Please note that not all possible situations that may arise while operating the bus
are addressed. The exercise of caution, common sense, and good driving practices,
coupled with experience, are required for safe operation.
If questions arise that are not specifically covered in this manual, please contact
your Blue Bird Dealer. Your Dealer will either answer your questions or will be able to
assist in obtaining the needed information. To report a problem with your bus, con-
tact your Blue Bird dealer (or if you deal directly with Blue Bird, contact your Service
Representative). If you are unsure of the identity of your Blue Bird Service Represen-
tative, call the Blue Bird switchboard at 478.825.2021 and ask the receptionist for the
Blue Bird Service Department.
Contact your Blue Bird dealer or Parts Sales at
Blue Bird Corporation.
For replacement parts…
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
13
General Specification, Chassis
Alternator
240 Amp Leece Neville, 12 Volt, AVI-160.
Axle & Suspension, Front
Axle: Hendrickson SteerTek, 12,000 lb rating. Petroleum lubed bearings. 50 degree
wheel cut. Hubcaps with window seal included.
Suspensions: Hendrickson SofTek, 8,000 lb (standard) or 10,000 lb (optional) rating.
4”x 60”, Hendrickson variable rate, tapered springs with Anti-Wear liner. Maintenance
free rubber bushings.
Shock Absorbers: Sachs. direct acting, 1.42” diameter bore double-action piston
type with long life bushings.
Axle & Suspension, Rear
Axle: Meritor, RS21145, 21,000 lbs. capacity single speed with 5.29 ratio. Petroleum
lubed bearings.
Shock Absorbers: Sachs. direct acting, 1.42” diameter bore double-action piston
type with long life bushings.
Springs: 4” x 52” semi-elliptic, progressive, 17,000-21,000 lb. two stage leaf springs.
Maintenance free, rubber bushed radius leaf permits axle adjustment for dog track-
ing.
Batteries
Three Group 31 batteries with 3375 CCA @ 0° F. 4/0 gauge battery cables. Heavy duty
slide out battery compartment tray.
Braking System
Service Brakes, Air (Optional). Meritor air-powered, cam-operated, 4” front; 7” rear
internal expanding, single leading shoe drum brakes. Meritor automatic slack adjust-
ers. 4-channel Bendix ABS. 3-tank air system with combined capacity of 5,280 cu in.
Moisture drain valve on each tank. Options available for Bendix AD-9 or AD-IP air
dryer.
Emergency/Parking (units with optional air brakes). Captive spring actuators in-
corporated into rear air brake chambers. Release valve operation with control knob
at driver’s right.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic (Standard). Both front and rear systems have 15” diam-
eter x 1.438” thick rotors. 64mm front; 70mm rear 4-piston, self adjusting Meritor
Quadraulic calipers. Meritor ABS.
Emergency/Parking ( units with standard hydraulic brakes). Internal expanding,
transmission mounted, 9” diameter x 3” wide. Mechanical cable operation with foot
control lever at driver’s left.
VISION D R I V ERSHANDB O O K
14
Bumpers
Contoured 15” steel front bumper die formed from 3/16” steel plate. Rear bumper
smooth profile, 12”high with 90° flanges, die formed from 3/16”steel plate, with 14”
wraparound at corners and double “A”frame bracing.
Controls
Electronically operated throttle, air brake treadle, valve actuated parking brake (air
brakes) or cable-operated driveline shoe parking brake (hydraulic brakes) with warn-
ing light, transmission selector, dimmer switch, instrument panel rheostat-controlled
lighting, key-type starter switch. Electric dual horn. Message Display Center controls
on the instrument panel cluster. Cruise control on left steering column stalk. Manual
outward-opening door control.
Cooling System
Charge air and down-flow radiator mounted in tandem at vehicle front. A 24” dia.
nylon cooling fan with nine blades equipped with an electrically operated viscous
fan clutch driven by polyvee fan belt with spring loaded tensioner. Fan controlled
by Engine ECM.
Transynd™ TS295 Synthetic Transmission fluid cooled by heat exchanger in lower
radiator tank. Premium rubber coolant hoses with constant torque clamps.
Drive Line
Spicer SPL series 70 shafts with protective guards and lifetime lubrication. 3 1/2” di-
ameter shaft. SPL Series 140 is used with optional PTS 3000 transmission.
Engines
Cummins ISB / 2007 Emission Standards Engines. Some Blue Bird 2011 Visions are
equipped with Cummins ISB engines which are specially designed to meet 2007
emission standards. These engines incorporate a Cummins Particulate Filter / Muf-
fler, and use cooled Exhaust Gas Recirculation to reduce emissions. During normal
use, the system automatically enters a particulate filter regeneration mode to oxidize
soot collected in the particulate filter.
15
general specifications
Cummins ISB-10 Base 200 HP @ 2300 RPM; 520 ft lb torque @ 1600 RPM. Governed
speed 2500 RPM. Certified for NOX and NMHC for 2007 emission EPA standards. High
pressure common rail fuel system. 15.2 CFM single cylinder air compressor. SAE #3
Flywheel housing. Holset turbochargers. Wastegated turbocharger. The ISB-10 moni-
tors key engine parameters and logs diagnostic faults when an abnormal operating
condition occurs. The engine de-rates available power and maximum vehicle speed
when certain parameters pass a limit threshold or a maximum coolant temperature
of 225 F. The engine’s ECM keeps an electronic data log of time of occurrence, elapsed
times, extreme pressures and extreme temperatures when the system detects an
out-of-range condition. The following sensors mounted on the engine provide input
to the engine protection system: oil pressure, coolant level sensor. Minimum pres-
sure cap rating is 15 psi at sea level. Thermostats opening temperature 190 F; fully
open @ 205 F. Fan full-on at engine coolant temperature of 210 F. Fuel/Water Sep-
erator supplied with engine. Blue Bird diesel fuel systems are not compatible with
biodiesel. Engine manufacturer’s warranty regarding performance, emissions and
durability can be affected by using biodiesel.
Intake
High volume canister type air cleaner with replaceable pleated fiber cartridge.
Charge Air intake circuit by exhaust-driven turbocharger. Charge Air cooler mounted
in front of engine coolant radiator. Intake restriction indicator.
Exhaust
4” O.D. 16 Gauge aluminized steel tubing from engine turbo-charge to in line diesel
particulate filter and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) device. Stainless steel DPF
with catalitic converter and SCR. 4” O.D. 16 gauge aluminized steel tailpipe. Wide
band exhaust clamps used at all joints. Left hand side exit tailpipe.
Visions equipped with 2010 emissions standards engines use engine manufac-
turer-specific diesel particulate filter which integrate with an active regeneration
system to oxodize particulate soot and an SCR device which reduces overall NOx
output.
Frame, Chassis
Dual “C” channels, 10 1/8” high with 3” flanges made of 5/16” thick, 50,000 psi steel.
All permanent fixtures on frame are attached with hi-tensile strength Huck-Spin fas-
teners with swaged lock nuts.
Fuel System
60 gallon capacity aluminized steel safety tank mounted between frame rails. In-
cludes a sender inspection plate and right side fill opening with spring loaded lock-
ing door.
Spin-on fuel filter (standard). Racor 490R30 fuel filter with see-thru bowl, self-
venting drain, integral check valve on inlet side, and 200 watt heater (optional). Sec-
ondary fuel filter mounted on engine is supplied by engine manufacturer.
VISION D R I V ERSHANDB O O K
16
Horn
Electrical dual horns.
Backing safety horn variable db. A Variable db, backing safety horn activated when-
ever the bus is shifted into reverse. Sounds between 87 and 112 db automatically
adjusting itself depending on the ambient noise level in the proximity of the alarm.
Instruments / Gauges
Gauges: Speedometer; Oil Pressure; Fuel Level; Coolant Temperature; Tachometer.
Front Air Pressure; Rear Air Pressure on units equipped with air brakes.
LED Warnings / Telltale Indicators: Hest Indicator; Brake Failure, Wait To Start, ABS,
Park Brake Applied, Check Transmission, Left Turn Signal, High Beam, Right Turn Sig-
nal, Coolant Level, Transmission Oil Temperature, Stop Light, Stop Engine, Engine
Warning, Coolant Temperature, Low Fuel, Low Secondary Brake Pressure, Low Pri-
mary Brake Pressure.
Message Display Center: When configured this display will provide a continuous
readout for volts, amps, transmission temperature, and applied air pressure (air
brakes). Interactive LCD display, also provides system alerts such as regen needed,
low DEF fluid levels, voltage error, water in fuel, engine warning, J1939 communi-
cation failure, stop engine, turn signal on; and also displays service diagnostic fea-
tures.
Steering
Full power Ross THP-60 integral unit with 20.4 to 1 ratio; with TRW Power Steering
Pump.18”diameter, two-spoke, padded steering wheel with tilt steering column.
Tires
Goodyear G661 HSA, 10R22.5 LRG Steelbelt.
Tow Hooks
Two front frame mounted (standard). Two rear frame mounted (optional).
Transmission
Allison 2500 PTS Series transmission, 5 Forward speeds- 1 reverse, with Gen 4 T-han-
dle shifter mechanism. Transynd™ TS295 Synthetic Transmission Fluid.
Wheels
Hub Piloted steel 10 stud disc wheels, single front, dual rear, 8.25 x 22.5 rims.
Wiring
Blue Bird single-zone Multiplex chassis circuit wiring system with MPX Module lo-
cated in Power Distribution Unit compartment at front of bus below dash. Includes
diagnostic switch in driver’s switch panel for service diagnostics.
17
general specifications
General Specification, Body
Panels & Compartments
Battery Compartment. Enclosed compartment 23.63”L x 24.00” D, has roll-out tray.
Includes retaining pins with cables to secure the tray in a closed position. Hinged
door with recessed locking “Paddle Handle” latch. Located on front of left side of
bus.
Exterior Electrical Compartment. Left front side of bus, below Driver’s window.
Power Distribution Unit. Inside the bus, centered on the front wall against the floor.
Cover removable with two thumbscrews. Houses the main Multiplex Main Bus Con-
troller, battery power distribution connections, and other electrical connections.
Side Electrical Channels. Inside the bus above the side windows on both sides.
Houses the trunks of all body harnesses and other optional component wiring, such
as radio / PA speakers, if so equipped.
Emergency Doors
Rear center door with 37.7” wide x 52.5” high opening. Single-point bar lock latch
with inside handle and guard. 6”chrome-plated recessed exterior handle. Upper and
lower clear tempered. 5”black upholstered header pad.
Buzzers: Two buzzers—one located in the Driver’s area and one near the rear emer-
gency door—sound when any emergency exit is engaged.
Entrance Doors
Standard: Blue Bird two-panel Outward Opening door with manual door control.
Optional: Bode electically-operated two panel outward opening door. Permanently
lubricated bearings and bushings. Mechanical clutching system in the gear case
disengages the worm drive to allow emergency manual opening of the door. Clear
(standard) or tinted (optional) glass. 5”black upholstered header pad.
Electrical
Multiplex system incorporating chassis circuits. Power Distribution Unit under wind-
shield near floor.
Fans (optional)
One 6” fan mounted left of the Driver seat, with or without a second 6” fan mounted
right of the Driver at body centerline. Controled by single switch.
VISION D R I V ERSHANDB O O K
18
Floor
Covering. 3/16” thick ribbed black rubber in aisles and at entrance aisle area. Alu-
minum aisle trim over join in floor covering, full lenght of body. 1/8” smooth black
rubber under seats. Molded black smooth rubber over wheelhousings.
Subfloor. 1/2” Fir plywood, secured to steel floor panels with screws.
Heater/Defroster
90,000 BTU front system on Driver’s side with continuous ducted defronsting of
windshield and Driver’s window. Washable filter. Driver selects recirculating of fresh
air into system as conditions require. Manual ball type water flow control valve on
heater next to driver, for temperature control. Goodyear Hi-Miler heater hose with
constant torque clamps at all joints.
Insulation
The roof, sides, front and rear (including corners and bow cavities) are insulated with
1 ½”thick fiberglass providing an R-value of 5.75.
Lettering
SCHOOL BUS black vinyl lettering on front and rear caps. Yellow reflective back-
ground optional. Vinyl lettering on top of emergency windows and rear emergency
door on both interior and exterior of vehicle, according to federal regulations. Opera-
tion instructions decal on all emergency exits. French decals options available.
Lights
Backing: Two 5”clear incandescent right and left rear.
Clearance: Two amber front and two amber rear single. Switch operates clearance,
cluster, and side marker lights.
Daytime Running: Head lamps, tail, license plate, parking, clearance & marker lights
activated when engine is running.
Directional: Two 4” plain amber fender mounted. Two 7” amber lights mounted on
rear.
Dome: 6 Candlepower single row equally spaced at center over aisle. Single control
switch.
Headlights: Dual element 65w high beam / 45w low beam 9004 halogen bulbs
mounted in contoured lens housings.
Stepwell: 14 candlepower. Wired to operate with ID lights with entrance door open.
Stop and Tail: Two combination lights, 4”right and left rear license panel in combina-
tion with 7”stop and tail lights with clear red lens.
Warning Lights: Weldon 8 light sequential system with dual hoods.
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