Bluebird Vision 2021 User manual
Technical Publications
3920 Arkwright Rd, Suite 200
Macon, GA 31210 USA
TechComm@blue-bird.com
VISION
BBCV
ELECTRIC POWERED
DRIVERS HANDBOOK
Part Number: 10071989
2021 VISION ELECTRIC POWERED
DRIVERS HANDBOOK
Part Number:
10071989
2021
CV
10071989 Edition A
BBCV
ELECTRICELECTRIC
POWEREDPOWERED
20212021 DRIVERS HANDBOOKDRIVERS HANDBOOK
DRIVERS HANDBOOK
We at Blue Bird Body Co. 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 chassis designed specifically for pupil transportation, 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.
The BLUE BIRD VISION, with its ALL AMERICAN FE and RE siblings, comprise a complete 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 ordinary. The Electric Powered Blue Bird VISION incorporates the
latest technologies to the school bus lineup, ranging from its multiplex electrical system with intelligent micro processor instrumentation
and advanced electric drive motor and power supply. The VISION is the result of Blue Bird’s steadily innovative engineering and over 90 years
of school bus experience, applied to the C-Type category.
Many technical refinements exist inside the bus with which the Driver may or may never interact with directly; but which nonetheless
contribute 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
Vantage Website
The Blue Bird Vantage website is part of our ongoing effort to supply the most update and complete information for your bus. Driver Hand-
books and Service Manuals are available for a full range of bus models.Vantage also has information on Publications,TechnicalTraining, Parts
and Service, Sales, Warranty, and much more.
For additional information contact your Blue Bird Authorized Dealer or Visit Vantage at https://vantage.blue-bird.com
h Y…n ngrlis!
DRIVERS HANDBOOK
© 2020, 2021 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. Blue Bird Body Company offers many
items as standard and optional equipment to meet federal, state and local specifications and individual customer requirements.
Many of the components of Blue Bird buses are obtained from outside suppliers. Where maintenance and/or service information conflicts with the compo-
nent 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 requirement 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 ob-
ligation. 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.
1-1
INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION
1. INTRODUCTION 1-1
About This Driver’s Handbook � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 1-2
Safety Precautions � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 1-2
Scope and Content� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 1-3
Backed By Blue Bird� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 1-4
Blue Bird Authorized Dealers � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 1-4
Blue Bird School Bus Support� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 1-4
Blue Bird Academy � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 1-4
Blue Bird Parts Sales � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 1-5
Blue Bird Technical Publications � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 1-5
Blue Bird Bus Warranty � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 1-5
Reporting Safety Defects� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 1-6
Driver Certification � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 1-6
1-2
DRIVERS HANDBOOK
About This Driver’s Handbook
Blue BirdTechnical Communications endeavors to continuously improve the value of its manuals.Your comments and suggestions are
welcome, and we value the feedback we receive from our users. Send your comments to:
Blue Bird Corporation
Attn: Technical Communications
3920 Arkwright Road Suite 200
Macon, Georgia 31210
or email at:
techcomm@blue-bird.com
Safety Precautions
Throughout this manual are precautions labeled Warnings and Cautions, and set in the style shown here:
WARNING!
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!
CAUTION! The Caution designation is generally used for precautions which, if not properly observed, could
result in damage to the bus or its equipment.
1-3
INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION
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 transportation 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 equipment 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 thorough-
ly read by the Driver, it should 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 found in the Service Manual designated for the bus model it
describes. This manual can be obtained through your Blue Bird dealer or an electronic copy of the
manuals can be obtained through the Blue Bird Vantage portal at https://vantage.blue-bird.com.
The service technician should refer to and become thoroughly acquainted with the 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, contact 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 Representa-
tive, call the Blue Bird switchboard at 478.825.2021 and ask the receptionist for the Blue Bird Service Department.
Contact your local authorized
Blue Bird Dealer.
For replacement parts…
1-4
DRIVERS HANDBOOK
Backed By Blue Bird
Blue Bird provides all the behind-the-scenes support you depend upon for success in your school transportation operation. Further
details can be obtained through the Blue BirdVantage portal at https://vantage.blue-bird.com and your Blue Bird Authorized Dealer.
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.
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 technical experts with long histories at Blue
Bird and are eager to support your service related needs.
Blue Bird Academy
The training branch of Blue Bird Technical Communications Group offer ongoing training opportunities. Blue Bird Academy offers online
and instructor led training opportunities, available to all dealership personnel, as well as the end customer. Access to the Blue Bird Acad-
emy can be found on the Vantage Portal at https://vantage.blue-bird.com/Portal/Academy.aspx available to dealers, dealer sales
personnel and technicians, as well as the end user’s personnel.
1-5
INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION
Blue Bird Parts Sales
We sell the world’s finest school bus and the genuine Blue Bird parts to go with it. Maximize the life of your bus with the same high-
quality parts that were used to build your Blue Bird bus. Only available from your locally authorized Blue Bird dealer and supported by
Blue Bird’s state of the art Parts Distribution Center. Contact your local blue bird dealer and discover the value that only Genuine Blue
Bird Parts can deliver.
Blue Bird Technical Publications
Blue Bird Driver’s Handbooks and Service Manuals are produced and continually updated by a full-time in-house staff with full access to
manufacturing assembly lines and Blue Bird Engineering. Manuals are available in electronic .pdf format through the Blue Bird Vantage
website. Paper manuals are available to purchase through your Blue Bird Authorized Dealer.
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. Refer to the standard limited warranty statement
supplied with your bus for the terms and limitations of the limited warranty. Contact your Blue Bird Dealer if you have questions about
the limited warranty or for assistance in obtaining repairs covered by the limited warranty.
1-6
DRIVERS 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 addi-
tion to notifying Blue Bird.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investiga-
tion 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 between you, your dealer,
or Blue Bird Company.
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) with proper endorsements. The
purpose of this manual is to acquaint the Driver with the particular
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.
2-1
DRIVER ORIENTATIONDRIVER ORIENTATION
1. DRIVER ORIENTATION 2-1
Driver Orientation � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 2-2
Electric Drivetrain � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 2-2
Emergency Equipment Locations � � � � 2-4
First Aid Kit� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 2-4
Body Fluids Clean-up Kit � � � � � � � � � � � 2-4
Fire Extinguisher � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 2-5
Triangular Roadside Hazard
Reflector Kit � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 2-5
Flare Kit� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 2-5
Wrecking Bar � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 2-5
Emergency Exits � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 2-6
Emergency Door � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 2-6
Vandal Lock � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 2-7
Emergency Pushout Windows � � � � � � 2-8
Emergency Roof Hatch � � � � � � � � � � � � 2-9
Entrance Door Emergency Release � 2-11
Wheelchair Lifts � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 2-12
Driver’s Area � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 2-13
Left Switch Console � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 2-14
Radio Switch Panel � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 2-15
Upper Left Switch Panel � � � � � � � � � � 2-17
Heater Control Panel � � � � � � � � � � � � � 2-18
Lower Left Switch Panel � � � � � � � � � � 2-20
Right Console Switch Panel� � � � � � � � � 2-23
Heat and Air Controls � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 2-26
E-Heater � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 2-26
Heater Filters � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 2-27
Heater Cores � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 2-27
A/C Controls� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 2-28
Driver’s Instrument Panel � � � � � � � � � � 2-30
Steering Column� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 2-32
Steering Wheel Position � � � � � � � � � � 2-32
Left Switch Stalk � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 2-33
Parking Brake, Units With Air Brakes 2-34
Driver’s Seat, Standard � � � � � � � � � � � �2-35
Driver’s Seat, Air � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �2-37
Driver’s Lap & Shoulder Belt � � � � � � �2-38
Interior Compartments� � � � � � � � � � � �2-40
Doran Warning Light Monitor� � � � � �2-43
Sleeping Child Check Monitor � � � �2-44
Back-Up Camera � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �2-44
Exterior Compartments � � � � � � � � � � �2-44
Hood Compartment� � � � � � � � � � � � �2-44
Under the Hood � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �2-47
12V Battery Compartment � � � � � � �2-49
Circuit Breakers & Fuses � � � � � � � � � � �2-50
Accessories and
Added Components � � � � � � � � � � � � �2-50
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(Optional) � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �2-51
2-2
DRIVERS HANDBOOK
Driver Orientation
This chapter is a brief tour of the VISION’S features and equipment
locations.
Electric Drivetrain
The Blue Bird Electric Bus uses a highly efficient direct drive system
with no additional transmission or torque coupling devices. The mo-
tor torque and energy management strategy are controlled by the
vehicle control unit (VCU) to maximize the overall efficiency and
performance.
The bus is controlled through a series of sensor inputs provided
by the operator. The driver provides these inputs using everyday
bus controls such as an accelerator pedal, push button shift selec-
tor and service brakes. Driver inputs are sent to a control unit (VCU)
along with information from other operational sensors to provide a
smooth and controlled operation.
RADIATOR
POWER STEERING
HYDRAULIC PUMP
LOW VOLTAGE
CONTROL MODULE
RH view of Chassis Front
THERMAL
MANAGEMENT
SYSTEM
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD ANYONE TOUCH THE ORANGE CABLES, ATTEMPT TO ACCESS THE BATTERY PACKS OR ANY OTHER HIGH VOLTAGE
AREAS ON THIS BUS EXCEPT TRAINED SERVICE TECHNICIANS QUALIFIED TO WORK ON HIGH VOLTAGE EQUIPMENT.
DANGER
2-3
DRIVER ORIENTATIONDRIVER ORIENTATION
MANUAL SERVICE
DISCONNECT
(MSD) #2
AIR COMPRESSOR
12V BATTERY
HIGH VOLTAGE MODULE
BATTERY PACK 1
BATTERY PACK 2
POWER
STEERING
RESERVOIR
CHARGE PORT
(Standard
Location)
SEE "CHASSIS FRONT VIEW"
ON PREVIOUS PAGE
MANUAL SERVICE
DISCONNECT
(MSD) #1
MOTOR
RH view of chassis
2-4
DRIVERS HANDBOOK
Emergency Equipment Locations
Some emergency equipment is optional and differs between states. Generally, all school buses have first aid kits, fire extinguishers, and
triangular roadside hazard reflector kits; however, the sizes of first aid kits and fire extinguishers vary. The bus may also be equipped with
a body fluid kit, fire axe, wrecking bar, or flare kit. All such devices are generally located in the Driver’s area, but specific locations are also
subject to optional specifications.
Upon taking delivery of the bus, the Driver must locate all the emergency equipment purchased with the bus, and become fully acquainted
with its mountings; must be able to quickly remove the equipment in an emergency situation and replace it securely. Emergency equipment
must never be left loose in the bus, but must always be securely stored in its factory-installed mountings during bus operation.
As part of a daily pre-trip inspection, the Driver must verify that all emergency equipment is in place, fully stocked (First Aid Kit), up-to-
date (Fire Extinguisher), and in proper working condition.
WARNING!
WARNING! Emergency equipment must be checked daily for proper operation. It is the driver’s responsibility to
report any damage to qualified service technicians, and that the condition is corrected before transporting passengers.
First Aid Kit
The first aid kit on most VISION buses is located over the windshield toward the curbside of the bus. Each state has a specific location and
contents guide that must be followed.
Body Fluids Clean-up Kit
The body fluids clean-up kit is located in the general area of the first aid kit. However, each state has specific requirements for the location
and labeling of this equipment. Know your state’s requirements and maintain the kit accordingly.
2-5
DRIVER ORIENTATIONDRIVER ORIENTATION
Fire Extinguisher
The fire extinguisher on most VISION buses is mounted vertically, forward of the entrance door stepwell or horizontally to the floor near the
Driver’s seat. States requirements vary for the type and size of the fire extinguisher for school buses. The fire extinguisher must be monitored
to ensure the charge level is within the acceptable range, and the expiration date current. It is the responsibility of the driver to ensure com-
pliance prior to each trip.
Triangular Roadside Hazard Reflector Kit
For those states requiring the triangular markers to be located in the
driver’s compartment, this container is mounted on the floor immedi-
ately behind the driver’s seat. In some states, it is mounted on the floor,
under the rearmost left-hand seat or under the second right hand seat.
The contents of the triangular warning device kit should be checked
each month or as the regulations of your state dictate. See the Enroute
Emergencies chapter for instructions on deploying the reflectors.
Flare Kit
If the bus is equipped with a flare kit it will be located in the driver’s area. The location may differ according to state specs. The kit contents
should be inventoried every 30 days, or as required by your state and local regulations. The mounting fasteners should be checked monthly
to ensure security.
Wrecking Bar
If the bus is equipped with a wrecking bar option it will be located in the driver’s area. The location may differ according to state specs.
Wrecking bar oor mounted between
Driver’s seat and left console
Fire Extinguisher Triangular Roadside
Hazard Reector Kit
2-6
DRIVERS HANDBOOK
Emergency Exits
All emergency exits on this Blue Bird bus meet FMVSS specifications.
In true emergency situations, every second counts. It is therefore essential that every school bus Driver be completely familiar with the
location and operation of all emergency exits. Read the following descriptions thoroughly, but also practice operating each of the exits to
have not only a mental memorization, but also a tactile familiarity with the amount of force required to operate the opening, the amount of
space available around the opening, etc. Checking for proper operation of each emergency exit must be part of the daily pre-trip inspection
regimen.
Emergency exits are clearly identified with the words “EMERGENCY EXIT.” Basic operating instructions are also printed on labels affixed
on or near each exit.
The bus is equipped with an audible alarm that sounds when an emergency exit is unlatched and the ignition switch is in the RUN”posi-
tion. On the VISION, the DID screen also identifies the open exit(s).
WARNING!
WARNING! All “Emergency Exits” should be inspected and tested daily. The labels and decals should be considered
part of this inspection and should be maintained in a clearly legible condition.
Emergency Door
The emergency door is opened by lifting the long horizontal handle all the way upward and pushing the door outward. The three-point lock
mechanism shown is optional. The door is equipped with a hold-open telescoping strut at the top of the opening. When the door is fully
opened, a pawl in this strut rotates to prevent the door from falling shut. To close the door, push it outward to the end of the strut’s travel.
This causes the pawl to rotate again, allowing the door to close. Close the door smoothly, push it against the frame firmly to compress its
seal, and close the handle latch fully.
2-7
DRIVER ORIENTATIONDRIVER ORIENTATION
EMERGENCY DOOR
SEE INSTRUCTIONS BELOW
Door hold-open strut
Standard Emergency Door Latch with/Vandal Lock
EMERGENCY DOOR
SEE INSTRUCTIONS BELOW
EMERGENCY DOOR
SEE INSTRUCTIONS BELOW
Optional 3-Point Latch with/Vandal Lock
Vandal Lock
The emergency door may be equipped with an optional vandal lock.
This is a sliding-bolt type latch or optional key lock with a sensor
switch which detects when the vandal lock is closed.
If the vandal lock is closed, the motor cannot be started, and an
audible alert sounds. The vandal lock must be open during normal
operation.
WARNING!WARNING! The bus must not be operated
with the emergency exit locked.
2-8
DRIVERS HANDBOOK
Emergency Pushout Windows
Depending on body model there may be as many as six pushout windows in the passenger area of the bus. Pushout windows are provide as
emergency exits in accordance with state specification. Emergency exits are clearly identified by the words “EMERGENCY EXIT” and the red
release handle at the rear edge of the window. Vertical hinged pushout windows are hinged at the front side and swing outward like a gate.
To open the pushout window, rotate the red handle parallel to the glass and away from the window frame, as indicated by the nearby
decal. Then push the window outward.
The emergency windows should be operated
daily as part of the Driver’s pre-trip inspection. A
light spray lubricant may be used on the window
latches and hinges to keep them in smooth oper-
ating condition.
Rotate Red release handle at rear edge of emergency window After catch has cleared hole, push window outward
Table of contents
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