Bluebird Vision 2015 User manual

BBCV
BLUE BIRD VISION
10038314
2015
COUNT ON BLUE BIRD COUNT ON BLUE BIRD
10038314
CUMMINS POWERED DIESEL
DRIVERS HANDBOOK
2015 BBCV CUMMINS POWERED DIESEL DRIVERS HANDBOOK

10038314
Edition A

VISION D R I V ERSHANDB O O K
2
© 2014 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.

CONTENTS
3
INTRODUCTION / 7
Blue Bird Strength; Blue Bird Innovation / 7
Backed By Blue Bird / 8
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 / 8
Reporting Safety Defects / 9
Driver Certification / 9
About 2013 Emissions Standards / 10
Regarding Modifications / 12
About This Driver’s Handbook / 14
Safety Precautions / 14
Scope and Content / 14
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS / 15
General Specifications, Chassis / 15
Alternator / 15
Axle & Suspension, Front / 15
Axle & Suspension, Rear / 15
Batteries / 15
Braking System / 15
Bumpers / 16
Controls / 16
Cooling System / 16
Drive Line / 16
Engines / 16
Intake / 17
Exhaust / 17
Frame, Chassis / 17
Fuel System / 17
Horn / 17
Instruments / Gauges / 18
Steering / 18
Tires / 18
Tow Hooks or Tow Eyes / 18
Transmission / 18
Wheels / 18
Wiring / 18
General Specifications, Body / 19
Panels & Compartments / 19
Emergency Doors / 19
Entrance Doors / 19
Electrical / 19
Fans (optional) / 19
Floor / 20
Heater/Defroster / 20
Insulation / 20
Lettering / 20
Lights / 20
Mirrors / 21
Paint / 21
Panels, Exterior / 22
Panels, Interior / 22
Reflectors / 22
Rubrails / 23
Safety Equipment / 23
Seats / 23
Stepwell / 23
Stop Arm, Crossing Arm / 23
Sun Visor / 23
Switch Panels / 24
Ventilation / 24
Windows / 24
Windshield / 24
Windshield Wipers / 24
Wiring / 24
Dimensions / 25

VISION D R I V ERSHANDB O O K
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DRIVER ORIENTATION / 27
Driver Orientation / 27
Emergency Equipment Locations / 27
First Aid Kit / 27
Body Fluids Clean-up Kit / 27
Fire Extinguisher / 27
Triangular Roadside Hazard Reflector Kit / 27
Battery Disconnect Switch (Optional) / 28
Flare Kit / 28
Crowbar / 28
Driver’s Area / 29
Left Switch Console / 30
Radio Switch Panel / 31
Upper Left Switch Panel / 32
Heater Control Panel / 33
Lower Left Switch Panel / 34
Right Console Switch Panel / 36
Driver’s Instrument Panel / 37
Instrument Cluster / 38
Message Display Center / 39
Warning Bank Indicators / 40
Set the Clock / 42
Dimmer Adjustment / 42
Contrast Adjustment / 42
Backlight Color Adjustment / 43
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (Optional) / 43
Heat and Air Controls / 44
Heater Valve Lever / 45
Heater Filters / 45
Heater Cores / 45
Steering Column / 46
Steering Wheel Position / 46
Left Switch Stalk / 46
Right Switch Stalk / 46
Cruise Control (Optional) / 46
Parking Brake, Units With Air Brakes / 48
Parking Brake, Units With Hydraulic Brakes / 48
Hand Operated Parking Brake (Optional) / 49
Driver’s Seat, Standard / 50
Driver’s Seat, Air / 52
Driver’s Lap & Shoulder Belt / 53
Interior Compartments / 54
Child Restraint Seats / 56
Young Children And Infants / 56
How Child Restraints Work / 56
Universal Child Restraint Anchorage / 57
Securing A Universal Child Restraint / 57
Passenger Seats / 58
Passenger Area Heaters / 59
Passenger Windows / 60
Emergency Exits / 61
Rear Emergency Door / 61
Vandal Lock / 61
Emergency Pushout Windows / 62
Emergency Roof Hatch / 63
Entrance Door Emergency Release / 64
Exterior Compartments / 65
Engine Compartment / 65
Battery Compartment / 66
Fuel Filler / 66
DEF Filler / 66
Product Identification Information / 67
Federal Vehicle Compliance Label / 67
Body Serial Number and Service Number Plate / 67
Axle Record and Chassis Service Number Label / 67
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) / 67
Data Plates Reference / 68
VECI Label / 69
PRE-TRIP INSPECTION / 71
Before Placing the Bus in Service / 71
Daily Pretrip Inspection / 71
Exterior Walkaround / 71
Entrance Area Inspection / 74
Engine Compartment Inspection / 75
Instrumentation & Driver’s Alert Checks / 77
Exterior Lights Check / 78
Buses with Automated Pre-Trip Exterior Light Check
Feature / 78
Passenger Area Inspection / 79
Emergency Equipment Check / 80
Prepare For Driveaway / 80
Mirrors and Mirrors Adjustment / 81

table o f contents
ROUTINE OPERATION / 83
Routine Operation / 83
Maneuvering Safety / 83
Prior to Starting the Engine / 84
Starting the Engine / 84
High Idle Function / 85
Engine Cooling System / 86
Coolant Types / 86
Coolant Testing and Replacement / 87
Service Brakes / 89
About Hydraulic Brakes / 89
Parking Brake (With Hydraulic Brakes) / 90
Parking Brake (Hand Operated) / 90
About Air Brakes / 91
Parking Brakes (With Air Brakes) / 91
Parking / 92
Allison Automatic Transmissions / 93
Allison Model 2000 Series Transmission / 93
Allison 2000 Series Transmission Gear Selection / 94
Allison Model 3000 Series Transmission / 95
Allison Model 3000 Series Transmission Gear Selection / 96
Range Inhibit Feature / 97
Allison Automatic Transmission Driving Tips / 97
Transmission Indicator Lights / 99
Transmission Service Prognostics / 100
2000 Series Product / 100
3000 Series Product / 101
Gen 4 Electronic Controls (early 2014) / 101
Gen 5 Electronic Controls / 101
Wheel Differential Lock / 102
Engaged Position (Locked) / 102
Disengaged Position (Unlocked) / 102
Important To Remember / 103
Exhaust System / 104
DPF Regeneration In Blue Bird Buses / 105
Aftertreatment Terms / 105
Levels of Notification / 106
High Exhaust Temperature Notification / 106
Level 1 Regeneration Notification: DPF Indicator Appears / 107
Level 2 Notification: DPF Indicator Blinks / 107
Level 3 Notification: Check Engine Indicator Appears / 108
Level 4 Notification: Stop Engine Indicator Appears / 108
Stationary Regeneration Precautions / 109
SCR System in Blue Bird Buses / 110
DEF Levels of Priority Notification / 112
ENROUTE EMERGENCIES / 117
Enroute Emergencies / 117
Using Triangular Hazard Reflectors / 117
Using Booster Cables / 118
Starting Problems / 119
Jacking and Towing / 120
Jack Points / 120
Towing / 120
Caging the Park Brakes / 121
Air Tank Schrader Valve / 122
CARE & MAINTENANCE / 123
Seat Belt Inspection And Maintenance / 123
Seat Inspection And Maintenance / 123
Driver’s Seat Lubrication / 123
Seat Care and Cleaning / 123
Seat Cushion Removal and Installation—DOT Seats & Seat
Belt Seats / 124
Track Mounted Passenger Seats / 124
Doran Warning Light Monitor / 126
Troubleshooting / 126
Doran Calibration (Universal Monitor Only) / 128
Circuit Breakers & Fuses / 129
Accessories and Added Components / 129
Hazard Rating (NFPA/HMIS) / 130
Rating Scale / 130
Keeping Your Bus Looking New / 130
Wax / 131
Bus Downtime Treatment / 131
Powertrain and Chassis Cleaning / 133
Windshield Washer & Wiper / 134
Wiper Assembly Replacement / 134
Scheduled Maintenance / 134
Fluids & Filters / 135
Maintenance Task Schedule / 136
Emission Control Device EPA Compliancy / 151
Oil Drain Intervals (ISL) / 154
Oil Drain Intervals (ISB) / 155
Aftertreatment Diesel Exhaust Fluid Dosing Unit Filter / 156
Aftertreatment Diesel Particulate Filter / 159
Aftertreatment Exhaust Piping / 161
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Level / 161
Operating Characteristics of Engines with Aftertreatment / 162
Regeneration / 163
Aftertreatment Warm-Up / 165

VISION D R I V ERSHANDB O O K
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INTRODUCTION
7
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 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.
For 2015, there are a myriad of technical refinements inside the bus and/or under
the hood 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.
h Y
…n ngrlis!

VISION D R I V ERSHANDB O O K
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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 net-
work 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 School Bus Training
The Training staff of Blue Bird Technical Communications conducts an ongoing pro-
gram of Factory and Dealer workshops, to ensure that Dealer technicians are always
up-to-date on the latest service information and techniques. Some of these training
classes are open to customer personnel.
Blue Bird Parts Sales
Blue Bird’s modern Service Parts facility ships parts directly to Blue Bird Authorized
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 inside 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 continually up-
dated by a full-time in-house staff with full access to manufacturing assembly lines
and Blue Bird Engineering. Additional manuals are available for 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 lim-
ited 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.

9
introduction
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 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.

VISION D R I V ERSHANDB O O K
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About 2013 Emissions Standards
Buses equipped with 2013 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.
Cummins has developed an integrated engine and exhaust aftertreatment sys-
tem to meet the requirements for the 2013 EPA emissions standards. Buses powered
by Cummins 2013 emissions standard engines are equipped with a newly designed
air handling system featuring turbocharger improvements for better air-fuel ratio
mixing, resulting in improved engine efficiency and fuel economy.
The technical details of the aftertreatment systems employed by various engine
manufacturers differ, but share common general principles. The exhaust muffler is
replaced by a diesel particulate filter which traps microscopic particles (soot). As the
filter accumulates the particulate matter (soot) it will reach a point at which exhaust
flow will be restricted. Heat is used to burn off this accumulation in a process referred
to as“regeneration.”When heat in the exhaust is insufficient to fully burn the particu-
lates, the system enters an “active” regeneration mode to produce sufficient heat to
burn off the accumulated soot. During active regeneration events, exhaust tempera-
tures are elevated, and an indicator light on the instrument panel illuminates when
the bus is below 5 mph to notify the Driver that exhaust temperatures are elevated.
The regeneration mode is automatic and normal, and requires no special action on
the part of the Driver. If driving conditions have resulted in insufficient active regen-
eration then a“manual”regeneration may be required to clean the filter. If this condi-
tion occurs an indicator will alert the driver and a maintenance technician should
be notified. Additionally, Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) levels are reduced by the means of
a Selective Catalytic Reduction system (SCR) 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. For more detailed information, refer to the “Exhaust System”
under “Routine Operation” in this manual.
Other improvements made in the Diesel Particulate Filter for the more stringent
2013 emission standard include additional sensors, improved sensor couplings, and
improved insulation for aftertreatment efficiency. Components of the engine and
exhaust system are considered as Emission Control Devices. These components must
be maintained in order to remain compliant with EPA regulations and maintain emis-
sion component warranty coverage. See “EPA Regulation of Emission Control De-
vices” under “Care and Maintenance” section.

11
introduction
Fuel Requirements: As part of the 2007 emissions standards, effective October
15, 2006 the EPA required fuel retailers to sell lower-emission fuel, designated“ultra-
low-sulfur diesel”. That is, diesel fuel meeting EPA specifications for highway diesel
fuel, including a 15 ppm sulfur cap. After that date, all commercially-available num-
ber 1 and number 2 highway diesel fuels are Ultra-low-sulfur diesel. This fuel must
be used in all 2015 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 guidelines. Also see, Cummins Bulletin No. 3379001.
Also, beginning in 2014 Low Rolling Resistance tires are required in order to meet
new Greenhouse Gas Emission requirements for all Blue Bird products. See “VECI La-
bel” under “Driver Orientation” section.

VISION D R I V ERSHANDB O O K
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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 in-
cludes, but is not necessarily limited to, stop arms, crossing guards, warning lights,
warning light monitors, mirrors, first aid kits, fire extinguishers, warning reflectors,
fuses, directional and brake lights, warning buzzers, security/vandal locks, emergen-
cy 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, components or installation fasteners nearer
than 2 inches (51mm) to the fuel tank(s), rotating components or “jounce”
movement of driveline components
 • Donotinstallanyequipmentorcomponentthatwillobstructtheowofair
into, around, or from the cooling system
 • Donotinstallanyequipment,components,includingooringand/orcarpet-
ing, which will obstruct the functioning of the brake and accelerator pedals

13
introduction
Contact your local authorized Blue Bird Dealer.
For replacement parts…
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” con-
figuration. Any modifications are the responsibility of the entity making those
modifications. Blue Bird Body Company does not authorize any modification
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 Blue Bird bus remains true to its original design, best preserving perfor-
mance, efficiency, and safety.

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 Body Company
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 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 thoroughly read by the Driver, it
should be stored in the bus. Although not a service manual, it contains general infor-
mation 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 thoroughly
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 local authorized Blue Bird Dealer.
For replacement parts…

GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
15
General Specifications, Chassis
Alternator
240 Amp Leece Neville, 12 Volt, AVI-160.
Axle & Suspension, Front
Axle: Hendrickson SteerTek NXT, 12,000 lb rating. Petroleum lubed bearings. 50 de-
gree wheel cut. Hubcaps with window seal included.
Suspensions: Hendrickson SofTek, 8,500 lb (standard) or 10,000 lb (optional) rating.
4”x 60”, Hendrickson variable rate, tapered springs with Anti-Wear liner. Maintenance
free rubber bushings. Option available for Air Ride suspension.
Shock Absorbers: Sachs, direct acting, 1.75” diameter bore double-action piston
type with long life bushings.
Axle & Suspension, Rear
Axle: Meritor, 21,000 lbs. capacity single speed with 5.29 ratio. Petroleum lubed
bearings (Synthetic optional).
Suspensions: 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 tracking. Option available for Air Ride suspension.
Shock Absorbers: Sachs, direct acting, 1.75” diameter bore double-action piston
type with long life bushings.
Batteries
Three Group 31 batteries with 12V, 2100 CCA @ 0° F, 4/0 gauge battery cables, slide
out battery compartment tray.
Braking System
Service Brakes, Air (Optional). Meritor air-powered, cam-operated, 5” 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 4,400 cu
in. Moisture drain valve on each tank. Options available for Bendix AD-9, AD-IP, and
AD-SP air dryers.
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”diameter
x 1.438”thick rotors. 70mm front and 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
16
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 diagonal bracing.
Controls
Electronically operated accelerator, air/hydraulic brakes, valve actuated parking
brake (air brakes) or cable-operated driveline shoe parking brake (hydraulic brakes)
with warning light, transmission selector, instrument panel lighting dimmer, key-
type starter switch. Electric dual horns. Message Display Center controls on the in-
strument panel cluster. Cruise control on right steering column stalk. Manual out-
ward-opening door control. Optional air and electric powered doors available.
Cooling System
Charge air and down-flow radiator mounted in tandem at vehicle front. A 25”dia. ny-
lon cooling fan with nine blades equipped with an electromagnetic fan clutch driven
by polyvee fan belt with spring loaded tensioner. Fan clutch controlled by Engine
ECM. Cummins, Fleetguard Fleetcool EX EG 50/50 coolant. Premium rubber coolant
hoses with worm screw type clamps. Charge Air intake circuit driven by exhaust-
driven turbocharger. Charge Air cooler mounted in front of engine coolant radiator.
Drive Line
Spicer SPL series 70 or SPL series 100 shafts with protective guards and lifetime lubri-
cation. 3 1/2”diameter shaft.
Engines
Cummins ISB / 2013 Emission Standards Engines. Blue Bird 2015 Visions are
equipped with Cummins ISB engines which are specially designed to meet stringent
emission standards. These engines incorporate a Cummins Diesel Particulate Filter /
SCR, Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) system, 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.
Cummins ISB-13 Base; 6.7L 200 HP @ 2400 RPM; 520 ft lb torque @ 1600 RPM.
Governed speed 2600 RPM. Certified for NOx and NMHC for 2013 emission EPA stan-
dards. High pressure common rail fuel system. 15.2 CFM single cylinder air compres-
sor. SAE #3 Flywheel housing. Holset turbocharger. Variable Geometry Turbine (VGT)
turbocharger. The ISB-13 monitors 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
coolant temperature of 225°F is reached. The engine’s ECM keeps an electronic data
log of time of occurrence, elapsed times, extreme pressures and extreme temper-
atures 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 and coolant temperature sensor. Minimum pressure cap rating is 15

17
general specifications
psi at sea level. The thermostat opening temperature is 190°F, fully open @ 207°F.
Fan full-on at engine coolant temperature of 210°F. Fuel/Water Separator supplied
with engine. 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. Intake
restriction indicator.
Exhaust
4” O.D. 16 Gauge stainless steel tubing from engine turbocharger to in-line diesel
particulate filter and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) device. Stainless steel DPF
with catalytic converter and SCR. 4” O.D. 16 gauge aluminized steel tailpipe. Wide
band exhaust clamps used at all joints. Left hand side or rear exit tailpipe.
Visions equipped with 2013 emissions standards engines use engine manufac-
turer-specific diesel particulate filters which integrate with an active regeneration
system to oxidize particulate soot and SCR devices which reduces overall NOx output.
Frame, Chassis
Dual“C”channels, 10 1/2”high with 3”flanges made of 1/4”thick, 50,000 psi steel. All
permanent fixtures on frame are attached with hi-tensile strength Huck-Spin fasten-
ers with swaged lock nuts.
Fuel System
60 or 100 gallon capacity aluminized steel safety tank mounted between frame rails.
Includes a sender inspection plate and right side fill opening (standard) with non-
spring loaded latching door.
Spin-on fuel filter (standard). Fuel filter with see-thru bowl, self-venting drain, in-
tegral check valve on inlet side, and 200 watt heater (optional). Secondary fuel filter
mounted on engine is supplied by engine manufacturer.
Horn
Electric dual tone horns.
Backing safety horn variable db. (Optional) A variable db, backing safety horn ac-
tivated whenever 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.

VISION D R I V ERSHANDB O O K
18
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 Engine, Engine Warning, Cool-
ant Temperature, Low Fuel, Engine Retarder, and Engine Maintenance.
Message Display Center: When configured this display will provide a continuous
readout for volts, amps, transmission fluid temperature, and applied air pressure
(with optional 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 communication failure, stop engine, turn signal on; and also displays service
diagnostic features.
Steering
Full power Douglas Autotec Quantum Series steering column; withTRW Power Steer-
ing Pump. 18”diameter, two-spoke, padded steering wheel with tilt steering column.
Tires
11R22.5 (G) All position radials.
Tow Hooks or Tow Eyes
Two front frame mounted (optional). Two rear frame mounted (optional).
Transmission
Allison 2500 PTS Series transmission, 5 Forward speeds- 1 reverse, with Transynd™
TS295 Synthetic Transmission Fluid.
Wheels
Hub Piloted steel 10 stud disc rims, single front, dual rear, 8.25 x 22.5 rims.
Wiring
Blue Bird Multiplex chassis circuit wiring system with MPX Module located in Pow-
er Distribution Unit compartment at front of bus below dash. Includes diagnostic
switch directly on module.