Blue Bird VISION 2011 Driver'S Handbook Manual Download

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101

r o u t i n e

o p e r a t i o n

level 1 regeneration notification: dPF indicator Appears.

In low-demand operat-

ing conditions, it is possible that the regeneration system does not have sufficient
opportunity to prevent particulate build-up in the DPF. The ECM senses that accumu-
lation is occurring and that regeneration is needed. The driver is notified as follows:

• The DPF Regeneration alert activates.
• The audible alert sounds one beep.

The above indicates that regeneration of the DPF is needed at the earliest conve-
nience. The regeneration can be accomplished in either of two ways: If practical, the
bus could simply be operated for a while at a speed above the automatic regenera-
tion threshold; or the bus could be taken to a suitable location to have a Stationary
Regeneration procedure performed.

If the bus is operated at a minimum highway driving speed (40 mph Cummins),

the automatic regeneration system will activate. If minimum speed is maintained
long enough (usually 20-30 minutes), the automatic regeneration mode can likely
reduce the soot sufficiently to cause the DPF icon to go off.

Therefore, the first appearance of the DPF icon should be perceived by the driver

as a normal notification of action that needs to be taken, but not as an emergency
situation. Typically, even if the bus route does not afford immediate opportunity for
higher-speed operation, there is sufficient time to finish the bus route and return to
the bus maintenance shop before the higher level of notification occurs. Exactly how
much “warning time” the first appearance of the DPF indicator represents is depen-
dant upon specific operating conditions. However, current data from Cummins sug-
gest that, at this level of notification, the DPF needs to undergo regeneration within
the next two to six hours of bus operation. If regeneration does not begin, a more
imperative notification will activate.

level 2 notification: dPF indicator Blinks.

If the bus continues to be operated with-

out taking the measures indicated by a Level 1 Notification (described above), par-
ticulate accumulation continues, and a more imperative notification occurs:

  •  The DPF Regeneration alert begins to flash.
  •  The audible alarm sounds continuously.
  •  The engine may be automatically de-rated.

The above indications should be interpreted as a more imperative alert that the ex-
haust system is in need of regeneration soon. As soon as practical, the bus should be
operated at or above the minimum speed needed to allow automatic regeneration to
activate, or a Stationary Regeneration must be performed. Again, situation-specific
variables apply. Current data from Cummins suggest that at this level of notification,
the DPF needs to be regenerated within the next one to two hours of bus operation.
Otherwise, the third level of notification will occur.

The DPF Regeneration alert appears in the Message

Display.

Level 1

The audible alert

sounds one beep.

Regen

Needed

Regen

Needed

Regen

Needed

The audible alert