Girardin Blue Bird Micro Bird 2014, Operation And Maintenance Manual

Page 1: ...OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE GUIDE First edition 2014 ...

Page 2: ...from Corporation Micro Bird Inc If you should find a discrepancy between the manual and supplier information the supplier information will prevail Text specifications and pictures are those available at time of printing Manual may be revised at a later date If you should require more information please contact your Blue Bird Micro Bird dealer CORPORATION MICRO BIRD INC will be defined as Micro Bir...

Page 3: ...Congratulations on your recent purchase of a Blue Bird Micro Bird by Girardin We are confident this new acquisition will be a pleasurable and long lasting experience ...

Page 4: ...m and crossing arm 10 Emergency exits 11 Passenger entrance door 12 Rear emergency door 13 Windows 14 CLIMATE SYSTEMS A C systems 15 Heaters 16 SEATING Barrier and kick panel 17 Seats and seatbelts for ambulatory passengers 17 18 Seat anchorages and tether hooks 18 WHEELCHAIR EQUIPMENT Wheelchair lift 19 Wheelchair passenger seat belts 20 Tie downs 20 SAFETY EQUIPMENT Fire Blanket 21 Fire Extingui...

Page 5: ...K UP AND MAINTENANCE Daily pre trip inspection 26 27 Outside and inside cleaning 27 Periodic check up and maintenance on body 28 29 A C system preventive maintenance schedule 30 31 Wheelchair lifts preventive maintenance schedule 32 USEFUL INFORMATION FOR REPAIRS Electrical panel 33 Wiring schematics 34 TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE Index 35 WARRANTY School bus standard limited warranty 45 46 How to make ...

Page 6: ...ll emergency items present in the vehicle before your first trip Proper operation maintenance and service will ensure safety and reliability of your new Micro Bird Your Micro Bird may not have all the equipment mentioned in this manual All information is accurate on the date this manual was published It is possible you may have an option which is not listed in this manual For any question on equip...

Page 7: ...ever NHTSA cannot become involved in individual problems between you your dealer or Micro Bird 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 safercar gov CANADA O...

Page 8: ...er of the bus needed to order parts or receive guidance on repairs This sticker also provides tire pressures and seating capacity details Do not remove this plate under any circumstance TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE INFORMATION The tire pressures can always be found on our certification plate located above the driver refer to certification plate mentioned above These pressures can also be available on t...

Page 9: ...o start the bus are written on the back of the card If you do not have this card handy or if it has been lost follow these simple instructions Put key in ignition turn completely to the end and then slightly back to the ON position Your propane vehicle will start after a short delay approximately 10 seconds Emergency shut off valve In case of emergency there is a shut off valve underneath the bus ...

Page 10: ... the start switch will activate the amber lights When the passenger entrance door is opened the red lights will flash the stop arm and the crossing arm will deploy When the entrance door is closed the lights will turn off and the stop arm and crossing arm will retract Note that in some states the wiring will be non sequencial This means that you do not need to depress the start switch to get the r...

Page 11: ...eld electric fan located in the driver s area FAST IDLE Motor s revolution control system to increase the slow idle time and helps maintain the battery charge Available on Ford chassis only HEATER VALVE This switch controls the electric heater valve installed underneath the bus EMER EXIT Pilot light indicates if the rear emergency door or any push out windows are not securely latched DOOR LOCKED T...

Page 12: ...h PA system integrated to the CD player The switch allows you to choose between interior and exterior speaker Control switch buttons may also be present on the bus for additional options INDEPENDANT LIGHTING CONTROL Used to set desired lighting of the switches located on the console A C CONTROLS A C button controls are located on the console to the right of the driver With MCC systems the left but...

Page 13: ...re activated by the ignition Note that on Ford vehicles these lights will come on as soon as you open the driver s door All these lights will stay for a short period of time after the ignition has been turned off The 8 way lights of the vehicle will be controlled by the switches in the console To activate press the start switch If the vehicle is equipped with a master switch it will need to be dep...

Page 14: ...gned to be used to view pedestrian while the bus is stopped They must not be used to view traffic while the bus is moving Image road vibrations and shape of mirror will give a distorted image and would not accurately show another vehicle location As the busses can be used by different drivers these mirrors should be verified and adjusted each morning if needed to make sure the driver has a clear v...

Page 15: ...tivate the stop arm or the crossing arm simply close the passenger entrance door If your bus is equipped with an x arm switch you can deactivate the crossing arm when the 8 way lights have been activated if the crossing arm is not required Some crossing arms will have a magnet keeping the yellow rod securely fixed to the bumper If you should have an issue with this special type of arm please refer...

Page 16: ...rgency handles has been used to exit the bus follow these simple instructions to close the doors From inside the bus push on the right side of the handle with your left hand and at the same time pull slowly on the right leaf of the entrance door towards you When gear is in place the lock will engage You will then be able to push the handle in place and use the switch in the console to open and clo...

Page 17: ...oting guide on page 38 of this manual The electrical doors are activated by a switch in the console These are controlled by a mechanism on top of the entrance door behind the head pad The closing or opening of the doors is determined by two microswitches that will stop the open close movement The microswitch closer to you will be the one that controls the closing of the doors The one in the back i...

Page 18: ...clockwise The rear door is equipped with a telescopic retainer This mechanism locks the door in the open position at 100 degrees The mechanism is located on the upper interior portion of the door ATTENTION To release mechanism open the door past the locking point and close Failure to unlock mechanism before closing the door will break the telescopic retainer ...

Page 19: ...ails Push out windows These windows are located each sides of the bus Their location is clearly identified by an EMERGENCY EXIT sticker directly in the window To use lift the handle to unlock and push window outward Note Some states will require a certain window opening To achieve this some window bumpers are installed outside the bottom window to stop the course of the top window If the window do...

Page 20: ...e motor When the system is an add on with its separate compressor the quantities mentioned on the electrical compartment s door will only show the content of the add on system and the underhood sticker will indicate the chassis quantity only For reference purposes there are many kinds of evaporator ceiling side front and rear You can also find types of condensers Roof top and skirt mounted Please ...

Page 21: ...tion Valve heaters can be opened and closed manually from underneath the bus The vehicle can also be equipped with a mechanical valve activated from the inside of the vehicle to the left of the console underneath the dash go to page 7 for location of release cable or with an electrical control valve activated by a switch in the console Another option which might be present under the bus is a bleed...

Page 22: ...per protection provided by the appropriate restraint Restraints must meet all applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards Your bus may be equipped with different seats Regular seats with or without added standard non retractable seat belts Individual lap belts for passengers may be retractable or non retractable Insert the catch into the buckle test for assurance of latch fit and pull loose ...

Page 23: ...d higher for taller children and lower for shorter children The belts should be adjusted so their shoulder height is lower than the shoulder belt slots at the top of the seat Only children who can sit upright by themselves should use this integrated children s seat First release all seat belts from buckles and add slack to the shoulder belts After the child is placed in the child restraint seat in...

Page 24: ... out of vehicle from stowed position from vehicle floor level position Platform lowers from vehicle floor level towards ground level The front rollstop automatically lowers opens when platform reaches ground level Platform rises from ground level towards vehicle floor level The front rollstop automatically rises closes when platform leaves ground level Platform folds or stows from vehicle floor le...

Page 25: ... more information please refer to the manual supplied with your vehicle Passengers seat belts Wheelchair tie downs This retractor is semi automatic with a single tensioning knob on the side There is no left and right retractor They can be used to secure any of the wheels The red pin is a foot release lever eliminating the need to bend down This is the original self locking and self tensioning retr...

Page 26: ... or behind the driver Operation instructions are on the fire extinguisher It would be safe to get familiar with those instructions to quickly react in case of fire These will always be located in the front section of the vehicle They can be installed either behind the driver or fixed to the front panel above windshield This tool will be needed to rapidly cut the driver s seat belt so he can quickl...

Page 27: ...towards you Note Make sure the latch is correctly inserted and will not allow tray to slide out before closing the battery box door A locked battery box could be installed on the side of the bus This compartment will not have any sliding tray nor any battery as this box will serve as exterior storage space The back up alarm is located on the frame of the bus behind the rear wheels Two kinds of bac...

Page 28: ... with the school bus red lights or 10 min after the key is on ignition The 8 lights monitor allows the driver to see from the inside of bus if the 8 way flashing lights system works properly The 16 lights monitor allows the driver to visualize the 8 way flashing lights the 2 upper brake lights 2 rear upper lights 2 back up lights and 2 rear flashing lights system Two speed electric fan located in ...

Page 29: ...nt it means the bus is equipped with a solar panel on the roof The module contains a small charger connected to the battery to avoid drainage A Roof deflector may be installed to reduce snow and dirt accumulation on vehicle s rear wall especially on 8 way flashers An additional static roof vent with an electric motor can be installed to create an inside circulation and control the degree of humidi...

Page 30: ...ry important When out of season the system can be deactivated with a switch in the electrical compartment The cylinder and chain system can be removed and reinstalled when needed Contact your dealer for help TV DVD system If your vehicle is equiped with an entertainment system the flat screen tv will be located on the ceiling Simply unlock the front of the casing and flip down the tv ...

Page 31: ...e sure that all seat belts are fastened Make sure the first aid kit is in place Make sure the fire extinguisher is in place and check pressure Make sure all emergency exits windows doors and roof hatch open and close properly and buzzers activate when they are not fully closed Check passenger entrance door for proper operation Start the engine and check the following Ensure parking brake is on Che...

Page 32: ... regular basis All dirt calcium chloride and other ice melting agents needs to be washed away quickly to avoid any accumulation that could affect the flooring or items installed near the stairs OUTSIDE CLEANING To help preserve the finish of your bus frequent washings should be done to eliminate any dirt calcium chloride and other ice melting agents road oil and tar tree sap bird droppings etc If ...

Page 33: ... lubricate window channels with silicone Clean all rubber door seals and lubricate with rubber lubricant Lubricate all door latches and door hinges with light grease Remove any foreign material and dirt that accumulates in wheelchair tracks if the vehicle has such equipment Remove dirt and debris from the fans and heater using compressed air Outside the bus Secure bolts on outside mirrors to minim...

Page 34: ...s for sings of cracking Visually inspect all seats and barriers bolts are well tightened Use tool to check if you are in doubt Visually inspect undercoating and add if needed Yearly inspection Complete quarterly inspection Clean all seat covers Check and tighten any connections at the electrical board and at the battery Clean if needed Thoroughly clean all front and rear heater cores Bleed all air...

Page 35: ...ans are operating Check for water dripping from the evaporator or air ducts Check for unusual noises at the engine evaporator and condenser Check tension and condition of drive belts Weekly inspections Perform daily inspection Check condenser evaporator coils and return air filters for cleanliness clean if necessary Monthly inspections Perform weekly inspection Run system for 5 minutes and check b...

Page 36: ...te A C relays can be located in different areas in your vehicle You will find the name of the manufacturer on the evaporator in your vehicle MCC Mobile Climate Control Relays can be found in the electrical panel above driver on Micro Bird G5 vehicles On MBII vehicles they will be located underneath a grey pad on the wall behind the driver ACC Climate Control Relays can be located either in the ele...

Page 37: ... clear and clean prior to lubrication Maintenance Under normal operating conditions maintenance inspections are required at 750 1500 1750 and 4500 cycles Or at least every six months 1750 cycles and a thorough inspection should be performed at service intervals Service should be increased under conditions of heavy use more than 10 cycles per day The warranty will be void if The product has been in...

Page 38: ...tch and rear door interlock will be located under the hood Noise relay will be on the left side near the HVAC and the interlock relay will be tied in our body harness on the right side Bus scan module child detection system This module is always disconnected on delivery to the dealers to make sure the driver picking up the bus does not have to deactivate the system while getting to his destination...

Page 39: ...le to help you Note that fuse positions and relays for all body options are written on a sticker behind the electrical compartment s door Additional relays for the noise suppression switch and rear door interlock will be located under the hood Noise relay will be on the left side near the HVAC and the interlock relay will be tied in our body harness on the right side Air conditioner relays Relays ...

Page 40: ...ass replacement 39 Heater does not blow warm air 39 Horn is activated 40 Lift door glass replacement 40 Light in stepwell or entrance dome light stay on 40 Light monitor not showing accurate information 40 Mirrors outside not heating 40 Propane fueling issue 41 Radio not working correctly 41 School bus illuminated sign has burned light bulbs 41 School package not opening or closing stop arm x arm ...

Page 41: ...o confirm if the condenser is engaging when you put your AC vent button on High Check if the evaporator is working as well If one of them does not work check fuses and relays If components are working you need to bring the bus to an authorized repair center to check for leaks The issue may also be caused by a malfunction of the compressor a clogged condenser or an electrical issue in the parts For...

Page 42: ... plugged in and fuse is correctly inserted in its location This module is never connected at the factory for transportation purpose Refer to the fuse sticker behind the electrical compartment s door for locations If it is not deactivating first make sure all doors are closed If the stepwell light is still on the entrance doors need to be adjusted If they are tight against the body of the bus adjus...

Page 43: ...ave this checked Entrance doors will not close tightly The mechanism is made of a single assembly with oppositely threaded spherical bearing rod end connectors on each end providing simple link length adjustment without disassembly Simply loosen the lock nut turn the rod and retighten the nut when the adjustment is satisfactory You may also want to adjust the microswitches to allow a longer course...

Page 44: ...ide Take off all extra tape and sealant Clean off with alcohol to remove any dirt or grease and provide good adhesion of new glass 1 Install butyl tape all around the interior of lift door 2 Stick glass onto butyl tape and press in place 3 Seal all around the interior of the door glass bottom top and both sides 4 Seal corners and bottom of outside door glass only Heater does not blow warm air Make...

Page 45: ...g that should be done is recalibration of the module 1 Start the vehicle and operate all lights for 2 3 minutes to allow system voltage and lamp temperature to stabilize 2 Turn tail lights on 3 Momentarily press the PROGRAM SWITCH located on the back of the Bus Light Monitor To ensure proper programming make sure the brake pedal is not depressed while program switch is activated 4 Progressively ac...

Page 46: ...visible when access door is lifted On MBII models the lights will be lower behind the panel and fixed to the structure of the bus The light bulbs need to be replaced by the same amperage use 105 light 12 8V to ensure there is no overheating School bus package not opening or closing stop arm x arm or 8 way flashers If the yellow flashers are working but when the entrance door is opened the red flas...

Page 47: ... remedies the problem before replacing any component To replace flashtube remove top lens by twisting counter clockwise Remove the flashtube by squeezing the tabs on each side of the tube holder and pull it off Do not touch the glass with your fingers Use gloves or a soft cloth Note The connector is keyed to ensure proper orientation Do not force If the LED is out remove screws and lift strobe awa...

Page 48: ...times to make sure it slides perfectly Is the latch hard to slide back and forth in the extrusion The spring in the mechanism needs to be removed and replaced by a block and spring assy part SP 24001 If you choose to replace the whole latch system part SP 68008 You can also slightly push in the aluminium tab inside the insertion hole in the side rail to help the latch engage farther Extrusion lips...

Page 49: ...e pieces together After the glass has been replaced reassemble window install in its location and apply weather seal caulking around the window frame on outside of body to prevent leaking Back windows and more view glass replacement on MBII model busses On the MBII the side window glass replacement is the same as on a G5 refer to the procedures listed above The more view and the back windows are i...

Page 50: ...pair or replacement parts and labor of such parts as shall under normal use and service appear to have been defective in workmanship or material Without restricting the generality of this limitation loss of use commercial loss and maintenance are specifically not covered Micro Bird cannot and will not assume any responsibility in connection with any of its bodies that have been altered outside the...

Page 51: ...ehicle similar product during repairs under warranty h Cost of transportation and communications during repairs under warranty i Failure on chassis cut away or chassis parts j Failure caused by Non Micro Bird parts or components k Normal noises vibration deterioration discoloration distortion deformation and fading are not considered defects and not covered by any warranty CLAIMS All warranty repa...

Page 52: ... garage needs to contact the Micro Bird dealer if he is not sure how to handle repairs Troubleshooting and diagnosis time due to a lack of product knowledge is not reimbursed b If the issue is electrical the dealer is allowed 1 hour of diagnosis before contacting Micro Bird for help c In any situation if repair is expected to be over 200 the dealership will need to call Micro Bird to get a pre aut...

Page 53: ...systems 5 For chassis related issues same guidelines apply The Micro Bird dealer needs to be contacted FIRST The issue might not be a FORD or GM issue It might be related to one of the options installed by Micro Bird which are connected to the chassis If it is determined the repair needed concerns the chassis only the Micro Bird dealer will authorise the bus to be taken to a FORD or a GM service c...

Page 54: ...CRO BIRD DEALER INFORMATION Dealer name Service Contact Address City Zip Code ___________________________ Phone number GM ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE United States 1 800 243 8872 Canada 1 800 268 6800 GM CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE United States 1 800 222 1020 Canada 1 800 263 3777 FORD ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE United States 1 800 665 2006 Canada 1 800 665 2006 FORD CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE United States 1 800 241 3673 Can...

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