Recall 14V256 affects 6 2013 Trans Tech SC139DSFP500 school buses for wheelchair-lift cables that can contact the power lug. Ricon provides a free cover kit.
Trans Tech is recalling 6 2013 SC139DSFP500 school buses equipped with Ricon S-series and K-series wheelchair lifts because the armored pendant cable can sit in the lift's path. If the cable contacts an uncovered power lug, a short circuit can start a fire; the Trans Tech dealer repair will be free once available.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The wheelchair lift on the 2013 Trans Tech SC139DSFP500 school bus is equipment that raises and lowers a wheelchair so a passenger can board or exit the bus. The pendant is the hand control for that lift, and its cable carries the control connection between the pendant and lift equipment.
On buses equipped with certain Ricon S-series and K-series wheelchair lifts, the optional armored pendant cable is the problem area. The armored covering is meant to protect the control cable, but the cable can be routed or positioned where it does not clear the wheelchair lift. When the lift moves, the cable can interfere with the lift path instead of staying out of the way.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner or operator should treat unusual cable contact, binding, or interference around the lift as a reason to stop using the lift until it is inspected.
Who's affected?
| 2013 Trans Tech SC139DSFP500 | Equipment adaptive/mobility |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 6 |
Not every 2013 Trans Tech SC139DSFP500 bus is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific bus is included.
What's the safety risk?
A lift cable that contacts an uncovered or improperly covered power lug can short circuit and start a fire. Keep the wheelchair lift cable clear of the power lug and schedule the recall work with the dealer soon. Repair will be free at any franchised Trans Tech dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2013 Trans Tech SC139DSFP500 is included in this recall.
- Contact Trans Tech customer service at 1-845-988-2333 and reference recall number 14V256.
- Ask for the free Ricon supplemental cover kit and instructions for the wheelchair-lift armored pendant cable.
- Install the nonconductive cover before using the wheelchair lift, or have a qualified service technician install it.
- Keep the armored cable clear of the wheelchair lift and power lug until the cover is installed.
What happens at the repair
The repair path centers on the Ricon wheelchair lift pendant cable. Trans Tech and Ricon send the owner a supplemental cover kit with instructions, free of charge, so the armored cable clears the wheelchair lift. Because this campaign does not list the remedy as available, confirm the kit process before scheduling service or moving the bus for repair. Once the final dealer repair is open, parts and labor are covered under the recall.
Timeline
| May 2, 2014 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 18, 2014 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 14V256?
Recall 14V256 covers 6 2013 Trans Tech SC139DSFP500 school buses equipped with certain Ricon S-series and K-series wheelchair lifts that have an optional armored pendant cable. The cable can contact the lift's power lug if it does not clear the wheelchair lift, creating a short-circuit fire risk.
What should I do if my 2013 Trans Tech SC139DSFP500 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 14V256. If it is, contact a franchised Trans Tech dealer or Trans Tech customer service to arrange the Ricon supplemental cover kit and instructions. Reference recall 14V256 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to fix the defect at no cost, and the recall remedy provides the Ricon supplemental cover kit and instructions free of charge. Trans Tech customer service can help confirm the next step for an included bus.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is an electrical short that can lead to a fire. If the armored pendant cable contacts the wheelchair lift power lug without a proper nonconductive cover, the cable and lug can create a short circuit. The free remedy adds the supplemental cover kit and instructions.
When did the recall repair begin?
The recall remedy began on June 18, 2014. Because that date has passed, owners of included 2013 Trans Tech SC139DSFP500 buses should use the VIN check, then contact Trans Tech customer service or a franchised Trans Tech dealer to arrange the free Ricon cover kit remedy.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/14V256000 |
|---|---|
| Trans Tech customer service | 1-845-988-2333 |
| NHTSA recall # | 14V256 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 14V256000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →