Help!!! I'm Kneeling and can't get up

fredcliff · February 06, 2011, 06:16:26 PM

What's Next??? Our bus has a kneeling system and it is not working the bus won't lift up? the air rises to 130 psi and nothing we changed out the leveler valve and nothing. We are not hearing any air leaks and have no idea what it could be

papatony · February 06, 2011, 06:25:09 PM

what kind of bus?

fredcliff · February 06, 2011, 06:29:32 PM

1984 MCI M-9 I believe a former NJ Transit bus

Dave5Cs · February 06, 2011, 06:40:02 PM

Fred you can download from MCI webinars at this link about the Kneeling system. Maybe it will help.

Dave

http://www.mcicoach.com/service-support/webinars.htm

luvrbus · February 06, 2011, 06:43:05 PM

Check the power to the exhaust solenoid sounds like it is stuck open

good luck

desi arnaz · February 07, 2011, 01:58:55 AM

sounds like a frozen line?

John316 · February 07, 2011, 04:48:15 AM

On our bus there is a kneeling system override in the front bay. I have no idea where yours would be. Try messing with those valves. See if you get anything.

Otherwise I would call MCI tech support.

FWIW

God bless,

John

buswarrior · February 07, 2011, 07:27:12 AM

Either become intimate with, and rejuvenate, the many pieces and connections that make up the kneeling system, or remove it entirely.

These vintage kneeling systems were invented by the DEVIL.

happy coaching!
buswarrior

white-eagle · February 07, 2011, 05:52:05 PM

Quote from: buswarrior on February 07, 2011, 07:27:12 AM
Either become intimate with, and rejuvenate, the many pieces and connections that make up the kneeling system, or remove it entirely.
These vintage kneeling systems were invented by the DEVIL.

happy coaching!
buswarrior

Oh that was real helpful Ewen.

hey, Ian sent me the info i wanted. thanks for nudging him. i think it helped.

buswarrior · February 08, 2011, 04:14:49 AM

If you saw a picture of all the crap that makes up the kneeling system...

No problem w-e, glad I could help get you through "the noise"!

The points of failure for these early kneeling systems are many, and to what degree previous owners have modified or rigged it to keep working...?

As I re-call, Regional Transit here had to make up an in-house multi-paged trouble shooting guide, just to test for where it was failing. The manufacturer's stuff was insufficient on its own to figure it all out, so the busnut is in a very challenging position today with this decades old attempt to fulfill legislation, instead of deliver a service.

These early reliability problems contribute negatively to this day; the more belligerent drivers continue to refuse to use the accessibility features on the coach, claiming it is broken.

happy coaching!
buswarrior

happycamperbrat · February 08, 2011, 09:29:08 PM

There isnt any practicle reason to keep the kneeling system either. If they are a pain to work on and it's broke, take it out. I have people in my family that use crutches and wheelchairs and at no time does anyone use the kneeling feature (wheelchair lift yes, but not the kneeling system). If it were ever needed at all I think a little stool or pull out step would more then suffice.