FYI from MCI Summer Edition 2017

FROM

FYI

Summer 2017

PASSENGER ATTRACTOR

TRAINING CAMP

MAINTENANCE MATTERS

MCI unveils the 2018 J4500 coach with first-class upgrades.

Webinar and Training Schedule through August 2017.

Fluid Situation: Maintaining the DEF Tank

© 2017 Motor Coach Industries International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

FROM

FYI

IN THIS ISSUE

Meet MCI’s Quality and Customer Service Group that’s redefining the customer experience. Learn why MCI’s pre-owned coach sales team is the best in the business, and more about the Re-Energize program, which offers like-new, environmentally compliant post-2007 MCI J4500 coaches at significant savings. Get advice from Mitch Guralnick, Vice President of Pre-Owned Coach Sales, and a former operator, on the steps to take when buying a pre-owned coach. Plus, you’ll want to save the step-by-step instructions on how to maintain DEF tanks for future reference. It’s all here in this must-read issue of FYI from MCI. It's all here, and more.

䤀琀ᤠ猀 栀攀爀攀⸀

吀栀攀 䴀䌀䤀글 䌀漀洀瀀愀渀椀漀渀 愀瀀瀀

䘀攀愀琀甀爀攀猀 椀渀挀氀甀搀攀㨀 䔀愀猀礀 愀挀挀攀猀猀 琀漀 䴀䌀䤀 愀渀搀 匀攀琀爀愀 猀甀瀀瀀漀爀琀 䴀漀戀椀氀攀 愀挀挀攀猀猀 琀漀 瀀甀戀氀椀挀愀琀椀漀渀猀 䜀攀琀 爀漀甀琀攀猀 琀漀 渀攀愀爀攀猀琀 䴀䌀䤀 氀漀挀愀琀椀漀渀 倀愀爀琀猀 瀀爀漀洀漀琀椀漀渀猀 伀渀攀 琀漀甀挀栀 䴀䌀䤀 猀甀瀀瀀漀爀琀 挀愀氀氀椀渀最 唀瀀挀漀洀椀渀最 攀瘀攀渀琀猀 䄀渀搀 洀甀挀栀 洀漀爀攀℀

2

This puts coach travel in a whole new light

The 2018 MCI J4500.

Discover the beauty within. ®

Cue the lights. Bring on the ambiance. When it comes to wowing passengers, the 2018 MCI J4500 has the inside track. With a newly redesigned interior, the J4500 features more beautiful lighting throughout, including programmable variable LED color lighting that can bathe the cabin in the hue of your choice. And now, with the most floor space in the industry, the J4500 offers the best-in-class legroom and seating for up to 60 passengers.

Factor in the model’s low total cost of operation, its more spacious and functional driver cockpit and a rear window option, and you’ve got a coach that’s truly ready to impress.

Get your first look soon! Visit mcicoach.com for our Reliability Rally schedule.

Get Enlightened.

Check out the 2018 MCI J4500 coach at mcicoach.com

3

CONTENTS Summer 2017

14

28

MCI’S QUALITY AND CUSTOMER SERVICE GROUP TO REDEFINE THE CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE

MCI DELIVERS A NEW SERVICE AND PARTS EXPERIENCE AT UMA EXPO

18

30

FLUID SITUATION: MAINTAINING THE DEF TANK

TRAIN

22

4

THERE’S NO YEAR LIKE THIS YEAR TO BUY PRE-OWNED FROM MCI – EXPANDED SALES FORCE, NEW IDEAS BUILD ON HISTORIC LEADERSHIP

PASSENGER ATTRACTOR: MCI UNVEILS THE 2018 J4500 COACH WITH FIRST-CLASS UPGRADES

ING CAMP

29

H & L CHARTER STARTS 2017 RIGHT WINNING GOMOTORCOACH AUCTION®BID ON A NEW MCI J4500

PASSENGER ATTRACTOR MCI UNVEILS THE 2018 J4500 COACH WITH FIRST-CLASS UPGRADES

4

lighting, seat and trim upgrades, and a bigger lavatory, summon passenger appreciation, while a new air intake system and new driver dash with a high-definition instrument panel are advancements operators will like.

While MCI engineers dutifully design highquality motor coaches that run safely and reliably for years, they’re equally passionate about pleasing passengers. A more spacious cabin with best-in-class legroom and capacity to seat 60 comfortably, along with new ceiling

5

UPSCALE IS THE NEW STANDAR

MCI J4500 NEW HIGH SPEC LIGHTING IN 6 COLORS P 6

ARD

PLUS WHITE 7

8

9

10

11

12

“We listened to operators who told us their passengers are demanding more legroom,” said Brent Maitland, Vice President of Marketing and Product Planning. “Our engineers have done a remarkable job extracting the most possible space from our interior, while improving interior ambiance and customization potential that surpasses expectations.

At the same time we improved serviceability and the driver workplace, so the new J will have more appeal to passengers, drivers, mechanics and the owners.”

MCI has officially unveiled the coach. Customers are invited to check it out at

www.J4500-enlightened. com, view our new brochure,

• July 13, Blackwood, New Jersey

or to speak to their sales representatives for testdrive opportunities.

• July 25, Winter Garden, Florida

MCI will also showcase the 2018 MCI J4500 during Reliability Rallies throughout the U.S. and Canada this summer and fall at MCI Sales and Service Centers. These one-day events feature the new J4500 and Setra models, special promotions on pre-owned coaches and parts, and supplier partner educational sessions as well as food, fun and prizes.

Upcoming Reliability Rallies will be held:

13

• August 3, Des Plaines, Illinois • September 7, Dallas, Texas • September 21, Los Alamitos, California • October 19, (at Big Rig Collision), Calgary, Alberta; and, • November 14, Hayward, California, MCI’s newest Sales and Service Center, opening soon in the San Francisco Bay Area

MCI’S QUALITY AND CUSTOMER SERVICE GROUP TO REDEFINE THE CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE From fuel-saving clean-diesel engine technology to incident avoidance systems, today’s motor coaches are performance marvels.

under OEM. Why the change? MCI President Ian Smart puts it this way: “It’s about reliability around the clock.” The Quality and Customer Service Group will better link field and factory under the leadership of Jim Macdonald, Vice President of Quality and Customer Service and with the direct support of New Flyer.

So when it comes to assuring that operators know how to properly operate and maintain coach systems, MCI is creating an enhanced OEM group to redefine its aftermarket services. The new Quality and Customer Service Group now aligns MCI’s field service, technical call center, warranty operations, service centers and factory quality teams

Already, the new structure is creating seamless sharing of knowledge between MCI manufacturing, engineering and those who directly serve operators of MCI coaches.

14

15

Building the Team

with high-level quality and operations experience. “The idea behind this new structure is to provide more uptime and maximum profitability for operators.”

“We are working to improve our processes and products every day,” says Macdonald, a respected MCI leader and longtime engineer

Recent promotions focus on MCI’s field support group. They include:

Steve Batho, Director, Customer Service, who leads MCI’s field service organization of Technical Solutions Managers (TSM) and operation of its technical and Emergency Roadside Assistance call center in Louisville.

Kevin Keith, an 11-year veteran of MCI, who becomes National Director of Customer Solutions for private sector operators, leading field Technical Solutions Managers (TSMs) in the U.S.

Terry Fordyce, whose career with MCI spans 41 years, becomes National Director of Customer Solutions responsible for MCI TSMs in Canada and those assigned to public sector operators.

Jim's team and direct reports, including Steve Batho (above), are as follows:

Ron Miller, Director of Service Centers, who focuses on service excellence at all of MCI Sales and Service Centers in the U.S. and Canada.

Shannon Groen, Director of Quality, whose key responsibility includes all factory quality and field quality activity.

Kirk Galloway Director of Product Reliability, responsible for warranty campaign management and telematics.

Jon Williams, Program Manager of Service Centers, who is preparing MCI’s newest service center in the San Francisco Bay area and service center upgrades around the country.

MCI has also added another layer of field leadership, naming three Technical Support Regional Managers. Tim Nash rejoins MCI, leading the West region, Sean Greene leads the South region and Dave Mailhot rounds out the North region.

16

Upgrades to MCI Service Centers Topping Macdonald’s priority list is the upgrading of MCI service centers in Los Alamitos, California; Dallas, Texas; Des Plaines, Illinois; Blackwood, New Jersey; Winter Garden, Florida and Montreal, Quebec.

Look for improved tooling and equipment and aesthetic improvements to make them more comfortable for operators and their teams. Said Macdonald, “These centers are already reliable destinations for MCI customers, but we want to make them industry-leading attractions not only for service, but face-to-face meetings and training.”

To better serve the ever-growing West Coast and San Francisco Bay market, MCI is expanding in California, adding a second MCI Sales and Service Center in the fall.

Warranty and more MCI offers some of the best warranties in the business on new and pre-owned coaches.

Kirk Galloway has already made improvements to MCI’s warranty administration by appointing regional warranty managers with goals to improve customer relationships and communication. “We’re focused on speeding up claim reimbursement by streamlining and improving the process flow,” he said. “We are much better at follow-through and flagging quality issues.”

Moving forward Expect to see more improvements in coming months as MCI implements facility upgrades, and adds even more tools to its field support and training opportunities.

Says Macdonald, “Our focus is to help operators succeed. Our coaches are getting nearer to automotive quality and the service experience with MCI and Setra coaches needs to be stellar.”

To see who’s on your team, click here.

17

TRAI N I NG CAM P

MCI’s full schedule of courses offered through the MCI Academy, hands-on Tech Tune-Up sessions, and series of webinars can be found at www.mciacademy.com. This new website is where you’ll find all that MCI offers to make your technicians, drivers and shop staff the industry’s best. Our online, anytime Learning Management System (LMS) modules help technicians, owners and others get to know their MCI and Setra coaches inside and out. All training opportunities are offered at no cost to MCI and Setra Customers. Check out the website, mark your calendars, and make your plans. Chances are there’s a learning opportunity that’s just right for you.

18

Join our webinar on the MCI Academy Getting schooled: MCI Academy trains technicians to be the industry’s best Good technicians can be extremely hard to find, and MCI has come up with a solution: create them. MCI Academy is MCI’s answer to technician scarcity, offering a start-to-finish training program that takes candidates all the way from beginner to a Level 1 Certificate.

Led by Scott Crawford, director of training, this webinar will offer more information on the program, including assessments and registration, and explains how technicians can also take four-week Electrical and HVAC Specialist Diploma programs through the Academy. Currently available at no charge to MCI and Setra operators, the classes use a combination of online LMS modules and in-person, hands-on work. Dial in, and learn what the MCI Academy can do for you!

• August 9, 2:00 p.m. CDT

Webinars on MCI online Learning Management System Online, anytime: MCI LMS takes training to a new level MCI's groundbreaking Learning Management System (LMS) offers comprehensive training for technicians, drivers and safety personnel that's available online, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, augmenting MCI's hands-on Technical Tune-ups. This essential webinar is your opportunity to get a guided tour of the new MCI LMS, which already includes more than 400 courses on MCI and Setra coach systems and operations — and more courses are being added every day. Learn about LMS features such as custom capabilities, testing, report generation, achievement certificates and more. MCI's LMS is currently being offered to MCI and Setra customers at no cost as a show of appreciation. This is your ground-floor opportunity to experience this unique new training system. Don't miss it!

• July 26, 2:00 p.m. CDT

• August 23, 2:00 p.m. CDT

You can register for all MCI webinars at mcicoach.com/webinar

Training Schedule • August 1-4 MCI Academy Course – Electrical 401 MCI NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER, Louisville, Kentucky • August 8-11 MCI Academy Course –Electrical 101 MCI NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER, Louisville, Kentucky • August 22-24 Setra Technical Tune-Up MCI SERVICE CENTER, Winter Garden, FL • August 28-September 1 MCI Academy Course – HVAC 301 MCI NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER, Louisville, Kentucky

19

Training Webinars •

July 19, 2:00 p.m. CDT

How to save your business money through technician training Technician training is a direct investment in your bottom line. Not only will a highly-skilled technician team keep your coaches on the road, these professionals make a direct contribution to passenger safety and peak environmental performance. And that's great for your reputation and recruitment.

Scott Crawford, MCI Training Manager will present real-life, on-the-road and maintenance-shop scenarios to show how successful operators extract top value from their technician training investment, avoiding the costs of coach-down situations, technical misdiagnoses and wasted replacement parts. Scott will explain the objectives of the MCI Academy, a start-to-finish training program that takes beginners to a Level 1 Certificate. Discover how to use the program to attract new talent in a competitive, labor-short market, as well as improve your technician retention and boost the overall performance of your fleet. Don't miss it!

20

MCI ITY L I B A RELI LLY RA 2017

YOU’RE INVITED

GET ENLIGHTENED

See What’s New At Our Reliability Rally

July 13 Thursday, MCI Blackwood,NJ

July 25 Tuesday, MCI Winter Garden,FL You and your staff are invited to our one-day Reliability Rally events this summer and fall at a location near you. Check out and test-drive our newest coaches and enjoy food, prizes and amazing discounts and deals.

August 3 Thursday, MCI Des Plaines, IL

September 7 Thursday, MCI Dallas, TX

MCI’s sales, service and support teams will be onsite, along with supplier partners, for a day you won’t want to miss!

September 21 Thursday, MCI Los Alamitos, CA

October 19 Thursday, Big Rig Collision, Calgary, AB

November 14 Tuesday, MCI Hayward, CA (San Francisco Bay Area Grand Opening)

PLATINUM SPONSORS TM

To register visit mcicoach.com/rally 21

PR O D U C T S & S ERV I C E S THERE’S NO YEAR LIKE THIS YEAR TO BUY PRE-OWNED FROM MCI – EXPANDED SALES FORCE, NEW IDEAS BUILD ON HISTORIC LEADERSHIP

There was a time when buying a pre-owned coach was the sole province of operators new to the business. No more. And MCI is capitalizing on this trend by staffing up its pre-owned sales ranks.

remain state-of-the-art in environmental compliance and can be added to quality fleets at a significant savings,” explains Mitch Guralnick, MCI’s Vice President of PreOwned Coach Sales. “Whether they’ve been in business five years or 50, our operators are savvy– they know where to find the value.”

“Operators have realized that post-2007 vehicles (subject to the 2007 EPA mandates)

22

MCI, which galvanized its North American leadership by becoming a New Flyer company in 2015, is in a much better position to capitalize on niche opportunities with big returns for operators wanting to add pre-owned coaches to their fleets this year.

First, MCI has invested in sales talent already well known to MCI operators and a few new faces with deep experience in MCI and other coach brands. Second, its “Re-Energize” program – the best way to buy well-cared-for 2007 or newer MCI J4500s from mild climates in the Southern and Western United States is proving popular, along with the newly launched Setra Select+ program. Each of these handpicked coaches in the Re-Energize and Select+ programs are put through an exhaustive 210-point mechanical and interior inspection at regional MCI Sales and Service locations to update to OEM standard with an OEM warranty to match.

Where to find these gems?

MCI’s pre-owned presence extends coast to coast and in Canada.

It’s tough to beat MCI’s unparalleled geographic reach. With MCI Sales and Service Center locations in Des Plaines, Illinois; Orlando, Florida; Los Alamitos, California; Blackwood, New Jersey; Dallas, Texas; Montreal, Quebec, Canada, and a new facility opening soon in the San Francisco Bay Area, MCI can offer what others don’t or can’t begin to find.

Longtime MCI customers also understand that buying pre-owned from MCI offers a quality standard unmatched in the industry ‒ a vast selection of models, model years, and price points along with live technical support and online technical training around the clock.

“Our well trained technicians at our service centers have made a difference to the (preowned) business on two fronts,” said Guralnick.

“Our sales force has immediate access to superior mechanical knowledge. That makes it easier to confirm the value we see. Next, the service and technical support we offer is of great value to smart operators and assures a service-source through the life of the coach. It’s a win-win for everybody.”

23

Mitch Guralnick's recommendations Guralnick, a former coach operator, recommends these steps for prospective preowned coach buyers: • Determine your price point, and how the coach will meet the needs of your current customers, or target market.

• Work with an experienced reseller and view and test-drive the coach for yourself whenever you can.

• Look for a good clean late model with many of the latest technologies from tire monitoring systems to current emission controls.

“Prior ownership and area of operation should also be considered when deciding what coach to buy – try to keep within the industry average of 80,000 miles a year,” he adds. “Check to see that the coach and its emissions systems were properly maintained.”

"Operators should also consider their need to be ADA compliant, engine preference and the area or region of operation,” Guralnick says.

“An older model coach may be okay in Grand Forks, North Dakota, but not right for, say, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.” He’s also frequently asked which engine is better.

“Choose the one where you have a good relationship with a dealer and can get the engine fixed quickly, he says. Guralnick also advises the right mix of new and late model coaches helps an operator financially. “Have enough coaches that are financed and those that are paid-off. It’s about finding the right balance.”

Meet the newest members of the team MCI has broadened its sales force and territories. Brian Lichter returned to MCI Pre-Owned Coach as a sales representative for the Midwest on May 1 – he had been working as a new coach sales professional in the Southeast. With his return, MCI is expanding its Midwest territory by dividing its geography into two separate regions. Lichter covers Minnesota, Wisconsin, South Dakota, North Dakota, Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas and Missouri. Bob Dethloff remains responsible for customers in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia and Kentucky.

Jason Rounsaville, a highly experienced sales professional on the West Coast, has joined MCI as a pre-owned coach regional sales manager for the Rocky Left to Right: Brian Lichter, Mitch Guralnick, Jason Rounsaville, Bob Dethloff

Mountain region. Rounsaville was formerly a sales manager with a large Northern California motor coach charter operator’s pre-owned vehicle sales operation and at A to Z Bus Sales in Sacramento, California. At MCI, Rounsaville will be responsible for customers in Arizona, Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, Montana and Alaska.

These professionals round out a team of 10 executives in MCI pre-owned sales. MCI’s experienced sales representatives can be hugely helpful for their wide-ranging industry knowledge. It’s not unusual for an MCI representative to have been an owner-operator or a professional driver, and many are longtime MCI employees.

Guralnick explains, “MCI has been No. 1 in North America for decades because we are in the relationship business. Pre-owned is a critical component of our entire business because it gives MCI two enormous opportunities – to gather, evaluate and update the best equipment in the motor coach industry and to offer the best maintenance operation to keep our customers running.”

24

MCI will offer pre-owned inventory at the new MCI Sales and Service center opening this fall in the San Francisco Bay Area. “Our entire MCI Sales and Service center operation features pre-owned coach inventory,” said Guralnick.

“We see it as one-stop shopping for both our pre-owned and new coach buyers. They not only have the advantage to work with highly experienced MCI representatives, but they can also take advantage of the service and parts available right at our service center. It’s a huge advantage because they can get a pre-driven coach with the confidence of buying from the OEM.”

Experience counts Walter Sturdivant, MCI’s pre-owned coach sales representative at the MCI Sales and Service Center in Blackwood, New Jersey is the longest-serving member of the team, joining the former Hausman Bus Sales and Service location on April 16, 1974. Responsible for customers in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Washington, DC, and North Carolina, Sturdivant was elected to the North Carolina Bus Association board last year.

And Bob Dethloff, regional sales manager, preowned coach sales at MCI’s Des Plaines-based Sales and Service Center just marked 40 years with MCI. Brian Hill, sales representative in Dallas, comes from a family in the motor coach business, and celebrates a 20-year career at MCI. To applaud sales success, MCI recognizes its top performers each year at its annual sales meeting.

In February, Janet Cathey, regional pre-owned coach representative based in Florida, received the company’s top sales performer award. Randy Wilcox, regional pre-owned coach representative in New England was recognized with a top sales award for Territory development.

on the drive train. “We liked our first Re-Energized J4500 so much we went back to Bob for the second coach and found probably an even better coach.

They are both being used for our charters and tours.

Would we do it again? Absolutely!”

Choice is another attractive feature of Re-Energize.

“We allow customers to pick and choose the features on their next pre-owned coach, which is unique in the industry,” says Guralnick. “From the engine to the interior, to outside color, it’s almost like buying a new coach. And with the warranty, it’s real peace of mind.”

Since its launch in 2012, MCI has sold 225 ReEnergized coaches. MCI’s painstaking approach to “I am always going on and on about the combined safety and quality upgrades have stood Re-Energized years’ experience of our team,” said Guralnick. “But coaches in good stead with lenders, too – customers their experience and the way they build relationships in good standing have access to attractive loans and helps set MCI apart. They don’t just sell a bus. We other financing arrangements. build a lasting bond with our customers because we want to find the right coach to make them successful.” “There’s a lot of value added in this program,” says Guralnick. “Customers really get involved in the planning of their coach. And the work we do extends What customers say the life of an already well-built, well-engineered Mid American Coaches of Washington, Missouri is coach. We’ve made pre-owned a smart move for just one of many U.S. tour and charter companies smart operators.” benefitting from a new range of pre-owned coaches For contact information, click here for a complete list that come as close to new as possible. of MCI pre-owned coach sales representatives and Mid-America took advantage of MCI’s Re-Energize their territories. program recently with the purchase of two pre-owned 2008 MCI J4500s. “While it is not a new coach, it has been upgraded to new on the inside,” said Dennis Jones, Vice President of Mid-American Coaches.

“MCI’s pre-owned coach sales representative Bob Dethloff, along with Cary Kadyschuk and his crew, have done a fantastic job of bringing the coaches back to new standards. Bob also picked out a coach that came from a good home.”

Re-Energize means re-energized inside and out.

MCI takes care of the body work, professional paint, and performs mechanical repairs and replaces the engine and transmission, including new ECMs and harnesses. Next comes the deep cleaning or retrofitting of interiors – A/C returns are emptied, floors scrubbed and optional finishing touches including new passenger seating, three-point seat belts and Wi-Fi can be added by the customers.

All program warranties feature 60-day limited protection for the entire coach plus two years on the powertrain ‒ a special arrangement worked out between MCI and key suppliers.

Jones commented that the first coach was inviting because of the price point, warranty and zero miles

25

PA R T S P I C K S

USB Charging Outlets Kit Information Sheet

Retrofit your J4500 or D-Coach* with USB Charging Outlets Kit includes all hardware, wiring harnesses, and installation instructions

(T07-3328)

FEATURES • No inverter required, makes this an economical solution to provide your riders with charging outlets • Compatible with popular mobile USB 2.0 devices, such as mobile phones, tablets, cameras, eReaders, and USB accessories • Installs dual USB charging outlets at every seat row location • 5V, 3.1 Amp with blue USB backlight • USB outlets are individually replaceable (Part # T07-3327) • Complete plug and play harnesses - no splicing required * Not applicable for D Coaches with Wheel Chair Lifts.

Part No.

Description

T07-3328

USB Kit

Information on this sheet is subject to change at the discretion of MCI and/or its affiliates. Contact your MCI parts solutions manager or customer service representative for further details.

MCI Service Centers Toll Free 888-912-9983

MCI Customer Service In the U.S. Toll Free (800) 323-1290 Toll Free Fax (800) 525-4569

26

MCI Customer Service In Canada Toll Free English (800) 665-0155 Français (800) 546-3457 Toll Free Fax (800) 872-2486 www.mcicoach.com

WE COULD NOT DO THIS WITHOUT THE HELP OF OUR SPONSORS. PLEASE SUPPORT THOSE WHO SUPPORT THIS GREAT EFFORT!

PETER KING, VICE PRESIDENT Office: 952.656.3254 • Cell: 612.812.1286 Email: pking@tcfef.com • Fax: 952.656.5081 Website: tcfef.com/motorcoach Delivering finance solutions.

™

cumminsengines.com

©2016 Cummins Inc.

INTERESTED IN SPONSORING MCI'S FYI FROM MCI EZINE? PLEASE

CONTACT MARKETING@MCICOACH.COM TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OPPORTUNITIES TO JOIN MCI AT KEY INDUSTRY EVENTS OR ENJOY SOME PROMOTIONAL SPACE IN FUTURE ISSUES OF FYI FROM MCI.

27

I N C A S E YO U M I S S E D I T.

MCI DELIVERS A NEW SERVICE AND PARTS EXPERIENCE AT UMA EXPO

Nearly 18-months into joining New Flyer, MCI has advanced its service, training, and parts support, redefining the best real-time technical advice and technician training in the industry, including a big upgrade in options already getting a favorable response from MCI customers.

View the entire press release.

28

I N C A S E YO U M I S S E D I T.

H & L CHARTER STARTS 2017 RIGHT WINNING GOMOTORCOACH AUCTION BID ON A NEW MCI® J4500

California company H & L Charter kicked off 2017 with a big win. Based in Rancho Cucamonga, California, H&L had the winning bid on a brand new, luxury MCI J4500 during the annual GoMotorcoach auction at UMA Expo in St Louis earlier this year.

View the entire press release.

29

M A I N T E N A N C E M AT T E R S

FLUID SITUATION: MAINTAINING THE DEF TANK

EPA 2010 emissions standards introduced new technology to MCI coaches, including the DEF Fluid Tank (urea), and with it have come certain maintenance checks that need to be followed.

The system consists of a tank to hold the DEF, a supply module, dosing module, dosing control unit, and heated DEF lines. The supply line and throttle line move DEF to and from the tank. The DEF tank has a serviceable level sender unit.

Supply Module The DEF supply module is an electronic pump that delivers DEF from the tank to the dosing module, which is mounted on the decomposition reactor. It is a 24-volt pump that is also electrically heated for colder weather conditions. The supply module has a 10-micron serviceable filter, and a 100 micron nonserviceable filter. See Section 10 of your service manual for the 10-micron supply module filter service interval.

30

Supply Module Inspection Visually inspect the supply module, cap, and the area around the seal for any signs of fluid leakage.

DEF leaks are easy to identify by white deposits left on or around the components. Inspect the supply module and filter cap for cracks, holes, or damaged threads. If cap threads are damaged, replace the cap.

If supply module threads are damaged, replace the complete DEF supply module.

D Series Supply Module

J4500 Supply Module

The DEF tank has some maintenance requirements as well.

The head unit of the DEF Tank contains sensors as well as the pickup tube for the fluid. The DEF level sensor provides a volume signal to the engine DCU and is used to monitor remaining usable DEF in the tank. The engine communicates this level to the dash to control the DEF gauge level.

The DEF Low Level Warning begins at approximately 20% with the activation of the dash DEF Level Telltale. If the tank isn’t filled, additional “incentives” remind the operator to refill the tank. An empty tank can no longer provide DEF to the exhaust stream. Empty tank inducements (engine derate) begin after the measured tank level is approximately 5%. Refer to DEF warning charts in the operator’s manual for the complete list.

DEF Tank Temperature Sensing provides a temperature signal to the engine DCU. The tank temperature is used to monitor temperature within the tank and control tank heater activation. The sensor is located at the end of the suction tube. This sensor signal is also used by the DCU to signal if there’s a malfunction and the DEF gets too warm.

31

The cap on the DEF reservoir is vented. When pressure reaches 4 psig, it is designed to release pressure by venting to the atmosphere or to the tank. The DEF fill cap has an internal filter that cleans vacuum vented air and prevents debris from entering the reservoir when it vents into the tank. If there are vacuum issues with the reservoir, check the cap to make sure it is still functioning correctly and not damaged; otherwise, contact an SCR systems dealer.

Cap Cleaning Clean the cap periodically to remove crystallization buildup (see your service manual for intervals.) If a vacuum is present when removing the cap, clean it as soon as possible.

1.

Wipe off cap and adapter and remove cap.

2. Place cap in a bucket of water and allow to soak for 5 minutes.

3. While cap is submerged, shake vigorously to break up and loosen any residual DEF. 4. Remove cap from water, shake off excess water, and dry thoroughly with compressed air.

5.

Replace cap.

DEF Temperature Line Heating (pressure, suction, and return lines) is used to prevent these lines from freezing up in cold weather, allowing vehicle operation in all seasons (fuses and relays are located in the rear electrical junction box next to DCU.) The DEF Coolant Flow Valve is controlled by the engine DCU. The coolant flow valve allows coolant to flow through the DEF tank for proper DEF tank heating. Note the arrow on the side of the valve. This is the direction of coolant flow.

The DEF pump has serviceable filters and requires regular maintenance. Below, you’ll find information from the coach maintenance manual.

Supply Module Filter Removal CAUTION: Depressurize DEF pump before replacing supply module filter.

Do not allow Diesel Exhaust Fluid to contact the eyes. In case of contact, immediately flood eyes with large amounts of water for a minimum of 15 minutes. Avoid prolonged contact with skin. In case of contact, immediately wash skin with soap and water.

Do not swallow. In the event Diesel Exhaust Fluid is ingested, contact a 32

physician immediately. Refer to the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for additional information.

1.

Turn the main power disconnect OFF.

2.

Place a collection container under the supply module filter cap to capture any residual fluid.

3. The DEF lines connecting the supply module are under low pressure and should not be disconnected while the engine is running or before the system has completed the purge process after engine shutdown. Do not disconnect lines unless the pump is being replaced. Disconnecting the line while under low pressure could cause fluid to spray. Contamination into this system must be avoided at all times, especially during any service event.

4. Wait 5 minutes after turning main power disconnect OFF for system to automatically purge DEF from system.

5. Remove cap.

6. Remove filter element and discard.

7. Install new filter element.

8. Torque the Filter Cap to 22–26 ft-lb (30–35 Nm).

• Aftertreatment DEF Control Unit (DCU) communicates with the engine ECM over aprivate J1939 datalink for DEF dosing control.

–

This controls the:

•

DEF Dosing Unit

•

DEF Dosing Valve

•

DEF Tank and DEF Heater Controls

•

DEF Tank Temperature and Level Sensing Input

The same part is used for both 12V and 24V systems

–

D Series DEF Control Unit

J4500 DEF Control Unit

33

S ERV I C E S O LU T I O N S

34

Get a Closer Look at an MCI or Setra

Pre-Owned Coach It’s time to drive for success with MCI. With a wide range of inventory including quality, affordable pre-owned MCI coaches, many with a limited warranty and ready to roll,” MCI is here to help you boost capacity, uptime and profitability. There are a lot of places to get a used bus. But there’s only one place to get a or pre-owned coach—and that’s from MCI. Invest in the best.

Price quoted is in U.S. dollars and does not include any applicable sales or excise tax, title, license, documentation or environmental fees or handling charges. All coaches are available for, and subject to, immediate sale to the first qualified buyer. © MCI Sales and Service, Inc. 2017, All Rights Reserved

2008 MCI J4500

2007 MCI e4500

DD S60, B-500. 56 Passenger, white exterior, aluminum wheels, 6 monitor video system. VIN #64550. Only $289,000!

Walter Sturdivant Mid-Atlantic (609) 876-3713

Randy Wilcox Northeast (609) 876-3711

Bob Dethloff Midwest (847) 867-5191

Brian LIchter North-Central (224) 688-6351

DD S60, B-500. 54 Passenger, white exterior, polished aluminum wheels, 6 monitor video system. VIN #64033.

Only 180,000!

Find our latest news and offers:

Check out our Pre-owned Coach website

mcicoach.com/preowned Janet Cathey Southeast (678) 472-1743

Marshall Deems West Coast (818) 519-7193

Jason Rounsaville Rocky Mountain (720) 383-5797

2009 Setra S 417 HDH

Guy Tessier Western Canada (204) 771-8271

Guy Charron Eastern Canada (514) 240-8448

DD S60, ZF. 56 Passenger, newly available, new Paint or paint included, aluminum wheels. VIN #00790. Only $185,000!

2001 MCI J4500 DD S60, B500. 56 Passenger, white exterior, aluminum wheels. 6 monitor video system.

VIN #61708. Only 81,000!

i

SPY

Brian Hill South-Central (214) 725-0490

Have a great picture of your MCI or Setra coach in a fabulous location? Historical MCI or Setra photos? Send us what you have and we may use it in the next FYI from MCI! Send submissions to fyi@mcicoach.com www.mcicoach.com

35

Exceeding expectations in style and value.

The Setra ComfortClass S 407 CC. Practical luxury, powered by Mercedes-Benz.

For comfort you can count on, and European flair that’s sure to impress, the Setra ComfortClass S 407 delivers superior value and a high “wow” factor, thanks to stylish new exterior options, upgraded seating choices and other improvements.

Plus, Setra coaches are backed by the extensive MCI network, giving you unparalleled access to parts inventory, service outlets, training opportunities and more. To find out what a Setra S 407 can do for your business, visit www.setracoaches.com.

Motor Coach Industries · 200 East Oakton Street · Des Plaines, IL 60018 Phone 866.624.262 · www.setra-coaches.com Distributor of EvoBus GmbH for Setra buses and Setra parts in the United States and Canada.