NHTSA Service Bulletin 11013691: 2020, 2021 Arboc Specialty Vehicles Spirit Of Freedom
Official manufacturer communication context for 2020, 2021 Arboc Specialty Vehicles Spirit Of Freedom, with affected products, buyer checks and links into Carchieve recall, problem and VIN research.
Reviewed June 2026 from NHTSA manufacturer communication and service bulletin records. Carchieve is independent and not affiliated with any vehicle manufacturer or government agency.
Complaint: Heat escaping engine cover (doghouse) on Spirit of Freedom-Ford buses. Cause: Design. Correction: Modify engine cover (doghouse) and re-wire as instructed below. 1. Remove switch cover and fire suppression controller. Shown circled below. 2. Unplug wire harness from HMI switches and label for reassembly. Carefully run them through holes without damaging connectors. 3. Remove engine cover and cup holder from chassis by unclipping the 4 clips. 4. Using hole saw, cut a 2-inch hole in the lower curbside cupholder storage area. 5. Cover hole with part 1201778, U-Channel Seal. 6. Using 2 -13x3 pieces of 996572 Backer Strip, remove adhesive mylar and cover two holes on the outside of the engine cover. 7. Using 2-3x 3 sections of part # 2003827, Bulkhead Insulation, remove adhesive mylar and insulate the inside of the holes and backer to stop heat transfer. 8. Cover the backer covered outside holes with heat tape. 9. Cover the inside holes of the engine cover insulation and bulkhead insulation with heat tape making it airtight. 10. Route wires through hole and connect to switches. Run additional harness above engine cover and zip tie in place. 11. Place the switch cover on the cup holder. 12. Place the cupholder on the engine cover and reattach the engine cover to the chassis. 13. Route and pclamp the wire harness along the engine cover on the floor. Be sure a harness is concealed under dash.
What this bulletin may mean before buying
Treat this as service research, not a verdict on one car. Before you buy, compare this communication with official recall campaigns, model-level owner complaint patterns, and the exact vehicle’s VIN-decoded specifications. A bulletin can help you ask a seller or dealer sharper questions about software updates, known repairs, warranty extensions and service history.
Affected products listed in this communication
Buyer checklist
- Run the 17-character VIN and confirm the year, make, model, engine and equipment match the listing.
- Check recall campaign pages for safety actions that may require dealer repair.
- Compare this bulletin with common problem pages for the same model and component area.
- Ask the seller or dealer whether the bulletin procedure, update or inspection has already been completed.
- Use the used-car buying checklist and get an independent inspection.
Frequently asked questions
What is NHTSA service bulletin 11013691?
Complaint: Heat escaping engine cover (doghouse) on Spirit of Freedom-Ford buses. Cause: Design. Correction: Modify engine cover (doghouse) and re-wire as instructed below. 1. Remove switch cover and fire suppression controller. Shown circled below. 2. Unplug wire harness from HMI switches and label for reassembly. Carefully run them through holes without damaging connectors. 3. Remove engine cover and cup holder.
Is a service bulletin the same as a recall?
No. A recall is a safety campaign with a required remedy for affected VINs. A service bulletin or manufacturer communication usually describes diagnostic, repair, software, warranty or service information.
How should a used-car buyer use this bulletin?
Use it as a research signal. Compare it with recalls, owner complaints, service records, a VIN report and an independent inspection before buying.
Check the exact VIN before you buy
Model-level pages show public safety patterns. A full VIN report helps confirm the exact vehicle, decoded specs, recall applicability and buyer checks.
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