Body/Frame - Mobility Converted Vehicle Service Info
T-SB-0077-08Rev1
May 29, 2008
Mobility Converted Vehicle Service Information
Service Category
General
Section
Preparation
Market
USA
Applicability
TSB REVISION NOTICE
May 14, 2010 Rev1:
^ Updated Braun technical support phone number.
Any previous printed versions of this service bulletin should be discarded.
Introduction
A number of mobility converters remanufacture the Toyota Sienna minivan for wheelchair access, including BraunAbility, Freedom Motors, and Autovan. Mobility converters purchase Toyota Sienna vehicles from Toyota dealers and take title to each. Converted vehicles are typically sold by the converter's network of mobility equipment dealers as pre-titled or used vehicles. Mobility equipment dealers specialize in providing a tailored combination of vehicle and adaptive driving equipment to meet the unique needs of each customer with a disability, however, few mobility dealers are franchised to sell new vehicles.
Toyota does not approve or endorse any specific conversion company or installer involved in adapting vehicles for persons with a disability. The selection of a converter and/or mobility equipment supplier is the sole responsibility of the customer. Toyota warranties apply to converted vehicles, except where an issue is found to result from a mobility modification. Toyota warranties do not apply to the modified portions of a vehicle, or to any adaptive equipment installed on the vehicle.
The purpose of this TSB is to provide customer handling and servicing information on vehicles modified for wheelchair access, especially the Braun Sienna Rampvan converted by BraunAbility. Mobility converted vehicle dealers have trained staff to assist customers with their unique needs, questions, and service concerns with ramp operation equipment. In the event a customer's concern is not caused by a mobility conversion component or by the conversion, then the customer may be asked to bring their vehicle to the Toyota dealer for repair. However, some mobility converted vehicle customers may prefer to bring their vehicle to a Toyota dealer for ramp concerns or other issues, especially if the Toyota dealer is closer to home.
This bulletin includes specific procedures for:
1. Servicing Mobility Vehicles Converted by BraunAbility
2. Service Information Exchange
3. Warranty Information
4. Conversion/Modification Process
5. Contact Information
6. Service Tips
Service Information
1. Servicing Mobility Vehicles Converted by BraunAbility
When a customer purchases a Braun Sienna Rampvan from a Braun dealer they will be instructed to bring their vehicle to a Braun dealer for all service needs related to the conversion adaptive equipment and/or other modifications. These instructions are reinforced on the Braun Service Information Exchange Card (front and back) that is shown in Figure 2.
In the event that a customer cannot go to a Braun dealer the front of the card lists the Braun Rampvan Technical & Claim Support toll-free number that the Toyota dealer can call to obtain technical assistance and payment information. The backside of the Service Information Exchange (SI E) Card is completed by the Braun dealer when:
^ The Braun dealer is unable to diagnose or repair the vehicle and requests the Toyota dealer's help. If Braun is contacted prior to work, they will pay for diagnosis/repair.
^ In the unlikely event the Braun and Toyota dealer agree the concern does not appear related to the Braun conversion/modification.
The Braun dealer will complete the SIE card and give it to the Sienna owner. They will request that the customer bring their vehicle to the Toyota dealership and provide the SIE card to the Service Advisor or Manager. The SIE card will show the customer's concern and any diagnosis that the Braun dealer completed. The purpose of the card is to assist the Toyota dealer in determining the possible root cause of the customer's concern. It will explain what the Braun dealer did and what was found.
IMS Rampvans - IMS was purchased by Braun in 2005. Braun's service agreement and warranty policy applies to the IMS Rampvans.
2. Service Information Exchange:
Every Braun Rampvan is provided with a copy of the Service Information Exchange (SIE) Card.
The purpose of the SIE card is to promote communication between the Braun dealer and the Toyota dealer. The SIE:
^ Asks customers to first bring their vehicle to the Braun dealer for service repair.
^ Instructs the Braun dealer to write instructions to the Toyota dealer on how they determined the concern 5 cause was not due to a Braun component.
^ Once completed, will allow the Toyota dealer to quickly handle the customer's concerns to their satisfaction.
In the event a customer brings their Rampvan to a Toyota dealer first, the Toyota dealer should complete the SIE card if there is a ramp concern or other issue due to the conversion.
An example of the SIE Card (front and back) is shown.
3. Warranty Information
Toyota Factory Limited Warranty Information
Regarding modifications in general where such conversion modification or installation of a non-Toyota part does not adversely affect the performance reliability or stability of the vehicle the warranty on that vehicle remains in effect and such action does not in and of itself render the warranty of a part void. However Non-Genuine Toyota Parts or any damage or failures resulting from their use or installation are not covered by any Toyota warranty.
For more details refer to:
Braun Sienna Rampvans are warranted under the same terms and conditions as the New Vehicle Limited Warranty; however certain modifications are made to the vehicle during conversion which would not be covered under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. These parts are warranted separately by Braun as noted below.
BraunAbility Factory Limited Warranty Information
BraunAbility warrants to the purchaser of the modified Toyota Sienna vehicle that structural metal fabrication completed by Braun on or of the frame and ramp platform will not rust or corrode through or otherwise fail due to rust or corrosion for a period of five years I unlimited mileage. Braun further warrants to the purchaser that the remainder of modifications and alterations on the vehicle completed by Braun and associated parts and components thereto will be free from defects in material and factory workmanship for a period of three years or 36,000 miles whichever occurs first. The above periods of time or accumulation of mileage will commence upon first delivery of the vehicle from a Braun dealer to the initial purchaser of the vehicle or the date the vehicle was first placed into service whichever is earlier.
Braun agrees to pay for labor diagnosis and parts to repair and replace any Braun factory-installed parts found to be defective within the applicable warranty period or mileage provided that the repair or replacement is authorized by Braun and is performed by a Braun authorized service establishment. Any warranty work, including diagnosis, performed by any person or entity who is not Braun authorized must first be approved by Braun to be covered under this warranty. Braun will not honor any warranty claim for repair or replacement of parts unless said claim is performed by a Braun authorized service technician and that technician completes replacement of parts. The name and location of your nearest Braun authorized service technician can be obtained by either written or telephone contact with Braun at the following address or telephone number.
The Braun Corporation
631 West 11th Street
Winamac, Indiana 46996
Toll Free: 866-566-0089
4. Conversion/Modification Process
The conversion of a minivan for wheelchair access involves a radical remanufacture of the vehicle, including the removal of the original vehicle floor and replacement with a lowered floor to increase headroom. In addition, a ramp for wheelchair access is added. This process requires the modification of several vehicle systems, including the relocation of the fuel tank and the exhaust, along with the elimination of most sound deadening materials. As a result for example, customers should not expect minivans converted for wheelchair access to have the same ground clearance or road noise suppression capability as an unmodified vehicle
The Braun Sienna Rampvan conversion has been modified at a Braun facility in either Farmington, New Mexico or Winamac, Indiana. These vans have gone through an intensive modification process that includes lowering the floor, installing a foldout or infloor ramp, and customized interior and exterior accents.
Braun indicated these are some of the features on the Rampvan. These primary features are subject to change.
^ Floor, frame and rear sliding door sills lowered 10 inches (Infloor) or 11 inches (Foldout)
^ Powered wheelchair/scooter ramp with powder-coat non-slip surface
^ Automatic ramp safety sensor and delay function
^ Powered sliding passenger side rear door with power door lockout system and optional remote entry system
^ Crank-style emergency ramp platform release with one-way bearing (Infloor) or push-out emergency ramp platform release (Foldout)
^ Kneel system with emergency release
^ OEM-style multifunction dash and door-post mounted control switches
^ Magnetic exterior door and ramp entry system (optional)
^ Emergency side door release
^ 4-position strap-type wheelchair restraint tie-downs
^ Interior spare tire carrier and cover
^ Removable-transfer seat
^ G3-passenger "fold and tumble" forward 60/40 split rear bench seat
^ Electronic Vehicle Entry (EVE) system with coded entry fob and wrist strap (optional)
Components Involved in the Rampvan Conversion and Warranted by BraunAbility
5. Contact Information Rampvan Owner Satisfaction Team
TMS has established a Rampvan Owner Satisfaction Team within the Customer Experience Center (CEC). All existing and future Rampvan owners are being advised to contact the CEC in the unlikely event they experience difficulty in obtaining service. The Rampvan Owner Satisfaction Team will facilitate communication with BraunAbility and other converters their dealerships and the Toyota dealerships involved to address any issues or concerns.
Braun Rampvan Dealerships
For a current list of Braun Rampvan dealerships please refer to their
Website: www.braunlift.com. Enter a zip code for the nearest location(s).
Toyota Dealer Repairing Braun Conversion
In the event the customer or the Braun dealer requests the Toyota dealer to conduct the repair the Braun Corporation should be notified before beginning repair. The Braun Corporation will approve the Toyota dealer to conduct the repair if they agree the situation is best for customer satisfaction. In some cases the repair should only be conducted by a Braun dealer who has completed the Rampvan service training.
Braun Technical Support Hotline
Braun has a technical support hotline similar to the TAS Hotline to assist technicians with Rampvan repairs. They may request the vehicle be taken to an authorized Braun dealer if they feel the repair should be conducted by a Braun trained technician.
Toll Free: 877-272-8633
6. Service Tips
Jump Starting
To prevent damage to the Rampvan ECU the Rampvan ECU fuse should be removed prior to jump starting. The fuse is located behind the right rear interior trim panel as shown below in Figure 3:
Vehicle Alignment
The rear suspension location points were moved during the Rampvan conversion process. Although the suspension was modified, the standard alignment equipment at most Toyota dealers is capable of measuring the alignment and making adjustments.
The alignment specifications are provided on a label located on the upper radiator support (see Figure 4) and are also shown.