Ford B600 problems
The Ford B series is a bus chassis that was manufactured by the Ford Motor Company. Produced across six generations from 1948 to 1998, the B series was a variant of the medium-duty Ford F series. As a cowled-chassis design, the B series was a bare chassis aft of the firewall, intended for bodywork from a second-stage manufacturer. While primarily used for school bus applications in the United States and Canada, the chassis was exported worldwide to manufacturers to construct bus bodies for various uses.
Prior to 1969, Lincoln-Mercury dealers in Canada marketed the B series as part of the Mercury M-series truck line. At the time, rural Canadian communities were serviced by either a Ford or a Lincoln-Mercury dealer network, but not both networks concurrently.
Coinciding with the late 1996 sale of the Louisville/AeroMax heavy-truck line to Sterling Trucks, Ford phased out the medium-duty F series and the B series following the 1998 model year. For 2000, Ford re-entered the medium-duty segment with the F-650/F-750 Super Duty. As of the 2019 model year, Ford has not developed a cowled-chassis derivative of the F series, instead concentrating on cutaway chassis vehicles. In the cowled-chassis segment, the role and market share of the B series was largely superseded by the Blue Bird Vision (introduced in late 2000's).
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Common Ford B600 problems
The Ford B600 is a medium-duty bus that has been used for various purposes, including school buses. While Ford vehicles are generally known for their reliability and toughness, they can still experience mechanical problems, including electrical issues. Here are some common problems with the Ford B600 based on complaints from owners:
- Electrical Issues: Electrical problems are also common in Ford vehicles. Some owners have reported issues with the electrical system, such as the battery not holding a charge or the alternator failing. Other common electrical issues include faulty sensors, malfunctioning power windows, and problems with the audio system.
- Suspension Problems: Ford vehicles are known for their smooth ride, but suspension problems can occur. There have been reported issues with the suspension, such as a bumpy ride, poor handling, or noise when going over bumps. These problems can be caused by worn-out shock absorbers, damaged ball joints, or a damaged suspension system.
- Engine Problems: Engine problems are also common in Ford vehicles. Some owners have reported issues with the engine, such as a misfiring cylinder, blown head gasket, or cracked engine block. These issues can be caused by a variety of factors, such as low oil levels, overheating, or poor maintenance.
- Gearbox Issues: The Ford B600 is notorious for having gearbox issues, not only regarding automatic models but also manual ones. Drivers often report difficulty changing gear, excessive vibrations, and slippage. These problems can be caused by a variety of factors, including wear and tear, manufacturing defects, or lack of maintenance.
- Software Fault: Some B-Max models may develop a software fault that makes the car go into limp mode and display a warning message. The ECU’s software will need to be reprogrammed to fix the fault. ECU repairs cost £133.89 on average when booked through WhoCanFixMyCar.
It is important to note that not all Ford B600 vehicles will experience these problems. Proper maintenance and regular check-ups can help prevent these issues and keep the vehicle running smoothly for years to come.
Are you having problems with your Ford B600?
