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Recalls: Inside Info From the Carmakers Tom T  |
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Recalls: Inside Info From the Carmakers
It's time for another installment of 'Inside Info From the Carmakers.' Here's the latest rundown on some recalls.
Ford: Ford is recalling 2003 Ford F150, 250, 350, 450, 550, Excursion SUVs, and Lincoln Blackwoods to repair a cruise control switch. Previously, Ford had recalled 5.8 million vehicles from other model years in the past two years because of engine fires linked to the cruise control systems in trucks, SUVs and vans. Ford officials said an internal check found the switch systems in some early 2003 trucks and SUVs faulty, and the company acted to allow owners to get it repaired. The switch system could corrode over time, overheat and ignite although there were no reports of fires in the 2003 vehicles. Although NHTSA has received 1,472 complaints connected to the problems, (including 65 reports of fires in vehicle models before 2003), the safety agency has said there have been no confirmed injuries or deaths. To fix the problem, dealers install a fused wiring harness to the cruise control deactivation switch to prevent the risk of fire if the switch leaked.
DaimlerChrysler: Chrysler is recalling some 2006 Dodge Ram pickup trucks because their front-wheel bearings may not have enough grease. According to the NHTSA, Chrysler informed them that the recall affects up to 86,333 of the pickups built between Nov. 7, 2005 and April 27, 2006. The problem can cause noise and vibration that could lead to a loss of control and a crash. Why a crash? If the wheel bearing comes apart as a result of high friction and lack of lubricant, the outer and inner races would fail and the rollers would disintegrate. This could cause separation of the tire/wheel assembly from the hub assembly, resulting in loss of vehicle control.
A second recall for Daimler Chrysler: Certain '07 Chrysler 300, Dodge Chargers and Magnums; Chrysler Sebring; Dodge Caliber; Jeep Compass; Jeep Patriot; Jeep Grand Cherokee; Jeep Commander; Jeep Liberty; Jeep Wrangler; and Dodge Nitro vehicles are being recalled for problems with the ABS system. The software programmed into the Anti-Lock braking System Control Module on about 50,600 of the above vehicles may cause the rear brakes to lock up without warning during certain braking conditions. This could result in a loss of vehicle control and cause a crash without warning. The ABS Control Module must be reprogrammed. This repair requires no parts (just a computer software update) and is free of charge.
Honda: Honda is planning to recall 45,335 Civic Hybrid sedans worldwide to repair an electrical defect that could stop the cars' engines. Honda plans to recall 7,219 of the vehicles sold domestically and another 38,116 sold overseas, mostly in the U.S. The problem involves defective voltage converters, which could cause a short circuit that would stop the engine and prevent it from restarting. According to Honda. They have not received any reports of accidents related to the defect. The affected vehicles were manufactured between September 2005 and September 2006. If you haven't received a notification letter yet, call your local Honda dealer and have them run your vehicle identification number to find out if your particular vehicle is involved.
VW: There's a recall from Volkswagen on 1999-05 Jetta sedans, 01-05 Jetta wagons, 1998-07 Beetles, 03-07 Beetle convertibles, 1999-06 Golf or Gtis and '04 R32s. Volkswagen is recalling these vehicles for problems with the brake lights and brake light switches. Either the brake lights could fail to come on, or they could remain permanently on. Obviously this failure could result in a crash because drivers behind the vehicle would not be alerted of the driver's intention to slow down or stop. Volkswagen said that dealers would accept service appointments to perform this repair at no charge. Call ahead to make sure they have the parts in stock.
GM: GM is recalling '07 GMC Acadia ad Saturn Outlook vehicles for a problem with the airbags. The sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) in these vehicles controls the function of the front airbags. GM has found that this module is malfunctioning. Should this module fail, the front airbags may not deploy in a frontal crash, putting the driver and front passenger at risk. In addition, the airbag warning light may not illuminate and therefore the driver will not know that the system is inactive. Dealers will reprogram the SDM in these vehicles. Call your local dealer and have them run your vehicle identification number to find out if your vehicle is involved.
A second recall for GM: Certain '07 Buick Rainier, Chevy Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, and Saab 9-7X vehicles are involved in a campaign for possible cracked fuel sending units. On some of these vehicles, GM has discovered that the sending unit may have a cracked internal port, resulting in poor fuel pressure. This condition causes an extended start time, sluggish acceleration, and/or illumination of the check engine light. The repair will be done for the customer free of charge. Call your local dealer and have them run your vehicle identification number to find out if your vehicle is involved.
Mazda: Mazda is recalling Mazda5 vehicles in cold weather states, New York included. On certain Mazda5 vehicles water may accumulate inside the door latch unit when the vehicle is exposed to large amounts of water (e.g. car wash, rain water, or melting snow). If the accumulated water is frozen under low ambient temperature, the ice will crack when the door is opened. When the door is closed under these conditions, the ice can interfere with the door latch operation, preventing the sliding door from closing properly. The purpose of this campaign is to replace the door latch mechanism with a modified one.
'Til next time...Keep Rollin'
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 With over 27 years in the automotive industry and nearly a decade in automotive talk radio, Tom Torbjornsen makes learning about cars easy with his personal manner, his expert advice, and his high energy and entertaining style. Tom has the unique gift of simplifying the complex and tearing down the technical, meeting you at your level of understanding. You will be encouraged as you gain the confidence to deal with problems related to the second most expensive purchase you will make in a lifetime your automobile.
Email Tom
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