Dr. Gizmo Automotive Question & Answer Column

 "Dr. Gizmo"
By Phil Arendt
 

Malfunction Codes Indicate Trouble In One Engine Bank

Question 1
My 2000 Ford Expedition idles rough and hesitates on acceleration and the check engine light is on.  I went to a repair shop where a technician did some tests and found codes 156 and 174.  The mechanic said he needs time to determine the cause of the trouble but I needed my truck.

The trouble is constant.  My engine is a 5.4-liter and it has 144,000 miles.  Do you have any idea what causes the symptoms?  K.G.L., email

Answer 1

The codes indicate a problem in one bank of the engine.  Your engine has two banks of valves each serving four cylinders.  Your technician needs to focus on trouble in one bank.

There are many possible causes for the two different malfunction codes.  Troubles range from air leaks in the exhaust or intake systems to dirt on the mass air flow sensor.  Even a clogged fuel injector could cause the trouble.  Additionally, a failing fuel pump, faulty wiring, leaky positive crankcase valve or leaky seal on the oil dipstick could turn on the check engine light and cause the performance issues you describe.

If you are mechanically inclined, check the positive crankcase valve for leaks.  Also, make sure the oil dipstick is properly seated in the tube.  Check for leaks at vacuum hoses and make sure the duct work of the air filter system is secure.  If you find no trouble, it’s time to return to your repair shop.

Looking For Vehicle To Tow Behind RV

Question 2
Recently, I purchased a Class C RV.  Now I’m looking for a car to tow behind the RV on all four wheels.  I’ve heard many automatic transmission cars cannot be towed because the transmission will suffer damage.   

Will any front-wheel-drive manual transmission car be safe to tow behind my RV?  Does the odometer register mileage when being towed?  C.M., email

Answer 2

Congratulations on the new RV.  Not all manual transmission vehicles can be towed with all four wheels on the pavement.  When considering a vehicle, check with the carmaker before making a purchase decision.  Since towing a vehicle with all four wheels on the pavement limits vehicle choice consider dolly towing.  This will greatly increase your choice of vehicles. 

Additionally, no matter how the vehicle trails behind your RV be sure to shield it from chipped paint to a broken windshield.  Optional shielding is available at many RV supply stores that protects towed vehicles from rocks, gravel and road debris that inevitably flings from beneath an RV.

As for mileage registering on the odometer, it will not.  Have fun in your travels!
 
Tests Inconclusive

Question 3
When I shift gears in my 2007 Jeep Wrangler the 3.8-liter engine hesitates or surges.  Once the surging stops the engine runs fine.  There are no warning lights on in the dash.  The engine starts fine.  The gas mileage has not gone down. 

I went to a repair shop where tests did not find any trouble codes.  The mechanic tested the ignition coils and found one a little weak on cylinder three so he suggested replacement might cure the trouble.  It did not.  He also suggested replacing the spark plugs and wires but I did that work myself. 

The problem continues.  Do you have any suggestions?  G.P., email

Answer 3

If tests reveal one particular cylinder misfires more testing on that cylinder might find a faulty fuel injector, low or inconsistent compression, fuel mixture troubles caused by a leaky hose, gasket or seal.  If the misfire is random in several cylinders, fuel mixture trouble might be the cause.  The fuel pump might need replacement.

 

Time For New Spark Plugs

Question 4
My 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo with a 3.7 engine and 73,000 miles occasionally stalls at stops.  I called my dealership about the trouble.  A service man suggested tuning the engine but I did not make an appointment to have the work done.  A friend told me that spark plugs last 100,000 miles.

When the engine stalls there is no warning.  No warning lights turn on, the engine does not spit or sputter it just shuts off as though I turned off the ignition.  Up until now I haven’t had a bit of trouble.  I haven’t had to do anything to this vehicle except change the oil and replace brakes and tires.  What do you think causes the trouble?  N.L.D., email

Answer 4

There are many reasons for an engine to stall and weary spark plugs is one possible cause.  According to the manufacture recommended maintenance schedule the spark plugs in your vehicle need replacement every 30,000 miles.  The plugs in your SUV have done more than expected so it’s time to replace them.  The work may just cure the stalling trouble.

Additionally, while your vehicle is at a shop consider a flush of the transmission fluid as that service should have been completed at 60,000 miles.              

Oil Leaks From Distributor

Question 5
There is oil leaking from the distributor in my 1990 Honda Civic.  It’s not real bad but I can see a drip of oil on the lower part of the distributor cap where the cap and distributor meet.  It does not look as though this has been going on too long because there is not oily residue in the area of the distributor.   

The engine runs fine.  Does this mean the distributor needs replacement?  T.N.J., email

Answer 5

It’s possible that the distributor shaft is suffering from excessive wear.  If so, the unit needs replacement.  If excessive wear is not the issue it is likely a leaky seal is the trouble.  It is possible to replace seals but since your vehicle is rolling 20 plus years a new distributor is the likely fix.

 

Foreign Object Impairs Engine Starts

Question 6
Once in a while the 4.4-liter engine in my 2004 BMW 545i will not crank and I can’t remove the key.  The engine starts fine in neutral but when the shifter is in park I have trouble.  Sometimes If I move the shifter back and forth the engine starts in park and the key comes out fine.

More than once I have taken the car to my dealer.  They can’t find any problems.  The car works fine for them.  I also went to a small local repair shop that specializes in foreign car repair.  No problems were found.

Do you have any suggestions?  K.M., email

 

Answer 6

Sure, it’s time to trade for a Smart.  All kidding aside after visiting a professional internet site there may be a need to remove the center console for inspection.  If you store coins in the ashtray it’s possible a few slipped into the transmission shift assembly causing the shifter not to fully go into the park position.  When park is not fully engaged the engine does not start and the key does not come out of the ignition slot.  Removing coins from the shift assembly might be the cure.
 

Thanks for all of your great questions.  Dr. Gizmo can’t wait to answer more.

Phil Arendt is a columnist, consultant and A.S.E.-Certified Master Technician.  Readers may send questions to Dr. Gizmo at P.O. Box 548, Cary, IL. 60013 or e-mail address mailto:drgizmo@hotmail.com. 05/06/2013 ® DR. GIZMO © 1989 - Present

Hello everyone.  Happy Friday!

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued one recall.  This pertains the a motorcycle transmission that can pop out of gear.  It could cause a crash!   



Report Receipt Date: MAY 21, 2013
NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V212000
Component(s): POWER TRAIN
Potential Number of Units Affected: 349          

Vehicle MakeModelModel Year(s)

• TRIUMPHSPRINT GT2012-2013
• TRIUMPHTIGER 10502012-2013
• TRIUMPHTIGER SPORT2012-2013                                                                       

Manufacturer: Triumph Motorcycles America, LTD

     

SUMMARY:

Triumph Motorcycles (Triumph) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Speed Triple ABS motorcycles manufactured June 2012, through January 2013. The transmission on some motorcycles may have been built with an incorrect detent spring.

CONSEQUENCE:

As a result of the incorrect spring, the transmission may inadvertently shift out of gear while the motorcycle is moving, increasing the risk of a crash.

REMEDY:

Triumph will notify owners, and dealers will install a revised detent spring, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in June 2013. Owners may contact Triumph at 1-678-854-2010 begin_of_the_skype_highlightingnd_of_the_skype_highlighting for more information.

NOTES:

Customers may contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting RE nd_of_the_skype_highlight(TTY: 1-800-424-9153of_the_skype_highlightingREE  end_of_the_skype_highlighting); or go to http://www.safercar.gov.

Ford Hybrid Vehicle Sales Break Full-Year Record in First Five Months of 2013

 

• Ford surpassed its previous full-year hybrid sales record set in 2010 of 35,496 vehicles in just the first five months of 2013

• Ford is projected to sell approximately 37,000 hybrid vehicles through May, for around a 375 percent increase over the same period last year

• Ford Fusion Hybrid is projected to deliver its best May sales ever; Ford Fusion Energi is also projected to achieve its best sales month since its introduction in February

• Ford C-MAX Hybrid and Ford Fusion Hybrid continue to draw new customers to the Ford brand, with conquest rates at 64 percent and 67 percent, respectively; Toyota is the top competitive conquest brand

C-MAX Hybrids being built at Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Mich. MAP the only manufacturing site in the world to build vehicles with five different fuel-efficient powertrains on the same line, and the only one to build four vehicles that deliver 40 mpg or more in real-world driving. In addition to the C-MAX Hybrid, MAP produces Focus Electric, the C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid, as well as the conventional Focus and Focus ST high performance model.

 

DEARBORN, Mich., May 31, 2013 – Ford Motor Company bested its previous full-year hybrid sales record in just the first five months of 2013, driven by the product strength of its new electrified vehicle lineup including Ford C-MAX Hybrid, Ford C-MAX Energi, Ford Fusion Hybrid and Ford Fusion Energi, as well as Lincoln MKZ Hybrid.

 

Ford beat its previous full-year hybrid sales record of 35,496 vehicles in 2010 with projected sales of 37,000 through May, an increase of more than 375 percent over the same period last year. Ford is now second only to Toyota in the number of hybrid vehicles it sells in the United States with its market share continuing to grow, up from 3 percent last year to an all-time-high 15.5 percent through April 2013.

 

“We’re working tirelessly to get as many hybrids to the market as we can right now to meet this unprecedented customer demand for our electrified vehicles,” said Erich Merkle, Ford U.S. sales analyst. “The success we are experiencing with hybrids is energizing the whole company.”

 

Ford C-MAX Hybrid and Ford Fusion Hybrid continue to draw new customers to the Ford brand, with conquest rates remaining highest in the Ford showroom since the launch of both vehicle lines. Fusion Hybrid conquest sales are holding steady at 67 percent, with C-MAX Hybrid at 63 percent. The new lineup continues to draw new customers from Toyota and Honda, with most conquest sales coming from Toyota.

 

Ford Fusion Hybrid continues to fly off dealer lots, attaining some of the highest turn rates in the Ford showroom. Fusion Hybrid is turning in just 14 days on average as customers are drawn to the all-new car’s fuel economy, styling and design. This turn rate is even higher in key markets like Los Angeles, at just 10 days. Fusion Hybrid represents an all-time-high percentage of overall Fusion sales, at 15 percent.

 

Ford Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid – the newest addition to Ford’s electrified vehicle lineup – is also expected to achieve its best sales month ever since its launch in February.

 

“Our all-new electrified vehicle lineup is drawing new customers to the Ford brand,” said C.J. O’Donnell, Ford electrification group marketing manager. “We are growing our business by providing fuel-efficient products that don’t force customers to compromise the design, technology and comfort that are available across the Ford lineup.

 

“We’re hearing from our dealers they literally can’t keep our hybrids in stock,” O’Donnell added. “This is particularly evident in key markets like California.”

 

Ford is delivering the power of choice

Ford is seeing demand for fuel economy across its lineup as the brand ranks No. 1 in fuel economy customer satisfaction by J.D. Power and now beats Toyota for leading efficiency in every segment where both companies compete.

 

Ford’s newest plug-in vehicle – Fusion Energi – gives customers yet another Ford option when shopping electrified vehicles. The new Fusion Energi joins Focus Electric, Fusion Hybrid, C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi.

 

 

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 175,000 employees and 65 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit http://corporate.ford.com.

Recalls Of The Day, May 30, 2013

Recalls issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration today include a brake pedal that sinks to the floor and electrical problems in an ambulance.

If your vehicle is affected please have it repaired as quickly as possible.  After all, if someone needs a ride in a ambulance and life support systems fail, what's the sense of running to a victim's aid if you can't help them on the way to a hospital.  



Report Receipt Date: MAY 21, 2013
NHTSA Campaign Number: 13E027000
Component(s): SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Potential Number of Units Affected: 240

BOSCHMASTER CYLINDER 07/01/2011 - 04/12/2012                          

Manufacturer: Centric Parts

SUMMARY:
Centric Parts is recalling certain Hydro-Mar master cylinders manufactured by Bosch from July 1, 2011 through April 12, 2012. The master cylinders are equipped with a 2.0 bore and 84 cubic inch reservoir containing a fluid level indication switch and without a differential pressure switch. The brake fluid level indicator (FLI) may not properly detect a low brake fluid level situation and warn the driver.

CONSEQUENCE:

If the brake system develops an external leak, it may result in a loss of brake fluid below the detection level of the fluid indicator switch. Without a warning, the driver may be unaware that the brake fluid level is low. A low brake fluid level may reduce the available braking force which could lengthen the required stopping distance and increase the risk of a crash.

REMEDY:

Centric Parts is working with Bosch to notify owners and Bosch will replace the fluid level indicator switch free of charge. The manufacturer has not provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Centric Parts at 1-626-961-5775.

NOTES:

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

                                                              

 

 

 

SUMMARY:

On February 20, 2013, Navistar, Inc. (Navistar) notified the NHTSA that it had decided a defect exists in certain model year (MY) 2011 and 2012 Workhorse W42, and MY 2011 and 2012 Workhorse W62 commercial trucks, manufactured from July 18, 2011 through July 12, 2012, and equipped with hydraulic brakes. The brake fluid level indicator may not properly detect a low brake fluid level situation and may not warn the driver, increasing the risk of a crash. This matter was assigned recall number 13V-054. On February 26, 2013, Robert Bosch LLC (Bosch) notified the NHTSA that it had decided a defect exists in certain Hydro-Max brake master cylinders with 2.0 inch bore and 84 cubic inch reservoir, equipped with a brake fluid level indicator switch and without a differential pressure switch, manufactured between July 1, 2011 and April 12, 2012. The brake fluid level indicator may not properly detect a low brake fluid level situation and may not warn the driver, increasing the risk of a crash. This matter was assigned recall number 13E-011. Bosch has supplied the NHTSA with a purchaser list identifying at least 5 other manufacturers that may have incorporated these Hydro-Max master cylinders into motor vehicles. However, a Part 573 Report has not been filed by these potentially affected vehicle manufacturers at this time. The purpose of this EQ investigation is to write to the companies that purchased the Bosch Hydro-Max master cylinders, notify them of this defect and ensure thorough safety recalls are conducted where appropriate.

 

    

Report Receipt Date: MAY 20, 2013
NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V213000
Component(s): ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Potential Number of Units Affected: 6   

Vehicle MakeModelModel Year(s)

• DODGESPRINTER 25002008       

 

Manufacturer: Wheeled Coach Industries, Inc.

     
SUMMARY:
Road Rescue is recalling certain ambulances built on model year 2008 Dodge Sprinter 2500 chassis from April 2008 through December 2008. The failure of a power disconnect solenoid terminates the flow of electricity to the ambulance conversion.

CONSEQUENCE:

When the electrical power is interrupted, the siren, warning lights, and patient compartment lights may not operate. There may be a loss of power to life saving equipment in the patient compartment. In the event of an emergency, the ambulance may not be able to alert other vehicles of its presence, slowing its trip to the hospital and increasing the risk of a crash.

REMEDY:

Wheeled Coach Industries, Inc. will notify owners, and a Wheeled Coach/Road Rescue service center will replace the defective solenoid, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin June 3, 2013. Owners may contact Road Rescue at 1-800-628-8178.

NOTES:

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

2014 Corvette Stingray Cranks Out 460 Horsepower

 

SAE certifications confirm new Corvette has most powerful standard engine ever                  

DETROIT – The 2014 Corvette Stingray’s all-new LT1 6.2L V-8 engine is SAE-certified at 460 horsepower (343 kW) at 6,000 rpm and 465 lb-ft of torque (630 Nm) at 4,600 rpm, with the available performance exhaust system, Chevrolet announced today.

The Stingray is SAE-certified at 455 horsepower (339 kW) and 460 lb-ft (624 Nm) with the standard exhaust system. They are the highest standard power ratings ever for the Corvette, delivered with efficiency that is expected to exceed 26 mpg on the highway.

“The 2014 Corvette Stingray’s LT1 engine is a triumph of advanced technology, delivering more power and torque than ever before with greater efficiency,” said Jordan Lee, Small Block chief engineer.

“The LT1’s performance complements the Corvette’s low mass with a tremendous feeling of power that builds as the rpm climbs. Drivers will experience more power and acceleration than ever before with the standard engine – in fact, its power and torque surpass many uplevel engines offered by competitors.”

 

Copyright General Motors

At 74 horsepower per liter, the LT1 has greater power density than the C6 Corvette’s LS3 6.2L engine and even the C6 Z06’s racing-derived 7.0L LS7. It also produces comparable torque to the LS7 – up to 4,700 rpm – and its peak torque is within 5 lb-ft of the 7.0L engine. That torque is generated early and sustained across the rpm band, with 316 lb-ft available at only 1,000 rpm and 90 percent of peak torque available from 3,000 rpm to 5,500 rpm – giving the lightweight Corvette Stingray excellent acceleration at all speeds.

Chevrolet estimates the Corvette will run from 0 to 60 mph in less than four seconds.

The new LT1 engine’s high output, and high power density and efficiency are due to several advanced technologies, including direct injection, Active Fuel Management and continuously variable valve timing, which support an advanced combustion system.

Direct injection is a primary contributor to the engine’s combustion efficiency, ensuring a more complete burn of the fuel in the air-fuel mixture. That’s achieved by precisely controlling the mixture motion and fuel injection spray pattern. Direct injection also keeps the combustion chamber cooler, which allows for a higher compression ratio. Emissions are also reduced, particularly cold-start hydrocarbon emissions, which are cut by about 25 percent.

Active Fuel Management, or cylinder deactivation, is a  first-ever application on Corvette. It helps save fuel by imperceptibly shutting down half of the engine’s cylinders in light-load driving. Continuously variable valve timing is refined to support the LT1 AFM and direct injection systems to further optimize performance, efficiency and emissions.

These technologies support the all-new, advanced combustion system, which incorporates a new cylinder-head design and a new, sculpted piston design that is an integral contributor to the high-compression, mixture motion parameters enabled by direct injection.

Additional engine features include:

• Advanced oiling system with oil-spray piston cooling and available dry-sump oiling
• Engine-mounted, camshaft-driven fuel pump to support the direct injection system
• Intake manifold with “runners in a box” design that allows for high-efficiency airflow packaged beneath the Corvette’s low hood line
• High-flow, four-into-one exhaust manifolds based on the design of the LS7 engine.

Small Block legacy
The 2014 Corvette Stingray’s LT1 engine is the fifth generation of the Small Block engine family, which debuted in the Corvette in 1955. It displaced 4.3L (265 cubic inches) and was rated at 195 horsepower, drawing air and fuel through a four-barrel carburetor. Five years later, Small Block power helped Corvette secure its first victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

In 2012, the Small Block-powered Corvette Racing C6.R beat Ferrari, BMW and Porsche to sweep the drivers’, team, and manufacturer championships in production-based American Le Mans Series GT class. These championships make Corvette Racing the most successful team in ALMS history, with a total of 77 class wins, eight drivers’ championships, and nine manufacturer and team championships since 2001.

The 2014 Corvette Stingray coupe goes on sale this fall, with a convertible following by the end of the year – each sharing an all-new aluminum frame structure and enhanced chassis, as well as completely new exterior and interior designs.

# # #

About Chevrolet
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4.5 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design, and high quality. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

Recall Recap For The Week Of May 20, 2013

Happy Memorial Day!  Please reflect on those who have given theirs lives to give and preserve our freedom. 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued it recall recap for the week of May 20, 2013.

To learn more about the recalls, click on the NHTSA ID number. 

NHTSA Campaign ID Number :	13V211
Manufacturer :	Triumph Motorcycles America, LTD
Make / Model Years :	TRIUMPH / 2012-2013
Subject :	Neutral Gear Light Remains Illuminated
NHTSA Campaign ID Number :	13V206
Manufacturer :	Isuzu Manufacturing Services of America
Make / Model Years :	ISUZU / 2013
Subject :	Possible Loss of Driving Power
NHTSA Campaign ID Number :	13V205
Manufacturer :	FERRARA FIRE APPARATUS, INC
Make / Model Years :	FERRARA / 2011-2012
Subject :	Leaking Brake Pressure may Lead to Wheel End Fire
NHTSA Campaign ID Number :	13V204
Manufacturer :	John Evans Manufacturing Co.
Make / Model Years :	CHEETAH / 2013-2014 JOHN EVANS / 2013-2014
Subject :	Wheel Lug Nuts May Loosen
NHTSA Campaign ID Number :	13V202
Manufacturer :	General Motors LLC
Make / Model Years :	CADILLAC / 2013
Subject :	Lug Nuts may Loosen allowing Wheel Separation
NHTSA Campaign ID Number :	13V201
Manufacturer :	Terex South Dakota, Inc.
Make / Model Years :	TEREX / 2012-2013
Subject :	Outrigger Cylinder Drifting
NHTSA Campaign ID Number :	13V200
Manufacturer :	Blue Bird Body Company
Make / Model Years :	BLUE BIRD / 2010-2014
Subject :	Flip Seat/Possible Toe or foot pinch
NHTSA Campaign ID Number :	13V199
Manufacturer :	Starcraft Bus
Make / Model Years :	STARCRAFT / 2006-2012
Subject :	Wheelchair Lift Armored Cable Short Circuit
NHTSA Campaign ID Number :	13V198
Manufacturer :	Gulf Stream Coach, Inc.
Make / Model Years :	GULF STREAM / 2013
Subject :	Unexpected Unfurling of the Awning
NHTSA Campaign ID Number :	13V193
Manufacturer :	Altec Industries Inc.
Make / Model Years :	ALTEC / 2010-2011
Subject :	Jib Attachment Bracket may Fail

Recall Of The Day, May 23, 2013

After reading this recall you will understand that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration can issue recalls for safety problems that are not related to automobiles.  They issue them for child seats, RVs, motor cycles and more. 

Today's issue, concerns a bracket on a crane.  The trouble is the bracket could break causing a part of the crane to swing or fall.  Obviously, this could cause at the very least injury to persons near the crane. 


Report Receipt Date: MAY 10, 2013
NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V193000
Component(s): EQUIPMENT
Potential Number of Units Affected: 56
         

Vehicle MakeModelModel Year(s)

• ALTECAC35/38 CRANE2010-2011       

Manufacturer: Altec Industries Inc.

     

SUMMARY:

Altec is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 AC35/38 cranes equipped with 31-55 foot telescopic jibs built between 2010 and 2011. The jib attachment bracket is not sufficient for loads that can occur when the fully extended jib is lifted off the ground.

CONSEQUENCE:

If the jib fails while the crane is in operation, it could pose a risk of injury to people in close proximity.

REMEDY:

Altec will notify owners and dealers will install jib bracket reinforcement kits. Dealers will also install a kit to repair any jib bracket that is damaged. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Altec at 1-877-462-5832 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 1-877-462-5832 FREE  end_of_the_skype_highlighting. Altec's recall campaign number is CSN 576.

NOTES:

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 1-888-327-4236 FREE  end_of_the_skype_highlighting (TTY 1-800-424-9153 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 1-800-424-9153 FREE  end_of_the_skype_highlighting), or go to www.safercar.gov.

GMC Pickups 101: Busting Myths of Truck Aerodynamics

2014 Sierra gains fuel economy, quietness from time in wind tunnel         

DETROIT – The all-new 2014 Sierra full-size pickup truck spent more development time in a wind tunnel than any GMC pickup before it, resulting in design changes that benefit both fuel efficiency and interior quietness.

To achieve improved airflow, aerodynamic engineers like Diane Bloch examined every millimeter of the truck to find areas of improvement, debunking some popular myths along the way.

To study the way air passes over, under and around the Sierra, engineers used General Motors’ state-of-the-art Aerodynamics Lab, a 750-foot-long tunnel through which a 43-foot-diameter fan powered by a DC electric motor with the equivalent of 4,500 horsepower can generate winds of up to 138 mph. Aerodynamic advancement is one reason why the 2014 Sierra will be the most fuel-efficient V-8 pickup on the market.

Copyright General Motors

“We can’t stop air; we can only guide it through the path of least resistance. It’s like electricity, without the shock,” said Bloch, GM aerodynamic performance engineer. “The biggest misconception is that it’s all about single components. But a certain side mirror design doesn’t create a certain amount of drag, its interaction with the rest of the vehicle does.”

For example, a new air dam below the 2014 Sierra’s front bumper successfully reduces drag because it directs air toward the ground and away from the truck’s rough underbody. And Sierra’s ducted flow path between the grille and radiator prevents air from swirling inside the truck’s front cavities.
Even the top of the Sierra’s tailgate and the center high-mounted stop light are optimized to guide air cleanly around the truck. And because Bloch’s team detected unwanted airflow between the cab and bed, new sealing has been added.

“We discovered that in the computational analysis we perform,” said Bloch. “The most harmful air between the cab and bed was coming over the cab and down through the gap, so we paid the most attention to that specific area.”

Copyright General Motors

The pickup market has a great number of available aftermarket accessories, and Bloch says those have varying impact on aerodynamics.  Add-ons like bug deflectors on the hood, wider tires or aftermarket bumpers can raise the drag coefficient, which is the measure of how air pushes on a vehicle as it moves down the road. The result: added noise and increased fuel consumption.

A long-disputed topic among truck owners is whether a tailgate raised or lowered is better for aerodynamics, but Bloch says a tailgate in the up position is more aerodynamically efficient. As air flows over the truck, it falls over the cab and pushes forward on the rear of the truck. With the tailgate down, the benefits of that airflow are diminished.

“Replacing the tailgate with an aftermarket net is worse than having no tailgate at all,” Bloch said. “Imagine dragging a solid object and a fishing net through water. The net is going to require more muscle.”

So what accessories can truck owners add to help aerodynamics? Tonneau covers for the bed help smooth airflow over the truck, and Bloch says soft covers are more beneficial than hard covers because they form to how the air wants to flow. Running boards can also help air flow smoothly down the truck’s sides.
“Round, tube-style running boards can provide a minor improvement to the truck’s drag coefficient,” said Bloch, “Fully integrated, flush-mount running boards are even better.”

GMC has manufactured trucks since 1902, and is one of the industry's healthiest brands. Innovation and engineering excellence is built into all GMC vehicles and the brand is evolving to offer more fuel-efficient trucks and crossovers, including the Terrain small SUV and Acadia crossover. The 2014 Sierra half-ton pickup boasts all-new powertrains and design, and the Sierra Heavy Duty pickups are the most capable and powerful trucks ever built by GMC. Every retail GMC model, including Yukon and Yukon XL full-size SUVs, is now available in Denali luxury trim. Details on all GMC models are available at http://www.gmc.com/, on Twitter at @thisisgmc or at http://www.facebook.com/gmc.

Recall Recap For The Week Of May 13, 2013

The list below is the latest National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recap of recalls for last week.

To learn more about any of the recalls click on the NHTSA ID number and your browser will whisk you away to the specific recall.

NHTSA Campaign ID Number :	13V203
Manufacturer :	Forest River, Inc.
Make / Model Years :	CARGO MATE / 2013-2014 COACHMEN / 2013-2014 FOREST RIVER / 2013-2014 PALOMINO / 2013-2014 PRIME TIME / 2013-2014 SHASTA / 2013-2014
Subject :	Unexpected Unfurling of the Awning
NHTSA Campaign ID Number :	13V197
Manufacturer :	Gulf Stream Coach, Inc.
Make / Model Years :	GULF STREAM / 2001
Subject :	Electrical Wiring may not be Secured
NHTSA Campaign ID Number :	13V196
Manufacturer :	Maserati North America, Inc.
Make / Model Years :	ALFA ROMEO / 2008 MASERATI / 2005-2008
Subject :	Possible Tie Rod Failure
NHTSA Campaign ID Number :	13V195
Manufacturer :	Mack Trucks, Inc.
Make / Model Years :	MACK / 2013-2014
Subject :	Possible Partial Loss of Brake Function
NHTSA Campaign ID Number :	13V194
Manufacturer :	Subaru of America, Inc.
Make / Model Years :	SUBARU / 2013
Subject :	Steering Column Disengagement
NHTSA Campaign ID Number :	13V192
Manufacturer :	Elgin Sweeper Company Inc.
Make / Model Years :	ELGIN / 2006-2012
Subject :	Auxiliary Pump may Overheat Resulting in Fire
NHTSA Campaign ID Number :	13V191
Manufacturer :	New Heights LLC
Make / Model Years :	EQUIPTER / 9999
Subject :	Possible Loss of Trailer Brakes
NHTSA Campaign ID Number :	13V190
Manufacturer :	Setra of North America
Make / Model Years :	SETRA / 2011-2013
Subject :	Engine Compartment Short Circuit/Possible fire
NHTSA Campaign ID Number :	13V189
Manufacturer :	Fleetwood RV, Inc.
Make / Model Years :	FLEETWOOD / 2013-2014
Subject :	Unexpected Unfurling of the Awning
NHTSA Campaign ID Number :	13V188
Manufacturer :	Magic Tilt Trailers, Inc.
Make / Model Years :	MAGIC TILT / 9999
Subject :	Possible Loss of Trailer Braking
NHTSA Campaign ID Number :	13V187
Manufacturer :	Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp.
Make / Model Years :	KME / 2009-2013
Subject :	Steering Column Grease Fitting may Hinder Steering
NHTSA Campaign ID Number :	13V186
Manufacturer :	Heartland Recreational Vehicles, LLC
Make / Model Years :	HEARTLAND / 2013-2014
Subject :	Improper Trailer Balance When Towing
NHTSA Campaign ID Number :	13V185
Manufacturer :	Temsa Global Sanayi Ve Ticaret A.S.
Make / Model Years :	TEMSA / 2011-2013
Subject :	Fuel Tank may Leak
NHTSA Campaign ID Number :	13V184
Manufacturer :	Autocar, LLC
Make / Model Years :	AUTOCAR / 2005-2013
Subject :	Missing Air Tank Drain Valves/FMVSS 121
NHTSA Campaign ID Number :	13V183
Manufacturer :	Autocar, LLC
Make / Model Years :	AUTOCAR / 2012-2013
Subject :	Windshield Wiper Linkage Welds/FMVSS 104
NHTSA Campaign ID Number :	13V182
Manufacturer :	Spartan Motors, Inc.
Make / Model Years :	SPARTAN / 2006-2011
Subject :	Steering Bracket Detachment/Possible Steering Loss
NHTSA Campaign ID Number :	13V181
Manufacturer :	Heartland Recreational Vehicles, LLC
Make / Model Years :	HEARTLAND / 2013-2014
Subject :	Unexpected Unfurling of the Awning
NHTSA Campaign ID Number :	13V179
Manufacturer :	Lion Bus Inc.
Make / Model Years :	LION / 2014
Subject :	Brake Line may Chafe against Air Compressor Line
NHTSA Campaign ID Number :	13V178
Manufacturer :	Tiffin Motorhomes, Inc.
Make / Model Years :	TIFFIN / 2013
Subject :	Unexpected Unfurling of the Awning