Ford First with Kaliki App In-Car Integration for Audio Playback of Major Newspapers and Magazines

• Kaliki provides radio talent-read audio versions of news and articles from top newspaper and magazine publications
• Using Ford SYNC^® AppLink^™, drivers can now voice-command and control the Kaliki smartphone app to listen to their favorite news content while driving

 

 

LAS VEGAS  – Thanks to Kaliki Audio Newsstand and Ford SYNC^® AppLink^™, commuting time can now be put to better use by consuming some of the compelling newspaper and magazine content that we want to get to, but just never seem to find the time to read.

 

In 2011, the U.S. Census Bureau estimated 140 million Americans spent more than two hours per day in their vehicles, with 50 minutes spent on commute time alone. With Kaliki Audio Newsstand, Ford drivers can stay on top of their favorite news and magazine stories without taking their eyes off the road. Kaliki is a new smartphone app for Android devices that curates the top news stories from major newspapers and magazines and provides an audio version for on-demand playback in the vehicle.

 

“With people’s lives getting busier and busier, there is unfortunately less time to sit down with your favorite newspaper or magazine and read, so Kaliki reads it to you,” says Bruce Hopkins, vice president of Sales and Business Development for BT Software-Kaliki Audio Newsstand. “What makes Kaliki unique is the fact we have professional voices that read every story, making the content pleasing to the ear, just like listening to your favorite news radio station or podcast.”

 

Kaliki partners with top publishers in a wide variety of media genres such as Shape Magazine, TV Guide, Men’s Fitness, OK! and Agence France-Presse. Today at CES, BT Software also announces the rollout of local newspapers in Kaliki, starting with the Los Angeles and Detroit markets.

 

“Kaliki demonstrates how we can quickly work with new apps that are adding convenience to the lives of our customers and integrate them into the car through SYNC AppLink,” said Doug VanDagens, global director of Ford Connected Services. “Ford’s goal is to continuously add value to the vehicle through the addition of relevant content and services, such as the great media partners Kaliki brings, and to deliver an exceptional ownership experience.”

 

All of this is available to Ford vehicles equipped with SYNC AppLink, the industry-leading in-car connectivity system and smartphone interface. When a smartphone is Bluetooth^®-paired with SYNC, the driver just needs to press the voice button on the steering wheel to voice-request Kaliki without ever touching the phone. As soon as the app launches, the driver is prompted to select a publication by speaking the name of the newspaper or magazine. The app will automatically start playing the list of available stories from that source.

 

If the driver wants to listen to another program, it is just a button press away with the voice command “Programs – [name of program].” The driver can pause the playback or skip to the next or previous story at any time by tapping the play/pause or track buttons on the steering wheel or radio. All content is fed to the driver’s ears while hands stay on the steering wheel and eyes stay on the road.

 

Kaliki Audio Newsstand is free of charge to SYNC users. The SYNC AppLink-enabled Android app is available now in the Google Play Store and a version for iPhone will be available in the Apple App Store later this month.

 

SYNC AppLink is available on more than 1 million vehicles; it is available on 2013 Fiesta, Mustang, Expedition, Fusion, F-150, Super Duty^®, Focus, E-Series and C-MAX.

 

# # #

 

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 172,000 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.

 

About BT Software

BT Software is a technology company and is the creator of the Kaliki Audio Newsstand. Kaliki partners with media publishers to convert their print and digital media into streaming audio for use on mobile phones and connected vehicles. Kaliki also partners with broadcasters to enable their content to be available on-demand in the vehicle. For more information, please visit http://www.kaliki.com, or follow us on Twitter @kaliki_audio

Recalls Of The Day, January 31, 2013

Seven recalls have been announced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.  The issues include inoperable windshield wipers, inadvertent airbag deployment, airbags that fail to deploy, fasteners not tightened properly, missing reflectors, stalling engines in two different vehicles.

Please have these issues repaired if your vehicle is affected. 



Report Receipt Date: JAN 30, 2013
NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V030000
Component(s): VISIBILITY/WIPER

 Vehicle Make - Model - Model Year(s)

• LEXUSIS 2502006-2012
• LEXUSIS 250C2010-2012
• LEXUSIS 3502006-2012
• LEXUSIS 350C2010-2012
• LEXUSIS F2008-2011

Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

SUMMARY:

Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350 vehicles manufactured August 23, 2005, through October 5, 2011; 2010-2012 Lexus IS250C and IS350C vehicles manufactured April 10, 2009, through October 6, 2011; and 2008-2011 Lexus IS-F vehicles manufactured December 14, 2007, through July 10, 2011. The nuts that fastens the wiper arms may be insufficiently torqued such that if the wiper arms are restricted by an external load, such as a buildup of heavy snow, one or both of the wipers may become inoperative.

CONSEQUENCE:

Inoperative wipers could reduce driver visibility and increase the risk of a vehicle crash.

REMEDY:

Toyota will notify owners, and Lexus dealers will install new wiper arm nuts, free of charge. The recall will begin in late February 2013. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

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.

 

 

 

Receipt Date: JAN 30, 2013
NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V029000
Component(s): AIR BAGS

Vehicle Make - Model - Model Year(s)

• PONTIACVIBE2003-2004
• TOYOTACOROLLA2003-2004
• TOYOTACOROLLA MATRIX2003-2004

Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

SUMMARY:

Toyota is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Corolla and Corolla Matrix vehicles and 2003-2004 Pontiac Vibe vehicles. The supplemental restraint system (SRS) circuits are susceptible to internal shorting. The electrical short may create an abnormal current flow and increased heat which can damage the circuits. This could result in an inadvertent deployment of the front airbags and/or seat belt pretensioners.

CONSEQUENCE:

Inadvertent deployment of the airbags or the seat belt pretensioners may increase the risk of injury and the possibility of a vehicle crash.

REMEDY:

Toyota will notify their owners, and General Motors will notify theirs. Dealers will install a supplemental harness containing an electrical filter between the airbag control module and its wire harness, free of charge. A notification schedule has not been provided. For more information, Toyota owners may call 1-800-331-4331 and Pontiac owners may call 1-800-620-7668.

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.

 

Report Receipt Date: JAN 24, 2013
NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V023000
Component(s): AIR BAGS

Vehicle Make - Model - Model Year(s)

• BUICKVERANO2012
• CHEVROLETCAMARO2012
• CHEVROLETCRUZE2012
• CHEVROLETSONIC2012

Manufacturer: General Motors LLC

SUMMARY:

General Motors is recalling certain model year 2012 Chevrolet Camaro, Buick Verano, Chevrolet Cruze, and Chevrolet Sonic vehicles. The driver side frontal air bag has a shorting bar which may intermittently contact the air bag terminals.

CONSEQUENCE:

If the bar and terminals are contacting each other at the time of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal airbag, that airbag will not deploy, increasing the driver's risk of injury.

REMEDY:

General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering wheel airbag coil, free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on February 13, 2013. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-521-7300.

NOTES:

This is General Motors recall number 12261 and is an expansion of NHTSA recall 12V-522. 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.

 

 

 

Report Receipt Date: JAN 23, 2013
NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V024000
Component(s): SUSPENSION

 Vehicle Make- Model - Model Year(s)

• CHEVROLETMALIBU2013

Manufacturer: General Motors LLC

SUMMARY:

General Motors is recalling certain model year 2013 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles, manufactured December 6, 2011, through January 15, 2013. One or more rear suspension bolts may not have been tightened to the specified torque. This may lead to sudden changes in vehicle handling.

CONSEQUENCE:

Sudden changes in vehicle handling may increase the risk of a crash.

REMEDY:

General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and retighten the bolts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notifications have already begun and will be completed shortly. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-521-7300.

NOTES:

This is General Motors recall number 13008. 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.

 

 

Report Receipt Date: JAN 22, 2013
NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V021000
Component(s): EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Vehicle Make - Model - Model Year(s)

• PREVOSTH3-452013
• PREVOSTX3-452013
• PREVOSTXLII-45 ENTERTAINER2013

Manufacturer: Prevost Cars, Inc.

SUMMARY:

Prevost is recalling certain model year 2013 X3-45, H3-45, and XLII-45 Entertainer coach buses and coach bus shells manufactured September 25, 2012, through November 29, 2012 for failing to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment." The buses may have missing side reflectors.

CONSEQUENCE:

The absence of reflectors could reduce the ability for others to see the bus, increasing the risk that another vehicle may crash into the bus.

REMEDY:

Prevost will notify owners, and dealers will add side reflectors, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during February 2013. Owners may contact Prevost at 1-418-883-2888 x 6558.

NOTES:

Prevost's campaign recall number is SR13-05. 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.

 

    

 

Report Receipt Date: JAN 17, 2013
NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V020000
Component(s): ELECTRICAL SYSTEM , ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Vehicle Make - Model - Model Year(s)

• HOLIDAY RAMBLERAMBASSADOR2013
• HOLIDAY RAMBLERENDEAVOR2013
• IC BUS1300FBC2013
• IC BUSCE2012-2013
• IC BUSHC2013
• IC BUSRE2013
• INTERNATIONALDURASTAR2011-2013
• INTERNATIONALWORKSTAR2013
• MONACODIPLOMAT2013
• MONACOKNIGHT2013

 

Manufacturer: Navistar, Inc.

SUMMARY:

Navistar is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 IC Bus brand model 1300FBC, CE, HC, and RE buses; model year 2011-2013 International brand model Durastar, model year 2013 International brand Workstar trucks; model year 2013 Holiday Rambler brand model Ambassador and Endeavor vehicles; and model year 2013 Monaco brand model Diplomat and Knight vehicles. These vehicles were manufactured August 5, 2010 through September 6, 2012 and are equipped with certain 2011-2013 model year I-6 engines with feature codes 12NUK, 12NUL, 12NUM, 12NUN, 12NUP, 12NUR, 12NUS, 12NUT, 12NUU, 12NUV, 12NUX, 12NUY and 12NUZ. The injection pressure regulator (IPR) harness wire may break due to vibrational damage. This could cause an unexpected shut down of the engine.

CONSEQUENCE:

An unexpected engine shut down while driving may increase the risk of a vehicle crash.

REMEDY:

Navistar will notify owners, and dealers will replace the IPR wire connector free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin by March 18, 2013. Owners may contact Navistar at 1-800-448-7825.

NOTES:

Navistar's recall campaign number is 13501. 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.

 

 

Report Receipt Date: JAN 17, 2013
NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V019000
Component(s): ELECTRICAL SYSTEM , ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Vehicle Make - Model - Model Year(s)

• IC BUSCE2013
• IC BUSRE2012-2013

Manufacturer: Navistar, Inc.

SUMMARY:

Navistar is recalling certain model year 2013 IC brand CE buses, and 2012-2013 RE buses; manufactured from December 7, 2010, through June 26, 2012 and equipped with model year 2011 through 2013 I-6 engines and feature codes 12NUK, 12NUL, 12NUM, 12NUN, 12NUP and 12NUS. The injection pressure regulator (IPR) harness wire may break due to vibrational damage. This could cause an unexpected shut down of the engine.

CONSEQUENCE:

An unexpected engine shut down while driving may increase the risk of a vehicle crash.

REMEDY:

Navistar will notify owners, and dealers will replace the IPR wire connector, free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin by March 18, 2013. Owners may contact Navistar at 1-800-448-7825.

NOTES:

Navistar's recall campaign number is 13502. 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.

 

 

 

Recalls Of The Day, January 30, 2013

The National Highway Traffic Safety Adminstration has issued five recalls.  For complete details click their link at the top of this blog.

Issues of these recalls include motorcycle tires that lose air pressure, wheels that seperate from vehicles, lack of lubrication that causes transmission failure, an unplanned stop due to a problem in a fire suppression system, and trouble with cables that might start a fire.  

 

 

 

Report Receipt Date: JAN 23, 2013
NHTSA Campaign Number: 13T001000
Component(s): TIRES
 

Tire Brand Name - Tire Line/Tire Size - Production Dates:

• CONTINENTALCONTIMOTION12/19/2010 - 09/24/2011

 

Manufacturer: Continental Tire the Americas, LLC.

SUMMARY:

Continental Tire is recalling certain ContiMotion motorcycle tires, size 180/60R16 M/C 74H produced from December 19, 2010, through September 24, 2011. The tires were sold as replacement equipment for Honda GoldWing 1800 motorcycles. Some of these tires may experience uneven wear, groove cracking, and belt lift. This could result in a loss of inflation pressure.

CONSEQUENCE:

A loss of inflation pressure while riding could cause the motorcycle operator to lose control, increasing the risk of a crash.

REMEDY:

Continental Tire will notify owners and reimburse customers for the affected tires. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Continental Tire customer service toll-free at 1-888-799-2168.

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.

Select this checkbox to order available documentation for a fee. Submit using the form that will appear below.                          

 

 

Report Receipt Date: JAN 18, 2013
NHTSA Campaign Number: 13E002000
Component(s): WHEELS

 Equipment Brand Name - Part No. or Model No. - Production Dates:

• HAYES LEMMERZSTEEL WHEELS -

Manufacturer: Maxion Wheels/Hayes Lemmerz

SUMMARY:

Hayes Lemmerz International Commercial Highway, Inc. (Hayes Lemmerz), is recalling certain commercial steel wheels, model 10073 with date codes ending in A030912 and B030912. These wheels were sold as aftermarket/replacement equipment or installed as original equipment on various commercial highway vehicles (highway tractor, truck, trailer and bus applications). Due to an inadequate weld between the wheel disc and rim, the disc can separate from the rim.

CONSEQUENCE:

Separation of the rim and tire from the vehicle can result in a loss of control and a vehicle crash.

REMEDY:

Hayes Lemmerz will notify affected aftermarket/replacement wheel distributors and vehicle manufacturers. The vehicle manufacturers will notify owners of vehicles that may have had the affected wheels installed as original equipment. The recall is expected to begin by the end of January 2013. Vehicle owners should contact their vehicle manufacturer and owners of the aftermarket wheels should contact their aftermarket distributor. For further information and questions, Hayes Lemmerz may be contacted at 1-734-737-5205.

NOTES:

This recall is a supercession of recall 12E-044. 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.

 

 

Report Receipt Date: JAN 17, 2013
NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V017000
Component(s): POWER TRAIN

 Vehicle Make - Model - Model Year(s)

• BMWACTIVEE2011

Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC

SUMMARY:

BMW is recalling certain model year 2011 1-Series ActiveE passenger vehicles manufactured August 17, 2011, through December, 19, 2011. Due to an insufficient sealing of the drivetrain housing assembly there may be a lack of grease lubrication on the gear shaft that transfers power from the electric motor to the transmission.

CONSEQUENCE:

Over time, the connection between the electric motor and the transmission may wear, possibly resulting in a sudden loss of vehicle propulsion. This could increase the risk of a vehicle crash.

REMEDY:

BMW will notify owners by telephone, and dealers will inspect the drivetrain connection and update the sealing system. Any worn electric motor gearing will be replaced. The recall is expected to begin in January 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

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.

 

 

Report Receipt Date: JAN 17, 2013
NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V015000
Component(s): EQUIPMENT

 Vehicle Make - Model - Model Year(s)

• PREVOSTH32010-2013
• PREVOSTMTH XLII-45E2010-2013
• PREVOSTX32010-2013

Manufacturer: Prevost Cars, Inc.

SUMMARY:

Prevost is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 H3 and X3 coaches and MTH XLII-45E coach shells manufactured between June 29, 2009, up to June 4, 2012, and equipped with an Automatic Fire Detection and Suppression System (AFSS). There is the possibility that the AFSS could unintentionally activate due to wear of the linear thermal detection cable.

CONSEQUENCE:

An activation of the AFSS causes the vehicle to come to an unplanned stop. This could increase the risk of a vehicle crash or personal injury.

REMEDY:

Prevost will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and repair the linear thermal detector by adding a protective sheath, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during February 2013. Owners may contact Prevost at 1-418-883-2888 x 6558.

NOTES:

Prevost's campaign recall number is SR13-03. 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.

 

 

Report Receipt Date: JAN 14, 2013
NHTSA Campaign Number: 13E001000
Component(s): EQUIPMENT 

Equipment Brand Name - Part No. or Model No. - Production Dates:

• RICONK2005 -
• RICONK2010 -
• RICONK5505 -
• RICONK5510 -
• RICONS2003 -
• RICONS2005 -
• RICONS2010 -
• RICONS5505 -
• RICONS5510 -

Manufacturer: Ricon Corporation

SUMMARY:

Ricon is recalling certain S series and K Series wheelchair lifts manufactured after August 1, 2006, and equipped with an optional armored pendant cable. The cable may have been installed such that it doesn't clear the wheelchair lift and without a protective cover, or a misinstalled protective cover.

CONSEQUENCE:

The cable may contact the power lug at the base of the wheel chair lift causing a short circuit that could result in a fire.

REMEDY:

Ricon will notify the affected vehicles manufacturers and will provide a supplemental cover kit and instructions, free of charge. This recall campaign is expected to begin January 2013. Owners may contact Ricon at 1-818-267-3000.

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.

Toyota Announces Two Voluntary Safety Recalls of Certain 2003 and 2004 Corolla and 2006 Through Early 2012 Lexus IS Vehicles

TORRANCE, Calif., Jan. 30, 2013 – Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. (TMS), will conduct two separate safety recalls involving approximately 752,000 Corolla and Corolla Matrix vehicles and approximately 270,000 Lexus IS vehicles.

The airbag control module for the supplemental restraint system (SRS) in the Corolla and Corolla Matrix vehicles could have been manufactured with application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) that are susceptible to internal shorting. These ASICs could experience an internal short that creates abnormal current flow and increased heat. If this occurs, there is a possibility that the ASIC could become damaged. In some instances, the front airbag(s) and/or seat belt pretensioners could inadvertently deploy.

The second safety recall involves the front wipers on certain Lexus IS vehicles where the wiper arm nut might not be sufficiently tight. If movement of the wipers is restricted by an external load, such as a buildup of heavy snow on the windshield, one or both of the wipers could become inoperative.

Owners of vehicles covered by these safety recalls will receive an owner notification letter via first class mail in the near future. Any authorized Toyota or Lexus dealer will perform this recall at no charge to the vehicle owner.

Detailed information is available to customers at www.toyota.com/recall and the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331 or www.lexus.com/recall and Lexus Customer Satisfaction (1 800-255-3987).

# # #

Sizzling FR-S and Interactivity Are Key Elements at Scion Exhibit

CHICAGO – Scion, the youth brand of Toyota, will be incorporating cutting-edge interactivity and dazzling, award-winning vehicles to showcase its iconic lineup at the 2013 Chicago Auto Show.

Central to the exhibit will be the 2013 Scion FR-S compact rear-wheel drive sports car, which went on sale last spring. Since that time, the ultra-sporty FR-S has won praise and awards from a number of media outlets, including the coveted Cars.com “Best of 2013”award. Besides the production version, Scion will show a special FR-S scheduled to be used in the 2013 Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach celebrity race this April.

Each of Scion’s five product offerings will have an interactive counter, providing guests with vehicle information, Scion art and brand culture imagery, at the touch of a hand. Social media-savvy visitors can also follow Scion Instagram and Twitter activity at the show via a live social media feed on a large LED video display.

“The Chicago Auto Show attracts lots of young people so interactivity is key to our exhibit,” said Steve Hatanaka, auto shows and special events manager at Scion. “From its visual flair to hi-tech amenities, this exhibit was designed to appeal to a young audience.”

Recalls Of The Day, January 29, 2013

The National Highway Traffic Safety Adminstration has announced one recall.  The issue is improper labeling which could lead to tire failure.


Report Receipt Date: JAN 16, 2013
NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V013000
Component(s): EQUIPMENT

Vehicle Make - Model - Model Year(s)

• ENTEGRAASPIRE2013

 

Manufacturer: Entegra Coach

SUMMARY:

Entegra Coach is recalling certain model year 2013 Aspire Class A motorhomes manufactured April 11, 2012, through August 30, 2012. On the affected vehicles, the Certification label incorrectly identifies the size of the tires on the rear axles. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 120, "Tire Selection and Rims for Motor Vehicles Other Than Passenger Cars."

CONSEQUENCE:

An inaccurate label could lead to installation of improper replacement tires which may cause vehicle overloading which could lead to a tire failure resulting in personal injury or property damage.

REMEDY:

Entegra Coach will notify owners and dealers will replace the Certification label. The recall is expected to begin during January 2013. Owners may contact Entegra Coach at 1-800-945-4787.

NOTES:

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

Recall Recap For The Week Of January 21 - 25, 2013

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has announced its recap of recalls for the week of January 21, 2013.

For more information about these recalls click on the NHTSA ID number and you will be directed to the appropriate web page containing details of the recall.

NHTSA Campaign ID Number :	13V016
Manufacturer :	Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Make / Model Years :	HONDA / 2009-2013
Subject :	Driver's Airbag Module may be Missing Rivets
NHTSA Campaign ID Number :	13V014
Manufacturer :	Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC
Make / Model Years :	TOYOTA / 2009-2013
Subject :	Occupant Sensing System Calibration
NHTSA Campaign ID Number :	13V011
Manufacturer :	North American Bus Industries, Inc.
Make / Model Years :	BLUE BIRD / 2007-2009
Subject :	Cracks may cause Steering Gear to Separate

Cadillac ATS Wins 2013 North American Car of the Year

DETROIT – The 2013 Cadillac ATS luxury sport sedan today was named the winner of the North American Car of the Year award.

A jury of 49 automotive journalists considered every new car released in the past year, and selected ATS as the winner. The award was announced at a press conference opening the 25^th annual North American International Auto Show.

"This is a very meaningful honor for the entire Cadillac team, especially the men and women who build the ATS in Lansing, Michigan, and our dedicated and talented designers and engineers,” said Bob Ferguson, GM vice president, global Cadillac. “A car like ATS is the result of incredible commitment and focus. That’s the only method for creating a great performing luxury car."

Copyright General Motors 

The new ATS is the lightest car in its class with a unique architecture designed for nimble driving performance. The North American Car of the Year award is the latest in a growing list of accolades for the ATS, which was named Car of the Year by Esquire, and the Motor Press Guild, as well as several other awards.

A compact sport sedan, the ATS is offered in rear- and all-wheel drive versions, with a choice of powerful and efficient four- and six-cylinder engines. It recently received a 5-Star overall crash test rating in the New Car Assessment Program run by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Cadillac has been a leading luxury auto brand since 1902. In recent years, Cadillac has engineered a historic renaissance led by artful engineering and advanced technology.

Recalls Of The Day, January 25, 2013

Today, The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has not announce any vehicle recalls.  We willl keep you posted of any new developments.

Dr. Gizmo Column

 "Dr. Gizmo"

By Phil Arendt
 

Computer Glitch Causes Rough Idle, Difficult Starts And Stalling

Question 1
I have a 2007 Chevrolet Impala with a 3.5-liter flex-fuel engine.  When the engine is cold such as after being parked all night when I start in the morning often it runs rough, misfires and sometimes stalls.  This does not happen all of the time but happens too often and lasts less than 10 seconds or so. 

Multiple times I have gone to a repair shop or dealership to have the trouble diagnosed and repaired.   The spark plugs have been replaced.  They have checked for air leaks.  The computer has been reflashed.  The computer has been replaced.  The fuel pump was replaced and more.  They have done just about everything under the sun but the trouble persists.

The car has been doing this since it was new.  Now it has almost 100,000 miles.  It’s in great condition and I want to keep it but especially in cold weather when I start the stalling and sputtering is almost unbearable.  Do you have any suggestions short of dumping the car?  T.M.F., email

Answer 1

The joys of owning a flex-fuel car often ends before the first car payment.  Apparently, this is the situation in your case, but there is hope.

Your car uses a virtual system that tries to calculate the percentage of alcohol blended in the fuel.  Other systems use sensors to measure the alcohol content.  Whether the system uses virtual measurements or actual sensors the measurement is used to adjust the air to fuel mixture going to the cylinders.  Since your car uses virtual measurements based upon computer algorithms there is trouble that can’t be repaired but there is something you can do to hopefully end your woes.

The trouble might be caused by topping off the fuel tank with different alcohol blends.  One time you might top off with a fuel blended with 10 percent alcohol and the next time with fuel that is 85 percent alcohol.  Soon there will be fuel blended with 15 percent alcohol that will bring on other issues but I won’t go down that path right now.  The point is your computer system can’t accurately identify the fuel blend to properly adjust the air/fuel mixture.

To counter this problem, run the tank to nearly empty and then fill it up with the fuel of your choice.  The best thing to do is stick with one brand of fuel and same alcohol content.  If you must switch alcohol content let’s say 85 percent alcohol to 10 percent alcohol run until the tank is nearly empty before filling up.  In doing so the computer system won’t do as much guessing and the engine should run fine when you start in the morning.  If this does not cure the trouble your dealer might be able reprogram the engine control module with updated information to address this issue.

Installed New Parts And Engine Fails To Run

Question 2
I have a 2002 Hyundai with a 2.4-liter engine that is misfiring and now that I replaced the ignition coils, spark plugs and ignition wires it does not start at all.  I took the newly installed coils back to the auto supply store where they exchanged them.  I installed these coils and the engine still does not start. 

As an experiment I put the old coils back on the car and the engine starts but does not run very well.  Is there something I am doing to the new coils that causes the engine to not start?  B.L., email

Answer 2

The fact that the old coils at least start the engine says a lot about the newly acquired aftermarket parts.  Consider ordering new original equipment coils from a dealership.  Sometimes aftermarket parts just do not meet original equipment standards.  It’s time to return them to your parts supply store for a refund and install factory original coils.

Temperature Gauge Inoperative

Question 3
The temperature gauge in my 1994 Volkswagen Euro Van quit working.  I replaced the temperature sensors on the engine.  I also removed the instrument cluster to examine it but did not see anything burnt or loose.  When I ground the wire at the temperature sensor the gauge moves to hot and the warning light turns on. 

I’m frustrated.  What am I missing?  M.R., email

Answer 3

Don’t let your VW give you fits.  It’s possible the new sensor has a fault.  A test with an ohm meter should determine if it is functioning. 

Since the gauge moves when you ground the wire at the sensor the wiring seems okay.  If the sensor passes tests, more than likely a lasting repair is to replace the instrument cluster.

Transmission Sticks In First Gear

Question 4
The automatic transmission in my 2004 Buick Century takes a long time to shift from first to second gear.  This does not happen all the time.  When it does occur it is usually after the car has been parked for a while.  I start the engine and place the transmission shifter in drive and the transmission sticks in first gear for what seems forever.  Eventually, it shifts into second gear.  Once it goes through this routine the transmission shifts normally the rest of my drive.

I had the computer tested but there are no computer diagnostic codes.  Also, no warning lights shine on the dash.

My car is in great shape and has 120,000 miles.  Can this be repaired without an overhaul?  M.M., email

Answer 4
Trouble such as this could be caused by sticking valves or faulty solenoids in the transmission’s valve body.  Repairing or replacing the valve body does not require complete disassembly of the transmission. 

It is also possible the cause of the trouble is deep inside the unit.  If testing finds this is true at this mileage excessive wear is a consideration and disassembly more than likely will lead to an overhaul or replacement with a remanufactured unit.

New Sound System Might Be Trouble

Question 5

Recently, I purchased a 2002 BMW 325i with 60,000 miles.  The car is in great condition and was running great until I installed a high powered sound system.  Right after installing the sound system the battery and alternator died.  A shop replaced them, but now the antilock brake warning light is on in the dash and I can tell the system is not working.

Are all these troubles caused by the audio system?  What else could cause these problems?  F.O., email

Answer 5

These troubles may not be coincidence.  If the sound system is not installed properly and has issues such as improper ground circuits, trouble in other circuits follows.  Not only this but if your sound system draws excessive electrical power, fluctuating power causes issues in control modules and circuits that may cause failures.

If you installed the sound system consider taking the vehicle to a shop that specializes in infotainment installation and repair.  A technician may need to modify the installation by installing parts that stabilize and regulate power and he may find ground circuits need attention as well.  If a shop installed the system, return for diagnosis of the trouble.

Repair Cost Might Be More Than Anticipated

Question 6
 I have a 1999 Oldsmobile Aurora with a 4.0 engine.  I purchased the car three years ago when it had 54,000 miles.  It’s in great condition.  It now has nearly 70,000 miles. 

There is a troubling noise coming from the front of the engine.  It’s sort of a buzzing sound.  I went to a repair shop where a mechanic replaced the power steering pump, drive belt, tensioner and an idle pulley.  Despite all of this the buzzing was still there.  He did not charge me for any of this work and reinstalled all the old parts.  He ran the engine without the drive belt and the noise remained.  Now the mechanic says the timing chain is causing the sound.  To find out for sure he will need to do a lot of work to examine the chain.   

Does this seem right to you?  K.R.T., email

Answer 6
Removing the serpentine belt that drives pulleys and accessories at the front of the engine eliminates sounds that can be caused by these parts.  It also gives a technician a chance to use a stethoscope to check for noises inside the front of the engine.

It appears your technician is going down the right path.  Once he examines the chain and all of its related hardware he will be able to determine for sure if it needs replacement which is very likely. 

Before he dives into disassembling the engine be sure to get an estimate for the work including the cost of replacing the timing chain.  You might learn that the cost of this repair exceeds the market value of the car.          

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.ws.  2/31/2012 ® DR. GIZMO © 1989-2012

2013 Dodge Dart: Most Earth Friendly Vehicle on the Road

by Jen Herman

The 2013 Dodge Dart was named the Earth, Wind & Power Car of the Year for 2013. The EWP Awards honor the most environmentally progressive car and truck of the year.

Earth, Wind & Power Media partners with Road & Travel magazine to educate consumers on climate change and to offer solutions to environmental issues that affect our daily lives.

The award praises automakers that produce the most fuel-efficient vehicles. "We are honored to accept this award that recognizes the Dodge Dart’s environmental friendliness and fuel economy of up to 41 miles per gallon,” said Reid Bigland, President CEO– Dodge Brand. “In addition to its excellent fuel economy, the all-new Dodge Dart offers features and benefits never before offered in a compact car, the interior room of a mid-size car and class-leading technology, style and safety, and a starting price of just $15,995."

Bigland was on hand at the 2013 North American International Auto Show during media days to personally accept the award from Road& Travel magazine publisher and president Courtney Caldwell.

The Dodge Dart is not only environmentally friendly, but it’s also fun. The all-new Dodge Dart is loaded with state-of-the-art technology, including 10 standard air bags, available ParkView rear back-up camera, blind spot monitoring and rear crosspath detection.

The Dart GT model is the latest addition to the 2013 Dodge Dart lineup and made its debut at the 2013 North American International Auto Show.

Watch the award presentation in the player below:

             

 

Recalls Of The Day, January 24, 2013

Good day everyone.  Today, no recalls have been issue by the national Highway Traffic Safety Administration.  We will keep an eye on the situation and keep you posted of any developments.

Dealer Showrooms Next Stop for Buick Encore

Shipments begin for new luxury small crossover

DETROIT – The Buick Encore passed a milestone today as shipments began to dealers. Within the next few weeks, test drives will be available at Buick dealers around the country allowing prospective customers to experience the first luxury small crossover from Buick.

“Encore delivers Buick’s signature quiet and well-crafted luxury in a new and unexpected package,” said Tony DiSalle, vice president of Buick Marketing. “Having vehicles on trucks and heading to dealers means we’re one step closer to letting customers experience that for themselves.”

The 2013 Encore is unlike any vehicle in the brand’s 110-year history, offering a unique combination of size, efficiency and value.

Autotrader.com recently named Encore to its list of “Top 10 Must Test Drive Vehicles for 2013,” calling it a “nimble crossover SUV with an exceptionally quiet ride, a high-tech interior and estimated highway fuel economy of 33 mpg.”

Encore has a suggested retail price of $24,950 and its EPA estimated fuel economy of 25 city/33 highway earned the vehicle a place on the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy list of “Greener Choices 2013.”

Copyright General Motors

Standard features include IntelliLink connectivity with intuitive voice commands, 10 air bags, and a rear vision camera. Encore offers innovative active safety systems including Forward Collision Alert, which uses a camera-based system to alert the driver of a possible collision, and Lane Departure Warning, which alerts the driver when a lane marker is crossed without the use of a turn signal.

Buick is a modern luxury brand offering vehicles with sculpted designs, luxurious interiors with thoughtful personal technologies, along with responsive-yet-efficient performance. Buick is attracting new customers with its portfolio of award-winning luxury models, including the Enclave crossover, LaCrosse sedan, Regal sport sedan, Buick Verano sedan and the all-new 2013 Encore crossover. Learn more about Buick cars and crossovers at www.buick.com, on Twitter @buick or at www.facebook.com/buick.

Recalls Of The Day, January 23, 2013

Today, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has announced two recalls.  One concerns a missing fastener on air bags.  The other issue is cracks in steering components.

Both of these recalls address issues that could ruin your day.  Please have your vehicle repaired quickly as your well being and the well being of others is at stake.

Vehicle Make / Model:     Model Year(s):      HONDA / ODYSSEY     2011-2013      HONDA / PILOT     2009-2013 Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) Report Receipt Date: JAN 18, 2013 NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 13V016000 NHTSA Action Number: N/A Component: AIR BAGS Potential Number of Units Affected: 748,481 Summary:   Honda is recalling certain model year 2009-2013 Pilot and 2011-2013 Odyssey passenger vehicles manufactured from March 13, 2008, through December 21, 2012. One or more rivets that attach the airbag module to the airbag cover may be missing. Consequence:   The absence of more than one rivet could alter the performance of the driver's airbag during deployment. This could potentially increase the risk of injury during a crash. Remedy:   Honda will notify owners and instruct them to take their vehicle to a Honda dealer. The dealer will inspect the driver's airbag module and replace it if necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on, or about, February 16, 2013. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009. Notes:   Honda's recall campaign number is S75. 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.

Vehicle Make / Model:     Model Year(s):      BLUE BIRD / L4RE     2007-2009 Manufacturer: North American Bus Industries, Inc. Report Receipt Date: JAN 11, 2013 NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 13V011000 NHTSA Action Number: N/A Component: STEERING Potential Number of Units Affected: 53 Summary:   North American Bus Industries Inc. (NABI) is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 Blue Bird L4RE transit buses manufactured July 1, 2007, through October 31, 2009. The buses may have a defective steering gear attachment. Cracks may develop in the bracket that secures the power steering gear to the bus frame or the bus frame may crack around the bolts that attach the steering gear bracket to the frame. Consequence:   If left unchecked, the cracks may propagate and cause partial separation of the steering gear from the bus frame. This would cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. Remedy:   NABI will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and repair the buses free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in March 2013. Owners may contact NABI at 1-256-831-4296. 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.

Ford to Hire 2,200 Salaried Workers in the U.S. This Year, Building on Aggressive 2012 Hiring to Support New Products

• Continued aggressive pace of new Ford products creates need for largest U.S. hiring for salaried workers in more than 10 years

• Ford plans to hire 2,200 salaried workers in 2013 to fill jobs in such key areas as Product Development, Manufacturing and IT; recruiting through social media being expanded

• The hiring builds on the creation of more than 8,100 salaried and hourly jobs in the U.S. in 2012 – including 1,000 in-sourced hourly positions; Ford is more than halfway to its goal of creating 12,000 hourly jobs in the U.S. by 2015 to support new products and investment

DEARBORN, Mich. – Ford Motor Company plans to hire 2,200 salaried workers in the U.S. this year – the largest increase in new salaried workers in more than a decade – to support the continued aggressive pace of new Ford product introductions.

The hiring is in addition to the more than 8,100 combined hourly and salaried jobs Ford added in the U.S. in 2012, as the company increased production capacity and expanded Engineering, Manufacturing and other areas to meet the growing demand for its fuel-efficient, high-tech vehicles. Approximately 1,000 of these positions were hourly jobs brought back to Ford plants in the U.S. from other locations, including suppliers in Japan and Mexico.

The company now is more than halfway to the 12,000 new U.S. jobs it committed to deliver by 2015 as part of its 2011 contract with the United Auto Workers.

“Our One Ford plan is designed to create profitable growth, and our new hiring is a direct result of our plan working,” said Joe Hinrichs, Ford president of The Americas. “As we expand our product lineup of fuel-efficient vehicles, we need more people in critical areas – such as in a range of engineering activities, vehicle production, computer software and other IT functions – to ensure we deliver the vehicles people want and value.”

Ford’s U.S. hiring also will help support the company’s global product momentum. Ford is committed to serving customers in all markets with a full family of vehicles offering the best in quality, fuel efficiency, safety, smart design and value.

To attract new team members, Ford is expanding its use of social media to reach new, technology-savvy workers, including such sites as Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. The company also is stepping up its recruiting efforts to reach military veterans.

All salaried job openings at Ford are posted on the Ford Careers website at www.careers.ford.com.

Interested candidates are encouraged to follow Ford recruitment on key networking sites, including Twitter (http://twitter.com/FordCareers) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/FordMotorCompanyCareers). Individuals who “like” the Ford Careers Facebook page and follow Ford Careers on Twitter will receive regular updates about new career opportunities at Ford Motor Company.

The company also announced in late December it is spending more than $773 million on new equipment and capacity expansions across six manufacturing facilities in southeast Michigan as it delivers on a commitment to invest $6.2 billion in U.S. plants by 2015.

The investments in Michigan will create 2,350 new hourly jobs and allow the company to retain an additional 3,240 hourly jobs. The 2,350 new positions also are part of the 12,000 hourly jobs Ford is adding across the U.S. by 2015.

“We are proud to expand our U.S. manufacturing operations in line with our aggressive new product introductions – and to create more jobs,” said Jim Tetreault, Ford vice president of North America Manufacturing. “This would not be possible without the cooperation of our UAW partners. By working together, we have crafted labor agreements that improve our competitiveness and allow us to bring jobs back to Ford and the U.S.”

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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 172,000 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.