In this week's edition of the Northwest Herald Dr. Gizmo column several issues are addressed. One issue deals with an automatic transmission that only shifts manually. Another motorist is concerned over two problems one is the speedometer and the other is the anti-lock brake system. Another motorist is dealing with a stalling condition. Other problems concern leaking coolant, power windows and cruise control.
Hope you enjoy the Friday column.
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Recalls Of The Day
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Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Natural Gas Powered Tractors And Locomotives On The Horizon
This blog typically highlights automotive technology but in the future natural gas powering mining equipment, train locomotives and farm equipment is a big deal. While natural gas powered cars have been around for decades the farming and mining industry could be greatly affected by the lower cost of natural gas as opposed to the higher cost of diesel fuel.
Maybe the lower cost will result in lower prices of goods we use.
Westport
and Caterpillar Announce Agreement to Develop Natural Gas Technology for
Off-Road Equipment
~ The two
companies are positioned to be the first to offer Westport™ HPDI technology in
the high horsepower off-road market; initial focus on mining trucks and
locomotives; Video Link for Caterpillar, EMD and Westport Executive Statements
Included in Press Release ~
VANCOUVER, BC – Westport Innovations Inc. (TSX:WPT/NASDAQ:WPRT), a global leader in natural gas engines, has signed agreements with Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE: CAT) to co-develop natural gas technology for off-road equipment, including mining trucks and locomotives. Caterpillar and Westport will combine technologies and expertise, including Westport™ High Pressure Direct Injection (HPDI) technology and Caterpillar’s industry leading off-road engine and machine product technology, to develop the natural gas fuel system. Caterpillar will fund the development program. When the products go to market, Westport expects to participate in the supply of key components.
“This is a significant opportunity that has the potential to transform important segments of the global off-road equipment industries,” said David Demers, CEO of Westport Innovations. “We are working with the global leader in engines, locomotives and off-road equipment to develop an attractive natural gas offering for their customers. The substantial price difference between natural gas and diesel fuel is resulting in a strong financial incentive to enable off-road applications to take advantage of low natural gas energy costs without sacrificing operational performance. There is also a clear environmental incentive because of the reduced carbon emissions. Adding to the solid business case for this program is the potential to convert existing field units to natural gas – opening up a whole new market opportunity.”
While the agreements initially focus on engines used in mining trucks and locomotives, the companies will also develop natural gas technology for Caterpillar’s off-road engines, which are used in a variety of electric power, industrial, machine, marine and petroleum applications worldwide.
“This agreement does more than pair two leaders in their respective industries,” said Steve Fisher, vice president of Caterpillar’s Large Power Systems Division. “Many of our customers are asking for natural-gas powered equipment in order to reap the financial and environmental benefits. The program positions Caterpillar to become the first manufacturer to bring Westport HPDI technology to the high horsepower off-road market, offer the broadest product line of natural gas-fueled machines and equipment, and capitalize on the attractiveness of natural gas as an alternate mobile fuel – all within the shortest time frame for our customers.”
“This is a true win-win for our customers and the environment,” said Billy Ainsworth, President and CEO of Electro-Motive Diesel, a subsidiary of Progress Rail Services, which will develop the natural gas-powered locomotives. “As a part of Caterpillar, we have the ability to be on the forefront of developing cutting-edge solutions for our industry, and we look forward to continuing those advancements for years to come.”
Development programs will start immediately for both new and existing engines, combustion technology and fuel systems. Commercial production is expected to begin in about five years.
About Caterpillar:
For more than 85 years, Caterpillar Inc. has been making sustainable progress possible and driving positive change on every continent. With 2011 sales and revenues of $60.138 billion, Caterpillar is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. The company also is a leading services provider through Caterpillar Financial Services, Caterpillar Remanufacturing Services, Caterpillar Logistics Services and Progress Rail Services. More information is available at: http://www.caterpillar.com.
About EMD:
Founded in 1922, Electro-Motive Diesel, a subsidiary of Progress Rail Services, a Caterpillar Company, is an original equipment manufacturer of diesel-electric locomotives. Headquartered in LaGrange, Illinois, with additional manufacturing facilities and business offices around the world, EMD designs, manufactures and sells diesel-electric locomotives for all commercial railroad applications and has sold its products in more than 70 countries worldwide. The Company is the only diesel-electric locomotive manufacturer to have produced more than 72,500 engines and has the largest installed base in both North America and worldwide. In addition to its manufacturing activities, EMD has an extensive aftermarket business offering customers replacement parts, maintenance solutions, and a range of value-added services. The Company is also a global provider of diesel engines for marine propulsion, offshore and land-based oil well drilling rigs, and stationary power generation. Additional information may be found at www.EMDiesels.com.
About Westport Innovations Inc.
Westport Innovations Inc. is a leading global supplier of proprietary solutions that allow engines to operate on clean-burning fuels such as compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied natural gas (LNG), hydrogen, and renewable natural gas (RNG) fuels such as landfill gas and helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). Westport technology offers advanced LNG fueling systems with direct injection natural gas engine technology for heavy-duty vehicles such as highway trucks and off-road applications such as mining and rail. Westport’s joint venture with Cummins Inc., Cummins Westport Inc. designs, engineers and markets spark-ignited natural gas engines for North American transportation applications such as trucks and buses. Westport LD division is one of the global leaders for natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) fuel in passenger cars, light-duty trucks and industrial applications such as forklifts. To learn more about our business, visit our website or subscribe to our RSS feed at www.westport.com, or follow us on Twitter @WestportDotCom.
Forward- looking Information Disclaimer
Note: This document contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking information is typically identified by words such as “anticipate”, “estimate”, “expect”, “forecast”, “may”, “will”, “could”, “plan”, “intend”, “should”, “believe”, “outlook”, “project”, “potential”, “target” and similar words suggesting future events or future performance. In particular, this press release contains forward-looking information which includes statements regarding the future role of Westport in the supply of key components, timing of production and commencement of development programs, demand for our products, the future success of our business and technology strategies, intentions of partners and potential customers, the performance and competitiveness of our products and expansion of product coverage and future market opportunities. These statements are neither promises nor guarantees, but involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on assumptions that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activities, performance or achievements expressed in or implied by these forward looking statements. These risks and assumptions include risks and assumptions related to our revenue growth, operating results, industry and products, the general economy, conditions of and access to the capital and debt markets, governmental policies and regulation, technology innovations, fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, the availability and price of natural gas, global government stimulus packages, the acceptance of and shift to natural gas vehicles in fleet markets, the relaxation or waiver of fuel emission standards, the inability of fleets to access capital or government funding to purchase natural gas vehicles, the development of competing technologies as well as other risk factors and assumptions that may affect our actual results, performance or achievements or financial position discussed in our most recent Annual Information Form and other filings with securities regulators. Readers should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they were made. We disclaim any obligation to publicly update or revise such statements to reflect any change in our expectations or in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statements may be based, or that may affect the likelihood that actual results will differ from those set forth in the forward- looking statements except as required by National Instrument 51-102. The contents of any website, RSS feed or Twitter account referenced in this press release are not incorporated by reference herein
Monday, June 4, 2012
Delayed Starter
If you are the proud owner of a Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Dodge Magnum, or Chrysler 300C you may have experienced delayed starter engagement up to five seconds after you turn the key to start. This may not occur each time you turn the key.
If this trouble is something you are experiencing once in a while, the repair might be to update the powertrain control module software. Vehicles affected are model years 2005 to 2006 with 2.7 or 3.5-liter engines.
If this trouble is something you are experiencing once in a while, the repair might be to update the powertrain control module software. Vehicles affected are model years 2005 to 2006 with 2.7 or 3.5-liter engines.
Recall Of The Day
Recall information is courtesy of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
| This recall is for the Fisker Karma. It's a luxury sport car powered by a hybrid powertrain consisting a 2.0-liter turbo-charged engine and two electric motors that combine to develop about 400 horsepower. It's a peppy hybrid electric that rivals vehicles such as the Chevrolet Corvette. There are very few of these vehicles but more are being produced. Certainly the issue covered by this recall will be corrected at dealership service departments for those vehicles all ready in service and in the hands of motorists. Vehicles under assembly will have the issue corrected at the factory before sale.  | ||||||||||||||
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Friday, June 1, 2012
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Recalls Of The Day
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If you missed it...Northwest Herald Dr. Gizmo Column Dated May 25, 2012
Don't forget to rear Dr. Gizmo in today's Northwest Herald Wheels Section.
05/25/2012
"Dr. Gizmo"
By Phil Arendt
Sensation Of Misfire Despite New Engine Block
Question 1
Recently, I installed a short block in my 2006 Mazda 6. It has a 2.3-liter turbo-charged engine and
six-speed manual transmission. Since the
repair the engine feels as though it is misfiring. I have had it tested at two different shops,
but there are no trouble codes. All the
sensors pass tests. Tests show the spark
plugs are not misfiring. It just feels
as though they are misfiring when accelerating.
A check for cylinder leakage found all cylinders are within
specifications.
The sensation I feel is more of a surging. The engine does not lose power. The misfire is not abrupt. Do you have any suggestions? L.V., email
Answer 1
You have done major work.
Don’t let this setback get you down.
It is possible the trouble is caused by a performance issue in the
turbo-charger. Tests may find a problem
in the wastegate or air bypass. If so,
repair as necessary.
It is also possible there is a fuel delivery problem such as low
pressure or volume. Testing the fuel
pump may find it needs replacement.
It is possible one of the ground connections on the engine or in
the engine compartment is corroded or not secure. Perhaps a wire is rubbing on the engine and
the insulation has worn away causing a circuit to open.
Maybe one of the oxygen sensors is not responding quickly. A lazy sensor often will not trigger a
trouble code but cause driveability issues such as this. Testing the sensors may find one or more
needs replacement.
Noise Might Indicate New Engine Has Defect Or Fault
Question 2
I have a 1987 Ford F-150 pickup with a 5.0-liter V-8 engine. Over the last two years I have been restoring
the truck to like new condition.
Eventually, I want to enter it in car shows but there is one
problem. Six months ago I installed a
remanufactured engine. Since then the
serpentine belt has been making a squealing sound. I have checked and rechecked the belt
alignment. I have replaced the pulleys
on accessories and the crankshaft. Everything
seems correct and the alignment is on the money. I even used a laser to make sure everything is
in alignment. The squealing occurs
mostly when I depress the clutch. When I
release the clutch the noise is nearly inaudible.
Due to the restoration I have not driven the vehicle in over six
years, but I’m getting close to completion.
I have checked and rechecked everything.
I’m at a loss. This is my
baby. I need to get her on the
road. Do you have any idea what would
cause this problem? D.G., email
Answer 2
I understand your frustration.
Auto repair is a challenging field.
You will cure the trouble. Your
truck will be roadworthy soon.
Make sure that the squealing is not caused by a failed throw-out
or pilot bearing at the transmission and clutch. Sometimes when these are excessively worn
they can make a lot of racket.
If indeed the belt is making noise, it is possible the recently
installed engine has too much play at the crankshaft. It’s possible when the clutch engages and
disengages the crankshaft moves fore and aft causing stress on the belt. Some play is normal and acceptable but
perhaps there is too much play. Unfortunately,
if this turns out to be the trouble the engine should be returned to the
remanufacturer under warranty coverage but it is better to find out there is a
defect now than in six months when the warranty expires.
Module Miscommunication Hinders Normal Operations
Question 3
The radio and power windows in my 2000 GMC Yukon Denali quit
working. I took the vehicle to my local
repair shop where a technician found that there was no power to a fuse
panel. He replaced a body module. This fixed the radio and windows. The problem now is the remote key fobs will
not unlock or lock the doors. They were
working fine when I brought the SUV to the repair shop. My mechanic says his Tech 2 scanner tool used
to test and program the key fobs does not communicate with the new module so he
cannot program the fobs.
What’s the problem? R.M., email
Answer 3
Your mechanic is using a factory tool to do the work and not an
aftermarket diagnostic tool so it should communicate with the newly installed
module without any problems. The usual
cause for such trouble is an open circuit or there is another module that is
not functioning as designed.
There are several modules in your vehicle that communicate with
each other to control various functions.
Sometimes when one module fails it causes communication problems in
other modules so it is feasible there is another module that is scrambled and
needs replacement. Of course it is
possible the newly installed module is not the correct one for the vehicle so
your technician might consider checking to make sure he has the correct part.
Also, your technician should consider checking ground and power
circuits to make sure the problem is not caused by an open circuit. He may find a loose connection is the cause
of all the trouble.
Key Fob At Root Of Trouble
Question 4
Last night my 2005 Subaru Outback with 127,000 miles would not
start. I placed the key in the ignition
and turned it as usual but the engine did not crank at all. All the lights on the dash illuminated
normally. The radio and headlights
worked. Even the turn signals and heater
fan worked. The engine was silent.
My neighbor attempted to jump the battery but nothing
happened. He cleaned the battery
terminals and still the engine did not crank.
Next, I called a tow truck to jump the battery. The driver attempted to start the engine but
nothing happened. He towed the car to
his shop. Now a mechanic thinks there is
a problem with the security system. He
said he checked for trouble codes but everything seems fine. He says I should have the car towed to a
dealer where factory equipment will find the trouble. He thinks the ignition key should be replaced
and programmed. I only have one
key. Does this make sense to you? F.L., email
Answer 4
Yes. It appears your key
fob is not communicating to the body control module that protects the car from
theft.
Your car is equipped with an Immobilizer antitheft system. It needs a security code from the key. If it does not receive it, the antitheft module
disables the ignition, starter and fuel pump so the engine does not start. Obviously the car could be towed away by a
thief, but it can’t be driven away.
To fix the trouble a new key and reprogramming should cure the
trouble. Also, consider obtaining an
additional key. If this ever happens
again you will have a back-up key available so your car will not be disabled.
Extrasensory Perception Will Not Fix Air Conditioner
Question 5
The air conditioner in my 2003 Toyota 4Runner quit working. The fan works on all speeds and air blows
from the vents but it is not cold air.
Also, the a/c light is blinking.
I called three repair shops about the trouble but none of them could
tell me what is causing the trouble. All
they could say is bring the car in so they could check it out.
My friend says that the trouble might be caused by low Freon. He says we can buy Freon at a store and pump
it into the air conditioner. Will this
fix it? H.L.M., email
Answer 5
Calling a mechanic is similar to calling a doctor. If you had severe pain in your chest a doctor
probably would suggest that you get to a hospital to be checked out or at the
very least visit his office so he could render an opinion. He would not suggest calling a friend to have
him check. A friend might smack you in
the head so you forget about the chest pain.
Seriously, the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system
is complex. No technician can determine
with any accuracy what is wrong over the phone.
Certainly the system may be low on refrigerant and pumping some in might
return temporary function with cool air from the vents, but there is a reason
the refrigerant level dropped. In such a
case more than likely refrigerant leaked from a failed seal, line or hose. In this example adding refrigerant would not
repair the cause. The proper fix is to first
repair the leak and then evacuate and charge the system with refrigerant.
Additionally, there are many other parts in the system that could
cause the trouble. There may be a failed
relay, valve, pressure switch, failed compressor clutch or computer
module. Even a loose wire could cause
the trouble. The best course of action
is to choose a reputable repair shop and authorize diagnostic time to find the cause
of the trouble. Once the cause is
determined shop management will provide an estimate for the repair. Then you can decide to award the repair to
the shop or not.
Shocked Over Cost Of Key
Question 6
My 2001 BMW X5 with a 3.0-liter engine will not start. When I turn the key the engine does
absolutely nothing. Not even a
click. I had the car towed to a shop
where a mechanic tested the battery. It
is fine. He also checked for codes. A code popped up that determined a problem
with the ignition key. The mechanic says
to fix the trouble I need a new key and it needs programming. The new key is expensive. The entire operation is going to cost an arm
and leg.
My mechanic says that if I have another key I should use it until
I get another. I only have one key. He has it.
Is there any way to temporarily bypass the security system so I can
drive the car without spending big bucks?
B.D., email
Answer 6
I’m sorry but the system cannot be bypassed. To fix the trouble it is time to open your
wallet, dole out the dollars and surrender your first born child if you have
one to purchase a new key and programming.
Your key is a transmitter that sends signals to your car’s security
system. Actually, it is a little more
complex. The signals constantly change
so a thief cannot use equipment to decode them and nab your 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 drgizmo@drgizmo.ws. ® DR. GIZMO © 1989-2012
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