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Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Recalls Of The Day
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Monday, June 11, 2012
Chrysler Group LLC’s Belvidere Assembly Plant – Home of the 2013 Dodge Dart – Receives Economic Development in Illinois Award
June 11, 2012 , Auburn Hills, Mich.
- Nowadays, it’s not just the all-new Dodge Dart that is turning heads
and winning awards. Chrysler Group LLC’s Belvidere Assembly Plant, home of the
all-new 2013 Dodge Dart, was recognized as a winner of an Economic Development
in Illinois Award (Edie). The annual award is given jointly by the Illinois
Chamber of Commerce and the Illinois Development Council to recognize
significant economic development projects finished in the prior year throughout
Illinois. The Edies were formally presented at an event last week at the
Illinois Chamber’s annual meeting in Chicago.
To fully appreciate the honor of the award, one need only to look back to 2009 – when future production at Belvedere Assembly Plant (BVP) was uncertain. In June of that year, BVP implemented World Class Manufacturing (WCM), a methodology that focuses on reducing waste, increasing productivity, improving quality and safety, and restoring dignity to the employees. As a result, Belvidere employees submitted more than 20,000 suggestions and implemented more than 3,400 projects that have a potential annualized savings of $32 million – placing the plant on the path toward achieving Bronze status, the first milestone of WCM.
In recognition of those efforts, Chrysler Group – with the support of state and local government, as well as its UAW partners – announced in October 2010 that it would invest $600 million in a new 638,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art body shop and in new machinery, tooling and material handling equipment exclusively for the production of the all-new Dodge Dart.
To fully appreciate the honor of the award, one need only to look back to 2009 – when future production at Belvedere Assembly Plant (BVP) was uncertain. In June of that year, BVP implemented World Class Manufacturing (WCM), a methodology that focuses on reducing waste, increasing productivity, improving quality and safety, and restoring dignity to the employees. As a result, Belvidere employees submitted more than 20,000 suggestions and implemented more than 3,400 projects that have a potential annualized savings of $32 million – placing the plant on the path toward achieving Bronze status, the first milestone of WCM.
In recognition of those efforts, Chrysler Group – with the support of state and local government, as well as its UAW partners – announced in October 2010 that it would invest $600 million in a new 638,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art body shop and in new machinery, tooling and material handling equipment exclusively for the production of the all-new Dodge Dart.
Copyright Chrysler Corporation
During a ceremony in February at the plant with Illinois Governor Pat Quinn, Belvidere Mayor Frederic Brereton, and hundreds of employees, Chrysler Group Chairman and CEO Sergio Marchionne announced the Company will add about 1,800 jobs at BVP, which includes the addition of a third crew and hundreds of jobs for production of the Dodge Dart, by the third quarter of 2012. Marchionne also acknowledged that the Company’s investment had grown to nearly $700 million. Additionally, Chrysler Group’s investment has also helped maintain 1,400 jobs at seven suppliers, and created 500 more new jobs with the opening of four additional suppliers.
“It was not by chance that we chose Belvidere to make this investment and build the new Dodge Dart,” Marchionne told employees. “Our decision is evidence of the faith we have in your level of commitment and your passion to deliver great products for our customers. You have been essential in our ability to author a remarkable story of recovery.
“I want to thank Governor Quinn, Mayor Brereton and the UAW for working with us to bring jobs, investment and a new product to this area,” said Marchionne. “With their help and this dedicated workforce, we are creating a work environment here in Belvidere that is dedicated to quality, and with the flexibility to compete with the best plants anywhere in the world.”
DODGE DART: A Groundbreaking Car with the Ultimate Blend of Power, Fuel Efficiency, Handling and StyleThe all-new 2013 Dodge Dart hits the mark with a modern, unmistakable Dodge design, which features great exterior proportions and unmistakable Dodge cues, such as the 152 LED “racetrack” taillamps and signature front grille. The exterior not only looks good, but delivers world-class aerodynamic performance, an agile, fun-to-drive experience on the road and up to 41 miles per gallon on the highway.
Interior comfort and style are on target for drivers and passengers with a modern blend of precision craftsmanship, exciting bursts of color and more interior roominess than some mid-size sedans. The new Dodge Dart offers drivers thousands of ways to personalize their car with 12 exterior colors, 14 interior color and trim combinations, three fuel-efficient engines, three transmissions, six wheel choices and five trim levels. Dart customers can choose a vehicle that fits their personality without sacrificing comfort or value. The all-new 2013 Dodge Dart offers the interior room of some mid-size sedans, class-leading safety, state-of-the-art technology and unmistakable style starting at a U.S. MSRP of just $15,995 (excluding destination).
Since its introduction in January, the Dodge Dart has won its share of awards. These include being named the “Most Significant Vehicle” of the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) by AutoWeek’s editors, Top 10 Cars of the Detroit Auto Show by Kelley Blue Book, and Vanity Fair Magazine’s Seven Hottest New Cars at the 2012 NAIAS. The Dart was also named to Ward’s “10 Best Interiors” List for 2012; and the Texas Auto Writers Association selected it the “Compact Car of Texas,” “Best Value” and it’s thin film transistor display received the award for “Best New Feature.”
Greetings !!
Thanks goes to all readers of Dr. Gizmo's Auto Blabber in Canada, South Korea, United Kingdom, China, India, Ireland, Germany, Russia, Norway and the United States. We appreciate your continued readership.
If there is any automotive question or topic you would like to share or need some help, please feel free to send a question, suggestion or comment.
If there is any automotive question or topic you would like to share or need some help, please feel free to send a question, suggestion or comment.
Friday, June 8, 2012
Recalls Of The Day June 8, 2012
Courtesy of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Today there are some big trucks under recall for brake problems. Also, some truckers might have a rude awakening if the restraints in the sleeper are not up to specifications. Additionally, power drawn by l.e.d. lighting in an RV could start a fire.
Manufacturers should contact vehicle owners of these problems but it would not hurt to contact your dealer if you think your vehicle might be affected by these recalls.
Have a great weekend!
Take care,
Dr. Gizmo
Today there are some big trucks under recall for brake problems. Also, some truckers might have a rude awakening if the restraints in the sleeper are not up to specifications. Additionally, power drawn by l.e.d. lighting in an RV could start a fire.
Manufacturers should contact vehicle owners of these problems but it would not hurt to contact your dealer if you think your vehicle might be affected by these recalls.
Have a great weekend!
Take care,
Dr. Gizmo
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Northwest Herald Dr. Gizmo Column Dated June 1, 2012
"Dr. Gizmo"
By Phil Arendt
Newly Purchased Used Vehicle Fails Emission
Test
Question 1
Recently, I purchased a 2003
Chrysler 300M with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine.
The car has 66,000 miles and looks new.
Also, it runs great. The trouble
is the check engine light does not work.
I did not know this until I took the car for an emissions test. It failed because the light did not work at
all. The man at the test station did not
know why it was not working.
I took the car to a repair
shop that has been servicing our family cars for many years. A mechanic did some tests and found one of
the oxygen sensors is not working but he was not sure why the check engine
light is not functioning. He’s pretty
sure the engine module is not sending a signal to turn on the light. He says the light should turn on for a moment
when I start the car but it is not. He
tested the light bulb. It works. He also checked the wiring and found nothing
broken. He also found the computer is
not sending voltage to the oxygen sensor.
My mechanic replaced the
computer. Now the check engine light
works as it should but the oxygen sensor is not. He says the sensor needs replacement. Before he told me the computer was not
sending voltage to the sensor. Now there
is voltage but the sensor still does not work.
Now he wants to replace the sensor.
I really like this car. Unfortunately I should have purchased a
warranty when I bought it. My budget is
really tight and thought I was buying a good car. Does what my mechanic says make sense to you?
N.B., email
Answer 1
With any car purchase
whether it is used or new there is risk of a fault. That’s why auto manufactures provide a
limited warranty and new and used car dealers sell aftermarket warranty
policies. The policies offer protection
against failures such as these.
In the future before
purchasing a used vehicle consider having it checked over by your repair shop. A technician should find problems such as an
inoperable check engine light. With that
information you might be able to negotiate a lower price or the seller would repair
the trouble as part of the deal.
It appears that your
technician is on the right track.
Installation of a new oxygen sensor should cure the trouble.
Squeaky Steering Hits A
Nerve
Question 2
When making turns the
steering in my 2006 Cadillac makes a moaning squeaking sound. My car has 60,000 miles and has never given
me a bit of trouble until now. I took
the vehicle to a trusted repair shop where a mechanic removed the steering
column. He lubricated every part he
could think of and reinstalled it.
Despite his work the noise is still there. Now he thinks the cause of the noise is in
the steering rack but replacing it is expensive.
The noise is
irritating. Is there anything else that
could cause this problem? F.T., email
Answer 2
Some vehicles develop a
squeaking or moaning sound at the rubber boot where the steering column passes
through the bulkhead from the passenger compartment to the engine
compartment. Lubricating the boot and
steering column with silicon grease usually cures the noise.
Also, some vehicles develop
a moaning squeaky sound at the serpentine belt.
A few years ago General Motors engineers developed an upgraded belt to
squelch the sound.
Ask your technician to consider
these suggestions the next time you visit his shop. Also, if these suggestions do not cure the
sound he needs to be absolutely sure the steering rack is the source of the
sound before he replaces it. Squeaky
moaning sounds from a steering rack is unusual.
Smoke Pinpoints Vaporous
Leaks
Question 3
The check engine light
turned on in my 2005 Buick LaCrosse. It
has a 3.8-liter engine and 58,000 miles.
I took the car to an auto supply store where an employee connected a
tester. He found a code that indicates a
small leak in the evaporative emissions system.
The man said that sometimes running the engine while filling the gas
tank causes the trouble. He also said
that sometimes a gas cap can leak. He
cleared the computer and I replaced the gas cap.
The next morning the check
engine light turned back on. I returned
to the auto supply store to have the car tested. The same code was in the computer for a small
leak in the evap system. What else
should I look for? R.P., email
Answer 3
The diagnostic trouble code
indicates a small leak in the evaporative emissions system. Typically a leaky gas cap creates a large
leak. The evaporative system prevents
fuel vapors from escaping into the atmosphere.
There are valves, lines, a canister and a sensor in the system that
could leak small amounts of vapor.
To determine the cause of a
leak a technician injects a specialized smoke into the system. Then he visually examines all the parts
including the gas tank for evidence of smoke leaking from a failed part. Small leaks are difficult to detect but
usually a patient technician finds the source.
Common leaks occur at the
purge valve solenoid in the engine compartment and often at the pressure sensor
and fuel level sensor at the fuel tank.
Repair all depends upon a technician’s findings.
Speedometer Quits At Will
Question 4
The speedometer in my 1998
Dodge Neon R/T quits whenever it wants.
Some days it works fine. On other
days it might stop working and then start working again as though there is
something loose inside the dash. I have
taken the car to two different garages to have it checked but it always works
fine while it is at the shop. Both
mechanics checked a speed sensor. It
tests fine. Both mechanics suggest that
I bring the car in when the speedometer is not working but whenever I have the
time to go to a shop it is working fine.
Do you know what will fix
the problem? B.N., email
Answer 4
Whenever the speedo quits
just give the dash a good smack. That
should fix it.
All kidding aside you
probably have hit the nail on the head.
More than likely there is a part on the speedometer circuit board that
is loose or broken. Hitting a bump in
the road probably causes a circuit to open and close causing intermittent
operation.
To find out for sure if this
is indeed the trouble a technician might consider giving the dash a good whack
during a road test or consider driving on a bumpy road. He also might check the connections on the
speedometer head for loose terminals and ground connections in the dash for a
loose or corroded connection.
If the connections are in
good condition more than likely an internal fault within the speedometer head
is the trouble. If this is verified,
replacing the speedo is the cure.
Oil Leak Continues After
Repairs
Question 5
There is a leak that causes
a lot of frustration and a mess wherever I park. I have a 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche with a
5.3-liter engine, automatic transmission and four-wheel-drive. Recently, the transfer case on the
four-wheel-drive had a failure that chewed up all the gears. A dealership replaced the unit and everything
was working fine. After about 10,000
miles of use a seal on transfer case developed a leak. I took the truck to a repair shop where a
mechanic replaced the leaky seal but within 100 miles it was leaking. Now after the third seal replacement, it’s
leaking again. My mechanic says
everything seems fine in the transfer case so he does not know why the seal
keeps failing.
Gear oil is all over my
garage floor. If this keeps leaking
eventually the transfer case will run out of oil and it will need replacement
again. This is expensive. I love my truck. This has to be fixed. Can you help? G.W.B., email
Answer 5
I understand your
frustration. Gear lube is tough stuff
and a pain to remove from a garage floor.
This must be repaired before the transfer case runs out of lubricant and
fails due to a lack of lubrication.
There may be a simple solution.
The transfer case might be
covered by a 12,000 mile or 12 month parts replacement warranty. Usually, when a General Motors franchised
dealer replaces a part it is covered by this warranty. Consider calling the dealer that installed
the unit about the trouble. There likely
is a faulty part that is causing the seal to fail. If so, repairs could be free under the terms
of the warranty.
It’s also possible a vent on
the transfer case is clogged that causes excessive pressure that forces
lubricant around the seal. If so, this
type of problem is a minor repair. Call
your dealer right away before this leak causes a major failure.
More to Gas Cap Than Meets
The Eye
Question 6
The check engine light
turned on in my 2010 Jeep Wrangler with a 3.6-liter engine and 90,000
miles. I took the car to a shop where a
mechanic found a code that identified the gas cap as leaking. I paid the mechanic for his work and went
directly to an auto supply store. I
purchased a new cap, installed it and an employee was able to turn off the
check engine light. I drove home
satisfied everything was repaired.
The next day I was driving
on the highway when the check engine light turned back on. The engine ran fine. The next morning I took the car back to my
repair shop. A mechanic checked it over and
found the same code as before. He said
there is a problem with the gas cap. He
tested the cap and it passed. Now he
says that I should get a cap from a dealership.
He told me that he always buys original factory gas caps and has never
had a problem like this. Since I did not
buy the gas cap from his shop I returned to the auto supply store to return the
gas cap. The man at the store refunded
the cost and I installed my old cap.
Right now the check engine
light continues to shine. I’m driving
with my old gas cap. Soon I will need to
have the car tested for emissions. My
mechanic says the car will fail the test because the light is on and the gas
cap is leaking. Will the car fail the
emission test? Why did the cap from my
auto supply store test fine but cause the check engine light to turn back
on? Will a gas cap purchased from a
dealership fix the trouble? L.T., email
Answer 6
I don’t know where you
reside. Assuming that you live in
Illinois I can tell you with a reasonable degree of certainty that your Jeep
will fail the state emissions test for the reasons your technician
suggested. As for why the aftermarket gas cap caused the
light to turn on, sometimes aftermarket parts just do not meet all of the
original equipment manufacturer specifications.
As for whether a factory
original equipment gas cap will fix the trouble, it more than like will resolve
the issue. However, in your account of the
circumstances there was no mention of tests on the old gas cap. I can only assume your technician tested the
old cap and determined that it has a fault just as he determined the gas cap
purchased from an auto supply store was found okay.
Years ago a gas cap had a
simple design that allowed fuel vapors to escape into the air and prevented
liquid fuel spills. Today, it has
evolved into a sophisticated piece of equipment that is an integral part of the
evaporative emissions system that prevents fuel vapors from escaping into the
atmosphere. Believe it or not it houses
valves that regulate system pressure.
When pressure is not maintained within specifications, a sensor signals
a computer. The computer turns on the
dash light to alert you of trouble.
Additionally, the lowly gas
cap is a major safety device that prevents fuel spills in collisions and
roll-over accidents.
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
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Weather Simulators Prepare Chevy Cruze for Storm Season OnStar also provides services and tips for motorists
06-06-2012
DETROIT – How many gallons of water could your car withstand? How about 6,600 gallons? At Chevrolet, engineers channel Mother Nature to help ensure the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze can withstand the elements – from heat to hurricanes – through high-tech weather testing simulators.
The Cruze is tested for a range of summer weather and road conditions, including the exclusive Universal Water Test Booth at the General Motors Milford Proving Ground. Designed to keep the car water tight, the test subjects the Cruze to a lifetime of water exposure – 6,600 gallons – in just eight minutes. Using 330 nozzles, 825 gallons of water are sprayed onto the car each minute. The intensity of the test exposes weaknesses in the car’s seals, which experts can resolve to help ensure drivers and passengers stay dry in a rainstorm.
The Cruze is also tested in GM’s Climatic Wind Tunnel, which replicates hurricane-force winds. Cars also are driven through up to one foot of water in the Flooded Road Lab to help eliminate water leaks into the engine compartment or doors. The Thermal Chamber tests the car for conditions ranging from arctic cold to desert heat and the Dust Booth exposes the car to an extreme number of dust particles to help keep it air tight.
“We go above and beyond Mother Nature to ensure our vehicles can withstand the elements,” said Kevin Dunn, GM global vehicle development owner – splash contaminants. “This type of creative testing helps ensure our vehicles can better withstand rain, snow, wind, dust and other day-to-day contaminants.”
Copyright General Motors
Through these tests, GM experts bring further quality, durability and safety to consumers.
Beyond this analysis, the Cruze is equipped with numerous safety features, including the StabiliTrak®Electronic Stability Control System with Traction Control. On slippery surfaces, StabiliTrak helps drivers stay the course by detecting the difference between the path being steered and the direction the vehicle is actually traveling. It then uses the brakes and, if necessary, adjusts engine torque to help keep the Cruze on track.
The Cruze was the first car in its class with 10 standard airbags, and even today, no car in its class offers more. These include frontal, side-impact and knee air bags for the driver and front passenger, Cruze also has a high-strength safety cage and roof crush resistance that exceeds current federal requirements.
In the event of a storm, OnStar can help provide Crisis Assist services for all subscribers, regardless of their subscription plan. A simple push of OnStar’s red emergency button will put drivers in contact with an Advisor, who can help:
- Contact emergency responders if needed and direct them to the subscriber's exact vehicle location
- Provide alternate routes, evacuation routes, directions to hospitals, shelters or hotel accommodations
- Provide up-to-date crisis information
- Assist in connecting subscribers to their loved ones by offering complimentary OnStar Hands-Free Calling minutes
For more information, visit www.onstar.com.
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 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.
Recalls Of The Day June 7, 2012
Courtesy of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Today, you might be surprised to find that even an owner's guide can be recalled for safety related concerns. Toyota discovered that their new Scion FR-S manual and related documents under the watchful eyes of the government pose a safety hazard.
In addition to an issue with owner's information from Scion, Keystone RV Company is recalling some of their vehicles due to possible cuts from sharp surfaces near the holding tank valves.
Owner's of these vehicles will be notified of the troubles and in the case of the RV some owner's probably have notified the manufacturer of the trouble after a scrape or cut injury.
Today, you might be surprised to find that even an owner's guide can be recalled for safety related concerns. Toyota discovered that their new Scion FR-S manual and related documents under the watchful eyes of the government pose a safety hazard.
In addition to an issue with owner's information from Scion, Keystone RV Company is recalling some of their vehicles due to possible cuts from sharp surfaces near the holding tank valves.
Owner's of these vehicles will be notified of the troubles and in the case of the RV some owner's probably have notified the manufacturer of the trouble after a scrape or cut injury.
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