Recalls Of The Day, February 5, 2013

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has been busy gathering information.  They have issued five recalls.  Here they are..


 

Report Receipt Date: JAN 25, 2013
NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V027000
Component(s): ELECTRICAL SYSTEM , SUSPENSION

Vehicle Make - Model - Model Year(s)

• KENWORTHT6802013
• PETERBILT5672013
• PETERBILT5792013

 

Manufacturer: PACCAR Incorporated

 

SUMMARY:

PACCAR is recalling certain model year 2013 Kenworth T680 vehicles, manufactured from November 29, 2012, through December 6, 2012; and model year 2013 Peterbilt 579 and 567 vehicles, manufactured from August 28, 2012, through December 31, 2012. These vehicles were equipped with the air suspension dump valve option. New software may cause the rear air suspension to re-inflate without warning when the operator turns the ignition key to the "off" position.

CONSEQUENCE:

An unexpected re-inflation of the suspension could result in personal injury to a person near the rear suspension.

REMEDY:

PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the software. The recall will begin during February 2013. Owners may contact Kenworth at 1-425-828-5000 or Peterbilt at 1-940-591-4000.

NOTES:

Kenworth's recall campaign number is 13KWA. Peterbilt's recall campaign number is 113-A. 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: 13V026000
Component(s): ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
 

Vehicle Make - Model - Model Year(s)

• DUTCHMENFREEDOM SPIRIT2010
• DUTCHMENGRAND JUNCTION2007-2011
• DUTCHMENMONTE VISTA2009
• DUTCHMENN TENSE2009-2010
• DUTCHMENVICTORY LANE2008-2009
• DUTCHMENWINNERS CIRCLE2008-2009

 

Manufacturer: Dutchmen Manufacturing, Inc.

 

SUMMARY:

Dutchmen is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 Grand Junction; model year 2008-2009 Victory Lane and Winners Circle; model year 2009-2010 N'Tense; model year 2010 Freedom Spirit and model year 2009 Monte Vista recreational trailers. The affected trailers are equipped with Iota ITS-50R transfer switches. Wiring connections inside the transfer switch are not adequate and, as a result, the switch may overheat.

CONSEQUENCE:

An overheated switch could result in a fire.

REMEDY:

Dutchmen will notify owners and replace the Iota transfer switch, free of charge. The manufacturer has not provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Dutchmen at 1-574-537-0700.

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.

 

 

Report Receipt Date: JAN 24, 2013
NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V025000
Component(s): STRUCTURE 

 Vehicle Make - Model - Model Year(s)

• STOUGHTONAHV2009-2011

 

Manufacturer: Stoughton Trailers, LLC

 

SUMMARY:

Stoughton Trailers is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 AHV grain hauler/ag hopper trailers produced December 17, 2007, through October 28, 2010. These trailers may develop fatigue cracks in the lower rail of the frame structure and/or in the front attachment of the suspension subframe channels.

CONSEQUENCE:

Structural cracks could eventually compromise the structure and lead to failure. This could result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

REMEDY:

Stoughton Trailers will notify owners and will replace the suspension subframe front attachments as well as the crossmember assembly forward of the front hopper, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin by April 2013. Owners may contact Stoughton Trailers at 1-608-873-2555.

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: 13E004000
Component(s): EQUIPMENT 

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

• RIGID HITCHHEAVY DUTY UTILITY BAR -

 

Manufacturer: Rigid Hitch Inc.

 

SUMMARY:

Rigid Hitch Inc. is recalling certain Heavy Duty Utility Bar hitches with the part number HUB-3208. The affected 2" bars drop 8" between hole centers and are stamped 33411-04812 near the weld line. Due to an incorrect welder placement, the weld penetration may be insufficient, causing the utility bar to crack and fail.

CONSEQUENCE:

If the utility bar fails while in use, whatever is being towed may come loose increasing the risk of a crash.

REMEDY:

Rigid Hitch will notify distributors and all known owners and replace the parts free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in early February 2013. Customers may contact Rigid Hitch at 1-800-624-7630.

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: 13E003000
Component(s): WHEELS 

 VISION WHEELPRADO

 

Manufacturer: Vision Wheel, Inc.

 

SUMMARY:

Vision Wheel is recalling certain Prado model after-market wheels; style numbers 901, 902, and 903. The affected wheels may fracture during normal use.

CONSEQUENCE:

A fractured wheel may cause a loss of tire air pressure which may lead to tire failure or the loss of vehicle control. Either scenario may increase the risk of a crash.

REMEDY:

Vision Wheel will notify owners and distributors, and offer replacement, wheels free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in early February 2013. Owners may contact Vision Wheel at 1-800-633-3936.

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.

Scion iQ Wins 2013 Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com 5-Year Cost to Own Award

TORRANCE, Calif., Feb. 5, 2013 – The 2013 Scion iQ earned a 5-Year Cost to Own Award from Kelley Blue Book www.kbb.com today in recognition of its lowest projected costs of ownership in the subcompact category.

Kelley Blue Book 5-Year Cost to Own information is developed usingKelley Blue Book^® Residual Values to calculate depreciation costs for new cars. The analysis also considers costs such as fuel, insurance, maintenance and repair costs.

 

“Although Scion iQ is small in size, the 2013 Kelley Blue Book 5-Year Cost to Own Award proves it’s big on value,” said Scion Vice President Doug Murtha. “For the urban driver looking for maneuverability, impressive fuel economy and style, the iQ is an excellent choice.”

The iQ is equipped with a 1.3-liter, four-cylinder engine that produces 94 horsepower and 89 lb.-feet of torque. The engine is paired with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) that helps deliver smooth acceleration and excellent fuel efficiency. The iQ is rated an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV-II) and achieves an EPA-estimated combined fuel economy rating of 37 miles per gallon.

To add even more value, the iQ comes standard with Scion Service Boost, a complimentary plan covering normal factory-scheduled maintenance for two years or 25,000 miles whichever comes first, and three years of 24-hour roadside assistance.

For more information about the 2013 5-Year Cost to Own Award, visit
http://www.kbb.com/car-reviews-and-news/top-10/5-year-cost-to-own-awards-2013/.

For more information about the Scion iQ or other Scion models, visit: www.scion.com.

 

# # #

About Scion
Scion, from Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., was developed with a new generation of youthful buyers in mind. Scion’s mission is to provide distinctive products, the opportunity to personalize, and an innovative, consumer-driven process at the retail level. The brand features five groundbreaking models with a wide array of standard features: the xD urban subcompact five-door, the iconic xB urban utility vehicle, the tC sports coupe, the premium micro-subcompact iQ and the FR-S rear-wheel drive sports car. The Scion brand often applies new practices in all aspects of its business and pushes the creativity envelope with non-traditional advertising and marketing to engage young consumers. Scion also supports originality through its programs in the artistic community. For more information, visit www.scion.com.

Glympse Launches First In-Car, Voice-Activated Location-Sharing App for Ford SYNC AppLink

 

• Using the new SYNC^® AppLink^™-enabled Glympse smartphone app, drivers can share their location directly from their car using simple voice commands

• More than 1 million Ford drivers can now share their location directly from their car, making it easy to answer the question, “Where are you?”

 

LAS VEGAS, – Glympse Inc., the mobile technology company that pioneered temporary real-time location sharing, today announces the first location-sharing app for Ford Motor Company’s SYNC^® in-car connectivity system. Using the AppLink^™ interface, drivers will be able to share their location with friends and family directly from their car using simple voice commands, eliminating the need to touch their mobile phone while driving.

 

“People typically share their location while in the car, and by integrating Glympse into Ford SYNC AppLink, we’re providing drivers with a rich, real-time and hands-free way to share where they are,” said Bryan Trussel, co-founder and CEO of Glympse. “At Glympse, we’re dedicated to creating a more robust connected car experience, and working with Ford will help us to reach millions of consumers who will be able to just say, ‘Send a Glympse’ to share their current whereabouts, eliminating the need to send a text or make a phone call.”

 

To use Glympse, drivers need the app installed on an iOS or Android-based smartphone. The car automatically recognizes the app when the phone is Bluetooth^®-paired or USB-connected. With Glympse activated, drivers simply need to press the SYNC voice button on the steering wheel and say, “Send Glympse.” Users can send a Glympse to a friend’s email or mobile number, or to Facebook and Twitter.

 

Recipients of the Glympse can then monitor the vehicle’s progress and ETA via a real-time dynamic map, on either a smartphone or desktop. After the user-defined time limit expires, the location is no longer updated.

 

“Glympse is a great example of how smartphone app integration with the car can help us make the driving experience more convenient for our customers, thus adding perceived value to their vehicle,” said Julius Marchwicki, global product manager for Ford SYNC AppLink. “By teaming up with an innovative company like Glympse, we are providing our customers with a dynamic way to share their location while removing the need to take their eyes off the road or hands off the steering wheel to pick up their smartphone.”

 

Glympse, on both iPhone and Android devices, is now compatible with Ford SYNC AppLink. To download Glympse, visit www.Glympse.com/Get_Glympse.

 

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 Glympse

Glympse^™ is the pioneer of person-to-person location sharing in real-time, for a set amount of time. With an intuitive design and enhanced features, such as Glympse Groups, the company easily integrates location sharing into everyday activities, meetings and events. Glympse has partnered with several top-tier companies who have integrated Glympse functionality into their products and applications. The company is backed by Menlo Ventures and Ignition Partners and has raised $7.5 million.

Recall Recap For The Week Of January 28 - February 1, 2013

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has announced a recap of recalls issued last week.  For more information click on the NHTSA ID number and you will be directed to the recall.

We will keep you posted on any new recalls.  Have a great week!

NHTSA Campaign ID Number :	13V030
Manufacturer :	Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
Make / Model Years :	LEXUS / 2006-2012
Subject :	Wiper Arm May Loosen
NHTSA Campaign ID Number :	13V029
Manufacturer :	Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
Make / Model Years :	PONTIAC / 2003-2004 TOYOTA / 2003-2004
Subject :	Airbag Inadvertent Deployment
NHTSA Campaign ID Number :	13V024
Manufacturer :	General Motors LLC
Make / Model Years :	CHEVROLET / 2013
Subject :	Rear Suspension Bolt Torque
NHTSA Campaign ID Number :	13V023
Manufacturer :	General Motors LLC
Make / Model Years :	BUICK / 2012 CHEVROLET / 2012
Subject :	Driver Side Frontal Airbag may not Deploy
NHTSA Campaign ID Number :	13V022
Manufacturer :	Daimler Trucks North America
Make / Model Years :	THOMAS BUILT / 2013-2014
Subject :	Headlights & Tailights may go out
NHTSA Campaign ID Number :	13V021
Manufacturer :	Prevost Cars, Inc.
Make / Model Years :	PREVOST / 2013
Subject :	Missing Side Reflectors/FMVSS 108
NHTSA Campaign ID Number :	13V020
Manufacturer :	Navistar, Inc.
Make / Model Years :	HOLIDAY RAMBLER / 2013 IC BUS / 2012-2013 INTERNATIONAL / 2011-2013 MONACO / 2013
Subject :	Engine Shut Down
NHTSA Campaign ID Number :	13V019
Manufacturer :	Navistar, Inc.
Make / Model Years :	IC BUS / 2012-2013
Subject :	School Bus Engine Shut Down
NHTSA Campaign ID Number :	13V018
Manufacturer :	Great Dane Trailers
Make / Model Years :	GREAT DANE / 2013
Subject :	Axle Retaining Clips may Disengage
NHTSA Campaign ID Number :	13V017
Manufacturer :	BMW of North America, LLC
Make / Model Years :	BMW / 2011
Subject :	Insufficient Gear Shaft Lubrication/Loss of Drive
NHTSA Campaign ID Number :	13V015
Manufacturer :	Prevost Cars, Inc.
Make / Model Years :	PREVOST / 2010-2013
Subject :	Automatic Fire Detection and Suppression System
NHTSA Campaign ID Number :	13V013
Manufacturer :	Entegra Coach
Make / Model Years :	ENTEGRA / 2013
Subject :	Incorrect Tire Certification Label/ FMVSS 120

Dr. Gizmo Column

"Dr. Gizmo"

By Phil Arendt
 

Friendly Disagreement, Settled Then Stirred

Question 1

I need your help to settle a bet.  My friend and I were discussing tires.  He said that some tires can’t be rotated.  I disagreed.  All tires need rotation.  What’s your opinion?  D.S., email

Answer 1

Sorry, but your friend is correct.  There are some cars such as the Chevrolet Corvette in which the tires can’t be rotated due to differences in size from front to rear.  The rear tires are larger than the front.   Additionally, many vehicles are equipped with directional tires that can’t be rotated from side to side unless they are removed from the wheels and remounted on the wheels of the opposite side during a rotation.  In such cases most owners just have the front tires moved to the rear and the rear tires to the front and not crisscrossed.  The best rule of thumb for tire rotation is to follow the carmakers tire rotation recommendation outlined in your owner’s guide. 

Now here’s something that might stump your buddy.  Due to more stringent tire standards for replacement the Lincoln penny is no longer a tool to measure tread depth.  For decades if you placed a penny upside down with President Lincoln facing you, if his hairline showed when inserted in the tread a tire needed replacement.  This meant that there was 2/32 inch or less tread remaining.  Now with new tire standards for safety and fuel economy the George Washington quarter has taken the place of the penny.  The measurement for replacing a tire is now 4/32 inch of tread remaining.  The method of measuring a tire with a quarter is the same as with a penny but now if President Washington’s hairline shows the tire needs replacement. 

Shop Lacks Test Equipment

Question 2

My 2008 Mitsubishi cranks when I turn the key but it won’t start.  I cranked it until the battery died and called AAA.  The tow truck driver jumped the battery but it still would not start.  I had him tow the car to my repair shop. 

The car will not start for my shop.  They have done all kinds of tests but cannot determine the trouble.  My mechanic thinks there is a problem in the antitheft system.  He asked if I have another key because that might start the car.  Unfortunately, I purchased the car a little over a year ago and the dealer did not give me two keys.

My mechanic says his tester does not have the capability to communicate with the system and suggested that I have the car towed to a dealership.  Is this my only alternative?  T.R., email

Answer 2

You could have the car crushed at a salvage yard.  All kidding aside, if you are dead set against taking the car to a dealership another independent shop might have the equipment to communicate with the antitheft system and body control module.  To find a repair shop with the proper equipment consider calling a AAA-Approved Auto Repair shop.  Call your local AAA for a list of shops.  One might have the tool to do the work.  If not, the next stop for your car is a dealership and it is possible a Mitsubishi dealership is AAA-Approved.  Also, once the car is repaired consider investing in a second key just in case the present key fails to communicate with the antitheft system.

In A Quandary Over Where To Take Car For Repair

Question 3

A “Service Park Assist” light has turned on in my 2007 Cadillac DTS and the system does not function.  My car has 91,000 miles on it.

Is this something that can be repaired at an independent repair shop or do I have to go to a dealer shop?  T.D.S., email

Answer 3

It all depends upon the repair shop.  Some independent repair shops have the expertise and tools to communicate and program control modules and some don’t.  It’s likely a shop with a great reputation that has been in business for many years will have the tools and a technician that can do the work.  A shop with a great reputation that lacks a particular tool and or expertise to perform an operation will refer you to a dealership or another shop that can handle the task. 

Definitely a dealership will have the tools and technician to diagnose and repair the system.

Runaway Truck

Question 4
Since replacing the battery in my 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 the gas pedal has been sticking.  When accelerating and I reach cruising speed I can release the gas pedal and the truck continues to accelerate for as long as ten seconds.  The first time this happened I thought I had the cruise control on but it wasn’t.  I pulled to the side of the road to make sure nothing was interfering with the gas pedal but the floor mat was not touching nor did the pedal bind when pressing and releasing it.  Since this event the engine has accelerated on its own a few more times so I’m careful to maintain a large interval between my truck and vehicles ahead of me.

I went to a repair shop where a technician examined the gas pedal and did a number of tests.  He drove the truck with a scan tester connected to a computer.  He experienced the acceleration trouble but could not find any problems.  He suggested that I leave it for a few days so he can track down the cause of the trouble.  As of yet, I have not left it at the shop.

Have you ever heard of trouble like this? D.L., email

Answer 4

The gas pedal in your truck operates an electric switch that signals the opening and closing of the throttle on the engine.  Certainly it is possible the switch has a fault but tests should reveal issues that would tell a technician there is trouble. 

Since so far tests have not found abnormalities it is time to consider tests of the cruise control.  He might consider examination of switches and module associated with the cruise control.  Examination of the conductors in the cruise control circuit including ground connections and terminals in plugs is in order. 

Before your technician begins tests he might consider disconnecting the cruise control.  Once this is accomplished a test drive may find the condition does not occur with the cruise disabled.  If so, he can focus on faults in that system and abandon troubleshooting the gas pedal circuit although they are interconnected.

 

Poor Connection Causes Trouble

Question 5 

I have a 1991 Volkswagen Vanagon camper with 107,000 miles.  The vehicle is in great condition and has not given me a bit of trouble until now.  I use the vehicle for camping and during the winter months it is parked in my garage.  Occasionally, during the winter I drive it on nice days to keep it in good working order.  The last time I drove the engine hesitated and bucked as if it was going to stall.  I took it to a repair shop that has maintained it for several years.  A technician has done all kinds of tests and has replaced several parts including the engine control module but the trouble remains.  Now he is at a loss.

I’m not about to give up on this vehicle.  I have always changed the oil every 3,000 miles or 3 months and follow the factory service schedule for everything else.  Do you have any suggestions?  P.W., email

Answer 5

It’s a good thing this problem did not occur during a camping trip.  It certainly is not time to dump the camper.

At this stage of repair ask your technician to consider a thorough check of all the electrical ground connections.  As a vehicle ages, ground connections are prone to suffer from corrosion or become loose.  When this occurs unusual driveability conditions develop that can stump even the most experienced technician. 

Once he examines the ground connections it is likely he will find the cause of the trouble.  Renewing a good electrical path at a ground circuit will likely place your trusty VW back into service as your mode of transportation to your next camping destination.

New Fuse Might Fix Trouble
Question 6

Yesterday, I went to start my 2000 Dodge Durango with a 4.7-liter engine.  It cranked and cranked but would not start.  Thankfully I have a second car so I could get to work.  After work I tried to start it and it just cranked.  Then I realized the odometer had a message that said “P done”.  Also, the interior lights and power door locks do not work. 

My Durango has 160,000 miles on it.  It usually runs fine.  I don’t want to put a lot of money into it.   Do you have any idea what the trouble is? P., email

Answer 6

The message decoded means let me pass in gracefully.  All kidding aside, this might be an easy repair.

Your truck sent a message to the odometer that means no codes.  Since the interior lights and power locks do not work, this could mean that there is no power to the body control.  The body control module sends a code to the engine module to start.  Check the fuses.  You might find the fuse for the power door locks is open or blown.  If so, replacement could get your truck back on the road.  If a new fuse blows there is a short somewhere in the circuit that needs troubleshooting.  If it doesn’t blow, you’ll likely jump for joy when your truck springs back to life. 

Keep your fingers crossed that a new fuse does the trick.

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@hotmail.com  01/14/2013 ® DR. GIZMO © 1989-Present

All-new Lexus IS First in Industry to Offer Subscription-free Traffic and Weather Information on Integrated Audio Systems

Partnership with HD Radio™ developer iBiquity delivers industry leading technology at a great value

 

TORRANCE, Calif. – Lexus announced that it has partnered with iBiquity Digital Corporation, the developer of HD Radio™ Technology, to be the first automotive brand to offer subscription-free, real-time traffic and weather information on its integrated audio systems. The all-new Lexus IS sport sedan, which debuted at the North American International Auto Show, will be the first Lexus vehicle to feature this technology when it arrives in dealerships this summer.

 

“At Lexus, we strive for partnerships that bring the most advanced connected vehicle technologies to our customers at a great value,” said Sandy Lobenstein, vice president, Connected Vehicle Technology and Planning. “As a result of our partnership with iBiquity, our owners will be the first in the industry to have access to subscription-free real-time traffic and weather data on multimedia systems across our vehicle lineup.”

 

Lexus will launch two systems integrating HD Radio, digital audio entertainment and real-time traffic and weather information.

 

For vehicles with available Navigation, Lexus will provide a digital audio and navigation system driven by the first of its kind hybrid technology capable of receiving digital traffic and weather information from both HD Radio stations and the cell phone network, using the driver’s smartphone connected with the Lexus Enform system.

 

For vehicles without navigation, Lexus will offer a standard premium Display Audio system complete with subscription-free traffic maps and weather information, all delivered by HD Radio stations across the country.

 

 

 

Recalls Of The Day, February 1, 2013

Good day everyone.  Today, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has not announced any recalls.  we will keep you posted of any developments.

Have a great weekend!