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Thursday, April 11, 2013

Toyota Announces Voluntary Recall of Certain Vehicles for the Front Passenger Airbag



TORRANCE, Calif., April 11, 2013 – Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. today announced that it will conduct a safety recall involving approximately 170,000 front passenger airbag inflators installed in several vehicle models.

The involved vehicles are equipped with front passenger airbag inflators which could have been assembled with improperly manufactured propellant wafers.  Improperly manufactured propellant wafers could cause the inflator to rupture and the front passenger airbag to deploy abnormally in the event of a crash.

The vehicles involved include certain Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Sequoia, and Tundra, and Lexus SC 430 models manufactured from 2001 – 2003.  More precise vehicle information is being developed, but about 510,000 vehicles may have to be inspected to locate the suspect inflators.

Owners of vehicles subject to this safety recall will receive an owner notification letter by first class mail.  The recall remedy will involve inspection of the front passenger air bag, and, if it is equipped with an affected inflator, the inflator will be replaced with a newly manufactured one at no charge to the owner.

Detailed information is available to customers at www.toyota.com/recall, the Toyota Customer Experience at 1 800-331-4331, www.lexus.com/recall and Lexus Customer Satisfaction (1 800-255-3987).
 
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Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Recalls Of The Day, April 10, 2013

Good morning everyone.  The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued six recalls.  Issues involve broken drive  shafts, stalling engines, fire, inoperable air bags, insecure glass, and failing brakes.

If your vehicle is affected please have it repaired as soon as possible. Repairs covered under recall are free of charge.


Report Receipt Date: APR 03, 2013
NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V121000
Component(s): AIR BAGS , POWER TRAIN , STRUCTURE
Potential Number of Units Affected: 61,409
     
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Ford Delivers Best Hybrid Sales Quarter Ever as Fusion and C-MAX Hybrids Attract New Customers to Brand

 
  • Ford’s hybrid sales in the first quarter of the year totaled 21,080 vehicles, marking the first time Ford has sold more than 20,000 hybrids in a quarter; first-quarter hybrid sales increased by 324 percent 
  • First-quarter growth even higher in key markets; Fusion Hybrid sales up 518 percent in New York, 478 percent in Los Angeles and 325 percent in San Francisco
  • Beyond fuel economy, design and technology are among the top reasons customers are choosing Fusion Hybrid over the competition, according to early buyer data from J.D. Power
  • Fusion Hybrid is attracting the youngest buyer of any mid-size hybrid in the market today  with 29 percent of customers under the age of 36
 


DEARBORN, Mich., April 10, 2013 – Ford delivered its best hybrid sales quarter ever in the first quarter of 2013 with sales totaling 21,080 vehicles – marking the first time Ford has sold more than 20,000 hybrids in a quarter. Ford’s hybrid sales were up 324 percent nationally over 2012, achieving 16 percent share of the electrified vehicle market – up from 4 percent last year.
 
This was the first quarter in which Ford offered all four of its new hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles, including Fusion Hybrid, Fusion Energi, C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi. Ford’s first hybrid offerings went on sale in October 2004, nearly a decade ago. 
 
This record sales quarter was driven by the success of the C-MAX hybrids and Fusion hybrids. The all-new design, fuel efficiency and smart technology the company’s new hybrids offer is attracting an entirely new group of customers to Ford showrooms.
 
Three out of four customers in key hybrid markets are coming from other brands. In addition to fueling a surge in sales of Ford’s latest electrified vehicles, these customers are equipping their new rides with some of the most advanced technology on the market.
 
Ford hybrids attracting new buyers to the brand
One quarter of electrified vehicles sold in the United States in 2012 were purchased in California – more than any other state – and increasingly these customers are opting for a Ford-brand vehicle. Since the new 2013 Fusion Hybrid went on sale last fall, 73 percent of the car’s customers in the Los Angeles area are new to the Ford brand. In the San Francisco area, 77 percent of Fusion Hybrid customers are coming from another brand.
 
Four months ago Los Angeles-based Eddie Sasaki replaced his Jeep Wrangler with a Fusion Hybrid after checking out the Chevrolet Volt and Kia Optima Hybrid. “I love the look of the Fusion,” says Sasaki. “Fusion’s overall appearance and value are what sold me.” So far Sasaki is averaging about 42 mpg on his 40-mile daily commute.
 
Toyota remains the top conquest brand for both Fusion Hybrid and C-MAX hybrids. Initial sales data show C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi are also bringing new customers to Ford, with conquest rates remaining above 60 percent since the vehicles hit the market in 2012.
 
Even among consumers who are still car shopping, Ford hybrids have gained ground on the longtime market leader. According to data from consumer research site Edmunds.com, Ford’s all-new Fusion Hybrid is already taking the lead over Toyota Camry Hybrid in purchase consideration. Meanwhile C-MAX hybrids – Ford’s newest nameplate and first dedicated hybrid lineup – are showing consideration equal to Toyota Prius and purchase intent near equal to Prius, all while offering lower incentives than Toyota for both Camry Hybrid and Prius. The Prius and Honda CR-V remain the top two competitive trade-ins for C-MAX Hybrid.
 
Fusion hybrids are also attracting the youngest wave of customers in the midsize segment. More than one in five buyers of Fusion Hybrid and Fusion Energi are under 36 years old.
 
Ford’s electrified vehicles are also attracting customers in areas that have traditionally shied away from hybrids, including Texas, Florida and the central region. One-third of all C-MAX sales are in the Midwest, where hybrid sales have historically been lower.
 
Hybrid customers want technology under the hood and in the cabin
Early buyer data from industry analytics firm J.D. Power indicate design and technology are among the top reasons customers are choosing Fusion Hybrid over the competition. Fusion’s stunning new design grabs attention at first glance, while technologies including SmartGauge® with EcoGuide, Lane-Keeping System, Driver Alert, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) and SYNC® with MyFord® Touch help to close the deal.
 
Technology features highly sought after in Fusion Hybrid include:
 
  • 70 percent of all Fusion Hybrids are equipped with the MyFord Touch package compared to just 50 percent on the conventional Fusion
  • BLIS and Lane-Keeping System are installed on 31 percent of hybrids, double the rate of the conventional Fusion
  • 12 percent of hybrid customers select active park assist, compared to 7 percent for the conventional Fusion
 
C-MAX Hybrid customers are also far more likely to load up their vehicles:
 
  • Vehicles equipped with technology packages on C-MAX Hybrid move off dealer lots three times faster than those without
  • 27 percent of C-MAX customers get the panoramic fixed-glass roof
  • More than three out of four customers choose the hands-free liftgate
 
Ford’s electrified vehicles
Already Ford’s most fuel-efficient sedan, the all-new Fusion Energi has an EPA-rated total range of up to 620 miles and the ability to drive up to 21 miles in electric-only mode, nearly triple the electric-only range of plug-in hybrids from Toyota and Honda – along with EPA-rated fuel economy of 108 MPGe city, 92 MPGe highway and 100 MPGe combined.
 
Fusion Hybrid is America’s most fuel-efficient midsize hybrid sedan with an EPA-estimated rating of 47 mpg city, 47 mpg highway (best-in-class) and 47 mpg combined.
 
Also available are Focus Electric, C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid. Focus Electric is one of America’s most fuel-efficient compact cars with an EPA-rated 110 MPGe city, 99 MPGe highway and 105 MPGe combined. C-MAX Energi is EPA-rated at 108 MPGe city, 92 MPGe highway and 100 MPGe combined. C-MAX Hybrid delivers an EPA-estimated 47 mpg city, 47 mpg highway and 47 mpg combined.
 
More about Ford’s electrified vehicles can be found here.
 
 
                                                                         # # #
 
About Ford Motor CompanyFord Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 171,000 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.
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Tuesday, April 9, 2013

New Drivers Gain Critical Defensive Driving Skills and Confidence Behind the Wheel from Toyota's Teen Safe Driving Program


Free Events and New Online Resources Available to Help Reduce Teen Driving Fatalities as Signature Program Moves into 10th Year

  • Toyota Driving Expectations has benefited nearly 30,000 teens and parents
  • Partnerships with National Safety Council and Teen Vogue expand Toyota’s commitment to road safety
  • Events will be held in Torrance, Calif., Denver and San Antonio
  • Registration for events at www.toyotadrivingexpectations.com

Toyota Driving Expectations 001
A teen driver prepares to navigate the obstacle course during the Toyota Driving Expectations program.

Toyota Driving Expectations 002
Teen drivers struggle to stay the course – literally – during the Toyota Driving Expectations’ obstacle challenge.

Toyota Driving Expectations 003
Teen facilitator Gary Goodman instructs teens on defensive driving best practices and crash avoidance techniques.
TORRANCE, CALIF. (April 9, 2013) – Toyota continues to offer its free-of-charge safe driving skills program, Toyota Driving Expectations, and comprehensive online resources with the goal of reducing motor vehicle crashes, the leading cause of death among teens. Upcoming behind-the-wheel safety events will be held in Torrance, Calif., Denver and San Antonio for newly licensed or permitted teens and their parents to learn about defensive driving skills, crash avoidance techniques and the dangers of distracted driving during the 2.5-hour program.

Moving into its 10th year, Toyota Driving Expectations supplements standard driver’s education to prepare inexperienced drivers for the challenges they’ll face on the road. In recognizing the importance of parents’ involvement to help their teens develop responsible driving habits, the program requires a parent or guardian to accompany their teen.

Kicking-off in Torrance, Calif., professional instructors in the Toyota Driving Expectations “On The Road” program tour lead teens through driving courses and in-classroom discussions, while encouraging continued learning at home and demonstrating safe driving habits. This year’s events will be held at:
  • Torrance, Calif.on May 4-5 at Toyota headquarters. Registration now open at www.toyotadrivingexpectations.com
  • Denver, Colo. on May 18-19 at Bass Pro Shops. Registration opens April 18.
  • San Antonio, Texason June 8–9 at Toyota Texas Plant. Registration opens May 9.

“Safer drivers lead to safer roads, so Toyota is committed to helping educate and empower teens and parents around smart driving choices,” said Michael Rouse, Toyota’s vice president of diversity, philanthropy and community affairs. “Through our safe driving programs, partnerships and online resources, we hope more young drivers will absorb the sobering lessons of distracted driving and learn key skills to keep themselves safe behind the wheel.”

To further the connection with teens in local communities, Toyota Driving Expectations has launched teen driving assemblies in high schools and dealerships across the country. Free Toyota Driving Expectations safety clinics at select Toyota dealerships will be led this summer by professional drivers who address vehicle safety features, defensive driving, distracted driving and vehicle maintenance.

Making Safe Driving Information and Resources Available
Toyota also offers free online safety resources for teens, parents and educators through its partnership with Discovery Education at ToyotaTeenDriver.com.  The Toyota Teen Driver also has annual contests for teens and educators, including the current Toyota Teen Driver Video Challenge, whose top ten videos are open for public voting now through April 16th.  The winning teen will receive $15,000. 

Last fall, Toyota’s Collaborative Safety Research Center (CSRC) and the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI) announced preliminary findings from a major, national study that analyzed the critical role parents play in shaping teen driving habits. The UMTRI/Toyota Teen Driver Distraction Study found a significant correlation between parent and teen behaviors behind the wheel, suggesting parents can be influential role models for young drivers. Startling study findings showed that 61 percent of parents and 54 percent of teens report that they use a hand-held cellphone while driving, emphasizing the importance of including parents in the Toyota Driving Expectations program.

While helping parents talk to their teens about safety can be challenging, Toyota is dedicated to furthering this important conversation. Earlier this month, the company partnered with Teen Vogue to launch “Arrive in Style”, a safe driving campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of distracted driving among teenage girls and inspire them to make a mutual commitment with their mothers to drive safely.  The campaign features monthly advertorials with tips and advice from Toyota on different safe driving topics, as well as stories and online videos of Teen Vogue readers and their mothers about their commitment to driving safely.  A microsite (arriveinstyle.teenvogue.com) will feature Toyota’s Mutual Driving Agreement that mothers and daughters can e-sign and share via Facebook for a chance to win monthly prizes. In addition to signing the Agreement, teens can upload a photo on the microsite of them and their mom “air driving” for a chance to win a trip to New York City to be featured in the February 2014 issue of Teen Vogue.

Building on its 10-year relationship with the National Safety Council, Toyota supports the Council’s DriveitHOME initiative, launched in March at www.driveithome.org. Designed by and for parents of newly licensed teen drivers, the online community uses highly visual media to educate parents on the dangers facing teens on the road and ways to coach recently licensed drivers. Like Toyota Driving Expectations, DriveitHOMEencourages the conversation about safe habits to continue long after teens receive a license.

For more information about Toyota’s teen driving events, programs, partnerships and commitment to safer roads, visit www.toyotadrivingexpectations.comand www.toyotateendriver.com.
About Toyota
Toyota (NYSE: TM) established operations in the United States in 1957 and currently operates 10 manufacturing plants.  Toyota directly employs over 31,000 in the U.S. and its investment here is currently valued at more than $23 billion, including sales and manufacturing operations, research and development, financial services and design.

Toyota is committed to being a good corporate citizen in the communities where it does business and believes in supporting programs with long-term sustainable results. Toyota supports numerous organizations across the country, focusing on education, the environment and safety. Since 1991, Toyota has contributed nearly 700 million dollars to philanthropic programs in the U.S.

For more information on Toyota's commitment to improving communities nationwide, visit http://www.toyota.com/philanthropy.

About National Safety CouncilThe National Safety Council (www.nsc.org) saves lives by preventing injuries and deaths at work, in homes, communities and on the roads, through leadership, research, education and advocacy.
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Recall Recap For The Week Of April 1, 2013

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued its recap of recalls for last week.  Manufactures affected include Mitsubishi, Hyundai, Kia, Temsa, Subaru and General Motors. 

To learn more about the recalls click on the NHTSA ID Number. 

If your vehicle is affected,, please have it repaired as soon as possible as all of the recalls could cause injury or worse.       

NHTSA Campaign ID Number :
13V116
Manufacturer :
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.
Make / Model Years :
MITSUBISHI / 2013
Subject :
Stop Lamp Switch/FMVSS 108, 114
NHTSA Campaign ID Number :
13V115
Manufacturer :
Hyundai-Kia America Technical Center Inc
Make / Model Years :
HYUNDAI / 2011-2013
Subject :
Headliner Support Bracket may cause Injury
NHTSA Campaign ID Number :
13V114
Manufacturer :
Kia Motors Corporation
Make / Model Years :
KIA / 2007-2011
Subject :
Stop Lamp Switch may Function Intermittently
NHTSA Campaign ID Number :
13V113
Manufacturer :
Hyundai-Kia America Technical Center Inc
Make / Model Years :
HYUNDAI / 2007-2011
Subject :
Stop Lamp Switch may Function Intermittently
NHTSA Campaign ID Number :
13V112
Manufacturer :
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.
Make / Model Years :
MITSUBISHI / 2013
Subject :
Fuel Gauge may Read Incorrectly
NHTSA Campaign ID Number :
13V111
Manufacturer :
Temsa Global Sanayi Ve Ticaret A.S.
Make / Model Years :
TEMSA / 2013
Subject :
Steering Wheel may Lock while Driving
NHTSA Campaign ID Number :
13V110
Manufacturer :
Subaru of America, Inc.
Make / Model Years :
SUBARU / 2005-2009
Subject :
Brake Lines may Fail due to Corrosion
NHTSA Campaign ID Number :
13V105
Manufacturer :
General Motors LLC
Make / Model Years :
BUICK / 2013
Subject :
Steering Wheel may Detach
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Final 2012 Polk Data Just In: Ford Focus Is Best-Selling Vehicle Nameplate Worldwide – Ford Takes Three of Top 10

 

  • Ford Focus ranks as the best-selling vehicle nameplate in the world, based on Polk global new vehicle registration data for full-year 2012 (global reporting lags three to four months)
  • Ford takes three of the top-10 best-sellers, with Ford F-Series – the world’s No. 1-selling pickup – ranked third and Fiesta the best-selling subcompact at sixth overall
  • 2013 global sales off to equally strong start as worldwide momentum continues
 
 
 
DEARBORN, Mich., April 9, 2013 – With final 2012 Polk global market registration data just reporting, Ford Focus is officially the world’s best-selling passenger car, with the Ford F-Series pickup coming in third and Ford Fiesta coming in as the best-selling subcompact.
 
Sales of the compact Focus totaled 1,020,410 cars worldwide according to the automotive data and trends forecasting leader. Market gains for Focus were driven by consumer demand in China and the United States. China registrations were up 51 percent last year, with the market responsible for just more than one out of four Focus vehicles sold globally according to Polk vehicle registration data. U.S. Focus sales were up 40 percent in 2012, also contributing to the car’s global growth.
 
In addition to holding the title of world’s best-selling vehicle overall, Polk data also confirm the Ford Fiesta earned the top spot as the best-selling subcompact car globally, with 723,130 registrations last year. Together, registrations of Ford’s small cars – Fiesta and Focus – totaled 1,743,540 vehicles in 2012, according to Polk.
 
“Focus and Fiesta represent the culmination of our One Ford global product strategy,” said Jim Farley, Ford executive vice president, global marketing, sales and service and Lincoln. “Our global products are resonating with consumers – especially in the best-selling, most competitive segments – with their unique combination of fuel efficiency, high quality, rich content and fun-to-drive personalities. Through One Ford, we’re able to bring economies of scale and fantastic value to customers all around the world.”
 
Global new vehicle registrations for F-Series totaled 785,630 trucks last year, putting it in the No. 3 spot among all vehicles sold worldwide. F-Series has been America’s best-selling pickup for 36 straight years.
 
“Since its launch in China in late March of last year, Focus sales continue to strengthen, with the car now ranking as the best-selling passenger car in China in 2012 for the first time ever,” Farley said. “With additional manufacturing capacity added last year, we now have a tremendous opportunity to further strengthen our global small car sales in 2013, with sales off to a very strong start already.”
 
 
# # #
 
 
About Ford Motor CompanyFord Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 171,000 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.
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Friday, April 5, 2013

Dr. Gizmo Column


"Dr. Gizmo"
By Phil Arendt

Electrical Connections Have Built-in Corrosion Resistance 
Question 1
I am an avid reader of your column and greatly appreciate your automotive insight and advice.  A common condition that is frequently given as a possible fix is to check for loose or corroded ground connections.  Is there an application or lubricant you can recommend to apply to these connections that might resist corrosion and maintain a good connection?  Also, many car manufactures are now recommending 6,000 mile oil change intervals, have you changed your recommendation of 3,000 mile oil changes? B.W., Oakwood Hills, IL

Answer 1
Thanks for reading the column.  In the manufacture of vehicles carmakers use materials in electrical connections that resist corrosion.  It is not recommended to use grease or other products on ground connections.  Certainly over time corrosion might develop in between layers of connections and often they loosen especially in high mileage vehicles.  Sometimes the metal under a connection corrodes causing the trouble.  When a connection causes trouble it might need a thorough cleaning.  Sometimes all it needs is tightening.  What action is needed to cure a condition is determined on a case by case basis.

One of the most common connections that corrode or become loose are the connections on the battery.  Many people believe they should apply corrosion prevention grease to the battery posts or install a felt washer around the post that carries a preventive greasy compound.  More often than not such products do indeed prevent corrosion but the greasy substance eventually causes a poor connection that causes electrical problems.  The best solution is to monitor battery connections.  When corrosion develops, disassemble the connection.  Clean them with sand paper or non-metallic brush inside and out until the mating surfaces are sparkling clean.  Then, reassemble.  No goo is necessary.

As for oil change intervals, I remain steadfast to 3,000 miles oil and filter changes.  And with more turbo-charged engines arriving on the scene, it’s even more important than ever to consistently change the oil and filter at 3,000 mile intervals or sooner.

Heat Causes High A/C Pressure 
Question 2
I own a 2006 Ford F-350 Super Duty truck with a 6.0-liter diesel engine.  I love my truck and use it for work down here in Florida.  The only problem is that the Freon blows a valve in the air conditioner.  When this happens the air conditioning quits.  I have been to two different shops for the trouble but they cannot find the cause.  One shop replaced a pressure valve.  The other shop did a bunch of tests and can’t find a cause.  The second shop told me that when the pressure in the system rises above 350 pounds per square inch the pressure valve is designed to open and relieve pressure but they are not sure why pressure exceeds the limits of the valve.  With summer on the way I need to get this fixed.  Do you have any suggestions?  T.K., email

Answer 2
Move to northern Canada.  Problem solved.  All kidding aside after researching professional web sites your favorite shop might consider testing the operation of the electrical clutch on the cooling system fan.  Research found that on several occasions the temperature of the air conditioning condenser rises too high due to a malfunction in the fan.  When the temperature rises, so does system pressure.  Replacing the electronically controlled fan resolved the trouble in several vehicles.

 
Concern Over Heater Repair Costs
Question 3

I have a 2004 Honda Accord with a troubled heater.  If I set the control to maximum heat cool air comes out of the vents.  It I turn the knob one notch down I get plenty of nice warm air.  I went to a repair shop that has been maintaining my vehicle for a few years.  A technician tried to perform some tests but his test equipment would not work with the computer that controls the heating and air conditioning.  He did do some electrical tests and found everything normal with a motor that changes the temperature.  He is not sure what is wrong but says that it is likely the control panel module is faulty.  He says he is not sure if replacing the part will cure the trouble.  He suggested that I take the car to a dealer to make sure.  He said he will install the part if the dealer verifies it is the cause of the trouble.

My dealer service is expensive.  Do you think replacing the heater controller will fix the trouble?  C.G., email

Answer 3
I appreciate your concern over the cost of your dealer’s service department.  After all with labor costs generally around $115 per hour the cost of repair rises quickly.  Fortunately, generally speaking minimum diagnostic test charges are 30 minutes to an hour.

I also understand why your independent shop technician is suggesting more tests at a dealership.  The part is expensive.  If he installs it and it does not cure the condition he cannot return the part for a refund or credit. Then you will be charged for labor and newly installed part that did not correct the trouble.  This is a poor situation that can cause frustration for both of you.
So, how can this be resolved?  You could live with the condition.  You might search for another independent shop that has a repair manual that can guide a technician through testing procedures and has the diagnostic equipment to perform tests.  Another alternative is to set an appointment with your dealer who is required by contract with the auto manufacturer to have a factory trained technician, repair manual and tools including diagnostic equipment to repair your make vehicle.  The decision is yours.  If you authorize your technician to replace the part, cross your fingers that the condition is cured but if not be prepared for that as well.

Don’t Guess
Question 4
I own a 2006 Ford Expedition.  The front passenger window stops when powering it down and then it won’t go back up.  If I wait a while I can close the window but sometimes it takes several attempts before it closes.  It does not matter if I use the switch at the driver’s control or the one in the right front door.  All the other windows work normally from the driver’s door or at their respective door switches.

Do you think the motor is bad?  C.J., email

Answer 4
The symptoms suggest that the motor has a fault but it is possible a relay or even a switch has a fault.  If you are an experienced do-it-yourselfer consider testing the switches and relay before installing a replacement motor.  After all, it may be fine.

Wiring Needs Extensive Probing
Question 5
After I start my 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan the power windows, radio and windshield wipers quit after about a minute.  If I shut off the engine and not the ignition switch the wipers, radio and power windows will come back to life.  Unfortunately, once I start the engine about a minute goes by and the equipment shuts off again. 

I took the van to a repair shop.  A technician who has been servicing the van for many years said it’s likely there is a problem in the wiring.  He might need many hours to find the trouble.

My van is in great condition but with 190,000 miles I don’t want to put too much money into it.  Can you help?  B.L., email

Answer 5
A lot of work can be accomplished in one or two hours.  If you want to have this repaired you will need to leave the vehicle.  A check of computer modules must be accomplished.  The cost should be less than an hour of labor. 

If modules check okay it is time to troubleshoot wiring.  The use of a wiring diagram will help your technician locate the power and ground circuits of the affected devices.  Since your vehicle is older more than likely he will find a corroded connection or perhaps loose or chaffed wiring is the cause of this condition.

Faulty Axles Impair Transmission
Question 6
I have a 2006 Dodge Charger SXT with an automatic transmission that won’t shift out of first gear.  I took the car to a local transmission shop.  A mechanic said tests found nothing wrong in the transmission.  He determined two sensors on the rear wheels quit working.  They were not sending speed information to a computer that controls the transmission.  He replaced the sensors but the trouble continued.  Now he says the axles need replacing. 

My car has 22,000 miles and a 3.5-liter motor.  The mechanic says there are magnets in the rear axles that the sensors use to send a signal to the transmission computer.  He said the magnets must have fallen off.  I find this hard to believe.  The axles are expensive.  What do they have to do with the transmission?  M.G., email

Answer 6
This indeed is unusual.  Magnetic rings are supposed to be on the rear axles.  Why they disappeared is unclear.  Perhaps corrosion is to blame. 

As the axles rotate the magnetic rings pass quickly over the speed sensors.  This creates a voltage signal that the computer uses to determine transmission shifts points.   Without the magnetic rings the sensors do not develop a signal and the transmission remains in low gear.  To fix the trouble replace the axles.

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  03/18/2013 ® DR. GIZMO © 1989-Present

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