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Monday, March 4, 2019

NHTSA Recalls For March 4, 2019

Good morning.

This week the list of safety issues includes potential fires, brake loss, loss of steering, collapsing seats, tire problems, incorrect labeling, stalling engines and more.

Please review the list.  If your vehicle is affected by a recall please have it repaired as quickly as possible.  Your life might depend upon it. 

Recall repairs performed at your favorite dealership are free-of-charge.

Have a safe motoring week!



To find out if your specific passenger vehicle is included in the recall, use our VIN Look-up Tool.
NHTSA Recall ID Number :
Manufacturer :
Pierce Manufacturing
Subject :
Aerial Device May Rotate Unintentionally
Make
Model
Model Years
PIERCE
ARROW XT
2004-2018
PIERCE
DASH
2004-2018
PIERCE
ENFORCER
2004-2018
PIERCE
IMPEL
2004-2018
PIERCE
QUANTUM
2004-2018
PIERCE
VELOCITY
2004-2018
NHTSA Recall ID Number :
Manufacturer :
Ford Motor Company
Subject :
Insufficient Front Seat Frame Weld/FMVSS 207, 210
Make
Model
Model Years
FORD
ECOSPORT
2019
NHTSA Recall ID Number :
Manufacturer :
Airstream, Inc.
Subject :
Incorrect Tire Info Printed on Label/FMVSS 110
Make
Model
Model Years
AIRSTREAM
BASECAMP
2019
NHTSA Recall ID Number :
Manufacturer :
Vantage Mobility International, LLC
Subject :
Fuel Pump Gasket Causing Fuel leak/FMVSS 301
Make
Model
Model Years
VANTAGE
AMS EDGE II
2014-2017
NHTSA Recall ID Number :
Manufacturer :
Keystone RV Company
Subject :
Tire May Contact Rear Floor Support
Make
Model
Model Years
DUTCHMEN
ENDURANCE
2019
DUTCHMEN
VOLTAGE
2017-2019
NHTSA Recall ID Number :
Manufacturer :
Motor Coach Industries
Subject :
Loss of Steering Control
Make
Model
Model Years
MCI
102EL3
1997-2013
MCI
E4500
1997-2013
MCI
J4500
2001-2015
NHTSA Recall ID Number :
Manufacturer :
HME, Inc.
Subject :
Brake Light may Randomly Illuminate/FMVSS 108
Make
Model
Model Years
HME
1871
2017-2018
NHTSA Recall ID Number :
Manufacturer :
Double K Inc.
Subject :
Insufficiently Tightened Brake Caliper Bolts
Make
Model
Model Years
HOMETOWN TROLLEY
MAINSTREET
2017-2018
HOMETOWN TROLLEY
STREETCAR
2017-2018
HOMETOWN TROLLEY
VILLAGER
2017-2018
NHTSA Recall ID Number :
Manufacturer :
Double K Inc.
Subject :
Insufficiently Tightened Brake Caliper Bolts
Make
Model
Model Years
HOMETOWN TROLLEY
MAINSTREET
2017-2019
HOMETOWN TROLLEY
STREETCAR
2017-2019
HOMETOWN TROLLEY
VILLAGER
2017-2019
NHTSA Recall ID Number :
Manufacturer :
Ford Motor Company
Subject :
Failure of Hands-off the Wheel Alerts
Make
Model
Model Years
LINCOLN
NAUTILUS
2019
NHTSA Recall ID Number :
Manufacturer :
Volvo Trucks North America
Subject :
Vehicle may Move after Clutch Component Fails
Make
Model
Model Years
VOLVO
VNL
2018-2019
NHTSA Recall ID Number :
Manufacturer :
Mack Trucks, Inc.
Subject :
Vehicle may Move after Clutch Component Fails
Make
Model
Model Years
MACK
ANTHEM (AN)
2018
MACK
PINNACLE (CXU)
2018
NHTSA Recall ID Number :
Manufacturer :
Hyundai Motor America
Subject :
Engine Oil Leak May Cause Stall or Fire
Make
Model
Model Years
HYUNDAI
TUCSON
2011-2013
NHTSA Recall ID Number :
Manufacturer :
Arcimoto Inc
Subject :
Certification Label Not Applied/Part 567
Make
Model
Model Years
ARCIMOTO
FUV
2017-2018
NHTSA Recall ID Number :
Manufacturer :
Arcimoto Inc
Subject :
Excessive Stopping Distance/FMVSS 122
Make
Model
Model Years
ARCIMOTO
FUV
2017
NHTSA Recall ID Number :
Manufacturer :
Arcimoto Inc
Subject :
Brake Warning Light Missing/FMVSS 122
Make
Model
Model Years
ARCIMOTO
FUV
2017-2018
NHTSA Recall ID Number :
Manufacturer :
Arcimoto Inc
Subject :
Seat May Collapse In The Event of A Crash
Make
Model
Model Years
ARCIMOTO
FUV
2017-2018
NHTSA Recall ID Number :
Manufacturer :
Arcimoto Inc
Subject :
Brake Fluid Leak Due to Incorrect Brake Fittings
Make
Model
Model Years
ARCIMOTO
FUV
2017
NHTSA Recall ID Number :
Manufacturer :
Arcimoto Inc
Subject :
Turn Signals Incorrectly Positioned/FMVSS 108
Make
Model
Model Years
ARCIMOTO
FUV
2017-2018
NHTSA Recall ID Number :
Manufacturer :
Arcimoto Inc
Subject :
Reflex Reflector Not In Compliance/FMVSS 108
Make
Model
Model Years
ARCIMOTO
FUV
2017-2018
NHTSA Recall ID Number :
Manufacturer :
Arcimoto Inc
Subject :
Headlamps Positioned too far Apart/FMVSS 108
Make
Model
Model Years
ARCIMOTO
FUV
2017-2018
NHTSA Recall ID Number :
Manufacturer :
Arcimoto Inc
Subject :
Gearbox May Prematurely Fail
Make
Model
Model Years
ARCIMOTO
FUV
2018
NHTSA Recall ID Number :
Manufacturer :
Arcimoto Inc
Subject :
Possible Loss of Steering Control
Make
Model
Model Years
ARCIMOTO
FUV
2017-2018
NHTSA Recall ID Number :
Manufacturer :
Arcimoto Inc
Subject :
Battery Shutdown May Occur Unexpectedly
Make
Model
Model Years
ARCIMOTO
FUV
2017-2018
NHTSA Recall ID Number :
Manufacturer :
Kia Motors America
Subject :
Engine Oil Leak May Cause Stall or Fire
Make
Model
Model Years
KIA
SPORTAGE
2011-2012
NHTSA Recall ID Number :
Manufacturer :
Kia Motors America
Subject :
Occupant Detection System Wire Harness May Break
Make
Model
Model Years
KIA
SEDONA
2015-2018
NHTSA Recall ID Number :
Manufacturer :
Kia Motors America
Subject :
Overheated Catalytic Converter May Damage Engine
Make
Model
Model Years
KIA
SOUL
2012-2016

Monday, February 25, 2019

Dr. Gizmo's Auto Blabber: Old Dr. Gizmo column

Dr. Gizmo's Auto Blabber: Old Dr. Gizmo column: Send Dr. Gizmo questions regarding your car to drgizmo@drgizmo.ws “Dr. Gizmo” By Phil Arendt Headlights Turn On Windshield Washe...

Old Dr. Gizmo column


Send Dr. Gizmo questions regarding your car to drgizmo@drgizmo.ws

“Dr. Gizmo”
By Phil Arendt

Headlights Turn On Windshield Washers
Question 1
Dr. Gizmo, I have a weird problem with my 2008 Ford Edge that I hope you can resolve.  When I turn on my headlights the windshield washers dribble and sometimes squirt without me activating the washers.  On bumpy roads the trouble seems worse.  With the headlights turned off the washers work normally.
I went to a shop.  They did tests but did not find any problems with modules or problem codes.  They suggest that I go to a dealership.
Have you ever heard of anything like this?  D.K., email

Answer 1
Over my many years in this business I have experienced all kinds of unusual issues.  For instance, one reader turned on the radio and the sunroof opened.
Your car has an interesting issue.  Apparently, it likes a clean windshield especially when the headlights are needed for optimal vision at night.  Your vehicle is smart.  Be this as it may, the trouble likely is caused by the headlights and windshield wiper system sharing conductors somewhere in the circuit.  More than likely the trouble is a loose or corroded common ground wire connection.  Ask your favorite technician to consider this suggestion the next time your vehicle makes its way into a service bay.

Shocked Over Branded Vehicle
Question 2
Two years ago I purchased a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu LT with a 2.4-liter engine.  Until recently it’s been operating fine until the ABS light turned on and now I have learned the car is a salvage vehicle.  This is putting a stop to repairs. 
I went to two shops for this problem.  The first shop replaced the brake module.  This did not fix the trouble so I went to another independent shop because the first shop had limited programming abilities.
The second shop technician attempted to program the newly installed module but the equipment would not do the programming.  He called a technical help line but was told they could not offer help because the car is branded as a salvage vehicle.  I was shocked to learn this.  At the time I purchased the vehicle I was not aware it was a salvage car.  Now my technician says he can’t program the module.  He doesn’t know what to do next.  Can you help?  By:  R.N., email

Answer 2
Yes indeed the salvage issue put the brakes on the repair.  I’m sorry to hear about this as it will cause future problems down the road.
At this point, perhaps your technician should check over the first shop’s work.  It is possible the cause of the trouble is not caused by a fault in the old module but by another issue in the system.  If so, once a proper repair is completed he can reinstall the old module and programming should not be necessary.

New Sensor Fails To Fix Condition
Question 3
I have a 2005 Nissan Altima S and the check engine light turned on.  I went to my auto parts supply store where it was tested.  Code P0725 was found.  I bought the sensor and installed it.  I went back to the store to clear the codes.  The light remained off for two days but turned back on. 
I went back to the store.  They tested for codes and found the same code.  They gave me another sensor.  I installed it but the light came back.  What am I missing?  H.L.M., email

Answer 3
First, I need to identify the sensor for our readers.  The code indicates an issue with an engine speed sensor.  The signal is monitored by a transmission control module. 
Next I have to congratulate you for your efforts.  The next step might require a trip to a repair shop.  The cause of the trouble is not likely due to a failed sensor although it is possible installation of a factory original equipment part might do the trick.  Before you run to a dealership for this part, it’s highly likely the trouble is caused by an issue in the circuit.  A problem such as a loose pin in a plug or perhaps a shorted or chaffed wire might be the cause.  Check the conductors for these issues.  If this is beyond your mechanical prowess roll your wheels to your favorite repair shop.

Engine Hesitates Due To Faulty Connection 
Question 4
Dr. Gizmo I have a 2015 Ford Escape SE with a 1.6-liter engine that hesitates and surges when accelerating and the check engine light is on.  I went to an auto supply store where they checked for codes.  They found code P0236. 
My car has 91,000 miles.  Is this a major repair?  D.I., email

Answer 4
Wow!  With 91,000 miles on the odometer you spend a lot of time behind the windshield.
This issue is not a major repair.  It involves repairing a connection related to the turbo-charger circuit.  Apparently, a factory splice connection within a harness might develop a poor connection.  The fix is to locate the wiring harness that contains the connection.  Open the harness and locate the spliced wire.  The next step is to replace the connector.  Once this is completed the issue should be resolved.

Failing Relay Impairs Starts
Question 5
Once in a while my 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo with a 3.6-liter engine and 55,000 miles will not start.  When I turn the key to start the engine turns but won’t start.  I left the car with my local shop.  They had it for five days.  It never acted up until the fifth day.  They found a code for no communication with the security system but they could not find the cause of the trouble.
I fear someday I will be stranded.  Do you know what‘s wrong?  H.L.N., email

Answer 5
This is an issue that has hit many Jeeps.  I know this might sound strange but your shop might consider checking the fuel pump relay.  The antitheft system impairs the fuel pump to help prevent vehicle theft.  If indeed a technician finds a faulty relay, replacing it should fix this condition.

Old Tires Cause Vibration
Question 6
I have a 2000 Honda Accord EX with a 4-cylinder engine.  It has 24,000 miles.  I bought it a month ago.  It’s in great condition.
The trouble is there is a resonate vibration that comes and goes when going more than 60 mph. 
A local shop drove it and experienced the trouble.  They checked the alignment, tire balance, axles, wheel bearings, motor mounts and engine.  They say the tires are like new and everything else checks out fine.
The tires are the original factory tires.  Although they are in great condition is it possible they are the cause of the vibration and sound?  M.L., email

Answer 6
It is possible.  It’s appears this vehicle was not in service very often.  Tires develop flat spots over time.  Also, these tires are old.  Tires should be replaced about every 10 years even if they have plenty of tread remaining and have no visible signs of road or environmental damage.
It’s highly likely new tires will cure this issue.  Ask your favorite technician to consider this suggestion the next time you grace his shop.

Thank you for all the 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 his e-mail address drgizmo@drgizmo.ws.  More information is available at http://drgizmo89.blogspot.com  02/26/2018 ® DR. GIZMO © 1989 – Present  

Dr. Gizmo's Auto Blabber: NHTSA Recalls for February 25, 2019

Dr. Gizmo's Auto Blabber: NHTSA Recalls for February 25, 2019: Good morning everyone, The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued it's list of recalls.  Issues this week include...