Sorry but today the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has not announced any recalls.
We will monitor the situation and keep you posted of any developments.
Have a great day!
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Monday, January 21, 2013
Chevrolet Next-Gen MyLink Wins CNET Best-of-CES Award
Smartphone-inspired system makes debuts this spring on all-new 2014 Impala
LAS VEGAS – Citing its easy-to-use, smartphone-inspired interface, tech news provider CNET chose Chevrolet’s next-generation MyLink infotainment system as its 2013 Best-of-CES Award in the Car Tech category, beating in-vehicle app frameworks from Ford and Garmin.
Chevrolet’s next-generation MyLink will debut on the 2014 Chevrolet Impala this spring, followed by other 2014 Chevrolet models such as the all-new Silverado full-size pickup. The award was presented Thursday at the Consumer Electronics Show.
“Cabin tech interfaces receive a lot of criticism for being clunky, ugly and slow, but Chevrolet may have cracked the code by copying the smartphone,” wrote CNET Senior Editor Wayne Cunningham. “The newest generation of the MyLink infotainment system runs smoothly and employs icons that look, and can be rearranged, like those on a smartphone.”
In addition to icons covering everything from navigation to phone to music apps such as Pandora, Chevrolet’s next-gen MyLink is designed to accommodate new features and enhancements and be highly customizable. It also represents Chevrolet’s first use of natural language voice recognition that allows customers to safely place calls, enter destinations, browse media, play music and control other functions simply by telling the vehicle what to do.
Another first for Chevrolet is that the system can store up to 60 favorites, including radio stations (AM/FM/XM), contacts, destinations, music and other media. This feature is convenient for those who travel to the same destination regularly and want to save locations such as hotels and restaurants.
“Impala buyers will love the ease, convenience and flexibility of the new MyLink system,” said Chris Perry, vice president, Chevrolet marketing. “Chevrolet customers are the real winners because we’ve provided them with useful and intuitive technology,”
Copyright General Motors
MyLink will be standard on Impala LT and LTZ and available on Impala eAssist. On its eight-inch screen, customers can fling through lists, swipe and click and drag just as they would on a tablet.
Those with compatible smartphones can pair them with MyLink using Bluetooth or a USB connection. This gives customers the ability to play passengers’ music or other media through the vehicle.
Another new feature allows customers whose Impalas are equipped with available embedded navigation to enter destinations in a single step, without having to enter the state, city, street number and street name in successive efforts. City-by-city weather reports are also provided.
OnStar accessibility also expands. Besides the traditional Blue button, customers can access OnStar via the screen display.
The 2014 Chevrolet Impala will include six months of OnStar’s premium Directions and Connections service and services such as Automatic Crash Response, Stolen Vehicle Assistance, Vehicle Diagnostics and Roadside Assistance.
Most smartphone owners can also download the RemoteLink Mobile App, which allows OnStar subscribers to control and manage certain vehicle functions from their phone. For more information on OnStar’s services, visit 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 4.5 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.
Recall Recap For The Week Of January 14, 2013
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has announced there recall recap for the week of January 14 through January 18, 2013. There are four recalls.
Recalls are issued for safety related conditions that could cause injury or death. Repairs to correct faults are usually performed by a dealership shop free of charge.
To learn more about these recalls click on the NHTSA ID Number.
Recalls are issued for safety related conditions that could cause injury or death. Repairs to correct faults are usually performed by a dealership shop free of charge.
To learn more about these recalls click on the NHTSA ID Number.
NHTSA Campaign ID
Number :
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Manufacturer :
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Braun
Corporation
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Make / Model Years :
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BRAUN
/ 2011-2013
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Subject :
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Toe
Pan Panel/Accelerator Pedal Interference
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NHTSA Campaign ID
Number :
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Manufacturer :
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General
Motors LLC
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Make / Model Years :
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CHEVROLET
/ 2013
GMC / 2013 |
Subject :
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Ignition
Key Removal when not in Park
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NHTSA Campaign ID
Number :
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Manufacturer :
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Eldorado
National- Kansas
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Make / Model Years :
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ELDORADO
/ 2012
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Subject :
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Wheelchair
Lift Armored Cable Short Circuit
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NHTSA Campaign ID
Number :
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Manufacturer :
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Goshen
Coach
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Make / Model Years :
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GOSHEN
/ 2006-2013
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Subject :
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Wheelchair
Lift Armored Cable Short Circuit
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NHTSA Campaign ID
Number :
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|
Manufacturer :
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Fleetwood
RV, Inc.
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Make / Model Years :
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FLEETWOOD
/ 2012-2013
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Subject :
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Wrong
Tire Specifications on Certification Label
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Friday, January 18, 2013
SUBARU ANNOUNCES PRICING FOR ALL-NEW 2014 FORESTER
• Pricing
for the popular Subaru Forester starts at $21,995
• All-wheel drive Forester priced below competitive front-wheel drive vehicles
• 2014 Forester also available with new Subaru Eyesight and STARLINK technology
• All-wheel drive Forester priced below competitive front-wheel drive vehicles
• 2014 Forester also available with new Subaru Eyesight and STARLINK technology
Cherry
Hill, N.J.,, Jan 18, 2013 - Subaru of America, Inc. today announced
pricing for the all-new 2014 Forester. The 2014 Forester 2.5i model will be
available in base, Premium, Limited and top-line Touring versions. Pricing for
the Forester begins at $21,995 for the base model 2.5i with a six-speed manual
transmission. The turbocharged Forester 2.0XT will be offered in the Premium
and Touring versions, with the Premium trim offered at $27,995. These prices
all reflect MSRP before the $825 destination charge.
As with all previous Forester models, the 2014 version comes standard with Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, a distinction from competitive models that come with front-wheel drive as standard and offer all-wheel drive as an extra-cost option. The 2014 Forester will lead the segment in all-wheel drive fuel economy, with the 2.5i model achieving manufacturer’s fuel economy estimates of 24 mpg city / 32 mpg highway / 27 mpg combined. Those figures also compare well with competitors that feature front-wheel drive.
The all-new 2014 Forester is available with Subaru Eyesight driver assistance system and all-new STARLINK cabin technology. High-line 2014 Forester models equipped with the CVT also feature new Hill Descent Control and a new X-Mode control feature, which provides extra control in certain driving conditions. Other new amenities and conveniences include rear vision camera, color multi-function display, power rear gate with automatic close and Keyless Access and Start. The available navigation system features smartphone integration with the driver-friendly Aha® audio application. The top-line Touring models come standard with a navigation system and 440-watt harman/kardon® audio system.
The new Subaru Forester will build on the sales success of the previous generation, which helped the Subaru brand to achieve four consecutive annual sales records. The 2014 Forester is expected to sell in even greater numbers than the outgoing model.
About Subaru of America, Inc.
Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of more than 600 dealers across the United States. All Subaru products are manufactured in zero-landfill production plants and Subaru of Indiana Automotive Inc. is the only U.S. automobile production plant to be designated a backyard wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. For additional information visit www.subaru.com.
As with all previous Forester models, the 2014 version comes standard with Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, a distinction from competitive models that come with front-wheel drive as standard and offer all-wheel drive as an extra-cost option. The 2014 Forester will lead the segment in all-wheel drive fuel economy, with the 2.5i model achieving manufacturer’s fuel economy estimates of 24 mpg city / 32 mpg highway / 27 mpg combined. Those figures also compare well with competitors that feature front-wheel drive.
The all-new 2014 Forester is available with Subaru Eyesight driver assistance system and all-new STARLINK cabin technology. High-line 2014 Forester models equipped with the CVT also feature new Hill Descent Control and a new X-Mode control feature, which provides extra control in certain driving conditions. Other new amenities and conveniences include rear vision camera, color multi-function display, power rear gate with automatic close and Keyless Access and Start. The available navigation system features smartphone integration with the driver-friendly Aha® audio application. The top-line Touring models come standard with a navigation system and 440-watt harman/kardon® audio system.
The new Subaru Forester will build on the sales success of the previous generation, which helped the Subaru brand to achieve four consecutive annual sales records. The 2014 Forester is expected to sell in even greater numbers than the outgoing model.
About Subaru of America, Inc.
Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of more than 600 dealers across the United States. All Subaru products are manufactured in zero-landfill production plants and Subaru of Indiana Automotive Inc. is the only U.S. automobile production plant to be designated a backyard wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. For additional information visit www.subaru.com.
Recalls Of The Day, January 18, 2013
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has announced two recalls. One addresses unintended acceleration. The other addresses an issue of a vehicle rolling away. Both issues could cause property damage, injury or worse.
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Dr. Gizmo Column
"Dr. Gizmo"
By Phil Arendt
Noise Caused By Failed Bearing
Question 1When turning in my 1998 Chevrolet Monte Carlo I hear a sort of crunching sound coming from the right side. I hear the noise while driving or when the car is still when turning the steering wheel left or right.
I removed the front right
tire to check the shock and spring but nothing is broken. What do you think is wrong? N.S., email
Answer 1More than likely the strut itself is not causing the noise. The strut is an assembly consisting of the strut, spring and spring seats with bearings. More than likely a bearing has failed causing the noise. If the strut is in good condition replacing a failed bearing should silence the noise.
If you are thinking about
replacing the bearing, the job requires special tools to disassemble the strut
assembly. Also, once the work is
completed the wheels will need alignment.
Think twice before attempting to do the work and follow all procedures
and safety precautions in a repair manual.
Engine Fails To Start After
Short TripsQuestion 2
I have a 1980 Mercedes-Benz 450SL that is in like new condition despite 97,000 miles on the odometer. The problem is that the engine starts fine in the morning when it is cold but after I drive for a while and stop for 20 minutes or so the engine starts and then it stalls and will not restart again until it cools off.
I have replaced the fuel
pump and fuel filter. All the engine
ignition parts have been replaced including wires, spark plugs and coil. I have taken the car to two repair shops
where tests have found no problems in the fuel system and ignition system. Both shops have driven the car but no
problems have been found.
This car is my baby. It must be repaired. Do you have any suggestions? L.B., emailAnswer 2
Don’t shut off the engine. Problem solved. All kidding aside you and your shops have done a lot of work, but there might be a fuel delivery problem. You stated the fuel pump and filter were replaced but there are more parts in the system that could cause trouble. There is a check valve, an accumulator and a relay that might be impaired
Since the trouble occurs
after the engine warms up consider temporarily connecting a fuel pressure gauge
to the fuel system. Test the pressure
when the problem occurs. You might find
fuel pressure is not up to specifications or perhaps the relay overheats and
the fuel pump does pump the necessary fuel to sustain the engine. If so, replace the relay.
Power Window Main Control On The Fritz
Question 3
I have a 2005 Toyota Highlander with a power window in the left rear door that does not work from the driver’s switch. The window works fine from the switch in the left rear door. All the other windows work fine from the driver’s switch except the left rear.
Does this mean the driver’s
switch is bad? O.D., email
Answer 3It is possible but there might be a loose connection somewhere else in the circuit. Since the window does not respond from the driver’s switch it is the first place to look for a problem. Also, since this switch is used more than others and often is exposed to environmental issues such as rain, snow and dirt it is time to remove it for an examination. You might find a loose connection, corroded terminal or dirty contact. Also, it may have an internal fault that requires replacement to correct.
Sensor Trouble Impairs
Stability Control System
Question 4I own a Ford E-350 Van with a dash message that says RSC. My van has a 5.4-liter engine and nearly 200,000 miles. The engine runs fine. It drives fine. There are no unusual sounds. The transmission shifts fine. There are no other lights on in the dash.
I use my truck for
work. Is this something I should worry
about? N.N., email
Answer 4Isn’t it great that vehicles communicate with us? There is no immediate danger. The light indicates that the Roll Stability Control is not functioning and needs service. The RSC system helps you control the vehicle. It aids in preventing fishtailing and rollover. If you drive carefully and defensively you should not be too concerned but the system needs servicing. With 200,000 miles on the vehicle more than likely the sensors need a thorough cleaning. Once this is accomplished the light should remain off and the system will help you stay in control.
Cure For Leaky Sunroof
Question 5
I have a 2000 Lexus RX300 with a water leak that started this fall at the right front corner of the sunroof. The trouble occurs only when I go through a carwash. We haven’t had much rain but when it rains water does not drip on the passenger seat and floor.
Since I discovered this
problem I have refrained from going to a carwash and I like a clean car. I have been washing it by hand but now it’s
too cold for me to keep it clean.
I took the car to a local
shop where a mechanic checked the operation of the sunroof and seals but could
not find anything wrong. He ran water
over the sunroof but nothing dripped.
Do you have any
suggestions? D.M.L., email
Answer 5
Ask your mechanic to check
the water drains on the sunroof, especially the one at the right front
corner. More than likely a leaf or some
other debris is restricting a drain tube.
Sunroofs are not sealed
units like a windshield. When the roof
is closed water flows into channels built into the sunroof and drains through
tubes in the front windshield pillars and rear body. When a drain becomes blocked, water backs up
and leaks into the passenger compartment.
When this occurs a technician can use low pressure air or a thin
flexible cable to clear a drain tube.
Ask a technician to consider
this the next time you take your vehicle to a shop. Clogged Screen Stops Truck Dead In Its Tracks
Question 6
Here’s a situation that I hope will not stump you. Presently, my 2006 Ford F-250 Super Duty is sitting at a repair shop. It has a 6.0-liter diesel engine and 161,000 miles. It’s been maintained according to the factory maintenance schedule and has not given me a bit of trouble until now.
I was driving along when the
engine just quit. It was as if it ran
out of fuel. I had it towed to a shop
that has been servicing it for a while.
A technician has done all kinds of tests. There are no codes in the computer and he has
checked the fuel pump and much more but can’t find anything wrong. The engine started once for him but then it
shut off a few minutes later. When
attempting to start the engine it cranks fine but just won’t start. Everything seems normal. He is at a loss and I need my truck.
Can you help? R.G.K., email
Answer 6
For your sake I hope my
diagnostic crystal ball is tuned and in perfect sync with the diesel truck
universe. There is one part your
technician might consider examining. It’s
a bit of a pain to check but it won’t set a trouble code in the computer if it
has failed. He should consider checking
the screen in the fuel injector pressure regulator valve for breaks and
blockage. If this part has an issue fuel
will not flow to the engine.
To gain access to the valve
and screen he will need to remove several parts. If my crystal ball is correct he will find
the source of the trouble at the valve.
If indeed it has a fault, replacement should cure the trouble and you’ll
be zipping along in your truck.
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 01/07/2013 ® DR. GIZMO © 1989-Present
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Recalls Of The Day, January 17, 2013
Announced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration are two recalls. Both recalls address potential fires in two vehicles which could cause injury or death.
In relationship to other recalls the number of vehicles involed is rather small at 360 plus. Despite this if a fire develops you don't want to be a statistic.
In relationship to other recalls the number of vehicles involed is rather small at 360 plus. Despite this if a fire develops you don't want to be a statistic.
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