General Motors have announced a recall for over 38,000 Chevrolet and Buick sedans equipped with its “eAssist” mild hybrid system. According to GM overheating of the circuit boards in the Generator Control Module (GCM) could result in loss of battery charge, the illumination of the engine malfunction indicator light, and in extreme cases, a fire in the trunk. Two trunk fires have already been reported as a result of the issue. (more…)
Archive for the ‘Hybrid Automobiles’ Category
GM Sedans Equipped with eAssist Could Experience Trunk Fires
Wednesday, May 8th, 2013Ford Child Safety Locks May Not Engage
Tuesday, March 19th, 2013
Ford will be recalling certain 2013 model year vehicles because the left rear door child safety lock may have been manufactured incorrectly. The lock may not engage correctly when normal force is used to activate the system. (more…)
Green Car Of The Year – 2013 Ford Fusion
Friday, November 30th, 2012Ford’s all new 2013 Ford Fusion has been named Green Car of the Year at this years Los Angeles Auto Show. The winner is selected by an eleven member panel comprised of automotive and environmental experts who’s mission is to promote environmentally friendly and more fuel efficient transportation. (more…)
Lemon Problems Affect Toyota Prius Steering And Cooling
Thursday, November 15th, 2012Toyota has announced that they will be conducting two safety recalls involving certain 2004-2009 Prius vehicles.
The first involves approximately 670,000 vehicles in the U.S. to inspect the steering intermediate extension shaft. (more…)
Wireless Charging For Your Electric Vehicle
Wednesday, October 31st, 2012Wireless company Evatran will soon be offering Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf owners an option to have wireless charging installed in their vehicles. The company is expected to announce a partnership with SPX Service Solutions, early next year, making them the official charging supplier for the Chevrolet Volt.
Fisker Karma Fire Risk
Friday, September 14th, 2012Fisker Automotive is alerting drivers of certain 2012 Fisker Karma vehicles, built between June 15, 2011 to July 9,2012, about an electrical problem in the low temperature cooling fan. According to Fisker, a short in the fan could ignite the fan housing, shroud and surrounding components, causing a vehicle fire. Owners will be asked to bring in their vehicles to the nearest Fisker dealership to replace both low temperature cooling fans with improved fans. Owners wanting more information about the problem can contact Fisker consumer affairs at 1-855-575-7577, option 2.
Ford Invests In Hybrid And Electric Technology
Thursday, August 16th, 2012Ford is working hard to become the leader in hybrid and electric vehicles (EV) as they invest over $130 million to build an advanced electrification center in Dearborn, Michigan. The facility will employ approximately 1,000 engineers and will accelerate the companies EV development capabilities. The company hopes to top the market by launching five new electric or hybrid vehicles this year alone. Ford has just recently started developing their own transmission technology which will be built on the same platform as their mainstream gasoline engines. This has allowed them to cut the costs by 30% and will also allow the company to build vehicles according to consumer demand. Amy Machesney, the C-Max marketing manager said Ford feels it now has a product capable of competing with Toyota, and we are confident our EV and hybrid vehicles are comparable to the Prius.
Mitsubishi Airbag Sensor Problem
Monday, August 13th, 2012
Mitsubishi is asking owners of certain 2012 i-MEV electric vehicles to bring in their cars to correct a problem that could prevent their airbags from deploying properly. According to Mitsubishi, an incompatibility between the air bag sensor and the self diagnostic software, could deactivate the front and side airbag system. During an accident, the airbags may fail to deploy, increasing the chance of injury. Owners of affected vehicles may notice the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) warning lamp illuminating to alert the driver of the problem. Owners wanting more information can contact Mitsubishi at 1-800-222-0037.
Toyota Rear Suspension Problem
Tuesday, August 7th, 2012Toyota has announced a recall for certain 2006-2011 Toyota Rav4 and 2010 Lexus HS250H vehicles because of a problem with the rear suspension. According to the recall report, if the nuts on the rear suspension arm are improperly tightened during a wheel alignment service, the tire rod will develop movement which could lead to rust and damage to the threads. The tire rod could fail causing an abrupt change in the vehicles alignment leading to loss of vehicle control. Drivers who notice a strange noise coming from the rear of their vehicle are asked to contact their nearest dealership as soon as possible. Toyota is working on a repair for the problem and will send out notifications as soon as possible. Owners wanting more information about the problem can contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331 or Lexus at 1-800-255-3987.
Low Gas Tax Revenue Prompts New System
Thursday, August 2nd, 2012
Counties in the San Francisco Bay area are considering getting rid of gas taxes and switching to a vehicle miles traveled (VMT) system instead. The National Surface Transportation Infrastructure Financing Commission (NSTIFC) recommends the switch because revenue from gas taxes have declined over the years as hybrid, electric, and more fuel efficient vehicles become prevalent on roads. They say that it will “balance the costs and benefits of the surface transportation system to those who are using it”, and could also reduce traffic congestion on the roads. The proposal is one idea in long range planning, updated by the agency every four years. If the idea is accepted, it would likely not be fully imposed until 2020.
Randy Rentschler, a spokesman for the regional commission, admits that the idea could be difficult to introduce. Radical changes like this will always be opposed by certain groups, and privacy issues will be questioned as a GPS based systems would be used to log information on when and where drivers are traveling. Transit advocacy groups are encouraging the transition to a VMT system to be tested first in the Bay area where the idea will be more easily accepted and the revenue could be used to support alternative public transportation options.
Tweet