Check Engine Light Problems

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Since the early 1980’s, computers have increasingly controlled and monitored vehicle systems and performance. When the computer finds a problem with your vehicle, it notifies the driver, and stores a “trouble code” in its memory that can later be read by a technician. One of the most misunderstood warnings of a vehicles performance monitoring system is the “check engine” light. While most illuminated “check engine” lights don’t mean your vehicle is experiencing a catastrophic problem, ignoring it often results in expensive repairs. If your “check engine” light does come on, here are some tips on what you should do:

  • Look for signs that that problem requires immediate attention: Foreign noises, illuminated dashboard lights, overheating engine, or low oil pressure means you should pull over and shut off the engine as soon as it is safe to do so.
  • Check your gas cap: Today’s vehicles are monitored for fuel efficiency and emissions, and a loose or broken gas cap means gas can evaporate, wasting fuel. Today’s vehicles will warn you with a “check engine” light, if the efficiency standards are not being met. (Other efficiency and emission problems include bad spark plugs, oxygen sensor, catalytic converter and the air flow sensor.)
  • If you have a 1997 or later General Motors vehicle and have an OnStar subscription, the people at OnStar can remotely read your vehicles trouble codes and tell you how serious the problem is.
  • Reduce speed and load. This will most likely not get rid of the “check engine” light, but reducing the speed and load on the vehicle could reduce damage to your engine, only if you have no other choice but to drive it.

Have the code read and the problem fixed as soon as possible. Some automotive parts stores will read and interpret the code for you free of charge, or automobile parts stores will sell the tools and instructions to hook up and decipher the codes.

Mitsubishi Turn Signal Defect

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Mitsubishi has announced a recall for a small number of 2012 Outlander Sport crossover vehicles manufactured between November 9, 2011 to December 16, 2011. According to reports filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the turn signal levers may have been manufactured incorrectly which could lead to the auto cancel function becoming inoperative. If a driver is not aware of the problem, inaccurate turning indications could result in an accident. Owners wanting more information on the recall can contact Mitsubishi at 1-800-222-0037.

CA Auto Bill Wants New Rules For Dealerships

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California lawmakers are are hoping to protect working families by imposing tough new rules on “Buy Here Pay Here” automobile dealerships. Assemblyman Mike Feuer introduced the bill last week saying that it would limit unfair sales and collection practices used by these dealerships. Some of the changes include:

  • Dealerships would be required to display the price of the vehicles on the car where customers can see it.
  • Customers would not be forced to make payments in person at the dealership.
  • Dealers would not be allowed to call personal references after the sale is complete.
  • Dealerships would not be allowed to install GPS trackers or devices that can remotely shut down vehicles.

Lobbyist for the Independent Automobile Dealers Assn. of California, say that enforcement, rather than new regulations, would be a better way to handle problems with Buy Here Pay Here dealers. They say that the new bill would impose additional costs on all dealerships, putting legitimate dealers out of business. In the end, people with bad credit will find it even harder to get an affordable and reliable vehicle.

Chevy Volts Repaired But Not Recalled

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General Motors is asking its Chevrolet Volt customers to return their vehicles to dealers so they can make repairs that will lower the risk of battery fires. The announcement comes after an investigation into a battery fire that consumed three vehicles at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) test facility. Follow-up tests to simulate the incident resulted in two out of three vehicles catching fire. GM and federal safety officials believe that the fires were caused by coolant leaking from damaged plastic casing around the batteries after a side-impact collisions. That coolant caused an electrical short, which sparked battery fires seven days to three weeks after the crashes.

Dealers will add steel plates around the Volt battery that will spread the force of a crash over a larger surface area. Tests carried out by GM and the government have shown that the repairs prevent battery damage and coolant leaks.

Nissan Reports Oil Leak Problems

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Nissan has announced that they will be recalling certain Nissan and Infiniti vehicles for oil cooler and oil filter bolts that may have been manufactured below specifications. If the bolts break, sever oil leaks could lead to a reduced engine oil pressure and eventually to a seized engine. Under the recall Nissan will replace the connector bolts on the following vehicles:

Owners wanting more information on the recall can contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261

Missing Brake Pads On Chevy Sonic

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General Motors (GM) has issued a recall on some 2012 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles that may have been manufactured without the front brake inner or outer brake pads. The missing pads will significantly reduce brake performance increasing the chances of a crash. GM will inspect and install missing inner or outer pads, a new brake caliper and new rotors as necessary. Owners wanting more information on the recall can contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438.

Cadillac SRX Transmission Problems

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General Motors (GM) has issued a recall for certain 2010-2011 Cadillac SRX vehicles for a transmission shift cable that may have been improperly installed. The cable could become detached from the transmission bracket leaving the driver unable to shift gears, or the driver may be given an inaccurate indication that the transmission is in park. GM will be notifying customers of the recall starting this month, and dealerships will inspect the cable for proper installation. Owners wanting more information on the recall can contact Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339.

Ford Wheel Lug Fractures

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Ford will be notifying owners of some 2010-2011 Ford Fusion and 2010-2011 Mercury Milan vehicles, to take their vehicles in to the nearest dealership to get the rear wheel studs replaced. According to a recall report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the wheel studs may fracture and the wheel could separate from the vehicle. Under the recall, dealerships will inspect the rear brake disc surface for flatness, replace any worn disks, and will replace the wheel lugs on all four wheels. Owners wanting more information on the recall can contact the Ford Motor Company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332.