Repair 7

Ford and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced a 2005 recall of 199,942 vehicles due to windshield wiper problems. Registered vehicle owners affected by the recall should have received instruction on where to bring the vehicles for inspection and free repair.

Defect and Affected Models

The windshield wiper recall affected Ford E-150, E-250, E-350, E-450, Escape, Expedition, Explorer, F-150, Ranger and Taurus; Lincoln Mark LT and Navigator; and Mercury Mariner and Mountaineer vehicles from the 2006 model year. On affected Fords, the manufacturing process may have occurred without the application of grease to the windshield wiper motors output shaft gear.

Risk

Per the NHTSA, the lack of grease application in the manufacturing process could cause the gear to distort or fracture during operation after a period of continuous use on the high speed setting. If the wipers were to fail in inclement weather, impaired visibility could cause an accident.

Remedy

Ford charged authorized dealers with inspecting the wiper motor and greasing the wiper motor gears if necessary. Concerned Ford owners may contact the NHTSA or visit the NHTSA website to determine whether their vehicle might have been part of this or other recalls.

Fuel problems in 2005 Honda Civic vehicles have resulted in recalls and multiple consumer complaints. If not repaired, the recalled gas tanks on these vehicles could rupture in the case of a fire, per the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Less dangerous problems include issues with the fuel injector, and a potential for burning excess gas.

Fuel Tank

In 2007, Honda recalled certain 1998-to-2007 model-year Civics due to a risk of the tanks exploding in the event of a fire. A manufacturing defect put these tanks at risk for heating unevenly, potentially preventing the pressure-relief device from ventilating the tank. To remedy the issue, authorized dealers were instructed to install a heat-insulating material in the rear seat.

Fuel Injector

Consumer complaints to NHTSA indicate that some 2005 Honda Civic hybrid owners might experience problems with the fuel injector. Due to a manufacturing problem, the cars computer might be programmed with an inappropriately low fuel-injector fuel-flow rate. Drivers affected should have received a recall notice. Repair of the problem may subsequently result in a 10-to-15 percent drop in fuel economy.

Excess Fuel Burning

The automatic choke on the 2005 Honda Civic EX might come on every time the car is started, according to consumer complaints to NHTSA. As of 2010, no recall has been issued to address this problem.

Car engines rely on proper mixtures of air and fuel to perform at peak levels. One component of the engine, the intake manifold, helps with this mixing process, but can have problems with leakage from the intake manifold gasket.

Function

An intake manifold gasket seals the two pieces of the intake manifold assembly together to keep the air and fuel mixture from leaking out. The intake manifold itself distributes this mixture to the engines cylinders for combustion.

Considerations

Intake manifold gasket problems arise as the engine ages. Current day stock gaskets are made from nylon-filled plastic carriers, which can warp from the constant change of air pressure and heat within the intake manifolds body over the course of a vehicles lifespan. If a gasket is failing, there may be visible leakage and an obvious decrease in engine performance.

Prevention and Solution

Many aftermarket intake manifold gaskets are manufactured with aluminized steel carrier bodies to shore up the integrity of the gasket. Keep in mind that the torquing of the manifold assembly around the gasket should be monitored to make sure that the gasket is tightened securely, but is not pinched.

In 2004, General Motors recalled 581,394 sport utility vehicles, including certain GMC Envoy and Envoy XL models, due to windshield wiper problems that could reduce driver visibility in inclement weather and increase the risk of a crash.

Identification

Some GMC Envoys were built with defective windshield wipers. These wipers may turn on or off by themselves or stop working altogether. Some drivers may notice that their wiper pumps are continuously running, which can cause a short circuit and corrode the components within the wiper module.

Incidents and Investigation

Prior to the recall, in 2003, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received 1,179 reports of windshield wiper failures in General Motors vehicles using the "family" design module (p/n 15171306 base, p/n 15171307 for vehicles equipped with rainsense automatic moisture sensitive wipers) that appeared in 2003-2004 model year GMC Envoy and Envoy XL vehicles. The NHTSA opened an investigation that prompted General Motors to recall these Envoys and other affected models in early 2004.

Repairs

Beginning on July 6, 2004, authorized GMC dealers began offering free repairs for Envoy wiper problems as part of the recall. Dealers need to patch the wiper module vent hole and inspect the internal components and electrical system for signs of water damage or corrosion. Contact GMC or the NHTSA with a vehicle identification number (VIN) to determine if your Envoy wiper problems are related to this recall.

Shifting through gears is a basic function for vehicles as they gain speed. Some cars, such as Hondas, are outfitted with a hydraulic clutch system that needs proper maintenance to avoid problematic shifting.

Function

A Honda hydraulic clutch is controlled by pressurized fluids for energy transfer between the engine and the transmission, resulting in more speed to the cars wheels. This type of clutch is used in manual transmission Hondas.

Considerations

If problems arise, such as a slipping or clicking within the hydraulic clutch system, verify the transmission fluid is at the proper level in the reservoir located near the rear of the engine. If the fluid is low, check for leaks within the lines since this can lower functionality from lack of hydraulic pressure.

Significance

If there is no leak and the hydraulic clutch is still malfunctioning, it may be necessary to replace the clutch. Over time, the constant squeezing of the clutch disc, when the clutch is engaged, can become worn.

The 2001 Kia Rio is a hatchback sedan sought after because of its fuel economy. If you have problems with your Rio after it rains, you can check for a few problems before taking it to a Kia service shop. The most common issues include the spark plug, the distribution cap and battery corrosion. You can check for these problems yourself with little hassle and minimal knowledge of how the Rio works.

Instructions

1

Open the Rios hood, and locate the spark plug housing on the side of the engine. Use your fingers to pull the spark plug out of the housing. Water can seep into the spark plug and cause arcing if it has worn. Replace the spark plug to fix this problem.

2

Check your distribution cap, found on the right side of your engine. Remove the bolts holding the distributor cap on the engine using a ratchet, and pull the distributor cap from the engine block. Feel the inside of the distributor cap for any signs of moisture. Replace the cap if you do find moisture.

3

Locate the battery terminals. Look for signs of corrosion, and use a pair of pliers to remove the terminals from the battery. Use a can of soda and a wire brush to clean the terminals. Replace the terminals on the battery, and try to restart the car.

Jeep issued a recall on the 2000 Grand Cherokee Laredo in 2005 for fuel pump problems, according to Internet Auto Guide. Not a widespread recall, it only affected a few Laredos, but other fuel pump problems have arisen for some 2000 Jeep owners. The fuel pump pushes gas from the tank through the fuel line and into the engines injectors. Problems with the fuel pump cause little or no fuel to reach the engine, creating multiple problems.

Plastic Grommet Failure

A plastic grommet on the 2000 Laredo fuel pump module was not compatible with gasoline, which caused the grommet connectors to degrade and allow gasoline to leak out. Since the fuel pump sits near the exhaust system, gasoline leaking out of the fuel pump can land on the exhaust and create a fire hazard. The fuel pump came from a specific manufacturer and only affected 7,291 Chrysler vehicles---including the 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo.

Fuel Pump Failure

According to the website Car Complaints, some 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo owners have experienced fuel pump failure. Though no known specific cause for this problem exists as of 2010, gasoline leaking out of the fuel pump can cause it to work harder to push gasoline through the fuel line and possibly burn out. The only correction for this fuel pump problem involves replacing the fuel pump.

CMP Sensor Problems

The 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo has had problems with the camshaft position (CMP) sensor. The Laredo uses the CMP sensor to synchronize the fuel through the fuel pump. When this sensor goes out or operates intermittently, the fuel pump will fail to push gasoline through the fuel line. The vehicle will stall during acceleration, run roughly, jerk or hesitate during operation or achieve low fuel mileage. The CMP sensor requires replacement to correct this fuel pump problem.

In 2007, numerous reports detailed problems with flaws in the camshafts of some Toyota Tundra engines. Toyota admitted responsibility and promised to pay to replace the failing engines.

Problem in Focus

According to USA Today, the defective engines had broken-down camshafts, one of four essential parts that caused engines to fail entirely or to barely run. Camshafts control the 32 valves that move air and fuel in and out of the engines combustion chamber. The defects were found in the camshafts controlling the intake valves in at least 20 Toyota Tundras.

Flaws Linked to Subcontractor

Toyota described the flaws as a manufacturing defect by an unidentified subcontractor, according to The Money Times. The damaged camshafts were manufactured for Toyotas Alabama plant, Toyota engineers told Consumer Affairs.

The Solution

Rather than fixing the flaws, Toyota paid for brand-new engines, shipping them to owners via local dealerships, USA Today reported. Replacement engines were free, according to The Money Times.

Certain Nissan Pulsars with model years of 1983, 1984 and 1987 were recalled due to fuel tank problems and defects in hood latches and headlight switches. Pulsar owners may contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to determine whether their vehicles may have been affected by these recalls.

Fuel Tank

On December 18, 1987, Nissan recalled 61,000 model year 1987 Pulsar vehicles for a fuel tank problem that could cause a fire. The tank may develop a crack at the soldiered joint to which the inlet pipe is attached, which may result in gasoline dripping through the joint. During the recall, the company instructed authorized dealers to replace the cracked fuel tanks.

Headlight Switch

On March 1, 1985, Nissan recalled 11,900 model year 1984 Pulsar vehicles to replace headlight switches potentially contaminated by an impure lubricating grease. Headlight function on these Pulsars might be delayed, which could cause an accident at night or in inclement weather.

Hood Latch

On November 5, 1984, Nissan recalled 86,000 model year 1983-1984 Pulsar vehicles to replace hood-latch assemblies that could malfunction. The hood-latch assembly may become damaged and result in separation of the secondary latch from the latch assembly.

Volkswagen produced the first series of Transporters from 1949 to 1967. Also known as the Microbus or station wagon, Transporters utilize a water-cooled engine called a Wasserboxer. Wasser is the German word for water. The pistons oppose one another inside a flat engine and appear to "box." This lead to the term boxer. Vanagon is the third generation of Transporters.

About Vanagons

Volkswagen produced Vanagons from 1980 until 1991. The Vanagon featured body contours that were more square than previous models and large windows and windshield. From 1983 until 1985, Vanagons fuel injection system called Digijet analyzed the engines RPMs and temperature to determine the proper amount of fuel. Modifications to the Digijet system lead to the development of Digifant in 1986. The Vanagon website describes the Digifant system as a less "complicated version of the Bosch Motronic fuel injection used on BMWs and Porsches."

Recalls

According to Motor Trend, before purchasing a Vanagon, you should ensure the previous owner repaired all issues raised by recalls. Vanagons experienced re-occurring issues with the center air flow duct throughout its production. According to Motor Trend, the plastic duct is fastened by two mounting screws to the ceiling of the passenger compartment. It can crack, break, separate and strike passengers. Between 1980 and 1985, Volkswagen recalled and repaired slide-in camper latches, the defroster/defogger system, loose bolts on the front control arm/upper ball joint and door latches. An anchor problem on passenger seats led to a 1987 recall. The seat could break loose and injure the passenger. Possible leaks at the seam of the plastic casing around the in-line fuel filter, shrinkage of the fuel hose on the engines fuel distribution rail, deformation of the sending unit cover, an improperly-seated fuel tank filler neck pipe and stalling caused by high engine load and ambient temperatures lead to recalls. A transmission issue in 1987 resulted from improper welding. The pin in the shift-locking pawl can separate and make the shift lever immovable without pressing the safety-release button. When using cruise control, the accelerator cables tension allowed it to sag and possibly entangle with the water pipe bracket. When this happened, the cable was unable to return to the idle position.

Other Problems

According to the Repair Pal website, leaking O-rings and porous cylinder heads leak and cause overheating. Plastic cooling system components can fail abruptly. Coolant, oxygen and air flow sensor failures and excessive oil use are common. The transmission oil cooler fails and permits coolant to mix with transmission flood resulting in extensive automatic transmission damage. Noise and reverse gear failures are common in manual transmissions.

Power windows are useful and convenient options, and come standard on many vehicle models. Like any piece of machinery, power windows can encounter problems from time to time. Fortunately, many of these problems fall into several major categories, which are usually quite easy to solve. If you own a vehicle with power windows, you may want to make yourself aware of these problems, as this knowledge could save you time, effort, and money later.

Jamming

Jamming is probably the most common problem that crops up with power windows. Jamming is usually a result of problems with weatherstripping, gaskets, or channels. These parts of a power window assembly take a lot of abuse, both from mechanical use and weather. Sometimes, they can bunch up, break apart, or buckle, which will jam the power windows tracks. Sometimes, problems like this can be solved without taking the window apart, but simply spraying in silicon lube or compressed air and/or cleaning with water and a toothbrush. Other times, the door might need to be taken apart and a piece of the channel-liner glued in place.

Fuses

Overloaded fuses are another common problem with power windows. If you cant hear anything when you flip your power windows switch, this is probably the problem. In this case, you simply need to check the power window fuse and replace it. However, sometimes the fuse may blow because there is excessive drag somewhere on the track, so checking for this is a good idea as well.

Switches

Bad switches are a common problem with power windows. Often, switches will have dirty contact points. Sometimes, the power for all of the window switches throughout the vehicles will run through a master switch located at the drivers door, and should one switch up front get stuck in an "off" position, a switch somewhere else in the car could be affected. You can usually clean out the contacts with tuner cleaner and compressed air.

Switch Rocker

Sometimes the switch mechanism itself is fine, but the actual switch handle, called the switch rocker, doesnt work. This often happens with the drivers side switches, as they get by far the most use. While you usually have to buy an entire new switch assembly, it is quite easy to swap out one of the rear window switch rockers. You simply remove the panel and take the switch out.

Mercedes-Benz ML350 vehicles have been subject to various recalls for problems with power steering, accelerator pedals and trailer hitch manufacturing defects. Registered vehicle owners should have received notification of these recalls by mail with instruction on where to bring the cars for free repair.

Power Steering

In 2003, Mercedes-Benz recalled 211,000 M-class vehicles for a hose clamp defect that could result in loss of power steering fluid and ultimately damage the power steering pump. A subsequent recall was conducted in 2008 because, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), repairs performed on vehicles recalled in 2003 were not sufficient to prevent future power steering problems.

Accelerator Pedal

In December 2006, Mercedes recalled certain M-class vehicles for manufacturing defects in the gas pedals that could make it difficult for drivers to operate the accelerator. In January 2007, authorized dealers began inspecting and repairing the mounting nuts of the accelerator pedals on affected vehicles.

Trailer Hitches

In 2008, Mercedes recalled certain 2006-2008 model year GL and ML vehicles equipped with Flex-N-Gate trailer hitches for not meeting performance specifications. Per the NHTSA, the trailer hitch receiver may separate from the attachment bar and create a road hazard or crash.

The Ford Explorer is an SUV manufactured by the Ford Motor Company since 1990. It was introduced as a replacement for the Ford Bronco II. The Ford Explorer brake lights provide an essential contribution to the safety of the vehicle. If they burn out, they should be replaced immediately. Troubleshooting the brake lights is a simple procedure that only requires a few tools.

Instructions

Wiring Check

1

Turn off the engine of the Explorer. Open the rear door.

2

Use the screwdriver to unfasten the two screws behind the taillight assembly.

3

Remove the assembly from the vehicle. Check the electrical connection. Plug it in firmly. If the lights are still not working, there may be a problem with the bulb.

Bulb Replacement

4

Remove the socket from the taillight assembly.

5

Pull the bulb straight out. Use a paper towel to firmly push in the replacement bulb.

6

Place the taillight assembly back into the vehicle.

7

Reinstall the two screws, and close the rear door. If the lights still do not work, there may be an issue with the brake light fuses.

Fuse Replacement

8

Open the drivers side door of the Explorer.

9

Open the fuse block, located on the left side of the instrument panel.

10

Remove the fuse block cover, and locate the fuses numbered "3" and "7." If they are broken, pull them out with your hand.

11

Replace the fuses with a fuse of identical amperage.

12

Close the fuse block, and close the drivers side door.

The computer in a car generates an error code and turns on the "Check Engine Light" when it runs a diagnostic of one of the electrical circuits in the car and finds something that is out of bounds. Error code 441 refers to the part of the cars emissions system that deals with fumes in the gas tank. It has to be dealt with before the error code can be cleared.

Error 441

All fuel tanks allow the fuel inside to evaporate slightly. Before emissions controls, the car simply dumped the fumes into the outside air, increasing pollution. Cars with emission control systems send these fumes to a canister filled with charcoal to be stored. At intervals, the emissions system opens a valve in the canister and purges the fumes by drawing them through a hose to the engine. The computer chip checks the process by pumping air out of the system to see if the canister responds. If it doesnt, it reports error 441, which means that something has interfered with this process and the canister hasnt been purged.

Possible Causes of Error 441

The error could come about because of a faulty canister or switch, a broken or damaged hose, a failure in the computer chip that controls the purge or a break in the electrical circuit controlling the process.

Cures for Error 441

Depending on the cause of error 441, the cure could be replacing the pump that tests the system, replacing the canister or hoses, repairing or replacing a component in the electrical circuit, replacing or reprogramming the cars computer chip or replacing the vacuum switch controlling the flow of fumes from the canister to the engine.

The chrome bonnet scoops on the Mini Cooper S and JCW models have been known to melt due to the high heat of the engine. Mini has developed a fix for the problem, which is covered by the Mini Cooper warranty.

Models Affected

The Cooper S and JCW models from model years 2006 until 2010 with the chrome bonnet scoop are affected. The Cooper S and JCW hardtop, convertible and clubman can all develop the problem.

Causes

For the 2006 model year Mini went from a superchared to a turbocharged 1.6 liter engine. Initially the 2006 hood scoops were non-functional and closed off; however, new engine design meant more heat was generated at the top of the engine under the hood scoop, causing it to overheat and warp.

Solution 1

Mini dealers can replace the scoop under warranty with a new design that will not warp as easily.

Solution 2

Remove the scoop and put holes through the scoop to allow it to vent. Recent Mini hood scoops have a few holes in them, and increasing the number of holes may prevent the scoop from warping.

When buying a car, knowing the problems that customers are having can help you make comparisons and purchase a vehicle that you are comfortable with. The Explorer Sport Trac has had its share of problems over the years. Ford has made modifications to the production of Sport Tracs, making the model better than ever.

Worst Model Year

The Sport Tracs wrost model year was 2001. Consumers reported 73 problems and complaints, including early brake failure, a blinking overdrive light and transmission failure. As the years passed, fewer problems were reported. In 2008, only three issues were noted.

Engine Problems

According to MSN, the 2002 Sport Trac experienced significant engine problems. The differential pressure feedback sensor occasionally failed. Sport trac owners paid an estimated $69 to $92 for replacement parts and $32.50 for labor.

Door Problems

In October 2010, a 2002 Sport Trac owner reported that his 8-year-old child broke a door handle with the child lock enabled. Another owner reported in 2006 that one of her doors only opened from the outside.

On October 12, 2006, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and DaimlerChrysler announced a fuel pump recall for 39,243 vehicles, including Dodge Cirrus and Stratus models manufactured between 1995-2000. Per the NHTSA, registered vehicle owners should have been notified by mail on or around Oct. 6, 2006.

Fuel Pump Defect

According to the NHTSA, the flapper valves in some of the Tigas fuel pump modules made between June 1 and Sept. 24, 2006, contained out-of-specification silicone material. The affected valves were sold under various brand names as "aftermarket for use in certain DaimlerChrysler vehicles."

Potential Danger

The use of out-of-specification silicone material caused excess swelling of the flapper valve restricting the flow of fuel to the fuel pump module. The restriction of fuel can potentially cause the engine to stall or lose power, which could result in an accident.

Remedy

Per the NHTSA, TI Automotive in October 2006 notified vehicle owners with Tigas models TU111, TU117, TU144 and TU174 where to bring their vehicles for a free replacement of the defective fuel pump modules. Concerned drivers may contact the NHTSA (888-327-4236) or TI Automotive (877-461-1834) to determine whether their vehicles could have been affected.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Ford Rangers with model years of 1998, 1999 and 2004 have been recalled for fuel problems. If not repaired, manufacturing defects in affected Ranger pickups may cause gas leaks and fires.

Purolator Filter Defect

UFI Filters USA conducted a recall of certain 1998-1999 Ford Rangers equipped with aftermarket fuel filters sold under the brand name Purolator F65277. A manufacturing defect in these filters could cause a fuel spill, which could lead to a fire.

Fuel Line Damage

Ford recalled certain 1998 model year Ford Rangers equipped with 4.0L engines for a manufacturing problem that could cause the fuel line to come in contact with the exhaust manifold. The fuel line in these vehicles may suffer extensive damage, leading to a fuel leak or fire.

Frame Rail Puncture

Ford recalled certain 2004 model year Rangers to repair improperly formed frame rails that could puncture the fuel line. In the event of a side-impact crash, a fuel leak or fire could develop.

Properly working windshield wipers are essential for safe driving. Wiper blades become worn over time, causing streaking, noises and vibrations. All of these problems can limit your visibility, making you less safe on the road.

Noise

Noise from your wiper blades can indicate a tear in the blades rubber. When blade rubber tears it is past time to replace your blades. Noise can also be produced if the motor arm is twisted.

Vibration

Wiper blades that vibrate across the windshield have either been improperly mounted or the rubber on the blade is too worn. If the rubber looks good, you may need to remount the entire blade to guarantee it is installed properly.

No Wiper Fluid

If you cannot get your windshield washer to work, first check to be sure you have plenty of fluid in the wiper fluid reservoir. The wiper fluid may also not function properly if a fuse is blown. Your car owners manual will tell you where to find the fuse box and which fuse to replace. Also check to be certain the sprayers which direct fluid to the windshield are not clogged with debris or dirt.

Owners of the Chrysler 2002 Town and Country may experience various problems with the power lift gate. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened an investigation in 2004 due to multiple consumer complaints regarding power 2001-2003 model lift gates opening while the vehicles were in motion. A recall was issued in 2005, but only for 2003 models, leaving 2002 Town and Country owners responsible for the financial burden of lift gate repairs.

Failure to Open

Owners of the 2002 Town and Country have complained to the NHTSA that the lift gate sometimes wont open with the power button, remote control or manually. One consumer states that the problem has been present in the vehicle since the date it was purchased from the dealer. No recall has been issued to resolve this problem.

Difficulty Latching

Drivers of 2002 Chrysler Town and Country vehicles have reported to NHTSA various difficulties in getting the lift gates to latch when using the keypad. The latch may open part way and remain like that. RepairPal states that updating the module software may fix the keypad problem.

Opens Arbitrarily

Consumer complaints to NHTSA indicate that some lift gates on 2002 Chrysler Town and Country vehicles open randomly while the vehicle is in motion or while the vehicle is shifting into drive. Consumers have been told by authorized dealers that the cause of the problem is unknown.