Toyota Motor Corp. received complaints more than three years ago about engine problems that sparked recalls this week of more than 270,000 Lexus and Toyota vehicles in Asia and North America.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration today released Toyota's "Defect Information Report" on the vehicles affected by the recall.
In the report, Toyota said it monitored U.S. field technical reports from March 2007 to August 2008.
"The number of reports of broken valve springs was relatively small, and the vast majority reported abnormal engine noise, rough engine performance, and no start conditions readily noticeable to vehicle operators," Toyota said in the four-page report.
Toyota said it received no reports of any crashes or injuries. But beginning in October 2009, the automaker received an increasing number of reports of "total engine failure" and of broken 3.3 mm diameter valve springs, according to the report.
On July 1, Toyota said it decided to recall the Lexus vehicles following an investigation that found "a possibility that the strength of valve springs with a wire diameter of 3.3 mm may be degraded by a micro-foreign object in the material of the valve spring, causing the spring to break."
NHTSA had no comment.
About 138,000 vehicles in the United States may be affected, according to the Toyota City, Japan-based company.
In Japan, the carmaker received the first customer complaints in March 2007 in Japan regarding defective valve springs that may cause engines to stall, Toyota spokeswoman Ririko Takeuchi said today. The recall in Japan covers cars built between July 2005 and August 2008.
The problem occurs when foreign substances enter the material used to make the part, causing the spring to weaken and break, Tokyo-based spokeswoman Monika Saito said. While Toyota decided to address the problem in August 2008 by altering the design of the valve spring and making it thicker, the company didn't feel that a recall was necessary given the rarity of the problem at the time, she said.
Toyota is working to restore its reputation for quality after recalling about 10.8 million vehicles globally since November. The company recalled about 13,000 Lexus GX 460 sport-utility vehicles in April after Consumer Reports labeled the model a “safety risk” because it could roll over. The designation was removed in May.
The company will recall 91,903 Lexus GS 350, GS 450h, GS 460, IS 350, LS 460, LS 600h and LS 600hL models and some Toyota Crown cars in Japan, the nation's transportation ministry said in a statement on its website yesterday. Recalls have been announced in China and South Korea, and the problem may affect as many as 270,000 vehicles worldwide, Toyota has said.
Toyota received 220 complaints in Japan and 210 from overseas, Saito said. The company decided to initiate a recall after acknowledging a rising trend in the complaints, she said.
U.S. regulators
Toyota, which paid a record U.S. fine of $16.4 million this year for not complying with auto-safety regulations, said last month it will recall the Lexus HS 250h sedan after too much gasoline spilled in U.S. government crash tests, posing a fire risk.
Wednesday, July 07, 2010
Friday, July 02, 2010
Free New Car Price Quotes and Advice on buying a New Car
When Purchasing a New Vehicle there are a few things you may wish to do before walking into the car dealer. Know the questions to ask when buying a car. Be sure you are prepared with all the information you can get. Spend time deciding what it is you want and stick to it. There are a few tips listed below to help you prepare for your next vehicle purchase. Use the tool below to get a Free price quote on a new car and have an accurate price on what your new car will cost.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
charging system question on 1999 Lincoln Continental
there is no charge fault light that comes on the instrument panel, however I do understand that something is not quite right. Can use some guidance in troubleshooting and avoid doing a dozen expensive things by trial and error.
Response:
1) Ring out the voltage at the battery when the engine is idling. Should be between 14.2-14.4 volts. If low, check the belt(s) or alternator.
2) Also, if a serpentine belt, check the idler to see if the shaft is not bent, and the pulley runs freely.
3) you can take the alternator in to auto zone and get it tested free. Its usually the alternator when a car doesn't charge enough.
4) Yes 9 out of ten times is the alternator that has a bad diode and all of your energy leaks out, you can test by placing a screw driver on the back of the alternator while the car is not running and no key on the ignition if the screw diver is attracted to the alternator due to magnetism then you know to replace the alternator.
Monday, June 28, 2010
96 ford explorer no electrical power
went to start vehicle, starter clicked like battery was low, put charger on battery, now there is no power at all to vehicle no instruments brake lights or anything, slowly over the day the power prob got worse as I tried to start the vehicle. no power windows locks or anything. over the course of the day the battery seemed to get worse , battery charger reads battery is charged, my friend thinks a relay, could this be and if so which one?
http://freeautomechanic.com/mechanic/forum/2010/06/96-ford-explorer
http://freeautomechanic.com/mechanic/forum/2010/06/96-ford-explorer
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Diagnosing an Air Conditioning Leak in your car's AC System
Air Conditioning Leak
If your Air Conditioning System seems to loose its cool, no pun intended, it is most likely do to a lose of freon. Freon itself is colorless and can be difficult to locate. Most shop mechanics will add approved fluorescent dye to the Air Conditioning system in order to help locate the leak. Once the dye has been added to the AC system and freon level topped off. Run the engine for 10 - 15 minutes with the AC on Max. Look for signs of the dye around all AC system components. Once you see where the dye has leaked out it is just a matter of swapping out a bad o-ring or replacing the compressor (shown above). The Dye can be easier to see under UV light but is not necessary in all cases.
More Air Conditioning Troubleshooting Tips
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Save A Few $$$ By Doing Your Own Car Repairs! Online Auto Repair Manuals
* Single vehicle subscriptions start at $10.49 and include:
- Diagnostic & Repair Procedures
- Wiring Diagrams
- Electrical Component Locations
- Factory Service Tips, OBD II Codes
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- Exploded View Illustrations
- Technical Services Bulletins Recalls
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Beijing's real goal in promoting electric vehicles
This may sound odd, but Beijing's newly announced pilot program to subsidize the sale of plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles in five cities has little to do with the country's serious air pollution.
The central government's real goal is to help key domestic automakers leapfrog their foreign competitors in the race to develop advanced powertrains.
If you doubt this, you might ask why Beijing – one of the world's most polluted cities – is not on the list of five cities that will subsidize the sale of EVs and plug-ins.
That list, by the way, is a handy guide to Beijing's list of winners and losers – that is, the domestic automakers that the government is prepared to support.
Before we name those winners and losers, here's a summary of the pilot program. Purchasers of plug-in hybrids will receive up to 50,000 yuan ($7,321), while buyers of pure electric vehicles will receive up to 60,000 yuan ($8,785).
The five participating cities are required to set up battery recharging stations and recycle used-up batteries.
Those cities also are likely to offer additional subsidies. Shenzhen, for example, already has announced that it will offer an additional 20,000 yuan ($2,928) to each purchaser of an electric vehicle or plug-in.
Add it all up, and you can see that selected domestic automakers will enjoy big competitive advantages over their rivals. And who are those winners? Let's start with that list of cities.
Winners and losers
Participants in the pilot program are the cities of Shanghai, Changchun, Shenzhen, Hangzhou and Hefei. Those locales happen to be the corporate homes of six domestic automakers.
Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp. is based in Shanghai; FAW Group is in Changchun; BYD Auto Co. is in Shenzhen; Chery Automobile Co. is in Wuhu, near Hefei; and both Zhejiang Geely Holding Group and Zoyte Holding Group are in Hangzhou.
Each of these automakers has displayed plug-in vehicles and electric cars at China's auto shows, and each has obtained licenses from the central government to build them.
Moreover, these automakers enjoy close ties to their local city governments. For example, BYD recently announced plans to deliver hundreds of e6 electric cars to Shenzhen's taxi fleets. Over the next few years, we can expect similar fleet sales in other cities.
Who are the losers? Two major automakers were left off the list: Changan Automobile Group, based in Chongqing; and Beijing Automotive Industry Holding Co.
Changan has invested in all kinds of technologies, including conventional hybrids, plug-ins, EVs and fuel cells. But Changan hasn't made as much progress in plug-ins and EVs as the six automakers included in the pilot subsidy program.
Likewise, Beijing Auto displayed electric vehicles at the Beijing auto show in April, but it hasn't made much progress either.
No more infighting
There is another aspect to this pilot program worth noting: The domestic automakers now know which technologies to invest in, and that may be worth as much as the actual subsidies.
Previously, it wasn't clear whether the central government favored research on fuel cells, plug-ins or "pure" electrics. Now Beijing's mandate is clear: fuel cells are on the back burner.
That's a setback of sorts for SAIC, which had invested in fuel cells along with hybrids and EVs.
Last week's announcement was jointly released by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Ministry of Finance, and the National Development and Reform Commission, which is China's highest economic planning agency.
This indicates that government bureaucrats have reached a consensus, said Duan Chenwu, auto technology analyst with IHS Global Insight in Shanghai.
"The most significant thing about the pilot subsidy program is that the government has made it clear which direction domestic automakers should follow," he said. "At this stage, that means more for the domestics than the subsidies."
The central government's real goal is to help key domestic automakers leapfrog their foreign competitors in the race to develop advanced powertrains.
If you doubt this, you might ask why Beijing – one of the world's most polluted cities – is not on the list of five cities that will subsidize the sale of EVs and plug-ins.
That list, by the way, is a handy guide to Beijing's list of winners and losers – that is, the domestic automakers that the government is prepared to support.
Before we name those winners and losers, here's a summary of the pilot program. Purchasers of plug-in hybrids will receive up to 50,000 yuan ($7,321), while buyers of pure electric vehicles will receive up to 60,000 yuan ($8,785).
The five participating cities are required to set up battery recharging stations and recycle used-up batteries.
Those cities also are likely to offer additional subsidies. Shenzhen, for example, already has announced that it will offer an additional 20,000 yuan ($2,928) to each purchaser of an electric vehicle or plug-in.
Add it all up, and you can see that selected domestic automakers will enjoy big competitive advantages over their rivals. And who are those winners? Let's start with that list of cities.
Winners and losers
Participants in the pilot program are the cities of Shanghai, Changchun, Shenzhen, Hangzhou and Hefei. Those locales happen to be the corporate homes of six domestic automakers.
Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp. is based in Shanghai; FAW Group is in Changchun; BYD Auto Co. is in Shenzhen; Chery Automobile Co. is in Wuhu, near Hefei; and both Zhejiang Geely Holding Group and Zoyte Holding Group are in Hangzhou.
Each of these automakers has displayed plug-in vehicles and electric cars at China's auto shows, and each has obtained licenses from the central government to build them.
Moreover, these automakers enjoy close ties to their local city governments. For example, BYD recently announced plans to deliver hundreds of e6 electric cars to Shenzhen's taxi fleets. Over the next few years, we can expect similar fleet sales in other cities.
Who are the losers? Two major automakers were left off the list: Changan Automobile Group, based in Chongqing; and Beijing Automotive Industry Holding Co.
Changan has invested in all kinds of technologies, including conventional hybrids, plug-ins, EVs and fuel cells. But Changan hasn't made as much progress in plug-ins and EVs as the six automakers included in the pilot subsidy program.
Likewise, Beijing Auto displayed electric vehicles at the Beijing auto show in April, but it hasn't made much progress either.
No more infighting
There is another aspect to this pilot program worth noting: The domestic automakers now know which technologies to invest in, and that may be worth as much as the actual subsidies.
Previously, it wasn't clear whether the central government favored research on fuel cells, plug-ins or "pure" electrics. Now Beijing's mandate is clear: fuel cells are on the back burner.
That's a setback of sorts for SAIC, which had invested in fuel cells along with hybrids and EVs.
Last week's announcement was jointly released by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Ministry of Finance, and the National Development and Reform Commission, which is China's highest economic planning agency.
This indicates that government bureaucrats have reached a consensus, said Duan Chenwu, auto technology analyst with IHS Global Insight in Shanghai.
"The most significant thing about the pilot subsidy program is that the government has made it clear which direction domestic automakers should follow," he said. "At this stage, that means more for the domestics than the subsidies."
Friday, June 11, 2010
2001 Audi A4 trouble starting
I have an Audi A4 2001. sometimes when I start it, after moving it, just cant start even though the radio lights came on. But after say one hour, when I try to Start the engine, it comes on.What could be the problem? And the brakes are hard to press.
Response:
Thus could be caused by a bad starter assembly. Best way to test this is to check for voltage at the starter when it will not start…. if it is getting voltage and not turning over, you guess it = replace the starter.
Brake pedal feel is firm, but brakes lack sufficient stopping power or fade
1.Check the operation of the brake booster and brake booster check valve. Replace worn or failed parts.
2.Check brake linings and brake surface areas for glazing and replace worn or damaged parts.
3.Check for seized hydraulic parts and linkages, and clean or replace as needed.
http://www.freeautomechanic.com/brakes.html
Response:
Thus could be caused by a bad starter assembly. Best way to test this is to check for voltage at the starter when it will not start…. if it is getting voltage and not turning over, you guess it = replace the starter.
Brake pedal feel is firm, but brakes lack sufficient stopping power or fade
1.Check the operation of the brake booster and brake booster check valve. Replace worn or failed parts.
2.Check brake linings and brake surface areas for glazing and replace worn or damaged parts.
3.Check for seized hydraulic parts and linkages, and clean or replace as needed.
http://www.freeautomechanic.com/brakes.html
Wednesday, June 09, 2010
GM to recall 1.5 million vehicles for fire risk
General Motors Co. said it is recalling 1.5 million vehicles with heated washer-fluid systems following engine fires that occurred even after a 2008 fix on many of the same cars for similar problems.
The recalls, to begin by June 14, will affect 18 models of 2006-2009 Buicks, Cadillacs, Chevrolets, GMCs, Hummers and Saturns, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said on its Web site today.
In August 2008, GM recalled about 858,000 cars and trucks following reports of fires resulting from shorts in the system that heats windshield-washer fluid. Dealers installed a wire harness that contained a fuse.
However, the module's internal thermal-protection device, or solder cup, “did not function as designed,” GM said in a June 4 letter to NHTSA that was posted today.
No injuries
GM said it has learned of five fires, including several that occurred while the vehicle was unattended. The company is not aware of any injuries or crashes.
“While our analysis shows the number of incidents is very small compared with the number of vehicles on the road, we want our customers to have complete peace of mind,” said Jeff Boyer, GM's executive director of safety.
The models of cars, trucks and crossovers included in the recall are the 2006-09 Buick Lucerne, Cadillac DTS and Hummer H2; the 2008-09 Buick Enclave and Cadillac CTS; and the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse.
Also included are the 2007-09 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV and EXT; Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado, Suburban, and Tahoe; GMC Acadia, Sierra, Yukon and Yukon XL; and Saturn Outlook.
While 1.4 million of the vehicles to be recalled are in the United States, there are others in Canada, Mexico and other countries, GM said in a statement.
Once the heated-washer fluid system is removed, the vehicles will no longer have the winter convenience of warm fluid to clean the frozen windshield, GM spokesman Greg Martin said.
GM said it plans to pay $100 to vehicle owners as compensation for permanently disabling and removing the heated washer fluid system. If all 1.5 million vehicles recalled are brought in, GM would pay out roughly $150 million, plus the cost of the actual fixes. GM, in court documents, projected the cost of the first recall was between $20 million and $25 million.
The heat is off
The original units, called HotShot, were manufactured by a suburban Detroit supplier called Microheat Inc.
Microheat's technology gained praise. In 2006, the company was a finalist for an Automotive News PACE Award given annually for supplier product and process innovation. PACE stands for Premier Automotive Suppliers' Contribution to Excellence.
But after GM's problems with HotShot began to emerge in 2008, Microheat ceased production of the units and filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Microheat's Web site is no longer active.
The recalls, to begin by June 14, will affect 18 models of 2006-2009 Buicks, Cadillacs, Chevrolets, GMCs, Hummers and Saturns, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said on its Web site today.
In August 2008, GM recalled about 858,000 cars and trucks following reports of fires resulting from shorts in the system that heats windshield-washer fluid. Dealers installed a wire harness that contained a fuse.
However, the module's internal thermal-protection device, or solder cup, “did not function as designed,” GM said in a June 4 letter to NHTSA that was posted today.
No injuries
GM said it has learned of five fires, including several that occurred while the vehicle was unattended. The company is not aware of any injuries or crashes.
“While our analysis shows the number of incidents is very small compared with the number of vehicles on the road, we want our customers to have complete peace of mind,” said Jeff Boyer, GM's executive director of safety.
The models of cars, trucks and crossovers included in the recall are the 2006-09 Buick Lucerne, Cadillac DTS and Hummer H2; the 2008-09 Buick Enclave and Cadillac CTS; and the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse.
Also included are the 2007-09 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV and EXT; Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado, Suburban, and Tahoe; GMC Acadia, Sierra, Yukon and Yukon XL; and Saturn Outlook.
While 1.4 million of the vehicles to be recalled are in the United States, there are others in Canada, Mexico and other countries, GM said in a statement.
Once the heated-washer fluid system is removed, the vehicles will no longer have the winter convenience of warm fluid to clean the frozen windshield, GM spokesman Greg Martin said.
GM said it plans to pay $100 to vehicle owners as compensation for permanently disabling and removing the heated washer fluid system. If all 1.5 million vehicles recalled are brought in, GM would pay out roughly $150 million, plus the cost of the actual fixes. GM, in court documents, projected the cost of the first recall was between $20 million and $25 million.
The heat is off
The original units, called HotShot, were manufactured by a suburban Detroit supplier called Microheat Inc.
Microheat's technology gained praise. In 2006, the company was a finalist for an Automotive News PACE Award given annually for supplier product and process innovation. PACE stands for Premier Automotive Suppliers' Contribution to Excellence.
But after GM's problems with HotShot began to emerge in 2008, Microheat ceased production of the units and filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Microheat's Web site is no longer active.
Tuesday, June 08, 2010
1997 Honda Accord Error Codes
1997 Honda Accord 4-cyl VTEC engine light is on. Autozone diagnostic tester displayed these possible errors/causes:
P0401 - EGR insufficient flow, possible EGR Valve, blocked EGR passages in engine;
P0171 - (1) Fuel system too lean bank 1 (Cly #1), large vacuum leak [I found a disconnected hose between valve cover (Cyl#1) and air intake], (2) Fuel system concern, (3) Ignition system concern, (4) MAF sensor faulty, (5) HO2S/AF ratio sensor fault.
P0453 - (1) Sensor circuit high voltage, (2) Open or short circuit condtion, (3) Poor electrical condition, (4) Faulty FTP sensor.
I don’t know where these sensors are located and whether I should change them out if other possible causes might produce the same errors. I found a hose disconnected between the valve cover at #1 Cyl and the air intake.
Can someone shed some light on what might be wrong and how I should proceed?
I looked for vacuum leaks and found a hose disconnected at the #1 Cyl valve cover. The other end was connected to the air intake cover. If I knew where the sensors in question are, I might be able to check the wiring and do some continuity and voltage checks.
P0401 - EGR insufficient flow, possible EGR Valve, blocked EGR passages in engine;
P0171 - (1) Fuel system too lean bank 1 (Cly #1), large vacuum leak [I found a disconnected hose between valve cover (Cyl#1) and air intake], (2) Fuel system concern, (3) Ignition system concern, (4) MAF sensor faulty, (5) HO2S/AF ratio sensor fault.
P0453 - (1) Sensor circuit high voltage, (2) Open or short circuit condtion, (3) Poor electrical condition, (4) Faulty FTP sensor.
I don’t know where these sensors are located and whether I should change them out if other possible causes might produce the same errors. I found a hose disconnected between the valve cover at #1 Cyl and the air intake.
Can someone shed some light on what might be wrong and how I should proceed?
I looked for vacuum leaks and found a hose disconnected at the #1 Cyl valve cover. The other end was connected to the air intake cover. If I knew where the sensors in question are, I might be able to check the wiring and do some continuity and voltage checks.
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