Nissan has announced a recall for some 2010-2011 Sentra sedans manufactured between May to July 2010. The problem is being blamed on a machining error that could allow for a gap to occur in the contact area of the positive terminal. This gap could result in a voltage drop that could make it difficult to start the engine and could damage the engine control module. Owners receiving the recall can take their vehicles to their local dealer to get the positive battery terminal cable end replaced. For more information contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
Honda Civic Redesigned for 2012
Consumer Reports has always been a big fan of the Honda Civic, but as the new 2012 models roll of the assembly line, negative reviews may hurt the sales of one of the most popular cars in America. The Civic, usually ranking number one, fell to second last out of 12 compact cars. Consumer Reports found the 2012 Civic model to be less agile with lower interior quality than previous models. Testers also found that the vehicle suffers from a rough ride, long stopping distances and pronounced road noise. A full report of the top 12 cars will be in their upcoming September issue
2011-2012 Nissan Altima Sedans Recalled
Nissan is recalling certain 2011-2012 Altima sedan manufactured between April to June 2011 at the Canton, Mississippi plant. An incorrectly torqued transverse link bolt could become loose while driving resulting in the driver hearing a rattling or feeling a vibration while driving. If the bolt comes off completely, the driver could experience difficulty controlling the car. Nissan will replace the transverse link bolts and nuts making sure they are tightened to the proper torque. Owners wanting more information on the recall can contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
Toyota Recalls 2011 Lexus RX350 Vehicles
Toyota is recalling certain 2011 Lexus RX350 vehicles equipped with vehicle dynamics integrated management (VDIM) systems. The hydraulic control valves in this system may have been incorrectly calibrated which could lead to the right front wheel not being controlled properly when the anti-lock brake system (ABS) or the vehicle stability control system (VSC) is activated. This could lead to an increased stopping distance and/or a failure to adequately correct a vehicle slide. Owners wanting more information on this recall can contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Volvo S80 Recalled For Steering Problem
Volvo is recalling some 2007 S80 vehicles for a problem with the power steering. According to a report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) the power steering reservoir return hose may have been incorrectly routed resulting in an increased pressure in the system. The pressure could become so high that the hose could burst resulting in loss of power steering. Volvo dealers will inspect the routing of the power steering reservoir return hose and reroute it if necessary. Owners wanting more information about the recall can contact Volvo at 1-201-768-7300.
LA City Council Votes against Red Light Cameras
In an unanimous vote on Wednesday, Los Angeles City Council has decided to terminate the city’s controversial red light camera program. According to council members, loop holes in the laws governing the program resulted in only about 60% of the tickets being paid, failing to generate enough income to keep the program going. Both the Police Commission and the Los Angeles Superior Court felt the program could not be enforced and should be canceled. Critics of the program felt that the city was using the program only for revenue and accused them of putting up the cameras at intersections that would generate the most income and did little to improve safety on the roads. Camera programs have been canceled by many cities and towns across the country and the viability of programs still in affect are being questioned.
Making Hybrid Vehicles Better With Ultra Capacitors
Ioxus, a start up company in Oneonta, N.Y., are experimenting with ultra capacitors in hybrid and electric vehicles in order to make batteries work better and last longer.
In order to improve fuel economy on hybrid and electric vehicles, the engine shuts down when the car stops. When the vehicle starts to move again, a large amount of power is needed. While lithium ion batteries can store large amounts of energy, they are not able to discharge quickly enough to get the vehicle going again. Lead acid batteries can deliver the power needed, but the life of the battery is sacrificed in the process.
Ioxus is using ultra capacitors to work with the battery, allowing the burst of energy needed to get the vehicle going and allowing quick recharging for the next stop. According to Mark E. McGough, the company’s chief executive, this technology could also be used to run an electrically driven power steering system, making hybrid and electric vehicles work even more efficiently. While this technology is not being used commercially on hybrid and electric vehicles, it has been proven to be very effective in turning the blades on wind turbines.
Fuel Efficiency Standards Still Being Negotiated
In May of 2009, California, the White House and auto manufacturers worked together to reached a deal for fuel efficiency standards from 2012-2016. The final agreement will see vehicles with a 34.1 mpg fuel efficiency… an agreement that is estimated to cost the auto industry over $50 billion to develop the technology to reach this goal. The 2017-2025 fuel efficiency standards proposed have been much more aggressive, and has automakers showing much more resistance. Automakers have warned that obtaining the proposed 56.2 mpg could have consumers paying over $2,000 more per vehicle. In response to this the White house has eased their fuel savings proposal to 54.5 mpg in an attempt to convince automakers to sign on. According to VW of America President and CEO Jonathan Browning, the talks have been constructive. “Everyone is focused on making sure that the final agreement is both fair to the auto industry and is still affordable to consumers.”
The administration has also been in talks on credits for automakers to meet the requirements through air conditioning improvements and building flex-fuel vehicles. NHTSA Administrator David Strickland told officials that the government was committed to treating all automakers fairly. The new plan will not only make the fuel efficiency more obtainable, but will offer special rules for heavier light duty vehicles used for construction.
