Tag Archives: Fuel problem

Algae Growing In Diesel Fuel Tanks

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With rising fuel costs, many consumers are turning to diesel vehicles for their better fuel economy. Most people who operate and maintain diesel engines are familiar with a black material seen in fuel filters or at the bottom of the tank, but many don’t realize that it is a growing “algae”. This organism inside the tank will lead to poor combustion, carbon buildup, and could end up costing the owner of the vehicle large amounts of money.

The algae is the result old fuel, and while the problem is often found in boat engines, automobiles are not immune. So what can be done to prevent the problem? There are additives you can use, but if it is not caught soon enough, it can still end up being costly to the consumer. Your best line of defense is being educated about the problem, and keeping up with regular maintenance.

Honda Recalls 2011 Civic For Fuel Pump

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Honda will be recalling almost 20,000 2011 Civic vehicles to replace the fuel pump module inside the tank. It was found that during assembly, the roll over valve inside some fuel pump modules could have been damaged. In a rollover, the cracked valve could allow fuel leakage from the tank to the evaporative emissions canister. Owners wanting more information about the recall can call 1-800-999-1009 and selecting option 4, or go to www.recalls.honda.com.

Ford Announces Two Truck Recalls

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Ford has issued a recall for certain 2010 Ranger trucks manufactured from October 15, 2009 to May 19 2010 for a problem that could lead to an engine fire. A fuel line in the area of the throttle body shield may not have a protective cover installed properly The edge of the shield may contact the fuel line and chafe through resulting in a fuel leak. Dealers will inspect for fuel line and trim the shield back to give proper clearance.

Ford will also be recalling certain vehicles manufactured between October 25, 2010 to November 20, 2010 for body control modules (BCM) that could develop an electrical short which could lead to a fire. The vehicles recalled for this problem includes:

  • 2011 FORD F-150
  • 2011 FORD F-250
  • 2011 FORD F-350
  • 2011 FORD F-450
  • 2011 FORD F-550
  • 2011 FORD EDGE
  • 2011 LINCOLN MKX TRUCKS

Owners wanting more information may contact the Ford Motor Company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov.

NHTSA Investigates VW And Audi Diesel Vehicles

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Last February the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened up an investigation into failing fuel pumps in some Volkswagen and Audi diesel cars. Today, the NHTSA announced they will be intensifying the investigation after receiving over 150 complaints. The vehicles involved in this investigation include the 2009-2010 Volkswagen Jetta, 2010 Volkswagen Golf and 2010 Audi A3 vehicles. If the investigation should lead to a recall, nearly 100, 000 vehicles could be involved.

Last may, VW issued a service bulletin telling dealers to inspect the diesel fuel requiring fuel system service associated with fuel pump failure, suspecting the problem is with contaminated fuel. According to VW, even small amounts of gasoline in the diesel may disrupt lubrication, leading to fuel pump failure. They told the NHTSA that they were unable to find a defect related to motor vehicle safety with relation to the TDI clean diesel fuel system.

Will Fiat Recall Their Jeep Grand Cherokee

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Ralph Nader is encouraging Fiat to Recall their recently acquired 1993-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee line because of a vulnerable fuel tank design. The Center for Auto Safety encouraged an investigation in October saying that the fuel tank on these vehicles are not only poorly designed, but are installed behind the rear axle below the bumper which puts them at an increased impact risk. It was also found that the routing of the fuel filler hose increases the possibility of it being pulled out of the tank in a crash. Nader went as far as calling the Grand Cherokee “a modern day Pinto for the soccer mom.”

According to Chrysler, the fuel tanks are not defective. They say that according to their internal studies, the tanks on the Grand Cherokee are no more susceptible to fires in rear impact crashes than any other similar models from other companies.

Toyota Lexus Recall For Fuel Leaks

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lexus recall for fuel leaksToyota has announced a Safety Recall involving approximately 245,000 Lexus vehicles to inspect the fuel pressure sensor installation. The problem is being blamed on insufficient tightening of the fuel pressure sensor connected to certain engine fuel delivery pipes (those with Nickel Phosphorus plating), As a result, the pressure sensor could loosen over time leading to a possible fuel leak. The vehicles involved in this recall are:

  • 2006 – 2007 Lexus GS300/350
  • 2006 – 2009 Lexus IS250
  • 2006 – 2008 Lexus IS350

Lexus dealers will inspect the vehicle for fuel leakage and tighten the fuel pressure sensor with the proper torque. If a fuel leak is confirmed, the gasket between the sensor and the delivery pipe will be replaced and the sensor will be tightened with the proper torque. The inspection and work performed will be conducted at no charge to the vehicle owner. Owners will receive a safety recall notice by first class mail once parts are available. Owners wanting more information on the recall can contact Lexus Customer Satisfaction at 1-800-25 LEXUS or 1-800-255-3987 or at www.lexus.com/recall.

Toyota Motor Corporation also announced another recall involving 1.3 million vehicles worldwide to remedy a different condition on a different fuel delivery pipe and a high pressure fuel pump check valve, but this recall does not involve vehicles sold in North America.

Volkswagen Recalls Vehicles For Fuel Line Problems

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volkswagen recall fuel lineVolkswagen has announced a recall for a fuel line problem that can affect vehicles with 2.5 liter 5 cylinder engines. The problem is being blamed on an improperly secured fuel line which can chafe leading to a fuel leak and a potential fire. The vehicles affected by this recall are:

  • 2007–2009 Golf
  • 2007–2009 Jetta and Jetta SportWagen
  • 2006–2010 New Beetle
  • 2007–2009 Rabbit

Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will either remove a plastic tab from the windshield washer fluid reservoir, or position the fuel line fastening clamp to prevent the chafing. For more information, owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987 or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) vehicle safety hot line at 1-888-327-4236, or go to http://www.safercar.gov

Mazda5 Recalled For Corrosion Fuel Pump Issues

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Mazda will be recalling it’s popular 2009-2010 Mazda5 mini van for a fuel system problem that could result in trouble starting or stalling of the engine. According to a notice filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a fuel tank leak check done during assembly may have left water in the fuel pump harness. If the water was not properly flushed out it could lead to corrosion on the fuel pump connector pin causing the pump to fail.

The recall affects 2009-2010 Mazda5 models assembled between June 29, 2009 and April 28, 2010. Owners may contact Mazda customer assistance center at 1-800-222-5500 or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov .