Archive for January, 2010

Jan 29 2010

Toyota Recall

By now we have all heard about the Toyota recall concerning the sticking gas pedal. This might not seem like it is that big an issue, but for those who purchased a new Toyota only to find out it isn’t quite the quality they believed they were getting might have a different opinion.

What can you do about the recall? Well, until Toyota issues an official notice the best thing to do is to be prepared. By this, i mean drive with the constant awareness that the gas pedal could stick.

If my gas pedal sticks, what should I do. Just pop it in neutral and apply the brake if you need to decrease your speed. Tap the gas pedal a few time while in neutral and this should un-stick it for the time being.

There is a 1-800 number you can call. Customers who have any questions or have experienced any issues with their accelerator pedals should visit Toyota.com, contact the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331, or call their local Toyota dealer.

Reference: http://pressroom.toyota.com/pr/tms/toyota/toyota-consumer-safety-advisory-102572.aspx

Frequently Asked Questions For Sticking Accelerator Pedal Recall and Suspension of Sales

Which models are affected by the recall/stop sale?

Toyota’s accelerator pedal recall and suspension of sales is confined to the following Toyota Division vehicles:

Certain 2009-2010 RAV4,
Certain 2009-2010 Corolla,
2009-2010 Matrix,
2005-2010 Avalon,
Certain 2007-2010 Camry,
Certain 2010 Highlander,
2007-2010 Tundra,
2008-2010 Sequoia

No Lexus Division or Scion vehicles are affected by these actions. Also not affected are Toyota Prius, Tacoma, Sienna, Venza, Solara, Yaris, 4Runner, FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser, Highlander hybrids and Camry hybrids, which will remain for sale.

Further, Camry, RAV4, Corolla and Highlander vehicles with VINs that begin with “J” are not affected by the sticky accelerator pedal recall.

What is the condition that has prompted Toyota to take this action?
In rare instances, there is a possibility that certain accelerator pedal mechanisms may, mechanically stick in a partially depressed position or return slowly to the idle position.

What is the likelihood that my vehicle will experience this condition?
The condition is rare and does not occur suddenly. It can occur when the pedal mechanism becomes worn and, in certain conditions, the accelerator pedal may become harder to depress, slower to return or, in the worst case, stuck in a partially depressed position.

Are you continuing to investigate other models?
Toyota is confident that all models that contain the potentially sticking pedals have been identified.

Why has Toyota stopped selling the affected vehicles?
Until Toyota has finalized an appropriate remedy to address the potential for sticking accelerator pedals, a sales suspension is necessary.

How long will this stop sale be in effect?
New cars covered by this recall will not be delivered until a remedy is finalized and then implemented.

When do you expect to have a remedy?
Toyota is making every effort to remedy this situation for customers as quickly as possible.

What options are you exploring for a remedy?
Toyota is reviewing a number of different options, and the company hopes to announce a remedy soon.

What should I do if I believe my vehicle is affected by this condition, i.e. I have noticed that my accelerator pedal is hard to depress, slow to return or is unsmooth during operation. What should I do?
The vehicle should be driven to the nearest safe location, the engine shut off and a Toyota dealer contacted for assistance.

What if you experience a sticking accelerator pedal while driving?
Each circumstance may vary, and drivers must use their best judgment, but Toyota recommends taking one of the following actions:

• If you need to stop immediately, the vehicle can be controlled by stepping on the brake pedal with both feet using firm and steady pressure. Do not pump the brake pedal as it will deplete the vacuum utilized for the power brake assist.
• Shift the transmission gear selector to the Neutral (N) position and use the brakes to make a controlled stop at the side of the road and turn off the engine.
• If unable to put the vehicle in Neutral, turn the engine OFF. This will not cause loss of steering or braking control, but the power assist to these systems will be lost.

• If the vehicle is equipped with an Engine Start/Stop button, firmly and steadily push the button for at least three seconds to turn off the engine. Do NOT tap the Engine Start/Stop button.
• If the vehicle is equipped with a conventional key-ignition, turn the ignition key to the ACC position to turn off the engine. Do NOT remove the key from the ignition as this will lock the steering wheel.

If I am an owner of one of the affected vehicles, what action do I need to take?
Toyota is working quickly to prepare a correction remedy and will issue owner notifications in the future. No action is required at this time unless you feel you are experiencing this condition. If you are experiencing this condition, immediately contact your nearest Toyota Dealer for assistance.

Toyota stated that this did not affect new/low mileage vehicles, has the situation changed?
The law requires that the entire universe of new vehicles identified in the recall notice must be included in the stop sale.

Why are you stopping production at your factories?
Production is being stopped temporarily at five North American production facilities to assess and coordinate activities related to the recall announced on January 21.

What should I do if I still have questions or concerns?
If you still have questions or concerns that have not been addressed here, please contact the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.
The Toyota Customer Experience Center hours are:
Mon – Fri, 5:00 am – 6:00 pm PST
Sat, 7:00 am – 4:00 pm PST

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Jan 21 2010

starter going out?

Published by admin under Uncategorized

I charged the battery on car, and you turn the key on and it turns over and over and over, but never starts. all the wires that go to the battery/starter are tight. some people think starter is going out. after it turns over about 3 times it just clicks. i hook charger on jump and it starts. is that sound like a starter going out?

Response:

Maybe. Generally if the crank speed is normal, the starter will affect
starting.
Basics: Fuel, spark and compression at the right time in the correct
proportions.
First check availability. Then quantity. Then timing.

Pick up a cheap volt-ohm meter and check the battery voltage while running and not running and report back to the group. How old is the battery? Did you wire brush the battery contacts? Tight connections don’t mean anything. Make and year of car? I’ve had batteries last one year, and up to 7 years. Whats the difference between over, over and over, and 3 times? Need more info.

Whoever said money can’t buy happiness, didn’t know where to shop. You are looking for around 12v stalled and 14.2-14.4 at idle, + or – the accuracy of the meter.

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Jan 13 2010

Automotive Preventive Maintenance – Finding a Reliable Auto Mechanic

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Regular automotive preventive maintenance on your vehicle will not only preserve your cars life, it will save you a ton of money on auto repair. There are certain maintenance intervals recommended by your vehicles manufacturer. Those service procedures are important, but are only a start, using other techniques along with the dealers recommendations will keep you driving to financial freedom from expensive auto repairs. A good independent auto mechanic is a great alternative to the dealer, offering dealership quality at a lower price. Remember preventive maintenance is a strong building block to a healthy automobile, considering most auto repair bills are due to the customers lack of maintenance. I see neglected vehicles day in and day out. This article is intended to educate the reader about using preventive maintenance to prevent expensive auto repair and how to find an auto mechanic that only services what your vehicle needs.

Preventive maintenance is hard to discuss, but using these guidelines will clean up the subject. Make sure you read the vehicles manual and learn the proper service intervals on your auto. Have a record of any service or repair you have already had done. Find any recalls on the vehicle. These steps build a platform to achieve a reliable vehicle and mechanic. Plus a kicker “save a ton of money”, on the other hand you could just “trade your car in”, no matter how new your vehicle is, it will always need service and not just an oil change. There are other services needed throughout the life of your vehicle. I will explain some general automotive services in another article.

Finding a reliable auto mechanic, that services or repairs only what is needed on the vehicle and knows how to perform the proper services will be the final task to a saving money on your automobile. Requiring research and patients, again make sure you educate yourself on the recommended maintenance intervals (30K, 60K, 90K etc.). Have your auto service and repair records handy. Locate any recalls the vehicle may have and use the knowledge you have obtained to your advantage when consulting an auto repair facility.

I am a Master Certified Auto Mechanic, know what it takes to fix, service and save money on any vehicle manufactured. I strive on educating our readers on taking care of their vehicle. Everybody knows auto mechanics can be a rip-off. Taking pride in protecting people from the crooks in the auto repair industry is my mission. In this article, I have briefly educated the reader on how to protect one of their biggest investments “their ride”.
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Jan 10 2010

How To Diagnose Auto Repair Article

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Auto repair doesn’t have to be difficult. The best advice I can give you is “SIMPLIFY”.

Start off by determining what it is you need to repair

Noise : what does it sound like to you and where is it coming from
Electrical : Something electrical has quit working (ex. Windows, lights, radio)
Light on Dash : Check engine light, brake light, low coolant light, battery light
No Start : just clicks, cranks over but won’t start, no dash lights, repeated clicks
No Power : when you press the gas the engine revs high but won’t move or slow
Brakes : The car doesn’t seem to stop as normal, brake pedal feels spongy
Air Conditioning : Blows hot, doesn’t blow at all, blows cold out one side only
Tires : Flat tire, worn uneven, alignment, leaking air slowly
Parts : where can i get auto repair parts online for my car or truck
Smell : Sweet smell, fuel smell, burning smell, rotten egg smell

2. Now that you have figured out what the issue is you need to repair, you can continue to Entire Article

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Jan 07 2010

Developing Diagnostic Strategies – Using Exhaust Gas Analysis

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Diagnosing emission failures, using the exhaust gas analyzer can be a task. Auto repair is constantly evolving and has become a technical field to work in. Using the proper knowledge, you can find the right auto mechanic to repair your emission failure and be on the road to a cleaner atmosphere along with a fatter wallet. Here we will examine carbon emissions and 5-gas analysis.
Lambda, Combustion Efficiency, Carbon Gases, CAT Efficiency and EVAP Emissions:

- Lambda is perfect air fuel ratio 14.7 parts of air to 1 part of fuel. The closer you get to Lambda, the less carbon emissions. Lambda is a great diagnostic tool, more fuel and less air means rich condition, which will cause the CO and HC gases to be high. We will discuss carbon emissions further in the article.

- Combustion efficiency speaks for itself, the more efficient the combustion is, the cleaner the emissions gases are and the better the fuel mileage is. For checking combustion on your vehicle, consult an auto repair technician with the proper equipment. Carbon Gases pollute the earths atmosphere and can cause a number of Ozone problems including “Acid Rain”. There are three very harmful gases; Carbon Monoxide, Hydrocarbons and Oxides of nitrogen.

- Carbon monoxide or (CO), this harmful gas will usually be out of range when there is a fuel problem and the vehicle is rich, considering it is a reading of unburned fuel or raw fuel escaping the tailpipe.

- Hydrocarbons or (HC), this gas is will be seen usually with an ignition problem. HC is read in parts per million or grams per mile. It is the reading of partially burned fuel escaping the tail pipe. Both of these carbon emission gases can be easily diagnosed, using the correct procedure and checks, including your Lambda Numbers.

- Oxides of Nitrogen or (NOX), A gas that has been known to cause acid rain. NOX basically boils down to Cylinder pressure or temperature. The more pressure or heat in the cylinder the higher the NOX will be. If a cylinder exceeds 2,500 degrees the vehicle will produces excessive NOX. This can be achieved in different ways including the exhaust gas recirculation or (EGR) system.

- Catalytic Converter or (CAT) efficiency, the catalytic converter is the most important emissions component on a vehicle with an internal combustion engine. The CAT cleans the carbon emissions to virtually zero when it is 100% efficient. Engineers have created an Ozone preserving automotive part, which needs to be in excellent operating condition.

- Evaporative Emissions or (EVAP) one of the most complicated emission repairs, if you do not have the training and equipment. EVAP emissions pollutes the Ozone 10 times more the vehicles tailpipe because to the CAT. Evaporative Emissions is actual fuel vapor that is creating carbon gases. Gasoline is a huge carcinogen, which means it causes cancer and is very harmful, be careful gassing up your ride. The invention of the catalytic converter has significantly reduced tailpipe emissions therefore EVAP emissions is now the major contributor to carbon gases. I have experienced many different problems concerning the EVAP system and have a great skill for Evaporative system diagnosis.

Most importantly, find the proper auto repair facility to diagnose and repair harmful emissions failures. Not only will this preserve our Ozone, it will also save you money. The best way to locate a great auto mechanic is to look at their emissions work. If they are poor on diagnosing carbon emission failures and do not have a 5-gas analyzer, then they do not have the training and or equipment to diagnose a drive ability problem or check engine light. I have worked on cars all of my life and currently perform quality auto repair. In this article I have examined carbon emissions and 5-Gas analysis.

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