Ford recalls F-series pickups, Edge, Lincoln MKX

DETROIT (Reuters) – Ford Motor Co is recalling about 20,000 new vehicles in North America, mainly its heavy duty pickup trucks, due to the chance that an electrical short could cause a fire, Ford and U.S. federal regulators said on Thursday.



Ford will inform owners of its F-series pickups and small sports utility vehicles Edge and Lincoln MKX of the potential problem by January 10, according to a filing with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.



About 15,000 of the affected vehicles were sold in the United States, and most of the rest in Canada, said Wes Sherwood, Ford spokesman.



Sherwood said the automaker is not aware of any injuries, crashes or fires resulting from the issue.



Body control modules made by Lear Corp at a plant in Mexico produced over a six-day period may cause an electrical short, Ford told NHTSA in a filing.



The same filing said that Lear "found that a newly hired operator failed to properly clean a soldering machine during four production shifts" over six days in late October.



Sherwood said the suspect vehicles were assembled at Ford plants between late October and mid-November.



"If an electrical short develops, an overheating condition may occur" and result in a vehicle fire, the NHTSA filing said.



Ford discovered the problem when two F-150 pickups had fires in mid-November and early December at a Dearborn, Michigan assembly plant before being shipped, it told NHTSA.



"Ford is not aware of any reports for related fires on vehicles in service," the automaker told NHTSA.



Of the nearly 20,000 vehicles affected, 13,200 are Super Duty F-Series trucks, which are the F-250, the F-350 and the F-450 models.



Some 476 F-150 pickup trucks were affected. That model is the biggest selling vehicle in North America.



About 6,200 Edge and MKX models are affected, Sherwood said.



Edge and MKX are also known as crossover vehicles because they are built on a car platform rather than a truck platform as are larger SUVs.



Ford dealers are to inspect recalled vehicles and if necessary replace body control modules at no consumer cost. Sherwood said the repair time is relatively short, but he did not specify how long each repair will take or how much repairs will cost the automaker

1998 buick lesabre anti freeze smell

hi just got a 98 lesabre and it has a strong anti freeze smell coming fro under the hood. theres no leaks anywhere that i can find. even took the engine cover of.





Response:

The best way to find a coolant leak is to pressure test it. This can be done with the use of a pressure tester or have your local shop do this for you.





http://www.sjdiscounttools.com/sta12270.html



The most common placed to look on the 3.8L engine is the plastic 90 degree tube located toward the top front of the engine. look for orange looking coolant laying around this area.

My digital gas gage reads full all the time I have to go by my miles and sometimes that don't work and I run out of gas..how do I fix my problem

This is a common problem and to correct this problem will require the replacement of the fuel sending unit. The fuel sending unit is inside the fuel tank and has the fuel pump mounted in it. This requires the removal of the gas tank and then the fuel sending unit can be removed from the tank.





1.Disconnect the negative battery cable.





2.Relieve fuel system pressure.



3.Remove fuel filler cap to release fuel tank vapors. Leave cap off until repairs are completed. Gasoline fuel vapors are extremely flammable. Ensure that fuel is stored in a container that can be properly sealed. Never store fuel in an open container. Store container in a safe place away from heat.



4.Remove fuel tank by performing the following:



1.Step 1: Drain fuel from the tank into an approved container for storage.



2.Step 2: Raise and safely support the vehicle.



3.Step 3: Remove rear stabilizer bar at links, pivot bar downward.



4.Step 4: Remove hoses and pipes from tank unit.



5.Step 5: Remove hoses at tank from filler and vent pipe.



6.Step 6: Disconnect tank unit harness from rear body harness.



7.Step 7: Support fuel tank and disconnect 2 fuel tank retaining straps.



8.Step 8: Remove tank from vehicle.



5.Remove sending unit, gasket and pump assembly by turning cam lock ring counterclockwise. Lift assembly from fuel tank and remove fuel pump from fuel tank sending unit.



6.Pull fuel pump up into attaching hose while pulling outward away from bottom support. Take care to prevent damage to rubber insulator and strainer during removal. After pump assembly is clear of bottom support, pull pump assembly out of rubber connector for removal. To install:







7.Push fuel pump assembly into attaching hose.



8.Install fuel tank sending unit and pump assembly into tank assembly. Use new O-ring seal during reassembly.



9.Install cam lock over assembly and lock by turning clockwise.



10.Support tank and position in vehicle. Install tank straps and secure with retaining bolts. Tighten to 25 ft. lbs. (33 Nm).



11.Connect tank unit harness to body harness.



12.Connect hoses to filler and vent pipes. Tighten clamps.



13.Connect hoses and pipes to tank unit.



14.Connect rear stabilizer bar to links. Tighten bolts to 42 ft. lbs. (58 Nm).



15.Lower vehicle.



16.Refill tank and install filler cap.



17.Connect negative battery cable.



18.Start engine and check for leaks

Professional Automotive Technicians at AutoTechnician.org

This Auto Technician Website is a unique and different approach to locating an auto repair shop and or technician. Each registered Tech has to take 25 question test that only the top seasoned  and or well educated technicians could pass. Autotechnician.org offers FREE directory listings for all qualifying technicians that pass the test. This is to help profile your areas of experience to target customers. Did I mention it was free.



For The Consumer: To provide consumers in need of auto repair or maintenance a better, more reliable online resource to research and locate their best choice of an auto repair mechanic or technician suited for their vehicle.



This website has the ability to help both the technicians and the consumer at the same time. It allows a technician to post his or her credentials, promote the facility he/she works at and also provides a place for consumers to search and locate the best technicians for the job the need.



I encourage any automotive technician to check out the website, register and take the test.

Car Insurance, the New Big Brother?

Insurance companies get a bad rap. Everybody hates auto insurance until they need to file a claim, and all of a sudden they’re all friends. A week later they go back to hating their insurance company. It looks like some insurers, like The Hartford, want to just skip the part where you pretend like you’re friends and just stick to being hated. They have a new plan over there called Direct Repair Provider, or DRP. It’s basically a network of pre-approved repair shops that are authorized to work on your car if you make a claim. Sounds innocent enough, right? It could even be a good idea, letting your insurance company find the shop and do the legwork for you. The problem lies in the future implications. If your car is sent to one of the Preferred Provider shops, you’re essentially letting the insurance company repair your car. Since the repair shop is in the pocket of the insurer, who’s side do you think they’ll take when a repair is up for debate? I’d also be willing to bet that in exchange for the steady stream of business that will come when a shop becomes a DRP, they agree to lower rates. This can mean lower quality work and less attention to detail.

The issue is heating up in the industry, but it will be up to consumers — the ones paying for car insurance — to tip the scales in the direction of independent repair shops and no direct oversight by the insurance companies. If your insurer is offering these packages, be sure to think long and hard before you sign up.

Chrysler recalling 76K Dodge Ram trucks

WASHINGTON – Chrysler is recalling about 76,000 Dodge Ram pickup trucks to fix a power steering issue that could lead to brake pedals that are slow to return after the driver applies them.



The recall affects certain 2010-2011 model year Dodge Ram trucks built from March 2009 through October 2010.



Chrysler said some trucks with diesel engines and a hydroboost brake system could be equipped with a power steering reservoir cap with excessive vent pressure levels.



The excessive levels could lead to brake pedals that are slow to return and make the brake lights remain on, potentially causing a crash.



Chrysler said it will notify owners and dealers will replace the steering reservoir cap free of charge.



Owners can contact Chrysler at (800) 853-1403.

Should I solder or crimp my electrical conections ?

I prefer crimp unless on at an area that it can't be used. It should be mentioned that there is a correct way to apply a crimp to crimp connectors. All crimp connectors start out as a flat piece of metal that is shaped into a cylinder, so they have a seam where the edges meet that runs the length of the connector. The connector should be placed in the crimping tool with the seam at 12 o'clock (facing up). When the jaws are closed, the shaped crimper die presses down on the seam from above, bends and crushes the connector metal, compresses and traps the wire strands and produces a tight crimp. A connector that's crimped with the seam in a different position may still work, but the connector may not assume the desired crimped shape and its grip on the wire strands may not be as tight as a result.



Second, I've learned that the European Union (EU) has passed legislation requiring the removal of all lead from solder. This has presented problems in electronic items. With the lead removed, tiny whiskers can form on a solder joint that can short out adjoining connections.



Reference : www.motor.com

Ford to unveil a B-Max minivan concept at Geneva show

Ford of Europe plans to unveil a concept of a small minivan that will replace the Fusion at the Geneva auto show in March, a Ford source told Automotive News Europe.



The vehicle will challenge the Opel Meriva, Europe's top-selling small minivan. It will go into production by the end of next year at Ford's factory in Craiova, Romania, the source said, adding that European sales of the minivan will begin in early 2012.



When asked for confirmation, a Ford of Europe spokesman reiterated what the company has previously said about its production plans at the Craiova plant: “It is a B-segment vehicle and will go into full production early in 2012.”



Ford, which uses B segment to describe subcompact-sized cars, is likely to call the new vehicle B-Max, as it will be the smallest offering in Ford's European range of minivans that includes the medium C-Max and large S-Max and the large Galaxy.



Based on Ford's global B-architecture, which debuted in 2008 with the Fiesta subcompact model, the B-Max will be a five-seat minivan with rear sliding doors, the source said.



The Meriva has been Europe's best-selling small minivan since Automotive News Europe began tracking the segment in 2003.



Ford Fusion sales peaked at 82,696 units in 2007, when it was No. 2 to the Meriva at 132,715 units, according to data from market researcher JATO Dynamics.



The Fusion, which was launched in 2002 has begun to show its age, sliding to fifth place in the segment last year, behind the Meriva, Citroen C3 Picasso, Renault Modus/Grand Modus and Opel/Vauxhall Agila. Through 10 months, Fusion volumes have dropped 36 percent to 30,577.



Crucial model



Ford has said that about 150,000 units of its B-segment vehicle will be built a year at the Craiova plant, 80 percent of which will be exported. The company has no plans to sell the model in the United States.





The automaker says added production is crucial to boost output at the underutilized Craiova plant, which Ford bought from the Romanian government two years ago.



When Ford made an offer for the former Daewoo factory in July 2007, it planned to build up to 300,000 vehicles and 300,000 engines annually, a rise from about 24,000 vehicles and 116,000 engines built at the facility in 2006.



Ford got control of the plant in March 2008 with an original plan to invest 675 million euros by 2012 and begin production of the B-Max by early 2010. This plan stalled because of the global financial crisis, forcing the production start to be re-scheduled to the end of 2011.



In July 2009, Ford began producing the Transit Connect small van in Craiova, where 300 units were built in 2009 and 8,500 have been made through 11 months this year, Ford said.



Most of the Transit Connects were exported, according to the Automotive Manufacturers and Importers Association (APIA) in Romania.



By the end of 2010, Ford will have invested 200 million euros in Craiova, roughly a third of the original total earmarked at the time of purchase. Ford has until 2013 to complete the investment.

What Happens if I don't change my oil?

I read this post on Yahoo.com today and was quite surprised.

Change Your Oil Every 3,000 Miles





The little sticker placed on the car windshield reminds you to change a car's oil every 3,000 miles -- regardless of make, model or scenario.





But many experts now say the 3,000-mile oil change is dead. Why? New car engines and oil quality have advanced to the point where cars can go 5,000 to 10,000 miles without a change.





"Generally speaking, vehicles don't need to be changed every 3,000 miles anymore," says Tara Baukus Mello, author of Bankrate.com's Driving for Dollars column. "It's somewhere between 5,000 to 10,000, unless they have an engine oil sensor, and then it could be anywhere."





However, don't automatically assume you can push oil changes beyond 3,000 miles.





"It's important to consult your owner's manual for the frequency, the number of miles, the length of time between changes and the type of oil -- and to follow whatever those instructions are," Mello says.

Being a Shop Owner, a Shop Technician for over 20 years and previous Street and Track Racer, I have not only pushed engines to there limits but maintained fleets of vehicles for long periods of time including Police Vehicles that rarely get turned off.   Here is the skinny on oil changes.

1. If you are planning on getting rid of the car in under 50,000 miles, you could get away with not ever changing the oil.


2. If you plan on tossing their car at 100,000 miles or less, you can get away with changing your oil every 10,000 miles.


3. If you would like your engine to last up to 500,000 miles change your oil every 3,000 miles.

Here's the thing, there are differences in everyones driving habits. For example, the police vehicles are sold at auction at 120,000 miles or less so The oil only gets changed every 5,000 miles. The average car owner likes to keep there car to close to 200,000 miles these days and changing the oil more frequently helps to ensure the ability to do just that.



The easiest way to be able to tell when your oil should be replaced is when you can visually see the oil changing to a darker color as this is the first signs of the viscosity (thickness)breaking down. This means the oil is no longer doing its job.



So what exactly am I getting at? You may save a few dollars on oil changes but if you are needing your vehicle to last as long as it can you are just short changing yourself in the long run. An engine can cost Thousands. 



What Happens if I don't change my oil?  Nothing at first and then over time, the engine will start to wear prematurely and start burning oil (oil level decreases). You won't notice the vehicle smoking out the exhaust for a while but once you do, its too late. The damage is already done. You will be buying 2 to 3 quarts of oil between oil changes just to keep the engine full of oil. The engine will pass oil through the exhaust causing damage to the O2Sensors and catalytic converter causing the check engine light to come on and the fuel management system to work improperly giving worse fuel miles and Costing you more money. Then over time you notice a slight rattle or knock noise on start up that eventually happens anytime the engine is running and now you are looking at buying a new engine of replacing the vehicle. In the meantime your neighbor who had his oil changed regularly at 3,000 miles is having none of these problems and you are sitting there thinking you bought a lemon and the whole time it was just a lack of maintenance on your part.



........ Change your Oil, it isn't that expensive. $20,000 car vs. $20.00 oil change..... do the math.

Preparing Your Vehicle For a Long Trip this Winter

Personally, I prefer to get to my destination; instead of siting on the side of the road waiting for the tow truck. Preparing your car for the trip is simple. This article is intended to briefly educate on how simple checks will keep you moving forward. Read on.

Automobiles are my specialty. I repair and service an average of one to five a day, with a comeback rate of 2%. Only 2 out of 100 vehicles return to me because of my mistake or a part failure. I take pride in educating auto owners about the importance of a reliable automobile. In order to prepare yourself for a successful commute on a long trip use a basic check list.



- Check the oil, you should check the oil on your car or truck once a week, but absolutely check it before a long drive.



- Check the tires, automotive tires will loose air over time. This can result in a major problem on the road, like a blow-out. Tires will malfunction if not inflated properly.



- Check the coolant, overheating can be damaging to the vehicles engine resulting in roadside assistance.



- Inspect the belts & hoses, a belt braking can cause a number of things; including battery charging and power steering malfunction.

In summary, I have briefly explained some basic checks on your car that should be performed, before a long trip. Make sure to consult a qualified auto service mechanic for further assistance. The auto mechanic should be able to assist you with other procedures that are necessary to make your automobile road worthy. Keep your ride off of the hook and have a save trip.