Fixing Cars

The “Check Engine Soon” light is an indicator light on your dashboard or instrument panel. The light is triggered when a sensor in your car reports a problem to the computer. There are many sensors in your car that could set a check engine light, these sensors monitor different vehicle systems. The problem can be serious or as simple as a gas cap not tightened.

The description of the problem is located in a diagnostic trouble code. The code in the computer can be read by a scan tool. A technician at a car dealership or someone with a code reader can obtain the code number.  Blinking check engine lights can be a serious issue so getting those codes would be a priority.

Some auto parts stores will do a code scan. Stores like AutoZone will read the code and tell what it indicates. This is a good way to find out what is wrong before scheduling a repair.  You can sometimes search online repair guides or print out free manuals on step by step directions to reset your cars computer.

If the code indicates the problem isn’t serious, they may be able to clear the code. Basically what this means is they erase the code from the computer and the light goes off. However, if your vehicle is still under warranty, the auto maker might have an issue with this if you have a serious problem. Take heed.

Another reason the light might come on is if you are driving around in low gear with an automatic transmission and forgot to shift into OD when you got on the freeway.  When the RPM rises to a high level, the flashing engine light could be your vehicles way of protecting itself from going too high in the RPM range.  Vehicles have diagnostic codes for indication of a repair that you need to have checked out, some are simple so letting it go for too long can lead to high repair costs for your car.

Many newer cars flash warning indicators briefly. If this happens, it could be something simple or could be serious. You may feel it is okay to ignore this warning but it’s always safer to call your technician if you’re in doubt.  Vehicle repair questions you may have can be also researched online where you can find free repair manuals that have all the information about doing the repair yourself.  Have the proper tools and consider your time though, repairing your own car can be an expensive endeavor.

Other similar warning lights like the ABS indicator light will illuminate under similar troubles indicated by the vehicles ECU.

You could see that this ABS light may come on if braking conditions become compromised but it’s not the same as the Check Engine Light.

The ABS warning is simply a light on your instrument panel that is near the check engine light.

This indicator light is there to inform you of a situation where your vehicle has detected something in the abs brake module, or sensors in your wheels and set a condition to switch back to conventional braking, meaning that the computer is not controlling the braking anymore.

Toyota announced another recall consisting of approximately 8,000 Toyota Tacoma trucks that may have a defective driveshaft that was produced by Dana Corporation.

Dana Corporation notified the manufacturers who include Ford, Toyota, and Nissan that have the affected part. These were shafts manufactured from December up until recently that could have a flaw.

The problem with this part was determined to be a manufacturing problem on Dana’s end and not with the auto manufacturers although it’s up to the auto companies to recall the vehicles.

Toyota has recalled millions of vehicles due to accelerator problems, floor mat entrapment, braking issues, and this most recent being a driveshaft that could fail should it have a crack in the joint that could cause the driveshaft to separate.

GM joins Ford and Chrysler by making the B20 Biodiesel a viable option for fueling it’s new 2011 Turbo Diesel Trucks.

The B20 biodiesel is a great step forward to using renewable forms of energy in vehicles like full size trucks.

This also indicates a solid collaboration between Biodiesel companies and the auto industry to work together in creating a vehicle that can run properly on these types of fuel.

Read the GM press release after the jump read more »

Unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show is the new Audi A1.

The Audi looks slick, a sportback concept that would battle it out with the Mini Cooper if it were to see US streets then it would make it more interesting.

Audi may consider bring the second generation to the US but it could be 2015 before that happens.

The A1 has a countdown which is currently at 5 hours and counting down to the online debut on audi.com

Read the entire press release after the jump read more »

Toyota has made it official. The 2010 Prius and 2010 Lexus HS 250h (Lexus version of Prius) have been recalled to update the Brake ECU to fix a glitch in the software.

To learn how Prius brakes work in the traditional friction method one can simply drive at speeds where the standard braking is utilized. Then notice the hybrid shifted the method to regenerative brakes. The friction braking or standard braking is what most vehicles have and regenerative braking applies to the hybrid system. This Prius Brake FAQ will provide more information.

Regenerative braking is the system acting like a generator would to produce electricity. It takes the momentum of the vehicle traveling and captures the energy in the braking and restores the battery charging system.

The problem with the Toyota Prius brakes seems to occur when the vehicle passes over a pothole or a bump in the road and their is a momentary loss of brakes while the system is switching over between friction and regenerative braking.

This is an issue because owners have noted a “scary feeling” or loss of control in the vehicle at that time. Toyota will be sending letters to Prius owners in the US and Canada to have their 2010 Prius software upgrade done to the brake ecu.

http://www.tuneyfish.com/blog/?s=prius+vin

Prius Recall 2010

Recalls Underscore Toyota’s Commitment to Address All Vehicle Quality and Safety Issues Promptly and Effectively

TORRANCE, Calif., February 8, 2010 – Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc, today announced it will conduct a voluntary safety recall on approximately 133,000 2010 Model Year Prius vehicles and 14,500 Lexus Division 2010 HS 250h vehicles to update software in the vehicle’s anti-lock brake system (ABS). No other Toyota, Lexus, or Scion vehicles are involved in this recall.

The ABS, in normal operation, engages and disengages rapidly (many times per second) as the control system senses and reacts to tire slippage. Some 2010 model year Prius and 2010 HS 250h owners have reported experiencing inconsistent brake feel during slow and steady application of brakes on rough or slick road surfaces when the ABS is activated in an effort to maintain tire traction.

Toyota has responded to owner concerns with a running production change for 2010 Prius that was introduced last month, improving the ABS system’s response time, as well as the system’s overall sensitivity to tire slippage. The production change for the HS 250h is planned for later this month.

“We’re committed to doing everything we can – as fast as we can – to restore consumer trust in Toyota, and these recalls are part of this effort,” said Jim Lentz, President and Chief Operating Officer, Toyota Motor Sales. “We regret the inconvenience this recall will cause to Prius and HS 250h owners, and will do our best with the support of our dealers to make sure that it is conducted in the most trouble-free manner possible.”

Mr. Lentz continued: “As part of the quality improvement program announced by Toyota President Akio Toyoda last week, our company is undertaking a top to bottom review to ensure that our vehicles meet our own high standards of safety and reliability, now and for the future. We are taking steps to implement more stringent quality control across the company, to investigate customer complaints more aggressively and to respond more quickly to any safety issues we identify.”

The recall will allow Toyota dealers to perform the software update on 2010 Prius vehicles sold prior to this running production change. Only Prius vehicles produced since May 2009 and all HS 250h vehicles are subject to this recall. First- and second-generation Prius vehicles use a different ABS system and are not involved in this campaign.

The ABS system on the Lexus HS 250h is similar in design to the Prius. The software adjustment planned for HS 250h production and dealer modification is being finalized and will be announced very soon.

Toyota will begin mailing letters to Prius owners included in this recall next week and HS 250h owners within the next few weeks, to let them know when to bring their vehicles into a dealership. Owners will only receive a letter if their vehicle is involved in the recall.

Separately, Toyota will conduct a voluntary safety recall on approximately 7,300 early production - 2010 model year Camry vehicles equipped with the 4 cylinder engine to inspect for a power steering hose that may be in contact with a front brake tube. This contact could lead to a hole in the brake tube and cause a brake fluid leak, increased brake pedal stroke and greater vehicle stopping distance.

Owners of the involved 2010 Camry vehicles will be notified by mail starting in the middle of February.

Detailed information about these recalls is available to customers at www.toyota.com/recall and at the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.

Customer FAQ: Prius Recall Brakes & Lexus HS250h Brakes Recall

1.What is the problem with the 2010 Prius?

The anti-lock brake system (ABS) in the 2010 model-year Prius, in normal operation, engages and disengages rapidly (many times per second) as the control system senses and reacts to tire slippage. Some owners have reported experiencing inconsistent brake feel during slow and steady application of the brakes on rough or slick road surfaces when the anti-lock brake system (ABS) is activated in an effort to maintain tire traction.

2.How is Toyota responding to this Prius issue?

Toyota has responded to owner concerns with a running production change for the 2010 Prius that was introduced last month, improving the ABS system’s response time, as well as the system’s overall sensitivity to tire slippage.

The recall will allow Toyota dealers to perform this software update in the
anti-lock brake systems of 2010 Prius vehicles sold prior to this
production change.

3.Why does this only impact 2010 Prius models?

First- and second-generation Prius vehicles use a different ABS system and
are not involved in this campaign.

4.What is the problem with the Lexus HS 250h?

The anti-lock brake system on the Lexus HS 250h shares similar component
design to the 2010 Prius, so it has been included on this recall.

5.How is Toyota responding to this Lexus issue?

The software adjustment planned for the Lexus HS 250h production and dealer
modification is being finalized and will be announced very soon.

6.How many vehicles are impacted?

This recall involves approximately 133,000 2010 model year Prius vehicles
and 14,550 Lexus Division 2010 HS 250h vehicles.

7.What should 2010 Prius and Lexus HS 250h customers do if they experience
this braking issue?

If a Prius or Lexus HS 250h owner were to experience this condition,
pressing hard on the brake pedal will stop the vehicle safely.

8.Are these vehicles safe to drive until they get their update?

The vehicles are safe to drive because pressing hard on the brake pedal
will stop the vehicle.

9.When can I get my vehicle fixed?

Toyota will begin sending letters to Prius owners included in this recall
by mail next week and Lexus HS 250h owners within the next few weeks to let
them know when to bring their vehicles into a dealership. Owners will only
receive a letter if their vehicle is involved in the recall.

10.How long will it take for a dealer to repair my vehicle?

The software update should only take approximately 30 minutes to install,
depending on technician workflow.

11.Is the repair covered by warranty? Will drivers have to pay any money
out of pocket for this work?

Toyota will cover all repair costs associated with this work.

12.Is this recall related to the ongoing Toyota recalls associated with
sudden unintended acceleration?

No, this recall is unrelated to the ongoing recall of Toyota vehicles for
sticking gas pedals and floor mat entrapment issues.

13.What is the problem with the Camry?

On certain early production 2010 model year Camry vehicles equipped with
the 4-cylinder engine, a power steering pressure hose in the engine
compartment may be the incorrect length. If this condition exists, a crimp
on the power steering pressure hose may come in contact with the No. 7
front brake tube.

Should this condition continue, a hole may wear in the brake tube and
deplete the brake fluid in the vehicle. As a result, the brake pedal
stroke will increase and lead to greater vehicle stopping distance.

14.Which and how many vehicles are involved?

Approximately 7,300 Camry vehicles in the U.S. are involved.

15.Are there any warnings that this condition exists?

No, there are no specific warnings that this condition exists.

16.What is Toyota going to do?

Any Toyota dealer will inspect and, if necessary, adjust the space between
the brake tube and the power steering pressure hose crimp. Based upon the
inspection results, the dealership may need to replace the brake tube.

The inspection/adjustment and, if necessary, the brake tube replacement,
will be performed at no charge to the vehicle owner.

17.When will Camry owners be notified?

Toyota will notify owners by mail starting in mid-February 2010.

18.Where can I get more information on this recall?

Information for Toyota customers can be found at www.toyota.com/recall and
at the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.

Other owners have expressed their concerns over Prius Recall 2010 so there may be a chance that this will be a problem that extends beyond the current 2010 prius recall.

In addition, reports of unintended acceleration in the Prius are unrelated to the Prius brakes recall

Audi’s Green Police Bowl campaign is raising some questions about whether or not this is taking a shot at Green activists and making fun of them.

The commercial at first just seems to be a fun way to get people to think about how they recycle and for people to consider the outcome if they choose not to.  By showing a Green Police task force that arrests people for choosing plastic over paper is just a fun way or thinking about accountability.

Currently in Seattle the recycling efforts are far from the habits of people living in other areas of the country.  Its not because people don’t care, it’s simply because they’re dealing with things that are much more critical in terms of just getting by in these tough times.

It’s not important to point out specific places that can improve, its more of just how everyone can make a conscious effort especially when it’s more costly to fill a garbage can than it is to fill a recycling bin like here in Seattle.

I went from being someone who didn’t put a ton of effort into recycling into someone who is borderline OCD when it comes to this because I have the smallest garbage can rate which is a tremendous savings if you go to a larger one.  It then becomes a challenge for our family of 4 to get by on this size but a little extra time spent rinsing and crushing recyclable material gives a good feeling.

It’s something that I’m sure most people don’t really talk about in random conversation, but I’d find it interesting if this Audi commercial does get people talking about it and sharing some ideas on how to do it.

I’d argue with other journalists who are calling this an enviornmentally unfriendly ad because regardless of the attitudes people have, and of the self-reflection that could infringe on people’s thoughts of how they contribute, this will serve as a way to get your attention and talk about the urgency of the climate condition.

This Super Bowl commerical is one of a four part series put together by Hyundai that shows the 14-step painting process that they use on the Hyundai Sonata.

They claim to have a better paint job than the Mercedes CLS550 describes actor Jeff Bridges, the voice behind the ad.

Hyundai isn’t likely going to be hurting by overspending on these ads considering they quadrupled their sales for Q4, so looks like they are opening up the safe to drop a few million on a day of Super Bowl ads that cost about $3 million for 30 seconds.

Kia Motors is promoting their Sorrento with toys that are show getting tattoos, partying in Vegas, and getting out on the town.

Audi Green Police

Audi has a focus on educating people on being green with their Green Police commercials for the Super Bowl.

Audi’s destination site for the campaign is http://www.truthinengineering.com

They also have Facebook, Youtube and Twitter all setup to send their audience through to learn more about being green and of course about how Audi will help them be green.

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 3 /PRNewswire/ — Green Police focused on ‘protecting and conserving the Earth’ are now a part of modern life, or at least that’s what a series of tongue-in-cheek public service announcements by Audi would have us believe. Audi Green Police videos now posted on YouTube at www.youtube.com/greenpolice offer guidelines that would purportedly save a billion pounds of napkins from landfills each year if we only we would avoid ‘napkin abuse.’ Another PSA urges saving 1,000 pounds of CO2 by unplugging our electronics from power strips – aka ‘Mother Nature haters’ – when not in use. What’s this leading to? An Audi Super Bowl ad that touts the environmental friendliness of the clean diesel A3 TDI, Green Car Journal’s 2010 Green Car of the Year®.

The Audi Super Bowl ad promises to be memorable, a trait we’ve come to expect from ads at this highest of high-profile sports venues that reaches 100 million viewers worldwide. Green Police on the trail of eco-violators may be pure imagination on the part of Audi’s agency, Venables Bell & Partners, but they’ll surely be front-and-center at some point during Super Bowl XLIV as the A3 TDI’s environmental credentials shine under their spotlight.

“The Audi A3 TDI has earned its environmental credentials and its 2010 Green Car of the Year® distinction,” said Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of Green Car Journal and editor of GreenCar.com, “and we’re pleased our award is being featured in an Audi Super Bowl ad. Any time you can achieve 42 mpg on the highway with reduced CO2 emissions, while enjoying the performance and low-end torque that clean diesel brings, well … that’s a good day. Green Police, if they really did exist in an extreme world of eco correctness, would do well to drive an efficient A3 TDI.”

Green Car Journal has focused on the intersection of automobiles, energy, and the environment since 1992. The Green Car of the Year® program, introduced in 2005, has recognized three hybrids and in its most recent years two clean diesels. Green Car of the Year® is a registered trademark of Green Car Journal and RJ Cogan Specialty Publications Group, Inc.

SOURCE Green Car Journal

Toyota is recalling the Prius in Japan for braking issues and it also plans to recall in many of the other 60 countries the Prius has been sold in.

The company has reportedly began informing its dealers in the United States about a similar recall plan involving some 100,000 Prius vehicles sold there.

[Source: Japan Today]

Toyota will announce that they’ll do a recall of the Toyota Prius for brake problems.  This will first be announced in Japan and could follow up in the US.

US Toyota Prius owners will likely become more vocal about the problems they’ve had with their Prius brakes.

The Prius uses a regenerative braking system which means it recaptures energy to charge the batteries that power the hybrid in electric mode.

Toyota Models Recall List (will be updated to include Prius)

Avalon VIN # beginning with “4T1” Years: 2005 – 2010
Matrix VIN # beginning with “2T1” Years: 2009 – 2010
Tundra VIN # beginning with “5TB” Years: 2007 – 2008
Tundra VIN # beginning with “5TF” Years: 2007- 2010
Sequoia VIN # beginning with “5TD” Years: 2008 – 2010
Camry VIN # beginning with “4T4” Years: 2007- 2010
Camry VIN # beginning with “4T1” with CTS pedal Years: 2007- 2010
Corolla VIN # beginning with “1NX” and “2T1” Years: 2009 – 2010
Highlander VIN # beginning with “5TD” Year: 2010
RAV4 VIN # beginning with “2T3” Years: 2009 – 2010

This report came from a dealer outside Toyota City in Japan.

[Source: Reuters]