Chronicling the Ever-Changing Automotive Industry
2004 Nissan Frontier
In a recent press release by Nissan, two recalls have been initiated. The first is for the Frontier truck and Xterra SUV, for faulty steering linkages. The second recall is for the Sentra, and involves the battery cables. All told, around 513,000 vehicles in the US will be recalled, starting this month. Click past the jump for details, press release, and model years affected.
Continue reading ‘Nissan Initiates big recalls of Frontier, Xterra and Sentra’
Garmin Nuvi 785T
Remember the laptop battery recalls which came and went a couple years ago? Yeah, me too. It seems that an unknown number of Garmin satellite navigation units can spark a fire if their faulty batteries get too hot. The affected units are available both as built-in navigation units sold with a car and through the aftermarket.
There’s a long list of recalled units after the jump, including specific recalls from Nissan and Suzuki. As more manufacturers figure out specifics, we’ll be sure and keep you informed.
Continue reading ‘Garmin Recalls Nav Units, Affects Automotive Market’
In a not-so-surprising press release, GM has announced that the battery packs for its upcoming Chevrolet Volt Electric Vehicle (EV) will be backed by an 8-year, 100,000-mile warranty. GM originally wanted the battery pack to last the life of the vehicle, and with their extensive testing of the Volt’s unique powertrain, it could very well do that.
Continue reading ‘Chevrolet Volt Battery Pack gets 8yr/100,000 mile warranty’
Last week I posted an article on battery death in newer cars, and what to do to prevent it. Because of the feedback I got on that subject, I wanted to address more solutions to this problem. I found a reason why automobile manufacturers are still using lead-acid batteries, what other battery technology is being used, and what it will take to bring car battery technology into the 21st century.
Continue reading ‘PSA Update: Battery Tech’
For many decades, the only electronics in cars were their radios, lights and ignition systems. Then came power windows and locks, followed by fuel injection, which introduced computers to the automobile. Then sensors galore, and with them, more computers. Nowadays, satellite navigation, touch screens and high-powered sound systems are standard or optional on most vehicles. With all the new electronic gizmos that automakers have added to their products, it’s no wonder that car batteries die quicker. Not to mention motorized seats and mirrors.
Continue reading ‘PSA: Got a dead battery?’
It may not sound exciting, but if you’re a fan of GM, electric vehicles or cars in general, you’ll like this milestone: GM has produced the first production Volt battery pack in its Brownstown Battery Pack Assembly Plant.
The Volt has been mentioned here before in passing, both good and bad, but the gist of it is that it will be an electric vehicle with a “range extender” engine, which runs on conventional gasoline, giving drivers an electric-only range of up to 40 miles and a gas-assisted range of around 300 miles, without requiring the driver to do anything special. Drivers can plug in their Volt when at home, or run on gasoline when traveling further than the car’s batteries will go.
Continue reading ‘First Chevy Volt battery comes off the assembly line!’
Recent Comments
David Batzek commented on Older Jeep Grand Cherokee under investigation for gas tank problem
My 99 just started rusting over last fee months (to were it was noticeable). Now today the skid plate [more]
John Suit commented on Older Jeep Grand Cherokee under investigation for gas tank problem
Yes - but you'll have to submit any issues you have with a vehicle to the NHTSA through their web [more]
Keren Cathey commented on Older Jeep Grand Cherokee under investigation for gas tank problem
Is there anyway for us, as consumers, to influence a recall on these vehicles? I also have a 99 Grand [more]
wayne duckstein commented on Detroit 2012: Ford Announces 2013 Fusion
Nice artical John [more]
Patty clipner commented on Older Jeep Grand Cherokee under investigation for gas tank problem
I also have a 1999 jeep grand Cherokee limited which has began to emit high gas fumes. It also [more]