Tag: sensor

Report: 205k Suzuki models being investigated for airbag sensor issue

Filed under: Sedan, Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety, Crossover, Hatchback, Suzuki

The Detroit News is reporting that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened an investigation on the 2006-11 Suzuki Grand Vitara and 2007-11 Suzuki SX4 due to issues with the airbag and seatbelt for the front passenger seat. So far, NHTSA has received 128 complaints on these vehicles for airbag warning lights, airbag off lights and seatbelt lights, on a vehicle set that totals around 205,000 units, but there is no indication as to how many, if any, injuries have reported.

Via technical service bulletins, Suzuki has already acknowledged two airbag-related issues with front passenger seats on both vehicles, including a programming error for the passenger seat load indicator on 2009 models and an open-circuit problem for the sensor mat that determines if an adult or child is sitting in the front seat. Since this latter issue would not shut off or lessen the impact of the passenger airbag, Suzuki has already extended the warranty for the seat cushion bottom to 10 years or 120,000 miles. After ceasing new-car sales in the US and Canada, potential recall repairs (which still may or may not happen) would be handled by remaining dealers as laid out in the recent court-approved bankruptcy plan.

205k Suzuki models being investigated for airbag sensor issue originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Jun 2013 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota recalls 308,000 RAV4 and Highlander models over airbag sensor

Filed under: SUV, Recalls, Safety, Crossover, Toyota

Toyota has announced that it’s recalling 214,000 RAV4 models and 94,000 Highlander and Highlander HV models for side curtain airbag issues. The voluntary recall covers certain 2007 and 2008 models, all of which will need a new Curtain Shield Airbag Sensor Assembly.

The roll-sensing curtain shield airbag system contains two sensors that detects roll angle. In the event that one of the sensors malfunctions, the airbag warning light illuminates. That means the side-curtain airbags won’t work in a roll-over, though the airbags would still be available in the event of a side collision. If both sensors fail “near simultaneously,” however, the seat belt pretensioner and, more importantly, the curtain shield airbag could inadvertantly be activated.

Owners of affected vehicles will be notified by mail in the next month. Once customers have been notified, they will be able to take their RAV4 or Highlander to the nearest Toyota dealer for a free repair. Follow the jump to read Toyota’s official announcement.

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading Toyota recalls 308,000 RAV4 and Highlander models over airbag sensor

Toyota recalls 308,000 RAV4 and Highlander models over airbag sensor originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Apr 2011 16:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Chevrolet Volt has knock sensor, can run on regular gas

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Chevrolet, GM

2011 Chevrolet Volt – Click above for high-res image gallery

When General Motors announced pricing for the 2011 Chevrolet Volt last week, one new technical detail grabbed some attention. Vehicle line director Tony Posawatz was apparently the first exec to mention to the press that the range-extending engine in the Volt had been calibrated to run on premium gasoline.

There have been some question about what happens if you put regular gas in the tank and whether that would damage the engine. GM powertrain spokesman Tom Read confirmed to Autoblog that the Volt’s 1.4-liter inline-four is equipped with a block-mounted knock sensor like virtually every other modern engine. The engine is calibrated for premium with extra spark advance to optimize the efficiency and output of the engine. If regular gas is used, the knock sensor will adjust the spark advance to prevent engine damage. Premium gas also reportedly has a longer shelf life than regular, which could be an issue for Volt drivers who maximize their plug-in’s electric capability by using as little gasoline as possible.

Gallery: Quick Spin: 2011 Chevrolet Volt

Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Facebook, General Motors]

2011 Chevrolet Volt has knock sensor, can run on regular gas originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Aug 2010 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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