Auto blog

FCA recalls 570,000 SUVs from Jeep and Dodge over fire woes

Fiat Chrysler US has issued two recalls covering a total of about 570,000 Jeep and Dodge models. The first concerns vanity mirror wiring in the Jeep Grand Cherokee from the 2011 and 2012 model years, and in Dodge Durango units built before September 12, 2012. The automaker recalled almost 900,000 units last year to repair the issue, then faced more issues this year when the fires continued in repaired vehicles. This new recall seeks to resolve the issue, FCA saying that the post-recall fires happened in a tiny percentage of vehicles equipped with a specific wiring package. This recall is for 352,831 total units in the US, another 26,478 in Canada, 13,037 in Mexico, and 84,330 internationally. No injuries or deaths have been reported. FCA says it will inform customers as to when they can schedule a service visit to remedy the issue. The second recall takes aim at 60,107 examples of the Jeep Compass and Patriot from the 2015 model year in the US, plus 5,755 in Canada, 3,351 in Mexico, and 23,995 in other markets. Those models could suffer from an out-of-position clamp on the power steering fluid line. The error could allow fluid to leak, increasing the risk of a fire if the fluid ends up on a hot surface. In the case of a complete loss of fluid, drivers will need to use a lot more effort to steer. The automaker reports no injuries or accidents, and will advise customers when to head to the dealer for service. Related Video: Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge DurangoStatement: Vanity-Mirror WiringDecember 24, 2015 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - FCA US LLC is recalling an estimated 352,831 SUVs in the U.S. to help ensure vanity-mirror wiring may be serviced more consistently.Overheating conditions were reported among a small percentage of vehicles (<0.02%) serviced in connection with a related recall, conducted previously.** An FCA US LLC investigation discovered the service procedure, if not followed precisely, may leave vehicles susceptible to a short-circuit, creating a potential fire hazard.The Company is unaware of any related injuries or accidents. Post-service overheating conditions were observed only in vehicles equipped with a certain wiring package. These vehicles were produced before Sept. 2, 2012.Affected are model-year 2011-2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango SUVs produced before Sept. 2, 2012. Wiring in the headliners of these vehicles will be secured with a new adhesive.

Dodge Challenger SRT Demon TransBrake eliminates the need for brake torquing

Performing the perfect launch is key to drag racing. In order to get consistent starts, the engineers behind the Dodge Demon developed TransBrake, a system that holds the output shaft of the automatic transmission to keep the vehicle stationary until launch. Rather than the traditional method of two-foot brake torquing, the system is triggered by pulling the shift paddle for quick and consistent launches. According to Dodge, the main benefit of TransBrake versus a two-foot setup is a quicker power delivery and higher engine launch torque potential. The system gives brake-free launches up to 2,350 RPM, a 105-percent increase in launch boost pressures, and a 120-percent increase in engine launch torque. Dodge also claims that using the paddle provides a 30-percent better reaction when compared to using your feet. In addition to shifting duties from your feet to your hands, the Demon's TransBrake will preload the driveline. Torque is loaded at the wheels, not the transmission. That means full torque delivery 150 milliseconds after the shift paddle is released. It should also help reduce the driveline shock that occurs when those 315 section rear tires get near-instant grip. The reveal is coming near. Continue checking out Autoblog and ifyouknowyouknow.com every Thursday until the New York Auto Show. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. New York Auto Show Dodge Coupe Performance drag racing dodge demon dodge hellcat drag strip

Weekly Recap: Toyota propels hydrogen fuel cells

Toyota is serious about hydrogen fuel cells, and it wants the auto industry to follow suit. The Japanese automaker said this week it's releasing 5,680 fuel cell patents from around the world, including technologies used on its upcoming sedan, the 2016 Mirai. The move is unusual, but not unprecedented, as Tesla similarly released its electric vehicle patents last year. The idea for Tesla, and now for Toyota, is to spur development of alternative propulsion. "By eliminating traditional corporate boundaries, we can speed the development of new technologies and move into the future of mobility more quickly, effectively and economically," said Bob Carter, Toyota Motor Sales senior vice president of automotive operations, in a statement. Toyota's fuel cell patents will be free to use through 2020, though patents related to producing and selling hydrogen will remain open forever. Toyota said it would like companies that use its patents to share their own hydrogen patents, but won't require it. "What Toyota's doing is really a logical move, and really a good move for the industry," Devin Lindsay, principal powertrain analyst with IHS Automotive, told Autoblog. The announcement was made at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. It comes as Toyota prepares to launch the hydrogen-powered Mirai in a limited number late this year in California. The launch will be extended to the Northeastern United States next year. Toyota also has announced plans to support networks of fueling stations in each region to try to smooth consumer adoption. The Mirai has a 300-mile range on a tank of hydrogen, and it takes about five minutes to refill. Fuel cells have been receiving increased attention recently, and Audi and Volkswagen debuted hydrogen-powered cars at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show. Honda, another proponent of the technology, also showed its updated FCV concept in November in Japan. The company, however, has delayed its fuel cell sedan a year until 2016. Like Toyota, Honda says its hydrogen-powered car will have a range of 300 miles or more. Meanwhile, Hyundai currently offers leases for fuel-cell powered Tucsons, which have a 265-mile range, in Southern California. Despite the optimism some automakers have for fuel cells, the technology still faces barriers. A lack of filling stations has long held it back, and many consumers are not familiar with the potential benefits.