Tag Archives: unexpected engine stall

Ford Bronco & Maverick Undetected Low Battery

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In recent years, advancements in automotive technology have led to increasingly sophisticated control systems within vehicles, aimed at enhancing performance, efficiency, and safety. However, with these advancements come the potential for unforeseen challenges and issues to arise.

One such challenge has been identified in certain models of Ford vehicles, specifically the 2021-2024 Ford Bronco Sport and the 2022-2023 Ford Maverick. The concern centers around the failure of the body control module (BCM) and powertrain control module (PCM) to accurately detect changes in the state of charge of the 12-volt battery. This oversight has significant implications, as it could result in a loss of drive power, thereby increasing the risk of accidents and compromising the safety of both drivers and passengers.

The issue first came to light in October 2023, when the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Office of Defects Investigation (NHTSA ODI) initiated an inquiry following reports of loss of motive power (LOMP) and subsequent loss of 12-volt accessories in 2021 model year Bronco Sport vehicles. Upon receiving 29 potentially relevant Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) from NHTSA, Ford’s Critical Concern Review Group (CCRG) promptly launched an investigation to delve deeper into the matter.

Subsequent testing and analysis revealed a fundamental flaw in the BCM and PCM calibrations, rendering them incapable of accurately detecting battery failure in the affected vehicles. This deficiency becomes particularly pronounced during instances where the alternator struggles to meet the electrical load demand or during Auto Stop-Start events. As a result, drivers may experience unexpected loss of drive power, posing a serious safety hazard.

In response to these findings, Ford’s Field Review Committee took decisive action and authorized a vehicle recall to address the underlying issue. Under the recall, authorized dealerships will undertake corrective measures by re-calibrating the BCM and PCM to ensure accurate monitoring of the 12-volt battery state of charge. The recall process is expected to commence soon, with owner notification letters slated to be mailed out on May 13, 2024.

However, the implications of this issue extend beyond the immediate safety concerns. Ford acknowledges a significant number of warranty reports, field reports, and customer complaints related to this issue, totalling 917, 11, and 54 respectively. Moreover, there have been alarming reports of three unverified incidents of fire and two property damage claims allegedly linked to this concern. These statistics underscore the urgency of addressing the issue promptly and comprehensively.

In light of these developments, Ford has assigned a unique recall number, 24S24, and the corresponding NHTSA campaign number is 24V-267.

Jeep Wrangler 4XE Plug-In Hybrid Repeated Problems

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Jeep Wrangler 4XE The Jeep Wrangler 4XE plug-in hybrid has faced a series of challenges that have left many owners questioning the reliability of their vehicles. Reports from owners highlight a range of issues, from stalling engines that cannot be restarted to transmission errors, battery defects, and more serious safety concerns.

One common complaint among Wrangler 4XE owners is the vehicle’s tendency to stall unexpectedly, leaving drivers unable to restart the car. This issue is not just inconvenient but poses a significant safety risk, especially if it occurs in traffic or remote areas. Additionally, there have been reports of defective batteries and blown fuses, further contributing to the vehicle’s unreliability.

Transmission problems are another significant issue, with some owners experiencing leaks and errors, alongside instances where the shifter becomes stuck in park, rendering the vehicle immobile. Warning lights, such as the check engine light and power steering light, frequently accompany these mechanical failures, along with messages indicating the need to “Service Electronic Stability.”

Charging issues have also been a point of frustration. Errors like “Service Charging System” have been reported, alongside malfunctions in the Power Inverter Module (PIM), further complicating the ownership experience. In some cases, these electrical issues lead to a complete loss of power, preventing the vehicle from starting.

More alarming are reports of oil leaks from the exhaust and rear undercarriage, with one vehicle diagnosed with a bad pinion seal on the rear axle at merely 241 miles on the odometer. The recurrence of such leaks, accompanied by smoke and the potential risk of fire, underscores the severity of the Wrangler 4XE’s problems.

The erratic behavior of the vehicle’s transmission and propulsion systems, including sudden stops in the middle of highways and unintended acceleration that has led to property damage, raises significant concerns about the safety and reliability of the Jeep Wrangler 4XE.

For owners facing these daunting issues, California’s Lemon Law provides a beacon of hope. This law is designed to protect consumers who have purchased or leased new vehicles covered by a manufacturer’s new vehicle warranty. If a vehicle proves to be defective and cannot be repaired after a reasonable number of attempts, the manufacturer is required to either replace the vehicle or refund the purchase price to the consumer.

Under the California Lemon Law, owners of the Jeep Wrangler 4XE experiencing repeated failures that substantially impair the vehicle’s use, value, or safety may be entitled to relief. It’s essential for affected owners to keep detailed records of all repairs and attempts made to address the issues, as these documents will be crucial in pursuing a lemon law claim.

The myriad of problems faced by Jeep Wrangler 4XE owners highlights the challenges in the automotive industry’s shift towards electrification, especially in models that are expected to perform under the demanding conditions for which Jeeps are renowned. For those grappling with these defects, understanding and utilizing the protections offered by the Lemon Law can provide a pathway to resolution and ensure that manufacturers are held accountable for the reliability and safety of their vehicles.

Nissan Ariya Inverter Software Problem

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Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is reaching out to the owners of certain 2023 Ariya vehicles due to an issue with the inverter software. This problem may trigger the inverter to detect a short circuit, causing a shutdown of the EV system and a loss of drive power.

The Discovery of the Problem:

Nissan first became aware of this issue during a production trial involving an Ariya vehicle in January 2022. In this trial, the electric motor abruptly shut off shortly after the vehicle began moving at low speed. A diagnostic trouble code (DTC) revealed a short circuit inside the motor, although no actual damage to the motor or its components was observed. A deeper investigation into the problem found that in some rare instances, conductive fibers generated during the operation from the slip ring in the motor could lead to a momentary short circuit between the electrodes.

Understanding the Problem:

Nissan Ariya dashAccording to the defect report, the root cause of the issue lies in conductive fibrous shavings from the drive motors’ slip ring assembly. These shavings can occasionally cause a momentary short circuit between the two slip rings. When this occurs, the fibrous shavings are instantaneously burned out, causing no harm to any vehicle components. However, when the inverter detects a momentary over-current due to the short circuit, it reduces motor torque to protect the internal components of the controller. This leads to a loss of drive power, and an “EV System Off” message is displayed on the dashboard to alert the driver.

In the event of this issue occurring, the torque to the driven wheels is cut off. This continues until the fail-safe mode is released, which requires turning the vehicle off and then back on. An unexpected loss of motive power while driving at high speeds could potentially increase the risk of an accident.

Nissan’s Solution:

To address this safety concern, Nissan dealers will reprogram the inverter software to enhance the fail-safe protocols. This proactive measure aims to prevent such short circuits from impacting the driving experience and maintaining safety for the driver.

Recall Details:

Nissan has designated this recall as R23C6 and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has assigned the campaign number 23V-657 to this recall.

Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure

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Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) has recently taken action to address a potential problem that may affect certain 2014-2019 Ram 1500 trucks and 2014-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs. The issue involves an unexpected engine stall, which could pose a safety risks to vehicle owners.

In May 2023, the FCA Technical Safety and Regulatory Compliance (TSRC) organization initiated an investigation into certain models manufactured between 2014 and 2019 for Ram 1500 trucks and between 2014 and 2020 for Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs. The focus of the investigation was on vehicles equipped with 3.0L Diesel engines. It was discovered that these particular vehicles had a tone reluctor wheel with an insufficient bond between the magnetic coating and the tone wheel body. Upon analyzing the stall patterns and reviewing vehicle history, it was determined that the affected vehicles were those manufactured with Gen II 3.0L diesel engines, and the crankshaft tone wheel was identified as the source of the stalls.

According to the defect report, the magnetic material attached to the reluctor wheel provides a crucial signal to the crankshaft position sensor. When this signal is lost, the engine’s ability to synchronize injector pulses and cam timing is compromised. Consequently, the loss of the crankshaft position can lead to an engine stall, leaving the vehicle unable to restart.

To address this issue, FCA will be updating the powertrain control module software to ensure that vehicle propulsion is maintained even in the event of a lost crankshaft position signal. By reading the camshaft position signal, the updated software will mitigate the risk of engine stalls.

As part of the recall process, FCA has assigned the number 66A to this specific recall, while the NHTSA campaign number is 23V-411. It is important to note that this recall represents an expansion of a previous recall, namely recall 20V-475.

FCA US will be contacting vehicle owners to ensure that they are informed about the issue and the necessary steps to resolve it. The company is aware of 10 customer assistance records, 611 warranty claims, and three field reports that may be associated with this particular issue.

Stall From Unsecured Fuse Inside High Voltage Battery

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Addressing the Issue of Unsecured Fuses and Steps to Take if Your Vehicle is Affected

Jeep Wrangler Plug-In Hybrid Electric vehicles (PHEV) have gained popularity for their eco-friendly features and impressive performance. However, recent reports have surfaced regarding a potential safety concern that could affect certain 2022-2023 models. The FCA Technical Safety and Regulatory Compliance (TSRC) organization has identified an issue with an unsecured fuse inside the high voltage battery, which may result in an unexpected loss of drive power.

Discovery of the Issue:
In February 2023, the FCA TSRC organization received its first report of a fuse melting in the HV battery of a 2022 Jeep Wrangler PHEV, drawing immediate attention to the matter. A subsequent incident involving another 2022 Jeep Wrangler PHEV with the same problem prompted the initiation of a comprehensive investigation.

Root Cause and Potential Impact:
The investigation revealed that an incorrect fastener used during vehicle production could increase resistance and generate excess heat at the 200 amp fuse interface. The prolonged exposure to high temperatures could cause the fuse to fail, leading to a loss of motive power. Drivers experiencing this issue might notice a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illuminated, changes in drivability, and/or noise originating from the HV battery pack assembly.

Suspect Period and Population:
The suspect period for this issue spans from January 10, 2022, when the incorrect fasteners were introduced, to September 20, 2022, when the use of incorrect fasteners ceased. The identification of the suspect population was determined through careful examination of vehicle and supplier manufacturing records.

Recall and Resolution:
To address this safety concern, Jeep has issued a recall, known as recall number 53A by Chrysler and NHTSA campaign number 23V-303. Owners of affected vehicles will receive notifications instructing them to visit their authorized dealerships. At the dealership, the battery fuse will be inspected, and if necessary, replaced to ensure proper functionality. Additionally, the battery assembly will undergo inspection for signs of charring or discoloration on the bus bars, and if required, will be replaced as part of the resolution process. It is crucial to respond promptly to recall notifications and schedule an appointment with your dealership.

Taking Action if You Suspect Your Vehicle is Affected:
If you believe your Jeep Wrangler PHEV falls within the suspect population or are experiencing any symptoms associated with this issue, it is essential to take the appropriate steps. Firstly, check if you have received a recall notification from Jeep. The notice will provide instructions on how to proceed and schedule an appointment with an authorized dealership. If you have not received a notification but suspect your vehicle may be affected, you can directly contact your local dealership to inquire about the recall and share your concerns.

Conclusion:
The discovery of an unsecured fuse issue affecting certain 2022-2023 Jeep Wrangler Plug-In Hybrid Electric vehicles is a matter of utmost importance. If you suspect that your vehicle is part of the affected population or are experiencing any relevant symptoms, it is crucial to act swiftly by following the instructions provided in the recall notification or reaching out to your local dealership.

Ram 1500 Engine Stall Due To PCM Issue

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Chrysler (FCA) has recently made an announcement to the public regarding the recall of certain 2021 Ram 1500 vehicles. The reason behind the recall is an unexpected engine stall issue that has been identified in some of the vehicles equipped with 5.7L eTorque engines. An engine stall can cause an increased risk of an accident, which can be life-threatening.

FCA’s Technical Safety and Regulatory Compliance (TSRC) organization initiated an investigation into the matter in January 2023, after receiving several reports regarding the potential stall condition in a 2021 Ram 1500 equipped with the 5.7LeTorque engine. The investigation revealed that the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software was the root cause of the stall pattern in the affected vehicles.

The vehicles that were manufactured between June 3, 2020, and September 12, 2021, have been identified to have defective powertrain control module software, which can cause an incorrect fuel mixture condition in the engine and eventually result in an engine stall.

Chrysler is notifying owners to bring their vehicles in for repair. According to the defect report, the company has identified 206 customer records, 636 warranty claims, and 53 field reports related to this issue. This recall is expected to affect a significant number of vehicles, and Chrysler is urging all affected vehicle owners to take immediate action to prevent any potential accidents or harm.

If you are an owner of one of the affected vehicles, you are entitled to a free repair. Under the Lemon Law, manufacturers are required to replace or refund the purchase price of a vehicle that has a recurring defect that cannot be repaired within a reasonable number of attempts. If your vehicle is affected and the repair is not successful, you may be eligible for a refund or replacement under this law.

The affected vehicles will be repaired by updating the Powertrain Control Module calibration software. The recall number for this specific recall is 37A, and the NHTSA campaign number is 23V-265. It is important to act immediately if you are an owner of one of these vehicles to avoid any potential safety risks.

Chevy Equinox & GMC Terrain Engine Stalls From Fuel Starvation

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General Motors (GM) have decided that a defect affecting safety exists in certain 2021-2022 Chevrolet Equinox and 2022 GMC Terrain vehicles. They opened an investigation into the problem in August 2022 after noticing a high rate of warranty returns for the fuel tank pump on some 2021-2022 model year Equinox and Terrain vehicles.

GM’s investigation analyzed field data, defective returned components, and conducted an inspection of the tier two supplier’s facility and manufacturing processes. During this investigation, GM found that the supplier’sf manufacturing team made an unauthorized change in the fuel tank pump rolling force in May 2021 and that this error was discovered and corrected by the supplier’s engineering team on June 2021. GM conducted an analysis of field data relating to claims GM received between May 22, 2021, and December 15, 2022, and identified 710 stall events potentially related to the recall condition.

According to the defect report, during a specific production period between May 2, 2021, and June 1, 2021, a tier-two supplier implemented an unauthorized change to the fuel pump in the manufacturing process which decreased the pump section clearances. This resulted in the potential for insufficient fuel flow to the engine. If the fuel pump module does not consistently provide sufficient fuel to the engine, the vehicle may stall.

Drivers may notice an illuminated check engine light or experience engine hesitation. If the vehicles stalls, it could be difficult to restart.

Owners receiving notices will be asked to return to their dealers to have the fuel pump module replaced in their vehicles. GM’s number for this recall is N222372310 and the NHTSA campaign number is 23V-013.

NHTSA Investigates Chrysler, Dodge And Jeep Vehicles For Safety Issues

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Automotive Defect InvestigationThe National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issues safety standards that require automobile manufacturers to recall vehicles that have safety-related defects. An important first step to identifying a problem is to keep a database of complaints received from owners. Similar complaints from a number of owners about the same product are usually a good indication that a problem could exist. The NHTSA will review the complaints and, in most cases, open an investigation. If the investigation leads to a recall, the NHTSA will monitor the effectiveness and management of the recall, including the filing of recall notices, communicating with owners regarding the recalls, and tracking the completion rate of each recall.

The NHTSA currently has three investigations affecting certain Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep vehicles.

Stalling And Loss Of Motive Power Due To Transmission Malfunction
2019-2021 Chrysler Pacifica and 2019-2020 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 40 complaints alleging incidents of stalling and loss of motive power in certain 2019-2021 Chrysler Pacifica plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). Most incidents occurred at speeds greater than 25 MPH and resulted in a vehicle stall. The loss of motive power was often accompanied by a dashboard warning message indicating a charging fault. A review of vehicle data showed that the malfunction was correlated with an internal transmission fault. The ODI is opening an investigation to assess the scope, frequency, cause, and potential safety-related consequences of the alleged defect.

Crankshaft Or Camshaft Sensor Failures
2016 Dodge Journey, 2016 Jeep Compass, and 2016 Jeep Patriot

In December 2016, the NHTSA issued a recall (16V-907) that identified crankshaft or camshaft sensor failures on certain 2016 Dodge Journey, Jeep Compass, and Jeep Patriot vehicles. According to the recall report, the crankshaft or camshaft sensor may work intermittently, possibly causing the engine to stall while driving. Following this recall, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has continued to receive consumer complaints from owners who say they are experiencing crankshaft or camshaft failures on similar vehicles not included in the recall. The NHTSA has opened a Recall Query (RQ) to further assess the scope, frequency, and safety consequences of the alleged defect.

Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) Inadvertently Activates While Driving
2014-2020 Jeep Cherokee

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 80 complaints for 2014-2020 Jeep Cherokees alleging the Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) activated while the vehicle was in motion. Based on repair invoices, the problem is caused by water leaking into the vehicle and damaging the EPB module which inadvertently activates the vehicle to a stop. The ODI is aware of recall 15V-393 that addresses water ingress affecting the power lift-gate module on the same population of vehicles. The lift-gate module can potentially catch fire as a result of the water damage. Both the lift-gate and EPB modules are located in a similar area of the vehicle.

If your vehicle is experiencing repeated problems like the ones listed above, it could be a Lemon. Know your Lemon Law Rights. If you have any questions about your rights and the California Lemon Law, please call our office at 1-888-395-3666 and get some great Lemon Law advice!