Tag Archives: electrical short

Hyundai & Kia Hybrid – Clutch Actuator Leak

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The Hyundai Motor group will be contacting the owners of certain 2017 Hyundai Ioniq and 2017 Kia Niro hybrids regarding a problem affecting the propulsion system.

According to the defect report filed with the NHTSA, the subject vehicles may be equipped with a hydraulic clutch actuator with burrs along the inner housing. Over time, these burrs could cause damage to the inner oil seal and allow oil to accumulate in the phase cap area. This accumulation could result an electrical short and an increased risk of fire. If a short exists, drivers will be alerted through an illuminated HEV warning light.

Dealers will inspect the HCA caps for leaked oil and replace the HCA assembly as needed. For more information: Hyundai owners can call 1-855-371-9460. (Hyundai’s recall number is 176 and the NHTSA campaign number is 18V-260.) Kia owners can call 1-800-333-4542. (Kia’s recall number is SC163 and the NHTSA campaign number is 18V-257.)

2017 Hyundai Ioniq “Check Electric Vehicle System” Warning

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Hyundai will be contacting a small number of 2017 Hyundai Ioniq owners regarding a defect affecting the Electronic Power Control Unit (EPCU) in their car. According to the defect report, the housing for the EPCU may contain small voids that could allow coolant to enter and contact the control unit’s circuit board. If this happens, the board could short and stall the vehicle.

Those receiving notices will be asked to return to their dealership to have the EPCU inspected and replaced as necessary. For more information about the problem, owners may contact Hyundai Customer Service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai’s number for this recall is 166 and the NHTSA campaign number is 17V-532.

2011-2015 Dodge Journey Airbag Warning

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Chrysler will be contacting the owners of certain 2011-2015 Dodge Journey SUVs regarding an electrical problem affecting the airbag system. According to the defect report, some vehicles may experience a trapped steering wheel wire harness between the steering wheel back cover tab and the edge of the horn plate. The wire insulation could become damaged, creating a short and an inadvertent airbag deployment. Drivers may be alerted of a problem through an illuminated airbag warning light; unintended wiper operation; inoperable steering wheel switch; inoperable speed control switch; or an inoperable multi-function switch.

Owners receiving notices will be asked to return to their dealerships to have the steering wheel wiring inspected and replaced as necessary. A protective cover will also be installed. For more information about the recall, owners can contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler’s number for this recall is T47 and the NHTSA campaign number is 17V-432.

2011-2012 Dodge Grand Caravan Airbag Electrical Problem

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The owners of certain 2011-2012 Dodge Grand Caravans will be contacted by the manufacturer regarding an electrical problem affecting the airbag system. Some vehicles may experience a trapped steering wheel wire harness between the steering wheel back cover and the horn plate. Over time the wire insulation could wear through and short, resulting in inadvertent deployment of the driver airbag. Warnings that there may be a problem include: Illuminated airbag warning light, unintended wiper operation, inoperable steering wheel switch, inoperable speed control switch, and/or an inoperable multi-function switch.

Owners receiving notices will be asked to return to their dealers who will inspect the air bag wiring within the steering wheel and replace it as necessary. A protective cover will also be installed. For more information about the problem, owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler’s number for this recall is T33 and the NHTSA campaign number is 17V-376.

Tesla Overheating Universal Mobile Connector (UMC) Adapters

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Tesla has identified a problem affecting certain Universal Mobile Connector (UMC) adapters and will notify customers to get a replacement. The affected units may have an insufficiently welded electrical connection that could exhibit increased electrical resistance. The vehicle may detect a fault and interrupt charging or the adapter could become hot to the touch.

The charging adapter affected include:

Tesla will notify owners and will provide them with a replacement adapter. Owners wanting more information about the problem are asked to contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. The NHTSA campaign number for this recall is 16E-091.

Chrysler Occupant Restraint Control (ORC) Problem

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Chrysler will be contacting the owners of approximately 1.5 million Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep owners, about a problem affecting the Occupant Restraint Control (ORC). According to the defect report, a short could develop in the ORC module and prevent the frontal airbags, side airbags, and seat belt pretensioners from deploying.

The vehicles affected by this problem include:

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BMW Airbag Control Module Problem

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BMW will be contacting the owners of certain 2016 740LI, 750LI, and 750LXI cars because their vehicles may be equipped with airbag control modules that were not produced to specifications. A supplier manufacturing error could result in small metallic particles adhering to the inside of the air bag control module housing. Under driving conditions involving excessive vibration or acceleration, particles could separate from the housing and contact the control module circuit board, causing a short circuit. The problem will result in an airbag reset where the air bag will be temporarily inactive and an air bag warning lamp alert. Continue reading →

2016 Nissan Frontier Starter Motor Electrical Short

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Nissan will be contacting the owners of certain 2016 Nissan Frontier V6 vehicles about a problem affecting the starter motor wire harness. According to the defect report filed with the NHTSA, the harness may have been installed incorrectly, allowing the harness terminal to contact the heat shield. The resulting electrical short could increase the risk of a vehicle fire. Continue reading →