Tag Archives: malfunction warning indicator

2020-2023 Lincoln Aviator And Corsair Seat Belt Warning Malfunction

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Ford Motor Company (Ford) has decided that a defect affecting the seat belt warning system could exist in certain 2020-2023 Lincoln Aviator and 2020-2023 Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The vehicles affected are equipped with a Revel Audio System.

The problem was discovered in November 2022 when Ford’s Critical Concern Review Group received complaints pertaining to the seat belt warning chime reminder on a 2022 Lincoln Aviator PHEV.

The seat belt reminder system was tested on various combinations of powertrain and audio systems of Lincoln Aviators in an attempt to reproduce the problem. It was discovered that some Lincoln Aviator PHEV vehicles could experience an initial chime duration of fewer than 4 seconds. An audible signal that is activated for less than 4 seconds can result in decreased safety belt usage, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

The engineering team and audio supplier conducted a design of experiments to gain a better understanding of the cause and scope of the problem. They found that the problem affected vehicles equipped with the Revel audio system, introduced on the 2020 Lincoln Aviator and Corsair. Further seat belt reminder system evaluations were conducted at Ford assembly plants and it was concluded that 2020-2023 Lincoln Aviator and 2020-2022 Corsair vehicles could experience the symptom of a chime duration of fewer than 4 seconds

According to the defect report, when the driver’s seat belt is not buckled and the vehicle is started, the seat belt warning system may activate the audible warning chime for an insufficient amount of time of fewer than 4 seconds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for occupant crash protection.

Owners receiving notices will be asked to contact their dealers about updating the audio control module software in their vehicles. Ford’s number for this recall is 22C35 and the NHTSA campaign number is 22V-953.

Airbag Warning Light May Not Illuminate In GM Vehicles

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General Motors has decided that a defect relating to vehicle safety exists in certain 2021 model year Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC vehicles.

In April 2021, a Problem Resolution and Tracking System (PRTS) issue was opened following validation testing for a future model year vehicles, where it was noted some conditions in which loss of communication with the sensing diagnostic module (SDM) did not illuminate the airbag malfunction indicator lamp. GM opened an investigation in May 2021. A review of field data showed 19 warranty claims possibly linked to this condition.

According to the defect report, a software problem exists in some of these vehicles which would cause a SDM communications fault to illuminate the airbag malfunction indicator lamp, but only on alternating ignition cycles. As a result, an SDM communications fault would not consistently illuminate the airbag light on every ignition cycle to indicate a problem to the driver.

A driver might not be warned of an SDM loss of communication fault which might indicate a problem with airbag deployment. If airbags do not deploy appropriately in a crash, there is an increased risk of injury.

Description of the Cause : The Communications Gateway Module, also referred to as the serial data gateway module, software does not correctly store data indicating loss of communication with the SDM.

Vehicles Affected Include
2021 Buick Envision
2021 Cadillac CT4
2021 Cadillac CT5
2021 Cadillac Escalade
2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV
2021 Chevrolet Corvette
2021 Chevrolet Suburban
2021 Chevrolet Tahoe
2021 GMC Yukon
2021 GMC Yukon XL

GM dealers will correct the problem by updating the software for the communications gateway module. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed in July 2021. GM’s number for this recall is N212338110 and the NHTSA campaign number is 21V-421.

2018 Chevrolet Tahoe Repeated Repair Attempts

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Our client purchased a 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe and was very happy.

Her first visit to the Chevrolet dealership was on April 9, 2019 because the heater was blowing out luke warm air when she had the temperature up to 83-85 degrees. It also was having a rough idle in the morning.

The next visit was on August 12 due to the fact that the Tahoe had a knocking engine noise upon start up.

She was back again on October 7th because the cold idle was idling intermittently, and after the vehicle had warmed up, there was a loud knock noise coming from the engine. Also when the HVAC control was set to any temperature above 75 degrees, the air was hot.

She brought the vehicle to the dealership again on November 18th. The check engine light was on, the engine was running rough when at a complete stop and while using the AC and setting it to a low temp, the AC was blowing out cold air and then would become warm air.

The last visit was on January 27, 2020 and the check engine light was on again.

This is when she called to talk to Barry at the Law Office of Barry L. Edzant as she was very frustrated and wanted to know what her rights were under the California Lemon Law. After speaking with him and his reviewing some paperwork, Barry felt that she met the criteria of the California Lemon Law and our law firm was retained. A demand letter was sent on her behalf to General Motors Corporation.

GMC decided to repurchase the 2018 Chevy Tahoe. The manufacturer reimbursed our client for the down payment, all payments made to date, paid off the loan, paid for the registration, less a mileage deduction allowed under the California Lemon Law. They also paid for all attorney fees. Our client was so excited about the outcome.

If you have having problems with your vehicle and think your vehicle may be a lemon, please contact California Lemon Law Attorney, Barry L. Edzant at 888-395-3666. He’ll be happy to answer your questions about the lemon law.

2017 Jeep Renegade Inaccurate Warning Indicator Lamps

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Chrysler will be contacting the owners of certain 2017 Jeep Renegades regarding a problem affecting the instrument panel warning lights on their vehicle. According to the defect report, an integrated circuit chip and software combination could result in one or more illuminated malfunction indicators when no malfunction exists. (The issue is more likely to occur when the fuel indicator is reading “Low”. ) If the malfunction indicator lamps illuminate at incorrect times, drivers may not be aware when a true malfunction occurs.

Dealers will correct the problem by updating the Instrument Panel Control software. Owners wanting more information about the issue can contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler’s number for this recall is T50 and the NHTSA campaign number is 17V-485.

Dodge & Jeep Malfunction Indicator Lamp

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Chrysler has determined that a defect exists in certain 2016 Dodge Journey, Jeep Compass and Jeep Patriot vehicles manufactured May 9, 2016 – July 15, 2016. According to the defect report, the crankshaft or camshaft sensor may operate intermittently and could result in an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL), engine stall, and a no start condition.

Those receiving notices will be asked to return to their dealership to have the crankshaft or camshaft sensor replaced. Owners wanting more information about the problem are asked to contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler’s number for this recall is S89 and the NHTSA campaign number is 16V-907.