Fire risk sparks GM recall of 1.5 million cars

A beleaguered General Motors is taking another PR and financial hit as it recalls nearly 1.5 million cars because of a fire hazard.

The affected vehicles are equipped with non-turbocharged, 3.8L, V6 engines and include:

• 1997-2009 Buick Regal
• 2000-2003 Chevrolet Impala
• 1998-1999 Chevy Lumina
• 1998-2003 Chevy Monte Carlo
• 1998-1999 Oldsmobile Intrigue
• 1997-2003 Pontiac Grand Prix

The recall was spurred by concerns that drops of engine oil may leak onto the exhaust manifold during hard braking. If the manifold is hot enough and the oil runs beneath the heat shield, it could ignite. The small flame could spread to the nearby plastic spark plug wire channel or beyond that, increasingthe risk of a fire under the hood.

The fix is to replace the piece holding the spark plug wires in place with two separate wire retainers. The recall is expected to begin in May, and the dealer will swap the pieces free of charge.

Owners may contact Chevy at 800 630 2438, Oldsmobile at 800 630 6537 and Pontiac at 800 620 7668, or they may obtain information online.

This is GM recall No. 90047 and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recall No. 09V116000.

NHTSA urges 5 million vehicle owners to respond to recall

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a consumer alert to the owners of nearly 5 million Fords, Lincolns and Mercurys who have yet to respond to a recall notice that could prevent a vehicle fire.

The vehicles contain a defective cruise control switch that could lead to a fire at any time, even while the vehicle is turned off, parked and unattended. Repair parts are immediately available.

While a total of 12 million vehicles were recalled, only 7 million owners have responded to the notices Ford issued.Vehicles included in the recall are:

Ford
E150-E350 gasoline or natural gas vehicles (1992-93, 1997-2003)
E450 (1996-2003)
E550 (2002)
F150 (1993-2004)
F250 with gasoline engine (1993-99)
F250-F550 Super Duty (2003)
F53 Motor Home Chassis (1995-2002)
Bronco (1993-96)
Crown Victoria (1992-98)
Econoline (1994-96)
Expedition (1997-2002)
Explorer (1998-2001)
Explorer Sport and Sport Trac (2001-02)
Excursion (2003)
Ranger (1998-2002)
Taurus SHO with automatic transmission (1993-95)

Lincoln
Blackwood (2002-03)
Navigator (1998-2002)
Mark VIII (1993-98)
Town Car (1992-98)

Mercury
Grand Marquis (1992-98)
Capri (1994)
Mountaineer (1998-2001)

For more information, call 888.222.2751 or view Ford’s online notice.

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Know what to do in a vehicle fire

Although considered a somewhat rare occurrence, a vehicle fire is a circumstance in which you do not want to be unprepared. Following these safety tips can keep you—and other motorists—safe should you ever find yourself in such a situation.

1. First, do not panic, and pull off the road immediately if you see signs of smoke.
2. Unlock your power door locks in case your vehicle’s battery is damaged and electrical components stop working.
3. Turn the ignition to the off position to shut off the fuel pump and spark plugs.
4. Pull the hood release from inside the vehicle so firefighters can lift the hood if necessary to put out the fire.
5. Get everyone out of the car.
6. Call the fire department or 911.
7. Leave the sunroof, windows and doors closed and don’t open the hood. This will starve the fire of oxygen and may lessen its intensity.
8. Do not try to fight the fire yourself. Water won’t put out gasoline or electrical fires. Only Type B and Type C fire extinguishers will work in most cases. Dry chemicals are most effective, but they leave a corrosive residue.
9. If the fire is under the car, get out and stay away. The gas tank could explode.

Remember to get as far away from the vehicle as you can and stay away from it, even if the fire appears to be minor. Keep onlookers and others away from the scene. Do not try to retrieve possessions from the vehicle under any circumstances. Things can be replaced—humans cannot.

Sources: MondayMorningMechanic.com, National Safety Council