A client of ours with a 2001 Volvo S80 replaced his own battery early last week. Unfortunately, doing so cost him $1,600 in the end because this seemingly straightforward procedure destroyed the car’s climate control computer. (The fancy term for the computer that control the heat and air conditioning.)

Interestingly, it seems this wasn’t a fluke. Online industry and consumer forums turned up a host of similar cases. Consumers reported losing heat, A/C, power locks, power windows and radios after the Volvos (mostly model year 2001) had:

• a jump start;
• a new battery installed;
• the battery cables removed to clean the terminals.

The root of the problem appears to be residual power to the control computer, which causes a voltage spike when the battery cables are reconnected. In other words, simply turning off the ignition isn’t enough. A period of time must pass before all of the car’s computer controls completely drain of power. (We would highly recommend removing the key from the ignition and waiting 20 to 30 minutes to disconnect the cables.)

In some of the cases we read about, consumers were lucky and were able to reset the climate control module by removing the battery cables and holding the terminals together for 30 seconds. In other scenarios, an auto repair shop was able to reload the climate control software. But in severe cases, like our client’s, the climate control computer needed to be replaced.

If you have any battery or starting issues with these vehicles, I strongly recommend relying on your favorite automotive technician. I realize I have an inherent bias in saying that, but the $1,600 risk isn’t worth saving a $100-$200 trip to the shop for a new battery. If you are determined to tackle battery problems yourself, exercise every caution to ensure the modules are powered down.

While we’ve been following the government bailout of U.S. automakers, who have been chastised for their slow adoption of alternative-fuel vehicles, China’s largest battery manufacturer has begun to sell its plug-in hybrid vehicle for about 150,000 yuan (about $21,900).

Called the F3DM, this vehicle will be on display at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on Jan. 11-25. What’s notable is that the car’s on sale in China now, at least two years before the Chevy Volt; it has a range of 62 miles vs. the Volt’s 40-mile range; and it’s being offered at a much lower cost. (The Volt will have an estimated $40,000 price tag.)

Interestingly, the car has three power options to extend its 62-mile driving range:

• full battery-powered electric mode;
• series-hybrid mode, in which an engine drives a generator to recharge the batteries (the Volt will feature a range-extender like this);
• parallel hybrid mode, in which the engine and motor work like a hybrid vehicle, such as the Toyota Prius.

Even more intriguing is that BYD, the company that manufactures it, began making vehicles in just the past few years. The company has announced plans to sell its F3DM vehicle in the United States in 2010, which means it could hit the U.S. market before the Volt does.

The company is also working on the BYD E6 electric car, which it showed at the Beijing auto show back in April. Although it’s currently a concept car, BYD is hoping to roll it out in 2010. It will be interesting to hear consumers’ opinions about these BYD vehicles, especially during a period when more auto manufacturers are expected to be introducing hybrid-electric vehicles of their own.

Dissatisfaction with our petroleum-fueled way of life is boosting many vehicle engineers’ desires to find new ways to transport people while minimizing the environmental impact.

One such company is Norwegian electric vehicle producer TH!NK, which reports that it is “moving from an entrepreneurial stage toward full industrialization” of its electric vehicle, called the TH!NK city. Made of recycled materials, the car is also 95% recyclable, releases no local emissions and meets the safety requirements of a large car in the U.S. and Europe. Ford had a major stake in the company for four years but divested it in 2003.

Th!nk city, which will be in stores in Norway this month, can travel 111 miles (180 km) on a single battery charge. If fully run down, it takes about 10 hours to recharge. One unique feature of the car is its battery pack, which the vehicle owner leases from the car company via the “Mobility Pack.” For a monthly fee, the company maintains the battery and will deliver a new one at no charge should it malfunction. (The fee also includes a maintenance service agreement, carbon offset payments, insurance and, in some countries, all electricity used.) The company says it is structured this way because the batteries are expensive, and it wants to create a zero-risk investment for the consumer.

The car will also have 18-month service intervals because fewer parts require maintenance. For example, there is no exhaust pipe, engine oil or other mechanical components. The company says this will add up to a lower service bill.

As part of its holistic approach to engineering, Th!nk’s production facilities are carbon neutral, with very low emissions from production processes and minimal material wastes. The Th!nk city features a recyclable exterior and interior materials, and plastic panels are unpainted, reducing both pollutants and energy consumption.

As always, we want to consider the pollution released into the environment when generating the electricity needed to power electric cars. Coal- and nuclear-generated electricity have different environmental risks than petroleum, but the caveats currently remain. Whether vehicles like these catch on is up to consumers worldwide, and the choices in the next couple of years are bound to be numerous.

Source: TH!NK

With light snow in this weekend’s forecast, it’s a good time to think about preparing your vehicles for winter. The process doesn’t have to be expensive, and it could save you time and headaches when the heavy flakes begin to fall.

For starters, consider using snow tires for navigating those snow-laden side streets that don’t get cleared as quickly as major thoroughfares. If snow tires are not in the budget, at least check your tires’ air pressure and make sure all tires have adequate tread depth. Also, be sure your vehicle’s four-wheel drive system is working properly after not being used in summer months.

While you’re under the hood, check to make sure the transmission and gear oil levels are correct. Then, change the engine oil and adjust the viscosity grade for wintertime driving. Be sure to inspect the belts and hoses for problems because cold weather can exacerbate any issues that might be festering. Next, inspect the wipers to make sure they can stand up to freezing rain and snow, and replenish wiper fluid if necessary.

Be sure to check the vehicle’s battery because cold temperatures can reduce battery power by up to 50 percent. If the battery is older than three years, we can test it for you to make sure it’s ready to handle the rigors of winter.

Next, check the antifreeze mixture using an antifreeze tester. The ideal mixture of antifreeze and water inside your vehicle’s radiator is 50:50. If the mixture deviates from this, then hot- and cold-weather performance can be compromised.

Finally, it’s always best to be prepared for any situation by carrying an emergency kit inside the car. If you don’t already carry these items, consider putting together a package that includes the
following:

• A flashlight, flares and a first-aid kit.
• Jumper cables, a tool kit and tire chains.
• A blanket, warm clothes and gloves.
• Paper towels.
• A bag of abrasive material, such as sand, salt or non-clumping kitty litter for when tires are stuck in snow.
• A snow brush, ice scraper and snow shovel.
• Extra washer fluid.
• Extra food and water.

Don’t wait until the thermometer drops below freezing to make sure your vehicle is prepared! As always, we are standing by to help with your wintertime preparations.

Source: Edmunds.com