Saturday, June 8, 2013

Chrysler Dodge Minivan Airbag Recall


312,000 model year 2005 and 2006 Dodge Caravan, Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country minivans are being recalled.

The airbag sensors can crack, water can get inside and then the airbags dont work as designed.

Read the recall notice here.

Not too comforting...the actual recalling and repair doesnt start until June.
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Thursday, June 6, 2013

New Car Review 2011 Jeep Patriot

Front 3/4 view of black 2011 Jeep Patriot in rural setting
The 2011 Jeep Patriot

It was easy to dismiss the Jeep Patriot when it first hit the streets (and trails) a couple of years back. Part of it was guilt by association, having been introduced to the public at the same time as the first-ever non-Trail Rated Jeep, the almost identically-sized Jeep Compass.

But while the Compass was (and is, despite some upgrades) a Jeeped-up Dodge, the Patriot was (and is) a real Jeep. In many ways, its the spiritual successor to the 1984 Jeep Cherokee.

Blue 1984 Jeep Cherokee
1984 Jeep Cherokee

Yes, if you dial the wayback machine 28 model years in reverse, youll find people wondering what was up with this very small Jeep, which replaced the huge (in retrospect) Cherokee (itself a cut-down version of the 1963 Wagoneer).

The Patriots like that. First impression is its too small to be a Jeep, having been exposed to Grand Cherokees, Commanders and even Libertys.  But drive it a few minutes and youll find its the back-to-basics vehicle that Jeeps been needing.

Our tester was the Patriot Latitude 4X4, but the window sticker shows that it was optioned up to Latitude level from a base Sport model. 

Well break that down for you. Jeep Patriot Sport 4X4. Starting at $17,695, its only $1,700 more than the Sport 2-wheel drive model. Stepping up to the 4X4 gives you the 2.4 liter DOHC 16-valve engine and 165 horsepower instead of the stock 2.0 liter, 141 horsepower four.

You also get three transmission choices: A Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), a CVT with AutoStick, or a five-speed manual. Personally, Id go with the stick, but the Jeep press fleet chose the CVT with an off-road crawl rate. And, honestly, it was a very good, very smooth CVT. I had to be reminded that was how the Patriot was equipped, which means it felt natural...like the best (Nissan, Subaru) CVTs.

2011 Jeep Patriot interior
2011 Jeep Patriot Interior

The standard equipment list also includes a full complement of airbags, electronic stability control, anti-lock four-wheel disc brakes, hill start assist, brake assist, speed control, Security Key Theft Deterrent System, a removable/rechargable LED flashlight, rear window defroster, wiper and washer, tire pressure monitoring, an AM;/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with audio jack, and a center floor console.

All in all, thats a cut above the basics in a very competent little Jeep for only $17,695. Id buy one like that.

Except. 

It hadnt occurred to me in a long, long time...especially living in Arizona, but there are cars for sale in this country (not many) where air conditioning is an extra-cost option. And the Jeep Patriot is one.

So our Patriot came with Customer Preferred Package 28B, which gives you air conditioning as well as an upgrade to 17-inch aluminum wheels, power heated manual fold away mirrors, body color door handles and liftgate applique, height adjustable drivers seat, power windows, speed-sensitive power door locks, remote keyless entry, illuminated entry, steering wheel mounted audio controls, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, rear 60/40 reclining and folding seat backs, a fold-flat front passenger seatback, heated front seats and a 115 volt power outlet.

That package is $3,700. Making the price (so far) $21,395. Which is actually a few bucks cheaper than starting with the Latitude 4X4.

But the option list goes on...another $3,400 worth, give or take. The Security and Convenience Group gets you supplemental front seat-mounted side airbags, a security alarm, auto-dimming rear-view mirror with microphone, electronic vehicle information center, universal garage door opener, adjustable roof rail crossbars and a soft tonneau cover for $750. All nice stuff to have.

Then theres the Freedom Drive II Off-Road Group: All-Terrain tires, brake lock differential, hill descent control, a full-size spare, skid plates for the transmission, oil pan and fuel tank, tow hooks, an engine oil cooler, trailer towing wiring harness, all-season front and rear floor mats and a "Trail Rated" badge for $500. Those are essentials. Id absolutely check that option box.

The CVT with off-road crawl ratio? Thats an extra $1,000. Again, Id go with the manual if it was my money.

Ours also came with the Media Center 430, which adds a 30 gig hard drive that can hold 6,700 of your favorite songs (depending on length...depending on Ramones or Rachmaninoff, your storage capacity may vary), and a 6.5 inch touch screen display. Thats $640.  As with nav systems, odds are your phone can do this.

And finally, $375 for the Uconnect Voice Command with Bluetooth. It adds a USB port for mobile devices, and Sirius Satellite Radio with a 1-year subscription. Im a huge believer in hands-free mobile when driving...Id probably say yes for the Bluetooth alone.

With $700 destination charge, the bottom line winds up at $25,410. And thats a long way from the $17,695 we started at. But its not unreasonable. It is far less expensive than the average SUV, which doesnt have the Patriots capabilities (as equipped), and its actually less expensive than the average family sedan today.   And wed knock a grand off that sticker by shifting it ourselves.


2011 Jeep Patriot

Base price: $17,695

As tested:   $25,410

EPA estimate: 20 mpg city/23 mpg highway

Likes: Compact size, low base price, real Jeep capability, fuel economy, dramatically improved interior.

Dislikes: Air conditioning and Bluetooth should be standard.
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Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Mitsubishi Pajero Pinin 2000 2003 Repair Manual



Mitsubishi Pajero Pinin 2000 - 2003 GG Release Guidelines for maintenance and repair. Wiring.
Publisher: "Mitsubishi Motor Corporation"
Format: pdf
Size: 52 Mb
Quality: Excellent
Pages: 2,000
Language: English
  A selection of manuals for Mitsubishi Pajero Pinin in English. A selection is made up of dealers, and manuals for car maintenance and auto service stations.



Download Free - Mitsubishi Pajero Pinin Repair Manual

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Sunday, June 2, 2013

VIDEO University Professor Induces Unintended Acceleration In Toyota Avalon With ABCs Brian Ross At The Wheel

Southern Illinois University professor David Gilbert says a short-circuit can cause the cars to accelerate suddenly and not leave a trace in the cars fault codes.



Toyotas response? Click here.
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Friday, May 31, 2013

2011 Mazda CX 9 Review


Front 3/4 view of 2011 Mazda CX-9 parked in front of house
As the tide turns from traditional truck-based SUVs, a lot of people are discovering the larger crossovers (sport-utes based on car, rather than truck, platforms). Its turning into a crowded field (including four from General Motors alone)...but there are standouts, and one is the Mazda CX-9.

As noted in previous entries here at TireKicker, Mazda doesnt make bad cars. And the CX-9, based on the very good previous-generation Mazda 6, is a strong contender.

The CX-9 is big enough for three rows of seats accomodating seven passengers. The weight of the vehicle, people and stuff is pulled (yep, front-wheel drive) along by a 273 horsepower 3.7 liter V6 with a six-speed automatic transmission. The six speed helps nudge the EPA estimated mileage into respectable territory...16 city, 22 highway.
Interior view of 2011 Mazda CX-9

Ordered in Grand Touring trim, as the test vehicle I drove was, the CX-9 shows up with 20-inch aluminum alloy wheels, automatic Xenon headlights, leather-trimmed seats (including an 8-way power heated drivers seat), Bluetooth hands-free capability for your cell phone, a three-zone climate control and a six-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system. Price: $33,355.

Options on the tester included Sirius Satellite Radio, a blind spot monitoring system, a package including a moonroof and a 277-watt, 10-speaker Bose surround sound sytem with a six-disc changer in the dash, a towing package and a GT Assist package...including navigation, rear view camera and power rear hatch. That propels the bottom line (with delivery charges) to $39,405. ..which puts it right in the hunt with a similarly loaded GMC Acadia.

Safetys a plus here, too, with the CX-9 getting a five-star rating from the government for frontal and side crashes for the driver and passenger, and a four-star rollover rating.
As a smaller manufacturer, Mazda often gets overlooked. In this case, that would be a big mistake.

UPDATE: Just finishing a week and a few days in the base-level CX-9 Sport...one without any options whatsoever. And its brilliant. How? Because the basic goodness of the CX-9 as above is there...but the lower standard equipment level (not lower by much) and lack of options keeps the price just a nick under $30,000 as tested. Thats ten grand below the sticker price above....for the same basic vehicle. Go. Drive. One. Now.
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Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Around The World In 6 And A Half Months Tesla Odyssey of Pioneers


Electric car maker Tesla Motors and watchmaker TAG Heuer are partnering for an around-the-world trip in the one of a kind TAG Heuer Edition Roadster you see above.


Launching from Basel, Switzerland this week, the plan is 27,000 miles, 15 cities, 150 towns and three continents, wrapping up in Paris, France on October 4.

Follow along on the Odyssey of Pioneers website,  Facebook or Twitter .


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Monday, May 27, 2013

Assessment Factor Car Audio Contest

Car Audio Contest
ONE class in the competition car modification is car audio contest. For the hobbyist modifications. Audio contest into a class is quite challenging because it reduces their creativity and imagination to build a sound system that looks unique, original output plus the steady and comfortable on the ear.

To look clearly depends imagination and creativity of each individual, while the output of the sound produced is strongly influenced by the reliability engineers in setting the current phase of the installation. Besides these two things, the assessment of judges is also influenced by several other factors.

"Face value is calculated for the purchase of the device alone. Cables and other passive components are not included in the count. The benchmark used is the highest market price, "he explained. Installation factors will obviously note the jury. Standards must be good and safe installation. An example is the connection cable must be soldered and fuel hoses. Usage and capacity fuses must also be in accordance with the electricity used cars. Completeness of the bolts on the speakers also did not escape the attention of the assessment team.

"All processes intalasi there should be photos and notes because it can add value. Historical development of audio is also included. So start the car looks like nothing until after it is built so as to what should have photos and history, "

Preparation and placement of box speakers in the car not to disturb the driver comfort. This will reduce the points. From behind the wheel, drivers forward view, rearview mirror left right and center should not be hindered at all.

Operation of the steering wheel, gear lever and pedals also have barrier-free. Sometimes, the car owner to choose a specific theme to build the audio. Use accessories that add beauty and cosmetics audio visual appearance will obviously boost the ratings points. The latter is the quality of the resulting sound output. The audio system will be assessed based on the staging, imaging and tonal accuracy. Setting an appropriate and correct during the install m, emegang menantukan important role that the quality of his voice. "Do not forget to mute pop on and pop off,"
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