Chrysler recalls 250,000 minivans

[Hokiefyd]

Chrysler Group is recalling almost 250,000 model year 2010 minivans and crossover SUVs because of a problem that can lead to sudden engine stalling.

The ignition in the vehicles can too easily be bumped or shaken into the "Accessory power" position while driving, causing the engine to immediately shut off.

At least two rear-end collisions have been blamed on the problem, according to a letter sent by Chrysler to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The recall involves 2010 model year Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Caravan minivans and Dodge Journey SUVs manufactured between June 3, 2009 and August 17, 2010.

Chrysler dealers will replace ignition modules on the vehicles with new ones that are less prone to accidental shut-off.

Link to news article

 

[Spazdog]

Given the shear amount of junk on some keyrings, I'm suprised this isn't a wider spread problem.

I'm given a customer's keyring and it's 4lbs of keys, (Wow, is that a Renault key? You guys still have a Renault? No, we got rid of that car years ago...)15 keyrings with various novelties and 2 lanyards that I greatly fear will become tangled up in my feet or the controls.

 

[rshunter]

Originally Posted By: Spazdog
Given the shear amount of junk on some keyrings, I'm suprised this isn't a wider spread problem.

I'm given a customer's keyring and it's 4lbs of keys, (Wow, is that a Renault key? You guys still have a Renault? No, we got rid of that car years ago...)15 keyrings with various novelties and 2 lanyards that I greatly fear will become tangled up in my feet or the controls.

Key rings are like wallets, in that they both accumulate a lot of junk that needs to be cleared out once in a while. This is also why I have a separate key ring for each of my vehicles, with another for the house keys. The ones I don't need can stay at home, or in my pocket.

 

[Hokiefyd]

I don't see an indication (yet) that the problem is caused by weight of the keys. Because the ignition module is on the dash and Chrysler (I think) uses one of those USB stick-type keys, perhaps it's easier than "normal" for your knee to bump the key out of the "on" mode and back into "accessory" mode?

 

[NateDN10]

I just have one question: how can an engine stalling result in a rear-end collision? Unless they were pumping the brakes for some reason...

Although, rethinking about it, it's probably more likely that the Chrysler van was rear-endee rather than the rear-ender.

 

[goodtimes]

If you hit the car in front of you because they slowed down it's your fault. You're following too close or not paying attention or both.

 

[refaller]

The plus note is that Chrysler sold 250,000 vehicles!

ref

 

[1001hobbies]

This is a pet peeve of mine that I have with ANY auto manufacturer.

How long have ignitions switches (lock cylinders) been made and put into motor vehicles? Why on Earth should they be a problem now?

I can say that about many parts on vehicles that are the same thing that has been on cars built for decades and worked to perfection, but then someone wants to save 3 cents on a part....



Steve

 

[caravanmike]

Originally Posted By: refaller
The plus note is that Chrysler sold 250,000 vehicles!

ref
they sell more than 250,000 caravans/towns and countrys in one single year!

 

[Hootbro]

Originally Posted By: caravanmike
Originally Posted By: refaller
The plus note is that Chrysler sold 250,000 vehicles!

ref
they sell more than 250,000 caravans/towns and countrys in one single year!


Subtract about 1/3 of that number for fleet/rental sales to get a accurate number of consumer retails sales.

 

[Spazdog]

Originally Posted By: 1001hobbies
This is a pet peeve of mine that I have with ANY auto manufacturer.

How long have ignitions switches (lock cylinders) been made and put into motor vehicles? Why on Earth should they be a problem now?

Meh...

The lock cylinder and surrounding parts have been sketchy on a lot of cars for a long time.
Ever had one of those Fords that the lock cylinder would rotate freely without a key? Sometimes you can actually get it to start without a key if you keep rotating it.
Or a GM with a persnickety Passkey resistor?
Or one of the '90s Dodges that required a whole new switch assembly?
Or the "high security" Tibbe key that won't start your Merkur or will allow a Jag XJ to start without ?