Toyota Unveils Sports Coupe

Toyota will debut the FT-86, a sports car developed jointly with Subaru, at this month's Tokyo Auto Show.

By Hans Greimel of AutoWeek

Toyota Motor Corp. goes sporty at this month's Tokyo Auto Show, unveiling its vision for a sport coupe being jointly developed with Subaru.

The Toyota-badged car, dubbed the FT-86 Concept, is the spiritual successor to the AE86 sport coupe of the 1980s, which was based on the Corolla. Like its boxy predecessor, the FT-86 Concept is compact and lightweight and has a low center of gravity.

But the styling is modernized with a rounded, sleek silhouette.

The FT-86 is Toyota's concept for a sporty coupe being undertaken with Fuji Heavy Industries Inc., the company that manufactures Subaru vehicles. While it is fitted with a 2.0-liter boxer engine from Subaru, the overall design was created by Toyota's ED2 styling studio in France. Even the blue-red metallic paint was specially developed by Toyota.

"Sports cars have to be red, but we wanted a new red," chief engineer Tetsuya Tada said. "So we came up with shoujyouhi red, the traditional red color of a Japanese monkey's" backside.

Toyota and Fuji Heavy plan to start producing a sporty car in late 2011.

Toyota will be responsible for most of the engineering. Fuji Heavy will supply the horizontally opposed engine and manufacture the car at a Subaru plant.

Fuji Heavy won't comment on whether the FT-86 Concept is that car or not; Subaru won't be displaying a sports car at the Oct. 24-Nov. 4 Tokyo show. But the car clearly underscores new President Akio Toyoda's push for more muscular, fun-to-drive models.

Tada said Toyota wants the FT-86's sticker price to be in the $20,000 range. "It won't sell if it's over 3 million yen ($30,000)," he said. "The price has to appeal to regular customers."

The car seats four and has a front-engine, rear-drive layout. The boxer engine allows for a lower hood and gives the FT-86 a lower center of gravity. Key to the design was maximizing fuel efficiency by reducing weight and creating a compact design, Tada said.

Tada also said it gets a dedicated chassis, noting that "enthusiasts don't want a shared platform."

Toyota May Face Another Recall

Frame rust on 2000 and 2001 Tundras may cause Toyota its second major recall in as many weeks.

By Kathy Jackson of AutoWeek

Toyota may be faced with another recall a week after its largest U.S. recall in company history.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on Tuesday said it would investigate frame corrosion on 2000 and 2001 model year Tundra pickups. An estimated 218,000 units are involved.

NHTSA said it has received 20 complaints — 15 of them alleging that the underbody-mounted spare tire separated from the rear cross member. The other five complaints allege damaged brake lines due to corrosion on the driver's side rear cross member.

Brian Lyons, a spokesman for Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc., said he is not surprised at NHTSA's investigation.

"We've been investigating this for a little bit of time," he said. "We know there are some complaints out there. We have repurchased some vehicles to aid in our investigation."

The disclosure comes a week after Toyota announced it will recall 3.8 million Toyota and Lexus vehicles to replace a floor mat that could cause the accelerator to stick. The recall prompted a public apology from Toyota Motor Corp. President Akio Toyoda.

Frame Rust
Toyota faced a similar frame-rust problem last year involving about 750,000 Tacoma pickups.

In March 2008, the company agreed to buy back 1995 to 2000 model year Tacomas at 150 percent of the high Kelly Blue Book value.

Then in November 2008, the company issued a recall on 2001 to 2004 model year Tacomas. If there was no rust, Toyota automatically extended the warranty to 15 years with unlimited mileage. If there was rust, the frames were replaced at no cost to the consumer.

Lyons did not say why the company did not issue a recall for the Tundra at the same time as the Tacoma.

"The two trucks did not share the same frame, but there were similarities," he said. Lyons said both trucks had the same supplier.

"But it's our responsibility, not the supplier's responsibility," Lyons said.

Lyons did not name the supplier.

The 2000 model year was the first for the Tundra, which replaced the T-100. It was made in Indiana at the time. The Tacoma is produced at NUMMI in California.

Toyota's Prius threatened by probe

Could the Prius and other Toyota hybrids be banned from the U.S.? It seems unthinkable, but that's one possible ending to a patent investigation launched this week.

This case centers around Paice, a tiny Florida company that has patented a way to apply force to a car's wheels from the electric motor or the internal combustion engine.

Paice thinks that Toyota (TM) is infringing on its technology, and is going after the automaker in court. The legal spat became much more serious for Toyota this week, when the U.S. International Trade Commission decided to investigate the matter.

Bing: How do hybrid cars work?

The problem is that the ITC can stop any imports that infringe on U.S. patents. So in the worst-case scenario for Toyota, the commission could ban the hybrid Camry, third-generation Prius, Lexus HS250h sedan and Lexus RX450h SUV, according to Bloomberg.

And that could potentially be devastating for Toyota, which Bloomberg says has sold more than 1.1 million hybrids in the U.S. in the last decade -- most of them Prius cars.

Paice won a 2005 patent suit against Toyota in federal court in Marshall, Tex. And you might snicker at that, because Marshall is notorious for granting all sorts of wacko patent cases. But still, the verdict was upheld on appeal, and a judge ordered Toyota to pay royalties to Paice based on car sales.

Paice has more lawsuits against Toyota in the Marshall court, and some may go to trial in January.

So can't Toyota just throw a little licensing money at Paice and make it go away? It's not that easy, according to one lawyer familiar with the case. Paice wants the cars banned.

"As soon as Paice wins an exclusion order from the ITC, Toyota’s in trouble," the lawyer, Michael Murphy, told HybridCars.com. "It doesn’t matter that Toyota can appeal that decision. And it doesn’t matter that Toyota might eventually have that decision overturned. For some indeterminate period of time, perhaps months, Toyota is stuck without any ability to bring these new vehicles into the United States and sell them. Think of the cost. Toyota would lose millions of dollars."

Realistically, the chances that Toyota hybrids will be banned are slim. Paice likely would accept big money -- not puny licensing payments -- from Toyota in return for dropping its complaints, so there is a way out for Toyota here.

At any rate, this isn't helping Toyota in the U.S. The automaker saw its sales drop 29% through August in the U.S., its largest market, and is struggling to revive its business here.

Toyota is still blazing ahead with its hybrids, and plans to add one or two more versions of the Prius, according to Reuters. Toyota also plans to spend $1 million in a marketing blitz in the fourth quarter -- about 30% to 40% more than it would normally spend to promote its cars.

Most Popular Vehicle in Henderson, Nevada

89052, Henderson, Nev. — Toyota Camry

"You drive around our town, and there's not a car over three years old," says Rick Glenn, marketing director of Henderson's Findlay Toyota, one of the top Toyota dealerships in the nation. But despite the fact that it's just seven miles from the Las Vegas strip, that's the extent of Henderson's penchant for new and flashy. Contrary to what you might assume, the most popular vehicle here isn't the Cadillac Escalade — it's the Camry. "A lot of people moved here because the cost of living in California was too high," Glenn says. "They have normal jobs and they buy Toyotas and Hondas because they're safe and dependable." Findlay sold 7,347 new and used Toyotas last year — the vast majority of them Camrys.

GM to shut down Saturn after Penske walks away

GM to shut down Saturn after Penske terminates talks with GM on uncertain future assembly

General Motors Co. said Wednesday it would shut down its Saturn brand after an agreement with Penske Automotive Group Inc. to acquire it fell apart.

Penske, citing concerns of whether it could continue to supply vehicles after a manufacturing contract with GM ran out, ended talks with GM Wednesday to acquire the brand.

GM CEO Fritz Henderson said in statement that Saturn and its dealership network will be phased out.

"This is very disappointing news and comes after months of hard work by hundreds of dedicated employees and Saturn retailers who tried to make the new Saturn a reality," Henderson said in a written statement. "PAG's announcement explained that their decision was not based on interactions with GM or Saturn retailers."

In a statement, the Bloomfield Hills, Michigan-based auto retailer says an agreement with another manufacturer to continue producing Saturn vehicles after GM stopped making them fell through, leading Penske to terminate talks with GM.

Penske said it negotiated terms and conditions to make Saturn cars with another manufacturer, but that company's board of directors rejected the agreement. Penske spokesman Anthony Pordon would not identify the other manufacturer.

"Without that agreement, the company has determined that the risks and uncertainties related to the availability of future products prohibit the company from moving forward with this transaction," the company said in a statement.

In June, GM and Penske agreed to take over the Saturn brand and related dealerships, although GM would produce the vehicles for a limited period of time.

GM said Saturn vehicle owners can still go to their Saturn dealer for service and would be able to go to a certified GM dealer for service once Saturn dealerships are closed.

It was expected that GM would announce the completion of Saturn's sale to Penske in the coming days.

Share of Penske fell $1.93 to $17.25 in after hours trading. They rose $1.32, or 7.4 percent to $19.18 in regular trading Wednesday.

Toyota recalls 3.8 million vehicles

Potentially dangerous floor mats cited for company's largest U.S. recall

Toyota says it will recall 3.8 million vehicles in the United States to address problems with a removable floor mat that could interfere with the vehicle’s accelerator and cause a crash.

The company says it will be the largest U.S. recall in its history. Owners could learn about the safety campaign as early as next week.

Toyota and the government warned owners of Toyota and Lexus vehicles about safety problems tied to the removable floor mats. They say the mats could interfere with the vehicle’s accelerator and cause a crash.

The recall will affect 2007-2010 model year Toyota Camry, 2005-2010 Toyota Avalon, 2004-2009 Toyota Prius, 2005-2010 Tacoma, 2007-2010 Toyota Tundra, 2007-2010 Lexus ES350 and 2006-2010 Lexus IS250 and IS350.

Owners should take out the floor mats on the driver’s side and not replace them.

Toyota’s previously largest U.S. recall was about 900,000 vehicles in 2005 to fix a steering issue.

Super Run 2009, a Classic Car Experience, will be held September 24, 25, 26, 27, 2009

Super Run 2009, a Classic Car Experience, will be held September 24, 25, 26, 27, 2009. This automotive event is Open to all Years, Makes & Models of Classic Vehicles: Cars, Trucks, Motorcycles and Special Interest Vehicles including Vintage, Classics, Street, Hot Rods, Muscle Cars, Street Rods, Competition Vehicles and Customs. Super Run 2009 will be held in Downtown Henderson with cruise lanes on Water Street, Pacific and Market Street, just down the road from Las Vegas.

Car Show Participants receive an Event T-shirts, Commemorative Dash Plaques, Event Ball Caps, Vehicle Credentials, Participation in All automotive activities and Preferred Parking to have their vehicles displayed in the Show & Shine Competition. There will be a Cars & Parts Corral held in conjunction with the Super Run event.

Traditionally there is a Kick-Off Welcoming Get-Together on the first day with a Show & Shine with Participant's Vehicles on display. The District at Green Valley Ranch will once again be the Thursday's Kick-Off Get-Together Site. There's Entertainment and the Public is invited to join in on the festivities.

2009's Friday Entertainment: Jan and Dean featuring Dean Torrence

and the Surf City All-Star Band

2009's Saturday Entertainment: Country Star Aaron Tippin

Some of the events include the Roaring Engines Competition, Slow Drags Competition, Burn-Out Contests. There are drawings for Fantabulous Prizes, Cruises of Classic Vehicles, Music and Entertainment. As always, "Super Run 2009" Car Show and all Entertainment is Free to Spectators of All Ages and is Open to the Public.

There are Over 260 Trophies and Awards including: 150 Top Vehicles Trophies and Awards given to Car Owners for displaying their vehicles, along with additional Dignitary Awards, Special Crowd Pleasers and Specialty Awards, Participant's Choice Awards and Peoples Choice Awards.

Once again, $15,000 in Cash Prizes will be awarded to Car Participants:

Thursday: $2,500, Friday: $2,500 Saturday: $2,500 and Sunday: $7,500

There will also be Food & Beverage Concessions, Products Vendors, and Vendors with automotive type products for all to see and purchase. This Event is Open to the Public and FREE to Spectators of All Ages. Stop by and Vote for your Favorite Vehicles.

For more information:

"Super Run 2009"

7540 Ullom Drive

Las Vegas, NV 89139

(702) 643-0000

E-Mail: SuperRunLV@yahoo.com

2005 Nissan-Datsun Truck Frontier 2WD V6-4.0L

Complaint from the customer was:

Engine turns slow, like the battery is out of juice.

First step was to test the battery. Battery tested at 11.47 volts and 14 cold cranking amps. For a good battery it should test at 12.60 volts and over 560 cca, the cca of the battery should be on the sticker on the battery.

Replaced the battery. Tested alternator with VAT-45 test machine, tested at 105 amps at 3000 rpm. Test drove car-good.

Technical Service Bulletins:

Emissions - DTC P0440/P0442/P0455/P0456/P1440/P1456Steering/Suspension - Vehicle Pulls/Drifts Left/Right
Interior - No/Erratic Seat Forward/Backward OperationTire Monitor System - TPMS Sensor Seal LeakInterior - Noise From Drivers Power Seat LifterFuel System - Erratic Fuel Gauge/DTC's P0461/P0462/P0463Fuel System - Fuel Pump Squeaking NoiseEngine - Buzzing/Whining Noise From Timing Chain AreaSuspension - Rear Leaf Spring Squeak On BumpsBody - Rear Door Glass Run Rubber Sticks OutInterior - Right Front Seat Back Rattles/Moves SidewaysEngine Controls - Engine Idle Speed 25RPM Too HighBody - Creaking Noise During Window OperationEngine - Rattling Noise at 2,200RPMEngine Controls - MIL ON/DTC's P1273/P1283/P1274/P1284

Recall:Recall R0807 - Front Air Bag Impact Sensor ReplacementRecall - Potential Door Latch DefectRecall - Fuel Cap Tether ReplacementRecall 06V092000: Fuel Cap Tether Pin Replacement

Campaign:Campaign - Body Control Module Repl./Sub Harness Install

Vegasdrift 014 @ Nellis Air Force Base 9/26/09

www.vegasdrift.com

Las Vegas 350 Saturday, September 26, 2009

Las Vegas 350

Saturday, September 26, 2009

NASCAR Camping World Truck Series

The 2009 Las Vegas 350 NASCAR Camping World Truck Race will be held Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009. Join us for an exciting Saturday as the top racers from across the country compete at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Las Vegas 350 Schedule

Saturday, Sept. 26 Ticket Gates C, E and Neon Garage open at 12:00 noon
Ticket Gates A, B, D, G open at 4:00 p.m.

12:00 noon Neon Garage and Pit Road opens
12:00 noon - 12:30 p.m. NASCAR Pace Car Rides
12:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. 600 Racing events
3:30 p.m. NCWTS qualifying
5:00 p.m. NCWTS driver and crew chief meeting
6:00 p.m. NCWTS driver introductions - SECURITY CLEAR PIT ROAD(Pit Road dress code rules enforced)
6:30 p.m. NCWTS Las Vegas 350 (146 laps, 219 miles)
7:00 p.m. NCWTS registration closes
10:00 p.m. Neon Garage closes

Schedule is subject to change

MOTOR TREND INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW

MOTOR TREND INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW COMES TO LAS VEGAS CONVENTION CENTER NOVEMBER 27-29

Hottest New Cars Coming to Las Vegas

WHAT:	Don’t miss the latest vehicles at the 2010-model Motor Trend International Auto Show – Las Vegas where the latest new cars, crossovers, sport-utility vehicles, trucks, hybrids and more roll into the Las Vegas Convention Center. This show for all ages takes place over Thanksgiving weekend, so bring the whole family to check out the specialty displays and see the newest technology and automotive trends.
WHEN:	Friday, November 27 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. Saturday, November 28 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. Sunday, November 29 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
WHERE:	Las Vegas Convention Center - Hall S-3 3150 Paradise Road Las Vegas, NV 89109
WHO:	Representatives from leading automotive manufacturers will be onsite to answer questions and provide information on the latest vehicles. The Motor Trend International Auto Show – Las Vegas is produced by Motor Trend Auto Shows, LLC and sponsored by the Southern Nevada Franchised New Car and Truck Dealers Association and the Nevada Franchised Auto Dealers Association.
TICKETS:	Admission is $8 for adults, $5 for seniors (62 and older), military (with ID), students (with ID) and children (7-12). Children six and younger are free. On Kids Day, Sunday, November 29, children 12 and younger will be admitted free when accompanied by a paying adult. More information and discount coupons can be downloaded from the official auto show Web site, www.AutoShowLV.com. Advance e-tickets may also be purchased online at a savings of $2 off the regular adult admission price.

'01 Toyota Corolla LE

This car had only 70K miles. Body is OK with minor dings and scratches. There was a check engine light that was illuminated in the instrument cluster.

I checked it out with my scan tool. The codes were P0300 and P0303. P0300 is a random misfire and P0300 is a misfire at cylinder 3.
I was told before that the car overheats. So I took my radiator pressure tester and tested the radiator.

First, I looked at the radiator cap to see in the rubber seal was good, it wasn't. If you see any rubber that had come off, it is already bad. I took note that it needs to be replaced.
Then I installed my radiator pressure tester and started pumping air into the radiator. I found out that the radiator neck base was leaking air.

I couldn't find any other area of coolant leaking because the neck base was corroded to even hold pressure. So what I looked for is the water pump located at the serpentine belt. It was leaking too. It was three things that would not hold pressure. 1. radiator cap 2. radiator 3. water pump.

If the engine is too hot the ECU(computer) will know from the sensor on the engine. That's why it set off the codes.

If your car is overheating. You need to check if the radiator is full of coolant. If it is then check for leaks. If you don't see any leaks then I suggest to replace the radiator cap. And if it still overheats. Bring it to the professionals. You might have a head gasket leak.

2009 Dodge Charger V8-5.7L

A list of Technical Service Bulletins and Recalls on this vehicle.

TSB's:
Fuel System - Hard To Fill With Fuel/Nozzle Shuts Off
Audio System - Radio Inop. After Battery Disconnect
ABS/TCS - ESP Lamp Flashing/ESP Pump Howl
Instruments - Trip B Won't Reset With Odometer Knob
A/T - Converter Shudder On Vehicles With Less Than 4K Mi

Recall:
Recall - Tire Pressure Monitor Sensor Replacement
Recall - Potential A/T Shift Cable Disengagement
Recall - A/T Shift Cable Modification

'08 Mecedes C300

This 4 door sedan is awesome!! It has 28K miles but runs like new. The interior is black leather and the seats are very comfortable.

Test driving was soothing. Steering and suspension was like riding on the clouds. As for the V6 motor...it has a kick too it. I really like it that the acceleration is instant to the pedal.

A scale from 1-10. I give it an 11. If I had the money I would own this model. not only id is durable, it is very nice to look at.

Some of the Technical Service Bulletins(TSB's) on this vehicle:

A/C - No Or Low A/C Cooling Performance
Steering - Leaks At Steering Gear/Hose Junction
Engine Controls - Engine Won't Start When Hot
A/C - Knocking Noise From The Glove Box Area
Electrical - Cranks/No Start/Can't Shift From PARK
Restraints - Seat Belt Catches When Pulled Out
Keyless Entry - Various Malfunctions
Steering/Suspension - Front Axle Knock When Parking
ABS/TCS - Code C220500 Set/ESP Lamp On
A/T - Hard 1-2 Shift/Hard Converter Lock-Up
Body - Noises From The Panoramic Sunroof
A/C - 'Auto' Mode Won't Turn Off When Pressing Button
Engine - Grinding/Howling/Whining Noises
Interior - Rear Seat Belt Rattling Noises
Suspension - Front Axle Thumping Noise On Bumps
Lighting - 'AUTO Lights Inoperative' Message Displayed
Emissions - MIL ON/Code 0954 Set
Body - Squeaking Noise When Opening Trunk Lid
A/C - Unpleasant Odor From Air Conditioning Vents
Restraints - SRS Lamp ON/DTC 9CFE Set
Recall - Rear Outboard Seat Belt Replacement

My car is shaking at highway speeds!!

I had a Toyota Sienna van earlier today.

First, I set the tire pressures to all the tires to 35psi. If you do not know what to set you tire pressures. Look at the drivers side door jam. There should be a sticker there showing the size of the tires should be used and recommended tire pressures.

Then, I took it to the freeway. I started to feel the van shake at 65mph. Off the bat, I knew the tires needed to be balanced.

I tried to balance the tires on the machine and it indicated the tires were bad. Mind you we replaced it before. The tires were new and the brand was HANKOOK.

Even though they are new doesn't mean they are good.

So the next step was to replace them with different brand tires. That fixed the problem.

Why is my car pulling to one side??

If your car is pulling to the left or to the right.

First, you need to do is check your tire pressures on all the tires. Make sure they are all set at the same tire pressure.
If you have your tires set at different pressures then it can pull to one side.

Then, do you have different tires?? I mean, is the brand and size of the tire different from the left as to the right?? If so, then that can cause a car to pull to one side. It's because of the tread pattern is different. Always get the same brand and size when you replace your tires. And make sure the tires are facing the right direction if the tires are directional. It will show you on the side wall of the tires.

If the pressures and all the tires are the same and it still pulls to one side. Then you would have to rotate the tires. Rotate the tires from front to the back and vice versa. That should fix it. It always works for me at work.

Then if that doesn't work. Bring it to the professionals. It could be something wrong with the suspension.

Feel that brake pulse??

When you are driving, then you press your brakes to a complete stop. Do you feel a brake pulse from the brake pedal?? Or do you see and feel the steering wheel shake side to side??

Then my friend, your front rotors needs to be resurfaced. The reason why is your rotors are worn unevenly. They need to be cut on a brake lathe to take off the uneven spots.

1st. GEN, '03 Toyota Prius is still kickin!!

This pre-owned '03 Toyota Prius with 122k miles is still in great condition. I found nothing wrong with it. No oil seepage anywhere. The previous owner really took care of it.

I give this car from a scale from 1-10, a 10!! Goes to show the japanese can build durable cars. I'm glad I have Toyota's and work for a Toyota dealership.

One day I'll buy a Toyota hybrid, a pre-owned of course.

'01 Toyota Camry, 2.2Liter, 4 cylinder

If your car dies when on idle or you see the tachometer goes way down and then goes back up close to the 1000 Rpm. Check your battery and alternator to see if it is good. I had a Camry that was doing that exact thing with no check engine light on.

Summer Coolant

Your Uncle Joefis says Hey DUDE!! It's better to use just plain water during the summer. If that's what he's doing, he's running his car without any anticorrosion or antiwear additives in the cooling system, and he'll have problems. Anytime, winter or summer, always use a 50-50 mix of fresh coolant and water. That's true regardless of the brand or type of coolant your car manufacturer recommends. Read the label — some coolant on store shelves is already pre-diluted to 50-50.

Thicker oil for summertime??

According to the car manufacturers, yes — but don't go too thick. Most new cars today are supposed to be filled with 5W-20, which is pretty thin. Car manufacturers usually list 10W-30 as acceptable for summer temperatures. Thinner oil has less friction inside the engine, which is good for fuel economy. Engines have been designed to run on this thin stuff for a number of years, with improved surface finish and low-friction parts like roller camshafts.

Check your owner's manual for the viscosity recommendations for your vehicle. Older cars may require thicker oil, but it's still not a good idea to just pour five quarts of 40-weight in just because it's summer. Thicker oil takes longer to start flowing properly when the engine isn't warmed up, and can also reduce fuel economy. If you live in Phoenix and tow a huge trailer, the temptation is to use thicker oil to keep it from thinning out excessively and damaging your engine. Unless you've got an older car, made in the era of 20W-40 or even straight grades, don't just change your oil's viscosity up arbitrarily. Either switch to a synthetic, or install an aftermarket oil cooler, or both.

Turning up the heater will cool the engine

In the summer, if you see your coolant temperature gauge creeping up, that means your engine is over heating.

Immediately turn the heater on. The excess heat goes into the heater core, which is just a tiny radiator, pulling the temperature of the coolant down. Of course, it will rapidly overheat the interior of the car — and you. If doing this means getting to the top of that hill without boiling over, it might get you to someplace that can check the cooling system for problems. If you need to use the heater frequently to reduce coolant temperatures, either there's something wrong with your cooling system, or you've seriously overloaded your vehicle.

Get a Test Light!!

This tool you can get it cheap at Harbor Freight. It's a tool to test if you are getting power.

Let's say your passenger side power window is not working. And all the other windows are working.
First you would have to disconnect the up/down window control switch on the door. Get your test light and connect the side with the alligator clip and clip it to the body of the car. Make sure it touches bare metal, not to the paint of the car. You are grounding it.

Then hold the female connector that was connected to the switch and have the pointed end of the test light and stick it in the connector holes. Remember to have the ignition in the "ON" position. If the test light lights up in any of the holes, you have power, 99% the window motor is bad. The 1% might be a bad ground. In my experience I have not come across that yet.

You can also find out if your fuses are good or burnt. Just don't pull off the fuses from the junction box. Have the ignition on the "ON" position. Ground the test light and start prodding the back of the fuses. You can see the metals on the back of the fuse. There are two. Try prodding each one, one side will light up and the other should too. If one side lights and the other doesn't the fuse is bad. This means the circuit has been cut from getting power. Pull out the fuse and look at it to confirm it is a bad fuse.

This tool is very useful for me. I think I use it every day. Spend less than $5 for this tool or you can have a tech diagnose your problem for a $100. You do the math.

Cars and Coffee

Start your Saturday early with Cars and Coffee, a free car show, from 7 to 10am at Sansone Park Place, 9500 S. Eastern Ave. Las Vegas, Nevada.
A variety of cars will be on hand, from classics to concepts, hot rods to motorcycles. For information, visit http://lasvegas.carsandcoffee.info/

Battery Bottleneck Limits Prius Output

Booming demand for the hybrid has factories scrambling to produce the car's nickel-metal hydride battery.

Click to enlarge picture

Limited supplies of battery packs are slowing down production of the Toyota Prius.

Battery bottlenecks are hurting efforts to boost output of the Toyota Prius to meet booming demand, and the problem will likely persist into next year, a Toyota official says.

"The new Prius model has been excessively popular, inconveniencing some of our customers, and the factories are working overtime at full capacity," Takahiko Ijichi, Toyota senior managing director, said Tuesday at the company's quarterly earnings announcement. "Unfortunately, the batteries are not catching up with demand. Production of the batteries needs to be increased in order for our production to go up."

Toyota Motor Corp. has annual Prius capacity of 500,000 cars. Panasonic EV Energy Co., which makes the nickel-metal hydride batteries for the gasoline-electric hybrid car, can't churn out more than that right now, Ijichi said.

The third-generation Prius hybrid is a bright spot in an otherwise gloomy year for the world's biggest automaker. The car is facing months-long waiting lists at dealerships and is easily outselling Honda's rival Insight hybrid in the United States.

The success of the Prius in Japan is one reason Toyota says it will post its first domestic sales increase in five years.

"The new Prius model is selling quite well," Ijichi said.

Last summer Toyota said it would build the Prius at its Tupelo, Miss., factory in late 2010, scrubbing a plan to make the next-generation Highlander crossover there. But amid record losses, Toyota put the plant's opening on indefinite hold.

Ijichi said Toyota won't invest to expand Prius production until it is assured of an adequate battery supply.

Battery production will increase — but gradually. Panasonic EV Energy, or PEVE, plans to boost capacity in stages to around 1 million batteries by the summer of 2010, Ijichi said.

Despite cutthroat pricing to compete with the Insight, the Prius still enjoys healthy margins, Ijichi said.

That's because production costs fell 30 percent from the previous generation of the hybrid.

Said Ijichi: "In terms of the Toyota lineup, I'd say it's probably in the midlevel of profit."

Who in the hell is driving!!

Couple days ago a customer traded in a Honda CRV. It was the older type model.
While I was test driving it I can here a squeak inside the car while I depress the brake pedal. It took me a minute to find out what it was.

On the floor of the passenger side was a brake and gas pedal!! The brake pedal on the passenger side was making the noise.
I figured this car was for a driving school. Then I had a crazy idea to drive in the passenger side. So hopped into the passenger seat and you guessed it, started to drive with my left hand and used my right foot for the pedals. It was pretty hard to drive because I couldn't take sharp corners. Mind you, this was in the dealership parking lot.

If you had seen me you would be like, what the fuck!! It was funny seeing my co-workers faces and their reaction was, What the fuck!! Who in the world is driving!!?? So I stopped by next to them to show what the car had. They were like, That's some funny shit...but dangerous!!

It was funny shit to do that kind of thing.

Hear that gurggling under the hood??

When you hear constant gurggling under your hood and you see your coolant temperature gauge creeping closer to the red, it's the radiator that needs to be filled with coolant. When you fill it up please remember to wait until the engine is cool.

If it is hot, the pressure that is built up inside will be released when you open up the radiator cap. You will definitely be sprayed with hot coolant. You don't want that!! A way to find out if it is safe to remove the radiator cap is to squeeze the top radiator hose. If the hose is hard to squeeze then there is preesure. If it is soft, then you can take off the cap slowly.

Fill the radiator till it is full. Then start your car and turn your heater on to hot, full blast the fan. This will recirculate the coolant through the heater core.

Leave your car on for at least 15 minutes until you do not see any bubbles coming out of the radiator. Try squeezing the top radiator hose to get more air bubbles out. If it is too hot, get a rag and cover it. Remember to put a container beneath the radiator, there will be some coolant spilling. Also watch the coolant temperature gauge, it should not reach the red. Don't forget to fill the coolant reservoir tank to the full line indicated.

No bubbles?? Put on the cap and you are done!!

Revealed: 2011 Nissan Leaf Electric Car

YOKOHAMA, Japan — In what the automaker hopes is a prophetic pairing, Nissan Motor Co. unveiled its new electric car as part of the grand opening ceremonies for its new, high-tech headquarters building in Japan's semi-official zero-emissions city.

"Just as leaves purify the air in nature, so Nissan Leaf purifies mobility by taking emissions out of the driving experience," the company said.

The five-seat, electric-blue Leaf hatchback is to be launched in select U.S. and Japanese markets next year to begin what Nissan hopes will become an era of global leadership for the company in a growing EV market.

Leadership shouldn't be evasive if the Leaf lives up to its performance billing. A top speed of 90 mph, a range of 100 miles per charge with a 30-minute recharge where quick-charging stations are available (6 hours with a 220-volt current) and seat cushion-compressing acceleration that will launch it from zero to 30 mph faster than an Infiniti G37, thanks to 207 pound-feet of torque from its 80 kilowatt (107 horsepower) electric motor are all part of the package.

To the degree that price matters, Nissan's also got a big edge in the EV world. Pricing hasn't been announced, but the company insists the Leaf will be "affordable" with pricing equivalent to a well-equipped C-class (compact) car. That's a European compact, though, and they're a lot better equipped, and more costly, than compacts in the U.S. so figure $28,000 to as much as $35,000 (the range for Nissan partner Renault's Megane hatchback) — not super cheap, but a bit less than the five-place Chevy Volt.

And that's before any government incentives — which could knock a substantial amount from the car's price in Japan and would be at least $7,500 in the U.S. as long as funding continues for the federal clean car credit program.

Nissan officials say pricing was held down in part by developing the entire powertrain, including the laminated lithium-manganese battery pack — arguably the most expensive single component on the car at around $10,000 — in-house with an eye toward affordability.

But the real trick is that the batteries won't be part of the selling price: Nissan's global approach will be to sell the car, but lease the battery pack.

The argument for leasing is that if you buy a gasoline car, the gasoline isn't part of the deal, and the battery pack in an EV (plus the electricity that it stores) can be likened to the gas needed to make a conventional car go.

The approach in the U.S, where consumers might be leery of buying a car, but having to lease an essential part of its powertrain, may be to simply lease the entire package, said Andy Palmer, Nissan's senior vice president and head of product planning.

Decisions on the sales or leasing method, as well as on U.S. pricing, will be made closer to the Leaf's late-2010 launch, Palmer said.

2011 Nissan Leaf

The event will make Nissan the first major automaker in modern times to put a full-service battery-electric car into dealerships for retail sales.

To help do away with charging anxiety, Nissan has equipped the Leaf with a communications system that enables drivers to communicate in real time with a special information center to find out where the closest chargers are, which ones are open and operating, and whether they have fast or slow chargers.

The system also highlights in real time on the Leaf's standard navigation system screens the one-way and round-trip travel ranges the car can achieve before needing a battery charge, and sends signals to a driver's cell phone or PDA when a car plugged in at a home or public charger is topped up and ready to go.

The Leaf's target launch date will beat General Motors' Volt plug-in hybrid, and while Japan's Mitsubishi and Subaru both launched EVs for sale to fleets in Japan last month, the cars are smaller, lower-speed, "city cars" with far less range than the 100 miles-per-charge Nissan claims for the Leaf.

The concept unveiled today is pretty much what the production car will look like next year, sans the exotic paint and high-end interior appointments unique to concept and show cars.

Shiro Nakamura, Nissan's global design chief, told us in an interview after a private preview showing of the pre-production concept, that the Leaf, while all-Nissan in concept and technology, borrows a smidgen of design language from partner Renault's popular Megane compact, most notably in the notched hatch.

The elongated but curiously bulbous headlamp assembly (designed for looks and airflow, said Shiro-san) extremely short nose (no engine to hide) and sharply delineated flanks and wheel cutouts are all Nissan, showing a little bit of the styling that went into the Murano crossover utility vehicle — no shocker when you learn that the Leaf's chief designer also headed the Murano design team, according to Nakamura.

Honda recalls 440,000 cars for airbag risk

One fatality and a number of injuries have been linked to the defect.

Honda Motor Co said on Friday that it is recalling another 440,000 vehicles — including some of its best-selling Accord and Civic models — for a potentially lethal airbag defect.

Honda said that the airbag inflators in some of its top-selling sedans can rupture because of too much air pressure causing metal fragments to shoot through the airbag and strike vehicle occupants.

One fatality and a number of injuries have been linked to the defect, Honda spokesman Sage Marie said.

The recall covers certain 2001 and 2002 Accords, 2001 Civics and some 2002 and 2003 model Acura TL sedans. The driver's side airbag is the defective component on the affected vehicles.

Honda said owners of those models can check to see if their vehicle is covered by the recall by checking the automaker's website .

The Japanese automaker said it was encouraging owners to wait until they received a recall notice to go to a dealership and have the inflator for the steering-wheel airbag replaced.

Honda had originally announced that it would recall some 2001 Accord and Civic sedans for the defect last November.

The notice issued on Friday added another 440,000 vehicles to the recall.

rear wiper washer inoperative.

On a GMC Envoy, it has a rear wiper that has a nozzle to spray water to the window. If there is no water coming out of it it is usually a kink in the hose on the wiper arm. I found out already on 2 GMC vehicles. You would have to straighten the hose out.

You BIG dummy!!

I hate it when customers come back for a noise in their car. They think it's the suspension going out or loose.
Today, I got a '08 Chevy, 46K miles with noise in the rear. Test drove it and I confirmed there was noise from the rear. It sounded it was coming from the trunk. So I opened the trunk to find out there was a bottle of coolant and a spray bottle. I knew already that was making the noise from shifting around.

I took the bottles and placed it at the rear seat and made sure it will not be moving around and be hitting each other. Then got in the drivers seat and took off and braked hard. I said to myself, did you hear that? Nope I did not hear a thing. EXACTLY!!

Some of these customers have no common sense!! Stop wasting my time!! I don't get paid to just remove a couple of bottles out of your trunk, FUCKERS!!

Why does my a/c fan work only on 4 and 5 setting??

This '03 Chevy Malibu got me stumped. First, I checked all the fuses and relays connected to the a/c controls and they were all good. Then I thought the resistors were bad in the a/c control assembly on the dash. So I replaced it and the problem was still there. That cost the used car department about $400!! OOPPSSS my fault!!

I found out that the blower motor resistors was located adjacent to the a/c blower on the passenger side underneath the glove box. The resistors controls the speed of the a/c fan. I made the assumption that the resistors were located in the controls like other makes have it. I found this out by going to our online system we have on looking at all the other car makes "how to" stuff and part replacements.

So I got the part and replaced it. And yippy it worked!! Got paid for only and hour but spent about two on it. Lesson learned. Always check the online site to save time and money. Oh, and the blower motor resistor cost below $40. I could have saved the used car sales department $400 for the control unit but the got the benjamins. You herr'e meeee!!

It would be nice to have a BMW.

I test drove a 2005 BMW 645Ci Coupe. It had a V8 engine, 4.4L with 60K miles on it and it was a blast to drive. I love this car!! Only 1 problem is it doesn't fit my budget!! Blue book on this baby is $30K!! That can buy 30 carabaos and it only eats grass!! Haha...Hehee!! Just thinking about how my ancestors traveled before.

One of the many things I like about this car it handles very well on the road, it sticks to the road like bubble gum or your hair. But it eats gas like a fat boy in a Las Vegas hotel buffet line. Just eating what's in front of him. Like a black hole. From dead stop to 60MPH it felt like I was getting sucked in the chair. It's pretty fast. It has to be, it has a V8!!

And the interior is really nice. The seats are comfortable, only problem is, it can't scratch your back. If I paid $30K for a car it should!! Right??!!

Overall I give this car a 10. But of course, it's a luxury car!! It is a guarantee you will have heads turning and chicks digging it and your wallet!!

General Motors files!!

American industrial icon has fallen to bankruptcy. GM will permanently close nine more plants and idle three others to trim production and labor costs under protection.

Porsche Anyone?? No Thank You for me!!

If you have the money to replace a $1500 instrument cluster, then you might as well buy 2 of it. Because the digital main menu display does not show clearly, meaning it is missing some letters and such. It was very hard for me to read it.

Today, I test drove a 2005 Porsche-shiiiiit Cayenne!! It had 41000 mile on it.
When I took it for a spin I slammed on the gas pedal, stomped on the brake pedal, swerved hard left and right, this is what I usually do on all the used cars I'm assigned to. I do this to find out if the car will hold up in extreme conditions and to see if any problem will happen then and there.

What I really hate about this car is... What the hell is all those symbols on the knobs on the dash means. I swear every car maker wants to be different. So in order for me to know what's all that stuff is I had to break out the thick ass manual. Obviously, this car has a shit load of stuff. I'm surprised the car doesn't have a built in back scratcher on the seat!! Or a built in massage my feet machine while I'm at a stop light. I think these ideas are good. Don't you think??

Overall, I rate this car from 1-10 a "9". Wait...wait. Let's take away 8 points because of the $1500 instrument cluster defect. So I guess it is a "1". And mind all of you it is not a warranty part!!
The used car manager decided to sell it at auction and not take the chance it will break again. I think he did a good move. But the car drove OK......for now.

Car cranking long from a distance.

I was on my computer surfing the web and then I heard a car trying to start. It was the lot porters with a used Saturn from trade in. They were using it temporarily to just get around this big dealership.

Anyway, the car would not start, they were cranking the shit out of it. I was surprised the starter didn't go out. So I walked over to check the car out. I said does it have fuel? A mexican guy I'll call Cisco said yes, filled it up this morning. I looked at the gauge just to confirm.

Then I said to Cisco to just place his finger on the fuel pump relay in the junction box, next to the engine to feel if there is a click when I crank the motor. He was hesitant and speaking somethiing in spanish not directly to me. I think he said he does'nt want to get shock. A salesman watching understood what he said and instead placed his finger on the relay. The other porters were laughing at him. That was funny since you won't get shocked. So when I cranked it he said it clicked. We determined the relay was good.

I told them to wait a minute and went to get the carburetor cleaner and some tools. I removed the air filter housing and gave a couple sprays through the throttle body. Told Cisco to start it. And it started right up and died 2 seconds later. The problem was the fuel pump not giving enough fuel, I said. Tested all the fuses to see if any fuses are burnt but all were good.

I did'nt get paid for it but a thank you from them felt good.

Got NO START or NO CRANK??

Today, I got an employees car with a no start, no crank when the key is turned in 'ON' position. It's an '01 Saturn, SL2, 1.9, 4 banger. I was going to call a couple of my fellow co-workers to push it in my bay but decided to look at it in the Las Vegas hot sun first. Maybe I can diagnose it quick.

Well, here is what I did. I got my jump box( basically a small battery in a plastic box with cables) and connected it to the car battery and tried to start it. To see if the battery needed extra cranks for the engine to turn. But it didn't, it's obvious already because the wipers and light work just fine. But it didn't hurt to try. So the battery was good. Hint: If your car cranks slow, check the battery by turning your lights and wipers on. If the light looks dim or the wipers works slow. Your battery is dead. Ask someone to jump it.

So I got my test light and tested all the fuses in the car and in the engine bay. All fuses tested OK. Also I switched some relays to see what will happen. Then I went back into the car and played around with the key in the ignition to see if the ignition was a problem. While I was turning the key in the 'ON' position I can here the relays inand out of the car switching on/off. That gave me a hint that the key ignition was working right.

The next thing I did was I got my breaker bar(it's a long heavy rod looking tool) and went back to the car and started look for the starter. AAHHH!!, there you are in the bottom of the intake manifold and close to the firewall. So what I did next is I slid my breaker bar down on top of the starter and gave it one hard hit. It was funny because I was doing this in the employees parking lot. Some of the salesman looking at me as if I was a sweaty gorilla breaking the car.

After that I went back in the car, turned the ignition and it just started right up. To diagnose this took me about 30 minutes. Not bad...at least I did not have to ask some techs to push it in. Drove it in the shop and racked it up. Go the price for a new starter.

Told the service advisor it's the starter that's bad. He said are you sure and said "HELL YES!!" Do you think I don't know what I'm doing?? He smirked.
The employee is going shit in his pants because the starter is going to cost about $300 and labor is not included.
Now I'm just waiting fo approval.

Pulling a code on a '94 Toyota Camry

Got a '94 Camry, 2.2L, 4 cylinder engine with a check engine light on. When you want to find out the problem is it's not like plugging a scanner and reading what the scanner finds out what the DTC(diagnostic trouble code).

This earlier model uses an OBD1(on board diagnostic). I believe cars made from '95-present uses the OBD2.

Well, to find out what the code is you would have to pop up the hood of your car and locate the DLC1(data link connector). It should be gray and to the left, close to the upper strut mount. Next you would have to connect a jumper wire to terminals TE1 and E1 of the Data Link as shown.

Also make sure...

• Battery positive voltage 11 volts or more.
• Throttle valve fully closed.
• Transmission in park or neutral position.
• Air conditioning switched OFF.

Then go and turn the ignition key to the "ON" position and count how many blinks and pauses the check engine light does.

Well there it is...on how to pull a code. It wouldn't do any good if you don't know the meaning to it so I suggest to get a manual or you could ask me to find out.

Just got a new gun!!

Impact gun that is. It' an Ingersoll Rand Impact Gun, Model 2135TiMAX. And it's titanium Baby!! My old Ingersoll has a crack on the casing, I had it for 5 years so I decided to visit Craigslist and BAM!! I got a new one for $150!! Can you believe that??!! Retail on this would cost well over
$300 ?

It delivers 550 Fwd. Torque range and it only ways 4 pounds. Also the nut busting torque on this bad boy is 1,100 ft.-lbs. That means it can loosen a nut that was tightened to 1,100 ft.-lbs.!!

If you are going to buy an 1/2 impact gun. Get an Ingersoll Rand!!

Las Vegas escapes GM Terminator!!

AUTO INDUSTRY WOES: 1,124 GM dealerships to be terminated in U.S.

Southern Nevada's 15 General Motor dealers ended a white-knuckle wait for franchise termination notices Friday. They all escaped the Terminator for now.

Reset that maintenance light "ON"

If you do your own oil changes on your '06 Toyota Corolla you will notice the maintenance light "ON". To reset it and turn the light off you would have to hold down the odometer pin down while you turn your ignition key to the "ON" position and hold that for 5-8 seconds. Do not crank and start the car.
You will see dashes on the odometer disappear. Now the maintenance light has reset till the next oil change.
The '06 Toyota 4Runner is the same procedure but you will not see dashes like the Corolla. You will see the Maint light will flash for 5-8 seconds until it is gone.

Pacifica died while driving

Sometimes I wonder why service advisors get paid for being so vague on the problem of the customer car. They just right up whatever the customer says. It would help if the advisor asks some questions regarding the car when it stopped running while driving. Note: If you tow in your car to the dealership please tell whatever happened in steps how the problem began with your car. This will help the auto tech get a faster diagnosis of the problem.

Well here is what happened to me. Got a '05 Chrysler Pacifica, V6 3.8L towed in with 53k miles. Got the work order printed on it DIED WHILE DRIVING. Yeah...And?? And that was it. I should have asked the advisor for more questions about the car. But I didn't cause he is a nut.

So I went to the car and the keys was still in it so I turned the key and it just fired right up! I was thinking already there is no problem with this car.

I pulled it on my bay and started the procedure I always take when diagnosing a car.

1st step: Check with MotorAlldata.com to see if it has any TSB'S(Technical Service Bulletins) about that specific problem. Found out there was none.

2nd step: Used my scanner to see if there are any saved DTC'S(Diagnostic Trouble Codes). There was none.

3rd step: Tested the battery with the Vat 45. Tested OK.

4th step: Did an alternator test. Passed.

5th step: Checked if any fuses were blown. All were good.

6th step: Checked the gas gauge. It was reading half full. So it got plenty of fuel.

7th step: Checked in the engine bay for any loose, cut, disconnected or burnt wires. All looked good.

8th step. Looked at the fluids. The radiator reservoir was empty. So I filled it up with water. Note: If you are going to fill up the reservoir on the vehicle when the engine is hot you would have to put a rag on the cap and turn slowly or you will get burned. This reservoir holds pressure!!

I started the car and started to fill it with water and heard bubbling in the block. Then water started to splash out the reservoir like a volcano. Water went about 3 feet in the air.
The top radiator hose was hot so I knew the thermostat is working. Note: If the top radiator hose is cold on a motor that has been running for 10-15 minutes then most likely the thermostat is not working properly.

To my conclusion the customer drove the car without enough coolant or no coolant in the radiator. That is why the engine just shut off because it was too hot. And because of this the car
has either a blown head or head gasket. A major problem!! Well it wasn't my problem. The car was sent to Chrysler for futher diagnosis. I think the advisor said it has a warranty but not for sure.

Note: Always check your fluids under the hood at a minimum of 2-3 times a month.

Alignment on a Corolla

This afternoon I did an alignment on a '06 Toyota Corolla. First, I checked tire pressure before I drove it on the alignment rack. Then I placed the sensors on every wheel. Noticed on the computer the rear needs to be aligned first, after that the front. Note: Always align the rear first.

I found out the computer(shows illustrations) the rear toe can only be adjusted with aftermarket shims and there is no adjustments for camber. The rear toe was only a degree off. If it was way off then that is when you need shims. So I just aligned the front toe. It took only a couple minutes.

Then I test drove it. The car was driving straight. Great!! Got paid for 1.7 hours and it took less than 30 minutes. I love this job!!

Four Chrysler dealerships to close in the valley

Chrysler said in its filing that dealers are not competitive enough with foreign brands. Chrysler sold an average of 303 vehicles per dealer in 2008, according to its filing. By contrast, Honda Motor Co. sold about 1,200 vehicles per dealer, while Toyota Motor Corp. sold nearly 1,300 per dealer.

Local dealerships included in the proposed closures are United Dodge, United Chrysler Jeep, Marsh Chrysler Jeep and Integrity Chrysler Jeep Dodge.

The closures will leave Towbin Dodge and Chapman Chrysler as the only Chrysler dealerships in Southern Nevada.

Hello from Viva Las Vegas!!

Hello WORLD!! And Welcome to Las Vegas Auto Report . First of all a little of myself, I'm a Used Car Tech with ASE certifications and I work in a dealership here in Las Vegas for 4 years. I graduated from Universal Tech Inst.( UTI) in Phoenix, AZ on '05 with a Associates Degree in Automotive.

Well, this Blog is for people who needs to save money mainly on their car and whatever is going on in Las Vegas regarding cars and whatever I'm thinking in my head.

You'll get tips on fixing different car makes, about car parts, maintenance, buying a used car, simple how to do stuff on your own car,my on the job experiences on working on used/new cars, my opinions on new and used cars that I test drive, deals on new and used cars, problems you my experience on a car, safety tips, upcoming car shows and etc.

I hope this Blog will be useful. Have a great day!! Vegas Baby...Vegas!!