subject: Car Recalls Continue: Volkswagen Recalls 71,000 Jettas as Connected Wiring May Cause Engine Stalling [print this page] Car Recalls Continue: Volkswagen Recalls 71,000 Jettas as Connected Wiring May Cause Engine Stalling
DETROIT, M.I. Car recalls could be causing an increase in traffic for Volkswagen dealers as VW issues a voluntarily recall for 71,043 Volkswagen Jettas, model year 2011. VW wants to ensure customers are aware of the possible defects; in May VW will begin sending out letters and announcements to owners and dealerships.
Timeline
In December 2010, a report was created about a defect that was occurring with a vehicle that was having irregular engine stalling. As the weeks continued, other vehicles were documented as having the same problem.
In February into March, Volkswagen continued with its analysis of the wiring and fuse layout of the vehicles that had the defect; the converter box, horn and anti-theft alarm system connections seemed to be the main cause.
By the middle of March, the wiring layout was changed as separate fuses were being used for the three systems that were having an issue being wired together.
On March 18, Volkswagen officially determined and accepted there was a defect and issued a voluntary car recalls campaign.
Possible Defect
The electrical wiring and the fuse layout were designed with the converter box being connected to the same fuse that is used by the signal horn and the anti-theft alarm system. If the fuse overloads or is blown, the power supply will shut off and parts of the engine management system, lighting system and wipers could turn off unexpectedly or the engine could stall. Both of these consequences could lead the driver into a crash.
Repair
When enough repair kits become available to the dealerships, the technicians will separate the wiring for the converter box, horn and anti-theft alarm system connections and re-route them to the updated layout. If owners have any questions, they can contact Volkswagen at 800-822-8987 or they may also contact the National highway Traffic Safety Administration's Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 for this or other car recalls. If owners have any other concerns they can contact the NHTSA Hotline as well.
MI Auto Times covers all Michigan automotive news all the time, featuring newly released vehicle recall information, relevant Michigan automaker news, vehicle ratings and comparisons, and everything else auto-related Michigan and world readers need to know.
