Daimler/Chrysler To Repair 1.5 Million Vehicles
The federal government has reached a lawsuit settlement with
Daimler/Chrysler to repair defective emission controls on nearly 1.5
million Jeep and Dodge vehicles manufactured from model years 1996
through 2001.
The settlement, announced jointly in December by the U.S. Justice
Department and the EPA, also settles allegations that Daimler/Chrysler
violated the Clean Air Act by failing to properly disclose defective
catalytic converters on the affected vehicles. The company has agreed
to:
Extend warranty on the catalytic converters on approximately 700,000 vehicles.
Notify owners of an additional 300,000 vehicles still under warranty
that potential converter problems exist and that repairs will be
covered.
Recall approximately 500,000 vehicles to fix a separate defect in their On Board Diagnostic, (OBD), systems.
Check the converters on all recalled vehicles.
Implement enhanced emission related defect reporting procedures.
The total estimated cost for the company to implement the settlement is
9 million dollars. In addition, the company will pay penalties of 1
million and will spend at least 3 million implementing a supplemental
environmental project to reduce emissions from diesel engines currently
in use, making this the largest settlement ever of an emissions-related
defect reporting case.
As part of a parallel administrative settlement with the California Air
Resources Board, (CARB), the company will pay 1 million to California
and will assume the costs of repairing California-certified vehicles
with converter defects.
The lawsuit against the company stemmed from a joint EPA-CARB
investigation of Jeep Cherokees, Grand Cherokees, Wranglers, Dakota
Trucks and Ram models manufactured between model years 1996 through
2001.
According to the EPA and the Justice Department, the investigation
disclosed that a significant percentage of vehicles experience
excessive deterioration or failure of catalytic converters and that OBD
systems on certain 1996-1998 models may not function properly.
Gas Saving Takes on New Urgency
While it is always a good idea to conserve gasoline, recent price
increases have provided motorists with an immediate incentive.
Here’s advice from the pros at the non-profit National Institute for
Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). The big picture means keeping your
vehicle properly maintained and changing driving habits, so as to
maximize mileage, according to ASE officials. And here’s a checklist to
help you accomplish just that from the group that tests and certifies
automotive technicians:
* Monitor your tires. Under inflated tires or poorly
aligned wheels waste fuel by forcing the engine to work harder. Let the
tires cool down before checking the air pressure. Out-of-line
wheels, as evidenced by uneven tread wear, should be aligned by a
professional.
* Consolidate your daily trips and errands. Some trips may
be unnecessary. Also, try to travel when traffic is light, so you can
void stop-and-go conditions.
* Avoid excessive engine idling. Shut off your vehicle while waiting for friends and family.
* Observe speed limits. Speeding decreases your miles per gallon.
* Drive gently. Sudden accelerations guzzle gas.
Anticipate traffic patterns ahead and adjust your speed gradually. Use
cruise control. (You’ll help your brakes and suspension system last
longer, too.)
* Remove excess weight. Remove unnecessary items from the
vehicle. Store only essentials in the trunk. Less weight means
better mileage.
* Use windows and air conditioning wisely. If possible,
avoid using your air conditioner in heavy stop-and-go traffic such as
traffic, jams or holiday weekend back-ups.
* Keep your engine operating at its peak efficiency.
A well-maintained engine will help you maximize the gas mileage for
your specific make and model. A misfiring spark plug can greatly reduce
gas mileage. Follow the service schedules listed in your owner’s
manual.
* Replace filters and fluids as recommended; have engine
performance problems (rough idling, poor acceleration, etc.) corrected
at a repair facility. Given today’s high-tech engines, it’s wise to
have this type of work done by auto technicians who are ASE certified
in engine performance.
Summer Driving Tips
With
continued uncertainty overseas, the old-fashioned auto vacation is
bound to be very popular once again this summer. Nowadays SUV'S
and big pick-ups have replaced the wood-paneled station wagon, but some
things remain the same. Good advance planning can make your trip
smoother and more enjoyable. Such preparations must include your
vehicle.
* Read the
owner’s manual and follow the recommended service schedules.
* Flush
and refill the cooling system (radiator) according to the service
manual’s recommendations. The level, condition, and concentration
of the coolant should be checked periodically. Let the engine cool down
before removing the radiator cap.
* Have
drivability problems--hard starts, rough idling, stalling--corrected.
* If you
are not a do-it-yourselfer, look for repair facilities that employ ASE
certified automotive technicians.
* The
tightness and condition of belts, clamps, and hoses should be checked
by a qualified auto technician.
* Have a
marginally operating air conditioner system serviced by a qualified
technician.
* Change
the oil and oil filter as specified in owner’s manual. (Properly
dispose of used oil.)
* Replace other filters (air, fuel, PCV, etc.) as recommended.
* Check
the condition of tires, including the spare. Let tires “cool down”
before checking air pressure.
* Inspect all lights and bulbs; replace burned out bulbs.
* Replace
worn wiper blades and keep plenty of washer solvent on hand to fight
summer’s dust and insects.
Did You Know?
The Ford Mustang was first introduced at the New York World’s Fair on
April 17, 1964. It tallied over 22,000 sales on its first day and one
million sales in its first two years.
In 1965, the Chevrolet Impala sold more than one million units in North
America setting a record that has still never been broken.
The very first self-powered vehicle was a military tractor invented by French engineer and mechanic in 1769.
Ransome Eli Olds was the first person to mass-produce cars to be sold
in the USA. He introduced the assembly line concept and a factory was
set up in Detroit to make several prototypes.
Sam Giammalvo's Again Recognized In 2006 As An ASE Blue Seal of Excellence Facility
May 12, 2006 -- Sam
Giammalvo's Auto Sales & Service Inc. has been recognized as an ASE
Blue Seal of Excellence Facility by the National Institute of
Automotive Service Excellence, (ASE), a non-profit organization
dedicated to improving vehicle repair service by means of a voluntary
technician testing and certification program.
To be eligible for the program, a facility must have 75 percent of its
repair technicians ASE certified. In addition, there must be a
certified technician in each area of service offered by the facility.
ASE Blue Seal of Excellence Facilities can be identified by the custom
wall plaque and special door emblems indicating this status. Facilities
must renew each year and verify their technicians' certifications to
remain in the program.
2006 Fuel Economy Guides Available
The U.S. Department of
Energy, (DOE), and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, (EPA),
have just released the fuel economy guide for 2006 model year vehicles.
These guides can be instrumental in answering your fuel economy
questions and concerns when deciding to purchase another vehicle. These
guides also include side-by-side comparisons, emission information, as
well as safety ratings. We have free copies of the guides in the
waiting room. In addition, you can download copies of the guides at;
www.fueleconomy.gov
In Passing.
(Obituaries Courtesy The Standard Times)
Note: Due to recent requests, we will be adding family survivors to our customer’s obituaries as space allows.
Ernest T. "Cadge" Cadieux,
age 75, of North Dartmouth, died Saturday, April 15, 2006 at his
residence. He was the husband of Mary (King) Cadieux to whom he had
been married for 23 years and former husband of the late Germaine
Houde. Born in New Bedford, a son of the late Arthur and Yvonne (Henry)
Cadieux, he spent his youth in New Bedford and has resided in Dartmouth
for the past 44 years. Mr. Cadieux was employed at Teledyne Rodney
Metals in New Bedford for 37 years until his retirement. For 18 1/2
years, he was an on-call Firefighter for the Dartmouth Fire Department
District 3 and retired as Lieutenant. For many years, he worked
part-time in the Dartmouth School system as a custodian. He also served
in the Naval Reserve on a destroyer. He was an active member of the
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge 73 and held the office of
Trustee, the Improved Order of Redman Cromesett Tribe 156 in Wareham,
the American Legion Post 220 in Wareham, a former member of the Knights
of Columbus in Westport and a communicant of St. George Church in
Westport. He was very active in youth soccer and basketball programs
through the Elks club throughout Massachusetts. He was an avid New
England sports fan and loved working in his yard. Surviving in addition
to his wife: 3 Sons, Thomas Cadieux and his wife Marilyn of Dartmouth,
James Cadieux and his wife Lisa of Westport and Michael Cadieux and his
wife Gorete of Dartmouth; 3 Daughters, Susan Cadieux of New Bedford,
Lynne Ciano and her companion Dana Solomon of Dartmouth and Margaret
Salzman and her husband Richard of Tacoma Park, MD; 3 Step-sons, Arthur
Mello and his wife Laurie of New Hampshire, Alfred Mello and his wife
Donna of Rochester and William Mello of Dartmouth; 3 Step-daughters,
Mary Morency of Dartmouth, Jayne Varao and her husband James of
Dartmouth and Christine Windsheimer and her husband Michael of Georgia;
1 Brother, Arthur Cadieux and his wife Paula of Dartmouth; 1 Sister,
Theresa Blake and her husband William of North Carolina; 27
Grandchildren; 2 Great-grandchildren; Several cousins, nieces and
nephews; and 2 Loyal companions: His dogs Shultz and Sonja.
John J. Durkin,
78, of Marion died unexpectedly Friday, March 31, 2006 at Tobey
Hospital. He was the husband of Adelaide T. (Sweeney) Durkin, with whom
he shared 52 years of marriage. Born in New York City, he was raised in
Boston and lived in Quincy for 40 years before moving to Marion 10
years ago. Mr. Durkin was a communicant of St. Rita's Church in Marion.
He was employed by Boston Edison for 40 years until his retirement. Mr.
Durkin served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II and was a
member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Quincy. He enjoyed spending
time with his children and grandchildren. Survivors include his widow;
two sons, Michael Durkin of Exeter, N.H., and Vincent Durkin of
Lafayette, Ind.; four daughters, Ann Wiener of Concord, N.H., Adelaide
Granfield of Virginia Beach, Va., Margaret Gallagher of Little Compton,
R.I., and Kathleen Stead of Richmond, Va.; 21 grandchildren; and two
great-grandchildren.
Clarence Donald Edwards,
80, of Pine Hill Road died at home Tuesday, March 7, 2006, after a
brief illness. He was the husband of Ruth A. (Woodland) Edwards; they
were married 58 years. Born in Fall River, he was the son of the late
Clarence A. and Lillian I. (Lewis) Edwards. He lived in Westport 54
years. A graduate of the New Bedford Textile Institute, he served in
the Army/Air Corps during World War II. He was a member of Calvary
Bible Church, where he was a deacon. Mr. Edwards owned and operated
Pine Crest Christmas Tree Farm in Westport, and previously owned and
operated Pine Crest Mink Farm in Westport. He also worked at United
Merchants Manufacturing Co. in Fall River. Survivors include his widow;
a son, Paul D. Edwards, and his wife, Emily, of Westport; two
daughters, Linda R. Shaffer and her husband, Jed, of Kennesaw, Ga., and
Sara J. Randall and her husband, Robert, of Westport; eight
grandchildren; and several nephews.
Edward A. Cormier,
Sr., 82, died Tuesday, April 11, 2006, at Sacred Heart Home after a
long illness. He was the widower of Elaine (Magnant) Cormier and son of
the late Arthur and Lucy (McDermott) Cormier. He was born in New
Bedford and was a lifelong resident. He was a communicant of Holy Name
of The Sacred Heart of Jesus Church. He was a graduate of Holy Family
High School and Providence College. He earned his master's degree in
education from Boston University. By nature a raconteur, Mr. Cormier
was by profession a teacher and a Certified Public Accountant. His
teaching career spanned more than 30 years, commencing at New Bedford
High School and concluding with his retirement from UMass Dartmouth,
where he was professor of Accounting and Taxation. He was honored as
Professor of the Year during his tenure at UMass and a Student
Achievement Award in his honor is given yearly to the top graduating
senior. During his residency at Sacred Heart Home, the family
acknowledges the warm and loving care given to their father and the
many kindnesses extended to them. He was a World War II Army veteran,
serving as a medic and attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. He engaged
the enemy in Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland and Central
Europe. His many decorations include the European African Middle
Eastern Theater Ribbon with 5 bronze stars, the Good Conduct Medal, 3
Overseas Bars, Combat Infantry Badge and Marksman Badge. Survivors
include his Daughters: Elizabeth Cormier and her husband Joseph Murphy
of Drexel Hill, PA; Susan Cormier and her husband Francis Drumm of
Virginia Beach, VA; 2 Sons: Edward "Ted" Cormier, Jr. and his wife
Ludovina "Vina" of New Bedford & Michael Cormier and his wife Ann
Marie of Raleigh, NC; 8 Grandchildren: Paula, Eamon, Braeden, Ellis,
Jonathan, Andrew, Christine & Jeannine; A Dear Sister: Gertrude
LeBoeuf of New Bedford; numerous nieces and nephews.
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