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Recall Information

November 2009 Recalls

Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2007 through 2008 Jeep Wrangler vehicles manufactured from June 2006 through July 2008 that are equipped with automatic transmissions. These vehicles were not equipped with a transmission fluid temperature warning system. Fluid could boil over and may come into contact with a hot engine or exhaust component and cause a fire. Dealers will inspect and install a "HOTOIL" message in the instrument cluster and a chime indicating an elevated transmission fluid condition. The recall is expected to begin during December 2009. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-835-1403.

Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2007 Dodge Nitro passenger vehicles. The windshield wiper system may experience a condition over time where high usage of the variable pause wiper function ("delay" mode) may eventually affect primary wiper function, rendering the wiper system inoperable. Inoperative wipers under inclement weather conditions could cause impaired visibility increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will inspect and add external relays and update the totally integrated power module software to control the wiper functions. The safety recall is expected to begin during December 2009. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-835-1403. Chrysler's campaign number is J28.

Chrysler is recalling certain Model Year 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee passenger vehicles manufactured from October 22 through November 12, 2009. The passenger side airbag may not properly deploy through the instrument panel tear seam. The airbag may not properly protect the passenger in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Dealers will replace the top cover of the instrument panel free of charge. The campaign is expected to begin in December 2009. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800- 853-1403. Chrysler's campaign number is J33.

Country Coach is recalling certain model year 2007 and 2008 motorhomes manufactured between April 2006 and March 2008 that are equipped with Caterpillar C15 engines. The variable valve actuation (VVA) oil line may wear against the p-clips retaining the oil line, causing an oil leak. An oil leak could result in a fire. Country Coach is working with caterpillar to repair the engines. The free repair will be performed by Caterpillar. Please see Caterpillar's safety recall campaign 09E-020. The safety recall began on October 23, 2009. Owners may contact Caterpillar at 1-800-447-4986 or Country Coach at 1-541-998-3720.

Dutchmen is recalling certain travel trailers for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. Part 567, "Certification." These vehicles were manufactured with the incorrect axle information printed on the federal certification label. Towing a vehicle with the axle loaded beyond the specified weight rating may result in axle failure leading to poor vehicle handling and increasing the risk of a crash. Dutchmen will mail the corrected tag to consumers or the customer will have the option for dealers to install the label for them free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during December 2009. Owners may contact Dutchmen at 1-866-869-1109.

Dutchmen is recalling certain travel trailers which were manufactured with incorrect axles. These vehicles were built with axles rated at 4,400 lbs. The vehicles should have been built with axles rated at 5,080 lbs. Towing a vehicle with the axle loaded beyond the specified weight rating may result in axle failure leading to poor vehicle handling and increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will replace the axles on each vehicle with ones rated at 5,080 lbs free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during December 2009. Owners may contact Dutchmen warranty service department at 1-866-869-1109.

Ferrari is recalling certain model year 1995 through 1999 Ferrari 355 and 355 F1 vehicles. Independent automobile repair facilities may have improperly installed certain screw clamps that are located in close proximity to the fuel lines and that fasten the water sleeve to the thermostat connection. The improper installation of these screw clamps may damage the fuel supply pipes. Fluid could leak into the engine compartment, causing smoke and, in some circumstances, a fire, rendering the vehicle inoperable and possibly resulting in a crash. Dealers will install a new fuel divider block, which will serve to provide a greater distance between these screw clamps and the fuel lines. This will eliminate the possibility of any damage to the fuel supply pipes that might cause fluid leakage. This service will be performed free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during December 2009. Owners may contact Ferrari at 201-816-2600.

Jaguar is recalling certain model year 2010 vehicles. The fuel transfer pipe in the fuel tank may be kinked. This may restrict fuel being transferred from one side of the fuel tank to the fuel pump causing fuel starvation at low fuel levels. Fuel starvation to the engine can cause the engine to stall without warning and could potentially cause a crash. Dealers will have the fuel tank assembly repaired free of charge. The safety recall began on November 30, 2009. Owners may contact Jaguar at 1-800-452-4827.

Mercedes-Benz is recalling model year 2009 550 G-Class vehicles. The fuel line quick connectors located under the vehicle away from the engine compartment may not have been connected properly on the assembly line and completely seated in the connection. In case of a frontal crash, the fuel pump would no longer function but a partial dislocation of the line could lead to a potential for fuel loss from the line at the quick connector. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire. Dealers will check the connection of the fuel line quick connectors and install a new clamp to assure the quick connectors secure connection. The remedy will be performed free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during January 2010. Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.

Mitsubishi is recalling model year 2008-2009 Lancer and Lancer Evolution vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and District of Columbia. In areas where heavy road salt is used in the winter, a long term exposure to a mixture of melted snow with salt thrown up by the other vehicles on the road may cause a water-salt mixture to adhere to the front impact sensors. This coating over time may cause corrosion of the sensor. In the event of a vehicle crash of the type that would deploy the airbags this type of short-circuit may cause a delay in the deployment of the airbags, which could result in driver or passenger injury. Dealers will install new front airbag sensors that have improved corrosion resistance. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on November 27, 2009. Owners may contact Mitsubishi Customer Relations Department at 1-888-648-7820.

Nissan is recalling certain model year 2009 passenger vehicles equipped with Bosch master cylinders. Brake fluid may leak from the master cylinder. If the amount of brake fluid in the master cylinder reservoir decreases to below the minimum level, the brake system warning indicator will illuminate as designed and the brakes will not function properly. If the warning lamp is continuously ignored, one of the brake circuits on the vehicle may fail, increasing stopping distances and increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will inspect and replace the master cylinder brake booster assembly free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during December 2009. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.

Roadtrek is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 class B Roadtrek RSAD, SSAD, RSAF and SSAF motorhomes built on Chrysler Sprinter van chassis. The brake line comes in close proximity to the battery and battery tray and can rub against them. This situation can damage the coating on the brake line and expose the bare steel. Also, battery acid can drip on the brake line. Either of these defects could result in a brake fluid leak, which could cause partial brake failure. This could result in a crash. Dealers will inspect the brake line for adequate clearance between the line and the battery and battery tray. When required they will move the brake line if not compromised. If compromised they will replace the line and install it with adequate clearance. The remedy will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on November 30, 2009. Owners may contact Roadtrek at 1-888-762-3872.

Spartan is recalling 14 Model Year 2005 and 2006 motorhomes manufactured between November 12, 2004 and March 1, 2006, equipped with Caterpillar C15 engine. The variable valve actuation oil line may rub against the p-clips retaining the oil line, causing an oil leak. An oil leak may result in a fire hazard. Spartan is working with Caterpillar to remedy these vehicles. Please see recall 09E-020. Caterpillar will inspect and repair the necessary components free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about December 11, 2009. Owners may contact Caterpillar toll-free at 1-800-447-4986 or Spartan at 1-800-543-4277 - Option 1. Spartan's campaign number is 09025.

Toyota is recalling model year 2000-2003 Tundra vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the following states: Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. Excessive corrosion of the rear cross member may cause the separation of the spare tire stowed under the truck bed which would present a road hazard that could cause a crash. Also, corrosion of the rear cross member could affect the rear brake lines and the proportioning valve resulting in diminished braking capability. Separation of the spare tire and diminished brake capacity could increase the risk of a crash. Toyota is asking owners of the affected vehicles to remove the spare tire from under the vehicle until a remedy can be obtained. Dealers will inspect the rear cross member and related components, including the brake lines, and replace them if necessary. If the cross member does not need to be replaced, it will be sprayed with a corrosion protection compound. These services will be performed free of charge, however multiple visits to the dealer may be required. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before December 15, 2009. Owner may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

Volvo is recalling model year 2010 XC60 vehicles. The driver's seat side cover panel (seat control panel) in certain driver's side impacts may release the attachment of the seatbelt to the seat frame. Should this condition occur in a crash the seatbelt may fail to properly restrain the occupant increasing the risk of injury. Dealers will modify the inside of the driver's seat side cover panel free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on or before December 15, 2009. Owners may contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552.

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There’s Nothing Mickey Mouse* About the MINI

The MINI Cooper is sporty and it has style. In fact, it’s probably the only compact car that large truck and SUV enthusiasts won’t make fun of. Coincidentally (or perhaps not), MINI also has the lowest gas mileage of the high-mileage compacts. Still, the mileage isn’t bad, and if the MINI’s sporty looks can get an Escalade driver to convert to a compact car, then all the better. MINI is even testing an all-electric version of the Cooper (see “It’s Electric!” below for more details).

Long story short: overall, we like the MINI Cooper.

*Our former editor took an informal The MINI Cooper is sporty and it has style. In fact, it’s probably the only compact car that large truck and SUV enthusiasts won’t make fun of. Coincidentally (or perhaps not), MINI also has the lowest gas mileage of the high-mileage compacts. Still, the mileage isn’t bad, and if the MINI’s sporty looks can get an Escalade driver to convert to a compact car, then all the better. MINI is even testing an all-electric version of the Cooper (see “It’s Electric!” below for more details).

Things People Like About The MINI (May not apply to all model years):

- Great handling
- Very zippy
- Grabs passerby-attention

Things People Don’t Like About The MINI (May not apply to all model years):

- Most users recommend skipping the “Basic” model and getting the “S” model
- Sometimes a rough ride, and some have developed rattles over time
- Music controls are poorly designed

MSRP:

$18,550 - $34,300

Fuel Economy Stats:

Estimated EPA MPG: 28 (city), 37 (hwy), 32 (combined)
Cost to Drive 25 Miles: $2.20
Fuel to Drive 25 Miles: 0.78 gal
Cost of a Fill-up: $33.50
Miles on a Tank: 380 miles
Tank Size: 13.2 gal
Annual Fuel Cost*: $1324
Annual Petroleum Consumption (1 barrel=42 gallons): 10.7 barrels/year

[*Based on 45% highway, 55% city driving, 15000 annual miles and a fuel price of $2.82 per gallon.]

It’s Electric! :

Mini unveiled an all-electric version of its two-door Cooper hatch -- the “MINI E” -- at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show. BMW is using its Mini brand to test the waters with its electric powertrain technology, but the vehicle was also developed in order to meet new California regulations that require carmakers to offer zero emission vehicles.
The Mini factory located in Oxford, England supplies vehicle gliders (cars without powertrains) to a team located in Munich, Germany, which then adds the electric running gear.

9,500 people signed up to lease the MINI E, which will cost about $850/month. In June 2009, Mini started a program to lease 500 2008 Model Year units in the United States. 250 units are leased in the Los Angeles area and 250 in the New York/New Jersey area.

Presumably, if the test goes well, we’ll see more electric MINIs in the future.

Warranty:

Basic: 50,000 miles / 48 months
Powertrain: 50,000 miles / 48 months
Rust: Unlimited miles / 144 months
Tires: Covered by tire manufacturer.
Maintenance: 36,000 miles / 36 months

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Frontal Crash, Side Crash, And Rollover Tests:

NHTSA rates crash-tested vehicles by assigning them one to five stars. A five-star rating indicates the most injury protection, while one star indicates the least protection.

Driver Front: 4 Stars
Passenger Front: 4 Stars
Front Side: 5 Stars
Rear Side: 4 Stars
Rollover: 5 Stars

Recalls:

MINI had two recalls in 2009. The first involved replacing 16-inch diameter front brake discs with 17-inch diameter front brake discs. The second replaced 15-inch wheels with 16-inch wheels. (And who says, “Size doesn’t matter”?) The recalls were limited, only affecting 572 vehicles.

Standard Features:

- Programmable Power Door Locks Operated Via Internal Switch and Remote
- Selective Locking/Unlocking Via Remote Keyless Entry
- Vehicle Anti-Theft Via Engine Immobilizer
- Locking Fuel Filler Door
- Power Liftgate Lock/Unlock
- Radio Anti-Theft
- Corner Brake Control
- Front Power 280-mm X 22-mm Ventilated Disc and Rear Power 259-mm X 10-mm Solid Disc Brakes
- 4-Wheel Anti-Lock Brakes
- Electronic Brake Force Distribution
- Brake Assistance
- Vehicle Stability Control System Operated Via Engine Power Reduction and ABS Traction Control Measures Steering Wheel Angle/Direction, Yaw Rate, Wheel Speed and Lateral Acceleration
- Traction Control
- Hill Start Control
- 55-Amp Hour Battery
- Front Power Outlet Integrated With Cigarette Lighter
- Drive-By-Wire Control For Throttle
- Cargo Area Power Outlet
- Cigarette Lighter With Ashtray
- Audio and Security Prewiring
- 150-Amp Alternator
- Free Scheduled Maintenance For 36 Months or 36,000 Miles
- 1.6-Liter, I4, 16-Valve, DOHC, MPFI Engine; Front Mounted With Horsepower Of 118@6000, Torque Of 114@4250, Alloy Block and Alloy Cylinder Head
- AM/FM Radio With Speed Sensitive Volume and 6 Speakers Total; CD Player
- Auxiliary Audio Input Jack
- Diversity Radio Antenna
- Radio Data System
- Perimeter Lighting Located On Headlights
- Automatic Headlights With Automatic Off
- Halogen Headlights
- Front Air Dam
- Front and Rear Body Color Bumpers
- Chrome Located On Exhaust Pipe
- Chrome Grill
- Manual Air Conditioning
- Interior Air Filter
- Service Interval Indicator
- Tire Pressure Monitor
- Exterior Temperature Gauge
- Trip Computer With Average Speed, Average Fuel Consumption, Miles To Empty, Instantaneous Fuel Consumption and Trip Odometer
- Tachometer
- Steering Wheel Mounted Controls For Audio
- Digital Clock
- Engine Start/Stop Button
- Audible Warnings Include Seatbelt Unfastened
- Illuminated Entry Includes Footwell
- Front Dual Map Lights
- Trunk Light
- Leather Steering Wheel
- Fine White Silver Interior Trim
- Carpet Located In Passenger Cabin and Cargo Area
- Multi-Function Remote Operates Door Lock/Unlock, Illuminated Entry, Fuel Door and Tailgate
- Keyless Entry Operated Via Key Fob
- Remote Tailgate Release Located On Multi-Function Remote
- Front and Rear Crumple Zones
- Driver Airbag With Dual Threshold, Dual Stage Deployment
- Front Seatbelt Height Adjusters
- Emergency Fuel Shut-Off Device
- Front Pretensioners With Force Limiters
- Passenger Airbag With Dual Threshold, Dual Stage Deployment
- Side Head Curtain Airbags
- Crash Sensor Unlocks Doors, Turns On Interior Lights and Turns On Flashers
- Side Guard Door Beams
- Front and Rear 3-Point Seatbelts
- Passenger Airbag Cutoff Sensor Activated By Seatbelt Engagement and Passenger Weight
- Seat Mounted Front Side Airbags
- Automatic Locking Retractors
- Front Dual Bucket Seats With Adjustable Seat Height, Manual Memory and Adjustable Headrests
- Leatherette Seats
- Rear 50/50 Split Folding Bench Seat With Adjustable Headrests
- Easy-Entry Seat
- Power Speed Sensing Rack and Pinion Variable Assisted Steering
- Tilt Steering Column
- Telescopic Steering Column
- 2 Front and 1 Rear Cupholder, 3 Cupholders Total
- Glovebox
- Front Dual Door Mounted Storage
- Temperature Controlled Storage Cools Glovebox
- Front Dual Seatback Storage Pockets
- Cargo Area Cover
- Front Open Lower Console Storage
- Independent Multi-Link Rear Suspension With Springs, Shock Absorbers and Performance Ride Type
- Independent MacPherson Strut Front Suspension With Springs, Shock Absorbers and Performance Ride Type
- Front and Rear Stabilizer Bars
- Getrag(R) 6-Speed Manual Transmission With Overdrive
- SBRP175/65R15 84H All-Season Tires
- Compact Spare Tire
- Alloy Wheels, 15-In. X 5.5-In.
- Underbody Tire Carrier
- Tinted Glass
- Rear Window Defroster
- Front Dual Illuminated Vanity Mirrors
- Vehicle Speed Sensitive Intermittent Windshield Wipers
- Front Dual Sunvisors
- Rear Window Automatic Wiper/Washer
- Dual Body Color Power Adjustable Folding Exterior Rearview Mirrors
- Power Windows With One-Touch Up and One-Touch Down

Technical Specs:

Standard Engine: 1.6L I4
Standard Transmission: 6 Speed Manual
Cylinders: 4
Horsepower @RPM: 118@6000
EPA Class: Mini-Compact
Number of Valves: 16
Fuel Type System: Gas Engine / Multi-Port Fuel Injected
Turbo: No
Overdrive Transmission: Yes
Compression: 11.0:1
Displacement: 1598 / 98
Bore X Stroke: 3.03x3.38
Cruising Range: 422.4 miles
Power to Weight Ratio: 21.8
Valves Configuration: Dual Overhead Cam / Twin Overhead Cam
Cargo Volume: 6 cubic feet
Fuel Capacity: 13.2
Brakes: Disc
Driveline: Front Wheel Drive
Steering: Rack & Pinion
Steering Diameter: 35.1
Suspension: Independent
Tire Type: Passenger
Tire Width: 175 mm
Tire Aspect Ratio: 65
Tire Construction: Radial
Seating: 4
Tow Capacity: 1433
Headroom (Front): 38.8
Headroom (Row 2): 37.6
Hiproom (Front): 38.0
Hiproom (Row 2): 39.0
Legroom (Front): 41.4
Legroom (Row 2): 29.9
Shoulder Room (Front): 50.3
Shoulder Room (Row 2): 44.7
Curb Weight MT: 2568
Curb Weight AT: 2646
Ground Clearance: 4.5
Height: 55.4
Length: 145.6
Track (Front): 57.4
Track (Rear): 57.8
Weight Distribution (Front): 61
Weight Distribution (Rear): 39
Wheelbase: 97.1
Width: 66.3
Doors: 2

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Stay Green While You're Enjoying all that Powdery White

Don't get too excited. As much as BWC President Mitch Rofsky still laments the closing of Studio 54, we're not talking about that powdery white...or that green for that matter. The Ski Area Citizen's Coalition (SACC) can, however, help you make better environmental decisions in planning your next ski trip.

The SACC recognizes that skiers tend to care more about the environment than the general public does and wants to help the skiing public make recreation choices in line with its values. The SACC's Ski Area Environmental Report Card is a non-industry, independent mechanism that gives all outdoor and mountain recreational users a way to assess the environmental performance and policies of their favorite ski areas and resorts. And, just in time for the 2009/2010 ski season, the Report Card has been updated to give not one general score, but to rank ski areas based in four separate categories: habitat protection, protecting watersheds, addressing global climate change, and environmental practices and policies. To see how your favorite site scored, check out the SACC's website.

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Consider the High Road

Be the better person. Think ahead when you're approaching hills. Accelerate before you get to a hill, not while you're on it.

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AWS Truewind

Powerful Solutions for a Cleaner Energy Future

Better World Club is proud to offer its roadside assistance services to AWS Truewind, an international leader in renewable energy consulting for over 25 years. The company’s suite of integrated services and innovative products support the full project lifecycle from resource mapping (windNavigator®, MesoMap®, WindSurvey), energy assessment, and project engineering (SiteWind®, openWind®) to due diligence, performance evaluation, and power production forecasting (eWind®). AWS Truewind’s professional staff possesses in-depth knowledge and experience in all phases of project development, which ensures consistent, integrated solutions for their clients.

Find out more about AWS Truewind at www.awstruewind.com, or explore their windNavigator at navigator.awstruewind.com.

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From The Archives: Hebrews Claim to Set New Record for Energy Efficiency

No Longer Have to Depend on Persians for Eternal Oil?

It's A Miracle!

The Jews of Jerusalem claimed a new record for energy efficiency today as their temple's eternal light burned for eight
days despite having only one day's supply of oil.

Does this mean an answer to the Eternal Oil Crisis?

As the eternal flame is sustained by olive oil, this could be a challenge to OPEC (the Olive Petroleum Exporting Countries).

However, doubts were raised since word of the oil miracle was contained within an epistle stating that the Jews defeated the Greeks in a battle over the Temple of Jerusalem.

A spokesman for pro-roadway lobbying group Alpha Alpha Alpha (AAA) put it this way: "Right! And the guys who teach abacus in town can kick the Spartan's asses! And I'm King Antiochus the Fourth!

"And, what if it is true? We're not going to run our horses on olive oil, are we? Sorry, Pegasus, no more hay, here's some olive oil.

"So, is it really such a big deal? Geez, why don't we make an annual holiday of it for Athena's sake?"

Jewish community leader Judah Maccabee responded, "This miracle is just the first of many. We believe that it is Jehovah's will to replace the horse with the hybrid mule. And, by the way, if you have to take a mule on a long trip, you should offset its methane emissions."

Britannia Petroleum, multinational producer of olive oil and hay, also downplayed the significance of the Jews' achievement. "Zeus wouldn't have put hay in the ground if he didn't want us to use it. Alternatives to hay might be feasible in ten to twenty years, but not now," asserted a BP spokesman.

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