All Cars, All the Time

MOTOR Newsbits

Flipping through my November issue of Motor Magazine, a mag for repair shop owners, I discovered a few technical tidbits that I thought were kind of interesting:

On the Ford Fusion (and it's siblings) the a/c condenser is also a power steering oil cooler. The five and six speed transmissions use different ATF fluid primarily because the five speed has a torque converter that engages in 3rd, 4th, or 5th while the six speed's torque converter may engage at any time. The trunk features a full pass through to the passenger compartment (rather than a smaller opening) because of a sophisticated bracing system that includes a structural package tray.

On the Dodge Caliber the 2.4L four cylinder that is shared with Hyundai and Mitsubishi will not have a mass airflow sensor. Instead the Caliber will use speed density calibration--a tricky proposition when it comes to meeting emissions standards. The benefit is that there is one less component/subsystem to install and repair.

The Corvette Z06's engine is a dry sump type so there is no traditional oil dipstick. There is a remote oil tank at the passenger's side rear of the engine compartment. You should never check the oil level cold! Oil could have seeped back into the engine, so warm the engine up and then wait five minutes.

The primary difference between the Cadillac DTS V8 and the optional V8 in the Buick Lucerne is the electronic throttle strategy. The Lucerne is oriented towards a sportier feel (imagine that, a Buick being sportier than a stablemate) and the DTS is more smooth and sedate. There is no powertrain control module for the engine and transmission, but rather an engine control module and a transmission control module.

Also mentioned was a new campaign to recycle lead wheel weights. Service facilities collect over 248,000 pounds of recyclable lead per day! Yowzers! Makes that lead paint I swallowed as a kid seem insignificant!

Well, just a few items that I thought I'd pass your way!