Ford, Mazda recall Escapes, Tributes for electrical problem

Ford and Mazda are recalling nearly 45,000 Escapes and Tributes to fix an electrical problem that can lead to a fire or failure of the antilock braking systems on the compact sport-utilities.

A recent investigation determined that a defect in an electrical wiring connector used in the jointly manufactured, 2001-2004 SUVs can allow moisture to get in and corrode the terminals.

The result, says Transport Canada, could be smoking, melting or burning of the parts or, in extreme cases, fire and brake failure. Dealers will inspect and, if required, repair the wiring connector.

- Suzuki agrees it has a problem with the fuel lines on its 2006-2007 VZR1800 Boulevard motorcycle and is urging owners to bring the bikes to their dealers for repair. Fuel lines on the bikes may have been clamped incorrectly, allowing gasoline to escape. That could lead to a fire. Dealers will replace the affected parts.

- Yamaha has announced a recall of several of its motorcycle models because of a recently discovered throttle problem. On motorcycles equipped with windshields, throttle cables can kink at the guide bracket at the steering head when the handlebar is turned all the way to the left. Transport Canada says this could cause problems with control and lead to a crash. Dealers will replace the guide bracket with an updated version on Midnight and- versions of the 2006 Roadliner and Stratoliner.

- The 2002 Kia sportage is being recalled to allow mechanics to replace a faulty cooling fan. Transport Canada says heat generated by the engine causes fan components to crack and deform.

- Volvo has also agreed to a recall because four of its vehicles were made with cooling fan parts that were adequately protected against corrosion. The fear is that water can get into the fan control unit and cause it to rust and short, which could mean a fire. Models involved are the 2007 S60, V70, V70XC and XC90.

- Now is a good time for owners of several Polaris snowmobile models to get their machines into a dealer to have the shock towers replaced. The upper front shock tower brackets may not have achieved sufficient weld penetration during manufacturing, says Transport Canada. This could cause the parts to fail and leave the driver with little or no control.

Source: [url=http://autos.canada.com/news/story.html?id=7bdbf96d-a701-4f99-9cd1-a2eeba69a647]Driving.ca[/url]