Mazda6 recalled over spiders clogging the vent lines
Mazda recalled 52,000 models of the Mazda6 a few years ago, over issues with spiders clogging the vent line and here we are in 2014, and Mazda has recalled the Mazda6 again. This time over well, spiders clogging the vent lines!
That's true. Mazda has again recalled 42,000 units of the aforementioned model manufactured between September 14, 2009 to May 2, 2011 and fitted with a 2500cc engine. The problem is caused again by the Yellow Sac spider, which somehow gets attracted to this car- the company says that this specific spider is attracted to hydrocarbons, and may weave a web in the evaporative canister vent hose thus blocking it and giving rise to negative pressure in the fuel tank. This blockage may lead to cracks in the fuel tank resulting in fuel leakage and a subsequent fire threat to the occupants.
Mazda will notify the owners and the dealers will rectify the problem by re-flashing the powertrain control module and cleaning the canister vent line. If a web is found in the system, then the check valve on the canister vent line and the fuel tank will be replaced free of charge. The recall is expected to begin sometime this month.
Spiders may Block Fuel Tank Vent Line
| "This is a follow-on to a recall we had a few years ago that you probably remember, where a certain type of spider the Yellow Sac spider, to be specific is attracted to hydrocarbons and built a web in a vent line. We installed a cover on the line that stopped the spider entering it, and did a reprogram of the ECU to change the logic behind how the car purges the charcoal canister during normal operation. Subsequent to the recall, we made a running change to install the cover on all cars at the factory, but did not apply the ECU logic change. We are now applying that logic change through a reflash of the ECU. It will cover cars in the US too, with notices going out to customers later this month. While, in extreme cases, the purging of the canister may cause the tank to become damaged if the line is blocked, there have been no fires, accidents or injuries tied to this situation." RECALL Subject : Spiders may Block Fuel Tank Vent Line Report Receipt Date: MAR 11, 2014 NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V114000 Component(s): Potential Number of Units Affected: 42,000 Manufacturer: Mazda North American Operations SUMMARY: Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Mazda6 vehicles manufactured September 14, 2009, through May 2, 2011, and equipped with 2.5L engine. In the affected vehicles, spiders may weave a web in the evaporative canister vent hose, blocking it and causing the fuel tank to have an excessive amount of negative pressure. CONSEQUENCE: Negative pressure could cause the fuel tank to crack resulting in a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire. REMEDY: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module and inspect and clean the canister vent line. If a web was found in the line, the fuel tank and check valve on canister vent line will be replaced. These repairs will be done free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in April 2014. Owners may contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's recall number associated with this campaign is 7214C. NOTES: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov. | |
