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NHTSA investigating 630k Jeep Wranglers for possible airbag fault

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is opening a preliminary evaluation into a possible wiring problem on some 2007-2012 Jeep Wrangler models that could affect airbag deployment. The government agency has 221 complaints alleging that the airbag warning light is illuminating, and that could indicate that the safety devices might not deploy in a crash. If a recall is necessary, an estimated 630,000 vehicles could be affected. According to the documents from NHTSA (as a PDF here), a "faulty clockspring assembly in the driver side airbag electrical circuit" could be the culprit. Also, some of the affected Wranglers are showing a fault code that indicates the safety device wouldn't deploy in an accident. However at this time, there are no reports of injuries related to this potential problem. NHTSA's preliminary evaluations are simply meant to investigate and don't necessarily lead to a recall. This isn't the first time for a potential problem like this on the Wrangler, though. A clockspring issue already led to a safety campaign for 2008-2012 right-hand drive Wranglers and an extended warranty for 2007 left-hand drive examples. Related Video: INVESTIGATION Subject : Air Bag Clockspring Wiring Failure Date Investigation Opened: JUN 19, 2015 Date Investigation Closed: Open NHTSA Action Number: PE15025 Component(s): AIR BAGS All Products Associated with this Investigation Vehicle Make Model Model Year(s) JEEP WRANGLER 2007-2012 JEEP WRANGLER 2-DR 4X4 2007-2009 JEEP WRANGLER 4-DR 4X2 2007-2009 JEEP WRANGLER 4-DR 4X4 2007-2009 JEEP WRANGLER SAHARA 2007 Details Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) SUMMARY: The subject vehicles display an airbag warning light that may indicate a failure of the clockspring wiring in the driver side air bag circuit. Several complaints cite the following diagnostic trouble code (DTC): Code B1B02 Open Squib to driver's air bag. This DTC would indicate a no-fire condition (disablement) for the driver air bag. ODI investigated the RHD (right hand drive) Wrangler for a clockspring issue under PE11-019 which led to NHTSA Recall 11V258 on model year (MY) 2008-2012 RHD Wranglers as well as an extended warranty campaign on MY 2007 LHD Wrangler vehicles. This investigation covers the MY07-12 LHD (left hand drive) Wranglers.

2016 Jeep Wrangler Backcountry is Xtremely Purple

Assuming you're headed into so-called backcountry to do fun, outdoorsy kinds of things, chances are, you wouldn't want to use a bright purple vehicle with hot pink graphics as your means to get off the beaten path. Particularly if you're doing those outdoor activities in a winter wonderland, surrounded by nature's own cold, white blanket. Fortunately, then, Jeep is offering its new Wrangler Backcountry in four colors that aren't called Xtreme Purple: blue, black, white, and gray. No matter which hue you choose, though, you'll get the graphics package, so best to bear that in mind. Besides its searing shade of paint, the Wrangler Backcountry is based on the Sahara model and comes equipped as you'd expect for a real, useful, backwoods vehicle. An off-road-spec front bumper joins a matching powdercoated rear bumper, and its 17-inch wheels are borrowed from the hardcore Rubicon model. Buyers will have a choice of Rubicon Rock Rails or Sahara side steps to ease ingress and egress, and a hardtop in either black or, for an added price, a body-color. But hopefully not purple. The interior is updated for the Wrangler Backcountry with black and grey plastics and stitching, along with black leather and "sport mesh" seating surfaces. A nine-speaker Alpine sound system pumps up the jams, and Bluetooth comes standard. You can read more about the Jeep Wrangler Backcountry in the press release below, but first, check out our high-res image gallery of live photos from the show floor in LA. Oh, and if you do really like Xtreme Purple, you should know that the Wrangler Backcountry is the only Jeep you can get in this particular retina-assaulting hue. 2016 Jeep Wrangler Backcountry The Jeep Wrangler Backcountry boasts a winter capability theme and is based on the Wrangler Sahara model. It features a Backcountry decal on the front fender and rear quarter panel, a unique off-road front and rear powder coated bumper, 17-inch Rubicon wheels painted in Mid-gloss Black and a black fuel fill door. Wrangler Rubicon rock rails are standard on the Wrangler Backcountry, but Sahara side steps are also available at no additional charge. A black hard top is standard, but an optional body color hard top is also available. Wrangler Backcountry is available in five colors: Hydro Blue, Black, Bright White, Granite Crystal and Xtreme Purple. Backcountry is the only model in Wrangler's lineup available in Xtreme Purple.

FCA plants skipping summer shutdown to keep up with demand

Hopefully, some FCA US factory employees don't have big plans for the usual summer shutdown, because the automaker is keeping several plants running this year. Demand is so high that the company wants to keep models rolling off the assembly lines. Four FCA US assembly plants, all the engine factories, and some locations that build transmissions are staying open throughout the summer, according to the Detroit Free Press. Usually, these sites would see a two-week shutdown for the company to retool and perform repairs. This year, factories are staying open for FCA to support its strong sales. The lines that remaining humming through the summer show an inclination toward the automaker's popular SUV's and crossovers. They include the Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Michigan that builds the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango; Saltillo Van Assembly in Mexico that constructs the Ram ProMaster; Toledo Assembly Complex in Ohio that produces the Cherokee and Wrangler; and Toluca Assembly in Mexico that makes the Dodge Journey and Fiat 500. Related Video: News Source: The Detroit Free PressImage Credit: Bill Pugliano / Getty Images Plants/Manufacturing Dodge Fiat Jeep RAM FCA dodge journey fca us ram promaster Jefferson North Assembly Plant