Mazda spiders return, 42k Mazda6 sedans recalled for webby fuel tanks

Sat, 05 Apr 2014

It seems that Yellow Sac spiders really, really love Mazda. Three years after Mazda recalled 52,000 Mazda6 sedans over spider webs obstructing the evaporative canister vent lines of 2009 and 2010 Mazda6 models, another recall has been issued for 42,000 more of the models built between 2010 and 2012 and equipped with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine.

According to the automaker, there have been nine confirmed sightings of spiders in vent lines since the original recall. It seems that covers were applied at the factory to keep the arachnids from entering, but it hasn't quite exterminated the problem. A reflash of the ECU is required that "[changes] the logic behind how the car purges the charcoal canister during normal operation," says Jeremy Barnes, Director, Public Relations & Brand Experience at Mazda North American Operations.

So far, Mazda has not recorded any fires, accidents or injuries due to this tangled mess of webs. Recall notices will be mailed out to owners later this month. Scroll down below for the statement from Mazda, along with the official recall notice from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

"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.

By Jeremy Korzeniewski