Tuesday, January 31, 2012

VW Phaeton fault codes that show up when the car is fine*


*The Phaeton has been running flawlessly.  Every feature works, with the exception of the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).  The flat tire light is on constantly, despite the fact that all the tires are properly inflated. I've been told by Phaeton owners both before and after my purchase to ignore this common problem.  Even after shelling out $1,300 to repair the problem, there is a high likelihood that the light would erroneously come back on.

Today, I had the Phaeton's oil changed and tires rotated.  The local independent was kind enough to plug in the diagnostic tool and print out for me the readout.  Here are the findings.  Again, I have noticed zero faults with the car, with the exception of the TPMS.

The following systems had no fault codes:

  • Engine
  • Transmission
  • ABS brakes
  • Locking and starting system
  • Seat memory- passenger
  • HVAC
  • Airbags
  • Steering wheel
  • Instruments
  • CAN gateway
  • Left light
  • Level control
  • Seat memory- driver
  • Navigation
  • Right light
  • Central convenience
  • Sound system
  • Wipers
  • Battery charger
  • Telematics
Here are the parts that contained fault codes:
  • Control head: supply voltage terminal, lower limit exceeded intermittently
  • Central electrical: intervention load management
  • Sunroof: signal to sunroof, intermittent motor for wind deflector, sunroof shade motor
  • TPMS: no signal and initialization not successful

I suspect that new batteries will correct some of the faults.  Am also considering paying $75 to have the TPMS warning light turned off.

Hoarding Ford Crown Vics

Am trying to work this into a Hooniverse post.  Telstar Logistics took this picture at CHP's West Sacramento yard last weekend.

Exclusive Automotive Design: Lexus LF-LC Concept


The most complex part about building a car for the future is not engineering. Given adequate resources and commitment, tackling a car’s presentation, superiority and steadfastness issues actually boils down to just a mechanical procedure albeit extensive where the goals are clearly tacit and measured. It is a tough science confront because it can be achieved with scrupulous processes, checked off one by one. If a new car doesn’t meet the criterion, go back and try again. Today, the car engineering expansion process has become so standardized that even the least luxurious models are meeting impressive performance, quality and dependability benchmarks.

Styling is the soft science of trying to understand what connects with the always-evolving taste of the purchaser. And because there are no patent pathways to find the answer, it is a far greater challenge to meet than engineering. No matter how sophisticated the car design process or how contemporary the tools, very few manufacturers can assert to execute styling successfully and consistently.

Exclusive Automotive Design: Lexus LF-LC Concept


The most complex part about building a car for the future is not engineering. Given adequate resources and commitment, tackling a car’s presentation, superiority and steadfastness issues actually boils down to just a mechanical procedure albeit extensive where the goals are clearly tacit and measured. It is a tough science confront because it can be achieved with scrupulous processes, checked off one by one. If a new car doesn’t meet the criterion, go back and try again. Today, the car engineering expansion process has become so standardized that even the least luxurious models are meeting impressive performance, quality and dependability benchmarks.

Styling is the soft science of trying to understand what connects with the always-evolving taste of the purchaser. And because there are no patent pathways to find the answer, it is a far greater challenge to meet than engineering. No matter how sophisticated the car design process or how contemporary the tools, very few manufacturers can assert to execute styling successfully and consistently.

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Monday, January 30, 2012

Romney and his Super PAC bought $16m in negative ads in Florida

That's right.  In barely a week, the Romney pack has bought over 12,000 TV ads in Florida in anticipation of tomorrow's primary.  He is destroying his opponent Newt Gingrich.  But what is the long term effect?  How can Floridians remember anything positive about Romney in November if all they remember is this?


BTW, Newt and his billionaire casino magnate backer have only been able to spend $4m in Florida.

After Florida, we have another 46 state contests to go!

Phaeton versus tree at "highway speeds"

The driver's only injury was a femur fracture.


Van Halen (with David Lee Roth) coming out with new album

It's been 28 years since their last album together.

Sunday, January 29, 2012

Occupy Oakland destroys 1906 scale model of City Hall


That just ain't right.

Occupy Oakland yesterday

The protests, and the City of Oakland's action/inaction, are getting ridiculous.  Mayor Quan is possibly the most inept mayor in recent Oakland history, and that's saying a lot.


Another video here.

Saleen S7

Saw a Saleen on the road yesterday.  Took me about five seconds to process what it was.  It's pretty big and imposing, for such a low car.

Also, I'm planning on going to Irvine's Cars & Coffee in early or mid April.  So if any of yous want to meet up, that would be great.

Friday, January 27, 2012

Toyota CAMRY

Toyota CAMRY
 watchcaronline
Toyota CAMRY

Toyota CAMRY

Toyota CAMRY

Toyota CAMRY

Toyota CAMRY

Toyota CAMRY

Toyota CAMRY
Toyota CAMRY

Foie gras loco moco at Animal (LA)


Foie gras, SPAM, Niman Ranch hamburger patty, quail egg, Sriracha infused gravy.  Menu here.

2011 sales figures for American cars sold in Japan

Photo source.

Jeep: 3,154
Ford: 3,469
Chevrolet: 1,268
Cadillac: 1,392
Dodge: 1,106
Chrysler: 611
GMC: 117
Hummer: 159
Pontiac: 12
Buick: 11
Saturn: 1
Total: 11,300

For comparison's sake, Porsche sold 12,978 Cayennes in the United States in 2011.

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Heidfeld has a job!


Rebellion Racing (FIA World Endurance Championship) has hired Heidfeld.  He will race in Sebring, Spa, and Le Mans.

Has anyone here been to Sebring?  How are the track, facilities, and town?

Hyundai elantra

Hyundai elantra
 watchcaronline.blogspot.com
Hyundai elantra

Hyundai elantra

Hyundai elantra

Hyundai elantra

Hyundai elantra

Hyundai elantra

Hyundai elantra
                                                                                                                    watchcaronline.blogspot.com

Australian PM whisked away in a Holden


Protestors surround the PM outside a restaurant.  Mayhem ensues.  Shoe is lost.  This was apparently over some insensitive remarks made by opposition leader Tony Abbott.  Perhaps our Australian friends can shed some more light on the controversial statement (and why the PM's car is always white).

1963 Corvair Testudo by Bertone












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