Latest news with #Mopar
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Perfectly Good Dodge Hellcat Ditched Dangling
Read the full story on The Auto Wire A perfectly good Dodge Charger Hellcat (with some front end damage) was left just abandoned in Santa Cruz County, California recently. As you can see from the photos, California Highway Patrol came across the Mopar which was dangling from a guy wire for a utility seen this sort of thing before, but usually there's some crazy story of a car accident and the vehicle riding up the wire after. But there's none of that in this case. In fact, there's no story at all. When officers came across this Hellcat, it was just abandoned with no driver in sight. Why the person took off isn't clear, although there are some possibilities. As CHP notes, leaving the scene of a crash like this can result in misdemeanor charges because it's against the law. One possible explanation is that the Charger was stolen. Obviously, car thieves just aren't as careful with a vehicle they don't own and don't have any true responsibility towards. Plus, many thieves will go joyriding in boosted rides. In other words, while driving recklessly, a thief might have crashed this car, then taken off instead of sticking around so the cops would catch him. Another possibility is the owner of the Hellcat was in fact behind the wheel and intoxicated, which it was crashed in such an odd way. We're not even sure what the driver had to do to get the car over the barrier and onto the guy wire. Knowing that sticking around to talk to the police would result in a citation for DUI, the driver took off, called a friend, or maybe got an Uber. Then the owner can report the Dodge Hellcat stolen and claim someone else wrecked it, collecting the insurance money. We hate to say it, but this does happen. Either way, this Dodge Charger Hellcat is going to need some work with damage to the front fascia and what appears to be a coolant leak, perhaps from the radiator ruptured. Hopefully it's treated properly in the future instead of abused like this. Image via CHP – Santa Cruz/Facebook Join our Newsletter, subscribe to our YouTube page, and follow us on Facebook.
Hamilton Spectator
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Hamilton Spectator
Faulty thermostat not always obvious, but can cause problems
Dear Ask A Mechanic, I have a recently purchased 2014 Chrysler Town and Country with 185K on it. Engine light is on, code reader says, 'P0128.' The internet says the code more than likely is a bad thermostat. Did some basic research on YouTube academy and it looks like an easy fix. However, since I don't know what coolant the previous owner used, should I use this opportunity to do a full coolant flush? I read online that it's bad to 1) use universal coolants because they're a lie and 2) you shouldn't mix coolant brands. Bottom line: Do I just do a coolant flush with a thermostat swap for the P0128 code? Keep track of what coolant was used from here on out, or can I just top off with the correct coolant for the vehicle make and model and be fine? Van About Town That trouble code, P0128, is defined as 'Engine Coolant Temperature Below Thermostat Regulating Temperature.' There are actually a variety of reasons why that DTC (diagnostic trouble code) might set, including a low coolant/antifreeze level (which can cause false temperature readings, as air doesn't conduct heat as well as liquid, fooling the sensor), or a failed coolant temperature sensor, itself. Most commonly, though, it's because there legitimately is a problem with the engine coolant thermostat — usually just referred to as 'the thermostat' — that is preventing the engine from reaching its full operating temperature as quickly as it should (or at all). The main purpose of the Check Engine light is to inform the driver of issues that can increase emissions levels. This is actually the case for the thermostat. Engines are most efficient and perform best within a reasonably narrow temperature range. Too hot and internal components can get damaged, too cold and the engine must use a richer mixture — that is, one with a higher ratio of fuel to air than ideal — in order to maintain reliable combustion and acceptable performance. Richer mixtures result in a higher amount of unburned fuel entering the exhaust, and increase levels of carbon monoxide being produced. Prolonged or regular use at low engine temperatures has other detrimental effects, including accelerating engine wear and contaminating oil. But the light is on as a pollution warning. It's quite possible that you might not notice any difference in heat output or a lower reading on the gauge. The engine computer has a much closer eye on things. It knows what temperature the coolant was at during start-up and the air temperature, what operating conditions the engine saw and for how long, and beyond seeing what temperature the coolant reached, it can calculate whether it reached a specific temperature quickly enough. Fortunately, as you note, the thermostat is quite easy to replace on Chrysler's 3.6 litre V6. Just be sure to bleed the air out of the system correctly. This would be the perfect time to change the coolant, and you'll know where you stand afterwards. The factory coolant is Mopar's '10 Year' purple, which is overdue for changing if it's still original. Universal coolant/antifreeze is a fallacy as far as I'm concerned due to the contradictory chemical properties different coolants possess, and while equivalent products from many brands are fine to mix, mixing types is never a good idea. If in doubt, get it out! Keep in mind that simply draining the rad won't get all of the coolant out, given what will be trapped in various places including the rear heater system and its plumbing. Without access to an exchange-type flush machine, you may have to do a second spill-and-fill later if you determine that the coolant is, indeed, obviously contaminated. Ask a Mechanic is written by Brian Early, a Red Seal-certified Automotive Service Technician. You can send your questions to wheels@ . These answers are for informational purposes only. Please consult a certified mechanic before having any work done to your vehicle.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Guy Fleeing In Stolen Dodge Scat Pack Is His Own Worst Enemy
Read the full story on The Auto Wire Surprisingly, it's been a while since we've seen such a wild police chase as this one involving a stolen Dodge Scat Pack. It comes out of Atlanta and involves multiple Georgia State Patrol troopers trying to keep up with the much faster Mopar muscle car. But as is the case so often, the fleeing suspect is his own worst enemy, or rather his driving skills becoming originally got the trooper's attention was an obscured license plate on the Charger, thanks to one of those smoked covers. Unsurprisingly, when he was finally able to read and run the tag, it returned as registered to a Toyota. You can see in the footage everything is calm as the Dodge pulls into a gas station and the trooper follows, switching on his lights. Probably the suspect wanted to see if he was being tailed or not. Realizing he was, the guy steps on it and things get wild in a hurry. Our suspect wastes no time in dropping the hammer and doesn't loose it on some sweeping turns in the road. The car is definitely packing a Hemi and from the exterior trim, which has obviously been modified, it appears to be a Scat Pack. In other words, the GSP trooper has his work cut out for him. The Charger narrowly misses colliding with a Jeep, goes the wrong way on a one-way road, and blows through a red light, dusting his pursuer. But the trooper doesn't just give up as backup arrives in the area and they start combing for the muscle car. It doesn't take long for another trooper to spot the speeding Mopar and the chase is back on. Hopelessly outgunned as well, he struggles to even keep the fleeing Dodge in sight. Thankfully, by that point Atlanta Police Department's Phoenix air unit is tracking the suspect so troopers know where to turn. Troopers are still hard pressed to keep up. Our camera car at one point even catches some nice air off a railroad crossing. The chase takes them onto narrow residential streets with cars parked on the shoulders, requiring some tight maneuvering to get through. Sure enough, following directions from Phoenix, one of the troopers happens across the Dodge Charger just driving along at low speeds, like nothing happened. The suspect probably thought he lost the troopers since he hadn't seen any for a while, clearly not realizing an eye in the sky had been tracking him. Taking off again, the guy pushes the stolen muscle car, but his luck starts to run out. Approaching a narrow and busy intersection, he hits two cars, the Scat Pack sustaining damage as one of the tires slips the wheel rim and comes off. Desperate to get away, he keeps pushing the Charger, but the bare metal of the wheel rim causes him to lose control as he wrecks out big time into another vehicle, then slams nose-first into a power pole. Unfortunately, the car our suspect hits at the end careens off the road and into a ditch. At least the driver was caught after he fled on foot. To nobody's shock he apparently has a criminal history, including breaking into cars. Image via State Boyzzz/YouTube Join our Newsletter, subscribe to our YouTube page, and follow us on Facebook.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Stellantis announces new 'megahub' distribution center coming to metro Detroit
Stellantis announced it is bringing a Mopar "megahub" parts distribution facility to metro Detroit in Van Buren Township. The automaker, which owns the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram and Fiat brands, announced May 21 it would bring a "state-of-the-art" Mopar parts distribution center to a site just north of Belleville and east of Ypsilanti. Stellantis said the facility, to open in 2027, would support "approximately 488 UAW-represented jobs." The union expressed concern that is fewer jobs than the total employment at four shops being consolidated into the new site. Naming it the Metro Detroit Megahub, Stellantis representatives said the facility will streamline parts distribution for Mopar, Stellantis' aftermarket and replacement parts brand. The distribution facility will incorporate technological sorting systems and robots to identify and retrieve parts, while employees will pack and process products. The goal is to accelerate delivery times for customers and dealers, Stellantis said. The opening of a larger distribution center comes after the sale of several smaller Mopar facilities across the Midwest. Earlier this year, Stellantis announced the sale of several Mopar centers, including two Michigan facilities: one in Center Line in January and another in Marysville about a month later. The automaker sold another facility in Milwaukee early this year. More: Stellantis has worst relations with suppliers in survey yet again Phelan: Note to the next Stellantis CEO: First thing, kill these 4 brands Selling the smaller Mopar operations and opening one larger "Mopar Megahub" is all in the name of consolidation, the company said, while honoring union-negotiated agreements Stellantis and the UAW reached in 2023. "The investment in the Metro Detroit Megahub builds upon Stellantis' 2023 UAW contract agreements," Stellantis said in a statement. While work continues at those facilities for now under a sale-leaseback agreement, the labor force at those soon-to-close facilities will eventually populate the new facility, Stellantis said. They are expecting to transition approximately 488 UAW-represented jobs from Centerline, Warren, Warren Sherwood and Milwaukee to the new Megahub. A spokesperson for Stellantis said to the Free Press that the Marysville workforce will transition to an e-coat facility in Warren. The consolidation of four Mopar shops — which currently employ about 698 people — into one center that will house 488 jobs may precipitate job cuts. UAW Stellantis Department Director Kevin Gotinsky said his union is "absolutely concerned" about Stellantis' consolidation plan. "Our main priority is job security. We will be doing everything in our power to ensure that Stellantis respects our 2023 contract, which guarantees a floor of at least 2,250 UAW-represented employees across the MOPAR network," Gotinsky said. Previously, Stellantis said the new Mopar hub would be "operationally carbon net zero." When asked to confirm whether that was still the case, a spokesperson told the Free Press that Stellantis "intend(s) for all of our facilities to have new systems that will be efficient." Liam Rappleye covers Stellantis. Contact him: LRappleye@ This is a developing story. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Stellantis to open new Mopar center near Ypsilanti, move 488 jobs Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Miami Herald
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Stellantis to build $388M parts distribution hub in Metro Detroit
Stellantis NV said Wednesday it will build a $388 million parts distribution hub in Van Buren Township, Michigan, that will consolidate several other Midwest facilities. The new Mopar facility, called the Metro Detroit Megahub, is expected to open in 2027 and will staff up with about 488 United Auto Workers-represented employees. The Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram maker said the project is part of a broader consolidation strategy for its parts distribution centers. It recently sold two of its Michigan parts facilities, in Center Line and Marysville, Michigan, as well as one in Milwaukee. Those facilities are continuing to operate under sale-leaseback agreements until the new Detroit hub opens. Staff for the facility will come from the company's Mopar sites in Center Line, Warren and Warren Sherwood, as well as the Milwaukee location. Meanwhile, workers from the closing Marysville center will shift over to staff the Warren and Warren Sherwood parts centers. The Warren Sherwood location will be upgraded and is set to remain remain open long-term, Stellantis spokesperson Frank Matyok said; a company announcement said it will serve as an "e-coat upfitting facility." The 2023 labor pact between Stellantis and the UAW laid out plans for several consolidated parts hubs, including this Detroit-area one. The automaker said it already has invested about $120 million to boost its parts and services operations since the the contract was finalized, including a new distribution site in East Fishkill, New York, and upgrades to existing Mopar sites. "Our customers count on us to deliver the right part, at the right time, every time," Darren Bradshaw, senior vice president and head of Mopar North America, said in a statement. "With the Metro Detroit Megahub, we're building a faster, smarter and more reliable parts distribution network that puts their needs first." The Detroit hub, like the New York state Mopar facility that has been open for several months, will be equipped with automated storage and retrieval systems to help pull parts for customers faster. Called AutoStore, it uses a series of small robots that move above a grid to storage bins to grab parts and deliver them to workers on the floor, where they are packaged and processed for shipping. UAW spokespeople did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Copyright (C) 2025, Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Portions copyrighted by the respective providers.
