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Keeping fingers crossed.
Bernie
bm1279@hotmail.com
By the way, since the engine cooling fan is on whenever the engine is on and is pulling air through the A/C condenser, anybody know why the need for an auxiliary fan in front of the condenser?
In regards to complaining to NHTSA, its worth a try, and I'll add my complaint. However, since this problem does not appear to pose a safety hazard, I doubt that there will be any action. I suggest owners of 4 cylinder Trackers and Vitaras with this problem also complain to Consumers Union. Maybe the bad PR will motivate CAMI to acknowledge the problem and offer a fix. I can't imagine anything irritating Suzuki more than giving CU more ammunition.
Bernie
Goes to show that problems can hit any car/truck today no matter where its made. Some just have more problems than others.
Bernie
Bernie
I have also examined the condenser and not to disagree wth those who have issues, but I cannot see any damage as of yet. However, I only have 4200 miles so this may yet happen in the future.
"A/C condenser fins are damaged and freon tubing is abraded in a doughnut shaped pattern on the front side of the condenser. The condenser outside the condenser fan blade area is undamaged, and the radiator is undamaged. The damaged area is free of debris and is shiny. When the condenser tubing wears through and freon escapes, the A/C will become nonfunctional. This will decrease the effectiveness of the defrosting capabilities in high humidity conditions and create a low visibility hazard. The vehicle has been fitted with a mask and screen from April to October each year to keep insects out of the condenser and radiator. The front of the vehicle shows no wear from road debris. Another owner of a similar vehicle experienced the identical problem, and his A/C actually failed. GM did not cover his repairs because the vehicle was out of warranty."
I encourage other 2.0 Tracker/Vitara owners with this problem to submit complaints to NHTSA and emphasize the safety hazard associated with the potential for poor visibility due to decreased dehumidifying capabilities.
I did not install a perforated aluminum sheet between the fan and the new condenser as I had originally planned. I am afraid ice and snow could build up on the aluminum sheet and damage the fan when I turn on the defrost. Instead, I placed two washers on each of the four fan assembly mounting bolts to move the fan assemble 1/8" more forward of the condenser, then I removed the foam gasket from the fan shroud. That leaves a 1/4" gap between the fan shroud and the condenser. Thus, there is no additional air flow restriction, but excess air pressure is allowed to escape around the circumference of the fan shroud. I am amazed at how much air is blowing out of that 1/4" gap when the electric fan is on, so the air pressure with the gasket in place must have been high, especially at freeway speeds. Hopefully, this will also reduce ice and snow build-up within the fan shroud.
I really doubt that driving in rain at high speed could have caused the damage, because the fan blades would turn rain drops into a spray. I know that rocks and insects did not cause the damage to my condenser because the front of my Tracker is unmarked, and I use a mask with bug-screen from Spring to Fall. Besides, anything flying through the small rectangular grill openings could not cause that damage pattern.
Since I live in Washington state, and the two other people who reported similar damage live in Michigan and Nebraska, this problem may be unique to some specific winter driving conditions. Either that, or a lot of Tracker and Vitara owners have the problem but haven't found it yet.
By the way, my air conditioning is a whole lot more effective now.
I am interested in American Racing 39 rims and am willing to go to 15 x 7. It seems these rims fit right into a 99 Tracker but the dealer is stating that is not the case with the Vitara as the offset is different. I am a bit confused as the 16" was optional on my vehicle with 15 as standard. Does anyone know if there is a difference between the Tracker and Suzuki when it comes to the 15".
I would also love to hear about and tire/rim changes anyone has made. I am considering Bridgestone Duelers for tires. Thanks!
Might be a timing chain tensioner too?
don't know...I have a 2002 vitara 4 banger and I don't have the noise.
I've noticed that when I start the car during cold mornings, the SRS airbag light does not turn off. It eventually turns off when the car is warmed up but after I restart the car.
Since the car is still under warranty, I brought the car to a Suzuki dealer (in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, NY).
The technician was able to reproduce the problem and notice the code #B1062. They cleared the code and reported no further problems.
The next day, I've noticed that the airbag light stayed on again. I then brought the car back to the dealership the second time.
The technician was able to again reproduce the problem but this time replaced the SRS control unit (part no. 38910-66D20).
Since the car was under warranty...I did not need to pay for the fix and the GV has been running w/o any problems...let's knock on wood!!!
BTW...those who live in the NYC area...I recommend the Bay Ridge Suzuki dealership...they're very nice and courtious...plus they're open 7am in the morning to 12am in the evening M-F!!!
Gas-like fumes enter passenger area from engine during very hot days.
COLD WEATHER - 4x4 WON'T WORK:
On very cold days at altitudes around 10,000 feet the 4-wheel drive won't work. It's fine at lower altitudes; and was fine at higher altitudes in the summer. But it doesn't like it high and cold.
---
Anyone else have these problems?
HOT WEATHER:
We brought our 99 Grand Vitara to Colorado from Eastern Canada last summer. During very hot days we noticed a fumey-gas-like smell entering the vehicle from the vents or from the direction of the engine. Have any other drivers noticed these 'fumes' in hot weather?
We understand the charcoal filter in the engine fills up with fuel in the hot weather to avoid dangerous expansion in the gas tank. However, the charcoal filter can't seem to keep up on very hot days.
COLD ALTITUDE:
Someone suggested the pump may need replacing to engage the 4x4 at high altitude in cold weather. Anyone else have this problem?
It is at a Suzuki dealership now and I am hoping to get assistance in fixing this problem from Suzuki. I get oil changes every 3,000 miles and take care of the car.
They found the #3 crankshaft bearing spun locking the engine. The district manager is involved hopefully to get assistance.
They have told me 'With so many miles on the car (I stopped them there and told them 64,000 is not a lot of miles. They said it is a lot of miles when you consider the 3yr/36,000 mile warranty.
I am new waiting to see if they stand behind there car.
Anybody have any similar problems or #'s at Suzuki I can call to get assistance?
Thanks
BTW, the statement by the manager that 64K miles is " a lot of miles" is BS. I sold my 92 Mazda Protege with 125K miles on it and it ran like a car with a new engine, most likely good for another 100K. No engine problems at all - ever- in 7 years of ownership. Any modern well built passenger car or truck engine should last at least 150K miles when properly maintained.
I also own a 95 Nissan 4X4 SE V6 pickup with about 76K miles on it. The engine has been absolutely trouble free. I know several people who have almost 300K miles on the original engine on V6 Nissan trucks and still running strong. I think I will stay with what I have.
Stay with this and get them to work with you on a new motor.
My rig has been utterly reliable and I would not trade it for the world....well maybe for an XL7!
Keep in mind zuki has a 7 year 100K powertrain warranty if you are concerned.
the compressor will be $850.00. Suzuki refuses to to a goodwill gesture to
repair it. The dealer Ertle Motors in Stroudsburg Pa refuses to speak with me.
As anyone had a problem like this with this model.
ANd, no kidding, try Ebay....you'd be amazed at what is on there.
Do you have an extended warranty?
What was the cause for the first failure?
Pretty interesting.
IF all is good, then I would venture a partially blocked heater core or collapsed inlet or outlet hose.
Good luck.