Episode 815 – Do You Snorkel?
Jeep Detroit hit with another air quality problem
The state of Michigan has issued a fourth air-quality violation against the new Jeep plant in Detroit for more nuisance odors from the paint used on the Grand Cherokee SUVs produced there.
The Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy last week issued the violation to Stellantis NV after an air-quality inspector observed the “objectionable” odors on March 22, according to the notice. The automaker already has had an independent investigation conducted that found a high frequency of odor concentrations coming from the Mack Assembly Plant. It has committed to installing additional controls it hopes will address the problem.
The paint shop at Stellantis NV’s Jeep assembly plant on Mack Avenue has been identified as the source of odors affecting nearby residents.
“Stellantis continues to address concerns about our Mack Assembly Plant with urgency,” spokeswoman Jodi Tinson said in a statement. “We are implementing the corrective actions submitted to EGLE on Jan. 7 and will continue to work with the agency to resolve this issue in a timely manner.
“A timeline for completion of these activities will depend, in part, on the outcome of discussions with EGLE regarding permitting requirements and deadlines imposed through the enforcement process.”
The automaker and government agencies have said air samplings show there aren’t immediate health concerns from emissions from the plant. The state air-quality inspector ranked the odor last week at Level 3 of 5, indicating “moderate intensity.”
State rules and the automaker’s permit to install emission units state the operating of equipment on the site should not result in the emission of an air contaminant that “causes unreasonable interference with the comfortable enjoyment of life and property.”
Stellantis has until April 14 to respond to the latest violation. It received two others for nuisance odors last fall following complaints from neighbors. Another was related to missing ducting in part of the plant to send paint emissions through equipment that would destroy potentially toxic compounds. Stellantis installed the missing ducting in December and at Warren Truck Assembly Plant, which also was missing the equipment, in February. The EGLE is working with the automaker on an enforceable compliance plan, which will include a fine, according to the department.
The company, formerly known as Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV, expanded its site on Detroit’s east side from a partially idled engine plant to a $1.6 billion assembly plant, the first in the city in nearly three decades. It began delivering SUVs in June to dealerships. The adjacent Jefferson North Assembly Plant, which also produces the Grand Cherokee and the Dodge Durango SUV, is down for retooling for the next-generation models.
132,000 Jeep Cherokee Owners Advised To Park Outside Due To Fire Risk
Jeep is advising owners of the 2014-2016 Cherokee to park outside due to a fire risk associated with the powered liftgate. The automaker is recalling 132,099 vehicles in the US to fix the issue.
The automaker began investigating the problem in January 2022 after seeing increased cargo compartment fires in 2014-2015 Cherokee crossovers.
By April 27, 2023, it had identified 50 reports potentially related to the issue. A few weeks later, on May 4, Stellantis decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall. It’s not aware of any accidents or injuries related to the issue. Stellantis believes the affected vehicles were built between February 27, 2013, and September 9, 2015, when an update to the module made it more robust to water intrusion.
Newbie Nuggets with Wendy
So Cal Mountain Trails are OPEN
A BIG HUGE THANK YOU to all that wrote letters to get our trails open. The trails here in So Cal mountains opened last week and we couldn’t be more excited.
We are planning some good trail runs including a day of two trail runs for the JTS listeners in August – One easier run and another more difficult black diamond at night — Dates to be announced.
I wanted to pass along some reminders for running trails in So Calif and probably other areas in the country;
1) Make sure you stay on the trail – no driving through fences or on areas that are not designated as a trail.
2) No campfires – Period! At least in the San Bernardino Ntl Forest. Fire hazard along with root fire potential.
3) Pack it in Pack it out – stop littering
4) Watch for snakes and critters. In some parts of the country bears are a real deal.
5) Air down those tires – YES airing down helps with traction and erosion, plus comfort
6) If you are an experienced Jeeper, make some room and time for a newbie who may want to join you. It’s our job as mentors to help train up the next generation of jeep owners.
7) Make it fun, enjoy the journey, and plan to have lunch in a great spot with a view
8) Take ALL your recovery gear and tools, etc. Trails have some water/snow damage and you could get stuck, or you could be helping someone else (Toyota drivers always need our help LOL)
9) Take photos of your trail runs and post them on JTS FB/IG pages. We love to see your photos. Make sure you #jeeptalkshow and tell us where you were.
Jeep Talk Show Gladiator Update
Snorkels
The Gladiator has a Rugged Ridge AMFIB SNORKEL
Did you know the reason the snorkel was invented was for very dusty environments? It helps keep the air entering the airbox, and your engine cleaner than the air down lower.
Oh, and the air will be cooler as well. Same air you say, sure, but under the hood that air is being heated by your engine.
Now I purchased a separate pre-filter for the Gladiator snorkel which I ran at Easter Jeep Safari. But do you know about the snorkel sock?
Uni Filter https://unifilter.com/
Preclean 44
Suits large Safari Ram Head including “Armax” 175mm x 125mm
The great thing about the snorkel sock is you just put it on when you need it. Hit the trails, sock on, time to head home, sock off! You know, like date night!
Yes, snorkels can be handy for high water crossings too, but there is much more to do to your rig before chasing submarines…
Wrangler TJ/LJ Cowl Intake (97-06) with Pre-Filter
Must-Have Stuff Pick-of-the-Week for your Jeep!
Rust-Oleum Black BlackRust-Oleum Automotive 251574 11-Ounce Trim and Bumper Spray, Matte, 11 Ounce (Pack of 1), Fl Oz
$8.60
It even has an old Cherokee XJ image on the can!