307 = Ford Pinto?

Honest John Back Room » Motoring discussion
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Tue 2 Sep 2003 19:43
307 = Ford Pinto? - andymc {P}
Ok, maybe that's a bit of a tabloid headline, but maybe not. Just happened to catch a Watchdog report about a safety issue with the 307. The gist of the report is that cars built from April 2001 to later in the year could have a fault with the ignition, in that the key can remain stuck in the starting position and keeping the starter motor running. The starter motor isn't designed for this, so if it happens then it doesn't take long for it to overheat, which can lead to an engine fire. Scarily, this can happen quite quickly and cause faults with the electrics - such as activating the central locking.

The programme's journalist got this from a forensic technician (possibly forensic "something else", I wasn't taking notes!), who said that it was possible that the car could catch fire and lock you in it, or lock you out of getting someone else out of the burning vehicle. Peugeot's recall was, according to the show, classified as "non-safety". For a soundbite, the forensic guy was asked whether he would be happy to drive a 307. He said he wouldn't even park next to one.

www.bbc.co.uk/watchdog/reports/index.shtml
andymc
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Tue 2 Sep 2003 21:36
307 = Ford Pinto? - Martin Wall
From the car-by-car breakdown on the 307:

"September 2003: Repeat of 2002 ignition switch recall to try to catch cars which escaped because when the switch jams, the starter motor remains engaged and this can lead to a fire."

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Tue 2 Sep 2003 22:42
307 = Ford Pinto? - Honestjohn
Thanx Martin. But I probably keyed that into the cbcb at the same time this thread was started. However, all the 307 ignition switch recall info was aready there. Steve, who appeared on Watchdog, is the same fire investigator who came up with the true statistic that something like 20% of all car fires are caused by discarded cigarettes setting fire to engine compartment insulation in following cars and who also put out the red alert about 406 HDI rad fan motor fires.

HJ
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