Recall of 2014 Chevy Silverado, GMC Sierra for engine fire risk

[thedriver]

http://editorial.autos.msn.com/blogs/post--recall-2014-chevrolet-silverado-gmc-sierra-for-engine-fires?icid=autos_5158

4.3 and 5.3 affected.

The 2014 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra have engine software errors that can cause the exhaust components to overheat and cause fires under the hood.

Owners should avoid leaving their trucks idling while unattended.

Uh oh.

Edited January 11, 2014 by thedriver

[Drew Dowdell]

how can an engine programing error cause the exhaust to overheat?

[thedriver]

From the Detroit News:

"...

When the truck idles, it should use two cylinders. But because of a software glitch, the recalled trucks idle with most of the cylinders. That causes the vehicles to overheat and leads to the fires. All of the vehicles that have reported fires are trucks with V-8 engines.

The potential hazard often is signaled by a continuous yellow “check engine light” and an “engine power reduced” message in the driver information center.

Recall letters will be mailed Thursday, but customers can contact dealers Monday for appointments to get the 20-minute fix, GM said. Until then, customers are urged to avoid leaving their idling trucks unattended. Trucks produced starting Monday will have the software upgrade.

From The Detroit News: http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20140110/AUTO0103/301100108#ixzz2q6M6renn

[Drew Dowdell]

say what?! Someone didn't get something right at Detroit News. They aren't shutting the V8 and V6 down to just 2 cylinders.

[Robert Hall]

Doesn't make sense that the engine can't idle on all cylinders w/o catching fire..sounds like some other issue.

[FAPTurbo]

BUT CHEERS AND GEARS TOLD ME THAT ONLY ELECTRIC CARS CATCH FIRE FOR NO REASON!

[Intrepidation]

I'm sure GM is burning about about its two brand new trucks losing out MT's Truck of the Year to a refreshed Ram, but simmer down guys.

BUT CHEERS AND GEARS TOLD ME THAT ONLY ELECTRIC CARS CATCH FIRE FOR NO REASON!