Starwatch consumer: Nissan recalls 2007 Altimas because filter can ignite

Nissan recall

Nissan Motor Co. is recalling 140,582 of its 2007 Altima cars because the air filter can catch fire if a hot object is drawn into it.

The recall affects Altima cars with a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine, the automaker told the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The filter will be replaced because it can ignite if something hot such as cigarette ash enters through the vehicle’s fresh-air intake valve, Nissan said. An air deflector also will be installed to prevent a buildup of debris at the filter.

Battery packs recalled

About 1 million battery packs used to power drills, saws, radios, flashlights, wrenches and Extractor windshield glass removers, manufactured by Milwaukee Electric Tool Co., are being recalled.

The company said that damage to a vent while the pack is in use could cause the battery to explode.

The recall includes 14.4- and 18-volt 2.4 Ah NiCd Milwaukee Power Plus, Chicago Pneumatic and Extractor battery packs manufactured between July 1999 and February 2004. Call 800-729-3878 or go to www.milwaukeetool.com or www.cpsc.gov.

Bumping fliers may cost airlines more

Bumping a passenger from an overbooked flight could cost airlines more than $1,200 under new rules federal transportation officials are considering.

The U.S. Department of Transportation on Monday sought public comment on several options for new maximum levels of compensation given to airline passengers forced to take a later flight due to airlines’ overbooking.

For passengers forced onto another flight that takes them to their destination less than two hours after their original arrival time, airlines currently must pay the value of a passenger’s ticket, plus up to $200.

If the airline does not meet the two-hour limit, passengers can be paid up to $400.

Antilock braking

Say “antilock braking system” and it conjures up an image of the family minivan rather than a chopper.

Not so, says Harley-Davidson Inc. The maker of classic American motorcycles said it would for the first time offer customers the chance to make their rides a little bit safer by providing antilock brakes as an option on 10 new 2008 models.

The braking system will be invisible, the company says, so it won’t spoil the look.

In brief:

•Ford Motor and General Motors are extending incentives programs. Ford’s program includes interest-free loans for a three-year-period on all 2007 Ford, Lincoln and Mercury models purchased through Aug. 31. GM’s program, including 0 percent financing, will run through July.

•Users of TiVo’s digital video recorders will be able to order movies from Amazon.com from their TVs under a service launched Tuesday.

•Smart USA, the U.S. distributor for DaimlerChrysler AG’s Smart minicars, said it would have between 45 and 60 dealers ready when the two-seat vehicles make their January debut. More than 20,000 people have paid $99 to reserve one of the vehicles

kansascity.com