Buick Lacrosse Fires Caused by Faulty HDM Module?

During a recent investigation, it was learned that there have a number of complaints (posted on–line) concerning the inadvertent failure of headlights in Buick Lacrosse vehicles. The vehicle that we were working on was a 2009 year model but, the problem is apparently in 2007 year models as well. Basically, the complaint centers on drivers noticing that their headlights are going out for no reason while driving at night. Sometimes the headlights will come back on. The problem is not as noticeable during the day if the headlights are also used as day running lights. In the case that was investigated, a small fire erupted in the fuse block and specifically the HDM (Headlight Drivers Module) module. As a result, the wiring harness that is connected to the HDM module was also damaged and had to be replaced. It was later learned that headlight failure was also a symptom that had occurred at an earlier time. Although the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has recorded 13 complaints regarding 2009 Buick Lacrosse Vehicles, four complaints are directly related. As of the date of this blog entry, no recall for the HDM modules has been issued by NHTSA or General Motors.

Drain Pump Bracket Failure

We have discovered that there are a number of complaints regarding Samsung washing machines on the internet. While investigating the cause of water damage to a residence, it was determined that a drain pump bracket had broken in one of Samsung’s laundry products. The incident details have been reported on our website. Please visit us at www.rjhill.com/ click on Samsung Washing Machines in the toolbar. Based on the number of complaints found on line, this is not an isolated incident and Samsung should be well aware of the bracket failure problem.

Vortens Toilet Tanks

Last year, we announced that Vortens was having problems with their toilet tanks and as a result, home and business owners were experiencing cracking and subsequent water damage. Recently we heard from two owners who had encountered the defective tanks. A photo of a cracked tank is shown below. The fact that we heard from two owners confirms that defective tanks are still in use and consumers want to know what to do. If your property is insured, contact your carrier as soon as possible, take pictures of all damage including the failed tank pieces. If you start cleaning up, do not discard anything. It is especially important to save all of the pieces of the tank; your carrier’s adjuster or investigator will want to take possession of all evidence. Be sure to make notes of all phone calls, meetings, and happenings that take place in regard to repairing your property. The notes will come in handy if you have to go to court and testify against the manufacturer. On the other hand if you are not insured, you can try to file a claim with the manufacturer directly. If that doesn’t work, you can try and find an attorney who will take your case on a contingency fee basis. That is, the attorney will work on your case and will be paid only if you collect anything. Typically, attorneys working on a contingency fee basis will take 33% of what ever is awarded.

Cracked Vortens Toilet Tank

Faulty Installation of Frost Proof Faucet

We recently discovered an outdoor faucet that had been installed improperly.  The problem occured in a newly constructed home when water began flooding the interior.  The problem was discovered when the fuacet was used to water the homeowner’s lawn.  You would think that the installing plumber would know bettter than to install the faucet in a way that would result in its freezing during the winter.  Unfortunately, the faucet was installed pitched downward toward the valve seat end of the faucet.  Since the water inside the tube has no place to go, it froze when the temperature dropped below freezing.  The result was the bursting of the water tube just behind the valve seat.

Frost proof faucet damaged as a result of freezing, note crack at end of tube