Airbag On or Off?
Q: I've waited for the new 2500 Ram Pickup to come out and found the wait unnecessary. Do you know why Dodge will not offer an airbag-off switch in the new extended cab? Now I have to do one of two things: tell my three-year-old he has to sit in the back seat by himself or buy a Chevy.
A: It's time to step back and look at priorities. What's most important? The view from the front seat or your child's safety? There's no question as to where the little guy should ride: in an approved child seat properly anchored to the rear seat of the vehicle. Airbag deployment can be harmful to children, but regardless of the supplemental restraint system, the back seat is the safest place to be during a collision. Manufacturers supply the passenger airbag on/off switch on regular- and extended-cab trucks because of a lack of sufficient room in the back to install a rear-facing child seat; however, the Quad Cab still provides enough space in the rear for a child seat just like the Chevy Crew Cab, which also eliminates the restraint-system-disable option. Cars and trucks in '04 and '05 will have sensors in the seats to determine if the airbag is on or off. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has decided to leave the decision to the owner and permit the installation of an on/off switch to disable any airbag on any vehicle. So, if you want to buy a new Ram 2500 Quad Cab and insist on keeping your child in the front seat, give NHTSA a call (888/327-4236; www.nhtsa.dot.gov). You can obtain information on the necessary approval form and authorized installation facilities of the appropriate aftermarket airbag on/off switch kit.
Jet-Fuel for Pickups
Q: I recently bought my first diesel truck, an '02 F-250. I also work as an aircraft mechanic. Several of the guys at work have told me that it's okay to run jet fuel in my truck. Others have said that I'm asking for trouble if I do. We often defuel jets to work on the fuel systems, and we have to drain the tanks before we can start work. The fuel is not contaminated but would otherwise be thrown away. In fact, my boss says it would save them the disposal cost. Sounds like a win-win situation, but I certainly don't want to damage my new dream truck. I have always been told that jet fuel is just more refined and offers better mileage.
A: Jet fuel is a more highly refined form of diesel with lower sulfur content and therefore minimal lubrication properties. The military uses multipurpose fuel in both jet aircraft and diesel land vehicles by means of a lubrication additive. Many airlines also utilize jet fuel with an additive in their diesel ground equipment due to the cost effectiveness. Without the additional lubrication, jet fuel might promote premature wear in various fuel-system components, such as the fuel pump and injectors along with causing drivability concerns. CTG (Chemical Technology Group; 716/683-0788 www.ctgchemicals.com) produces a fuel lubricity additive for use in commercial applications. However, we have to keep in mind this has not been tested for typical highway use, and a risk factor involving hard part damage and excessive emissions output may remain an issue. CTG sells in volume, starting with a case of 12 32-ounce bottles for $149.50 that will treat 3600 gallons of jet fuel, but it will make an exception and provide you with two bottles for $33.60 that should cover about 600 gallons. The choice is yours, but I'd play it safe and avoid the possibility of repairs that may not be covered under the manufacturer's warranty if improper fuel use is proven to be the cause.