Fuel Pump Replacement Campaign For Suzuki Swift In New Zealand
Suzuki New Zealand has started a service campaign to replace fuel pumps in selected Suzuki Swift cars.
The service campaign affects some new Swift five-door hatchback models sold since February 2005.
It follows a recall of similar models in Australia, although there is no safety issue with the fuel pumps and no
reported problems in New Zealand.
The problem has been identified as a part inside the fuel pump that could become swollen due to the chemical makeup of
some fuel blends commonly used in Australia.
However, as this fuel is not currently sold in New Zealand, the fuel pumps are unlikely to fail here.
Even so, Suzuki New Zealand has decided to replace the fuel pumps on customers' cars as a precaution against potential
problems in the future.
"The replacement pump has been modified to allow for changes to the future chemical composition of fuel to be sold in
New Zealand," said Rodney Brown, Automobile Technical Service Manager for Suzuki New Zealand Ltd in Wanganui.
These changes include the possible introduction of a 10 per cent ethanol blend with petrol.
The modified fuel pump will enhance the long-term reliability of the car but the replacement of current fuel pumps is
not regarded as urgent.
"There is no danger of any mechanical damage," said Tom Peck, General Manager of Marketing for Suzuki New Zealand.
"The problem is purely one of the fuel impeller in the pump being deformed by blended fuels," he said. "This could cause
a blockage with the worst case scenario being an engine stalling due to lack of fuel”.
"Although there has not been a single case in New Zealand, new legislation now allows the introduction of ethanol
blended fuels so we have decided to replace the pumps. This will reduce the potential for future problems with blended
fuels," said Peck.
The distributor is contacting owners and the replacement will be carried out at no cost to the customer.
ENDS