Service Bulletins - Bad Plugs, Rust & More

New York Times Article by Scott Sturgis

CARS, even the high-end models, are not perfect, and the steady release of technical service bulletins by automakers detailing their mechanical problems is a reminder of that imperfect world. The latest bulletins include Hyundais and Hondas, and also a Jaguar that is having difficulties with spark plugs.

Technical service bulletins, or T.S.B.’s, from alldatapro.com are not recalls; they are information provided by manufacturers to their dealers’ service departments and mechanics. Unless otherwise noted, the manufacturers do not offer payment assistance for these repairs beyond normal warranty coverage.

Here are a few recent examples:

GENERAL MOTORS Some small G.M. cars may have an oil leak behind the starter. In T.S.B. 08-06-01-002 issued on Feb. 5, the company said 2007 Chevrolet Cobalts and HHRs, Pontiac G5s and Saturn Ions and Vues with 2.2-liter engines may leak oil from the oil pressure switch. The switch should be replaced.

Also, the warranty for 2002-5 Vues and 2003-4 Ions with continuously variable transmissions has been extended. In T.S.B. 04020A issued on Jan. 22, G.M. said the transmissions are now warranted for five years or 75,000 miles, from three years or 36,000 miles. Customers who already paid for eligible repairs may be reimbursed. Steve Janisse, a Saturn spokesman, said the transmissions had “exhibited a high failure rate.”

HONDA Some Civics may have uneven or rapid tire wear, a roaring noise from the rear or a shake at highway speeds. In T.S.B. 08-001 issued on Feb. 8, Honda said some 2006-7 Civics may need an upper control arm kit added to the rear suspension and a four-wheel alignment.

Also, the inner front fender may rub the tire on some Pilots. In T.S.B. 08-005 issued on Jan. 29, Honda said that after the engine warmed up, the front inner fender on some 2006-7 Pilots could became deformed and make contact with the tire. Honda recommends replacing the inner front fender and securing it to the bumper with an additional screw.

For vehicles out of warranty, Honda may offer, at the discretion of the district service manager, some help paying for the fixes.

HYUNDAI Some 2003-8 Tiburons are pulling or drifting to one side. In T.S.B. 08-SS-001 issued Jan. 25, Hyundai said angle adjusting bolts in the suspension may be needed.

JAGUAR Some 2008 X-types are stalling. In T.S.B. K016 issued on Feb. 1, Jaguar said this may be from low-resistor spark plugs in some vehicles. The plugs should be replaced.

MAZDA There may be rust on the windshield-wiper arms on some 2004-7 Mazda 3s. In T.S.B. 0900508 issued on Feb. 7, Mazda said the rust on the hinges of the wiper arms might be caused by too-thin paint film on the retainer hinge. Replacing the arm should fix the problem.

MITSUBISHI Noisy steering may plague some Raiders. In T.S.B. 08-37-001 issued on Jan. 1, Mitsubishi said 2006-7 models might make an odd noise when turning because the shaft between the steering column and the steering gear could be misaligned. Realigning the steering shaft should correct the trouble, but some vehicles may need a new shaft.

TOYOTA In T.S.B. EL005R-06 issued on Jan. 25, Toyota said the temperature gauge on some 2005-6 Camrys could read hot even when the temperature was normal, especially when the vehicle was restarted while the engine was still warm from being previously driven. The cars need an updated temperature gauge.