The bulletins, compiled by alldatapro.com,
offer automakers’ insights into some recurring problems with various
models. The bulletins, known as T.S.B.’s, are not recalls; they are
information provided by manufacturers to dealers’ service departments
and mechanics.
Unless otherwise noted, the carmakers do not offer payment assistance for these repairs beyond normal warranty coverage. Alldata.com sells a more comprehensive version of the bulletins to consumers. Here are a few recent examples:
BMW
Some 2011 528i models may have a loose vacuum line. In T.S.B. 110911
issued on Nov. 1, BMW said that the line controlling the turbocharger
waste gate might become disconnected, leading to a loss of horsepower.
Installing hose clamps on the line should keep the connection secure.
It’s easy to imagine that a car owner would scratch his head if a
mechanic told him, “You need a new leak diagnostic pump.” But some BMW
owners may be hearing exactly that.
The pump verifies that the fuel system is sealed and not letting vapors
escape, as required by pollution-control laws. In T.S.B. 010511 issued
on Dec. 1, BMW said the part would be covered on 2007-8 X5 3.0si models
for 10 years or 120,000 miles.
CHEVROLET A new axle shaft (or halfshaft) for the right
front wheel could be in order for some 2011 Chevrolet Cruzes with the
1.8-liter engine. In T.S.B. 11225B issued on Nov. 15, General Motors
said road splash could cause corrosion on the shaft, leading to a
fracture if the corrosion were severe. The company will replace the
parts on all models susceptible to the condition. Owners of affected
cars should receive a letter about the repair.
CHRYSLER Noise from the rear of some 2011 Dodge Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country
minivans may be irritating some owners. In T.S.B. 17-003-11 issued on
Nov. 22, Chrysler said the noise over bumps at low speeds was most
likely to come from the rear shock absorbers. Replacing them should
quiet things.
FORD Several models may have a transmission fluid leak.
In T.S.B. 11-11-30 issued on Dec. 7, Ford said the problem might stem
from seal or bushing wear. Affected models may include 2010-11 Fusions
and Mercury Milans and 2009-11 Escapes and Mercury Mariners. Replacing
the bushing, seal and constant velocity joint housing should stop the
leak.
Also, shifting gears in some 2009-12 Expeditions, F-150 pickups and
Lincoln Navigators may require excessive effort in cold weather. In
T.S.B. 11-12-2 issued on Dec. 7, Ford said the problem could be a result
of snow built up around the shift cable and lever. Adding a snow shield
kit should help.
GENERAL MOTORS Malfunctioning halogen headlights in a
variety of models will be fixed free. In T.S.B. 11055 issued on Dec. 5,
G.M. said a problem in the electrical connector could cause the lights
to turn off intermittently. Connectors and headlights will be replaced
through December 2013. Affected vehicles include certain models of the
2008-10 Cadillac CTS, 2010 Cadillac SRX, 2007-10 GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook. Owners of affected vehicles should receive a letter about the repair.
KIA A campaign to replace battery cable terminals is
expanding beyond earlier repairs of Optima Hybrids. Bulletins ELE020
through ELE025 add 2011 Rios, 2011-12 Souls and 2011-12 Fortes. These
models need both the positive and negative cable ends replaced. The
2011-2 Sportages and 2012 Sedonas need only the positive terminal
replaced. Owners of affected cars should receive a letter.
MITSUBISHI A transmission stuck in the Park position
may be a result of grease in electrical contacts. In T.S.B. 11-23-004
issued on Nov. 1, Mitsubishi said grease contamination could interfere
with the contacts on a switch that detects when the gearshift lever is
in Park. Models exhibiting the trouble include 2007-9 Outlanders, 2008-9
Lancers and 2009 Lancer Sportbacks. Replacing the shift-lever assembly
should get things rolling.
TOYOTA Winking minivans may have an easy fix. In T.S.B.
0182-11 on Nov. 23, Toyota said some 2011 Sienna headlamps might
occasionally fail to illuminate. The problem is not the bulb or
connector, but the power integration relay in the fuse box. Replacing
the relay should brighten the outlook.
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