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By SCOTT STURGIS
Published: January 27, 2012
FORDS with transmission leaks and Mitsubishi transmissions stuck in the Park position are among the mechanical ailments covered in the latest technical service bulletins.
The bulletins, compiled byalldatapro.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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