Manic Locks and Toasty Seats

Advertisement

Supported by

Motoring

By Scott Sturgis

COOLANT leaks from BMWs and steering issues with Ford pickups are among the problems noted in the latest technical service bulletins from automakers.

Technical service bulletins, known as T.S.B.’s, are compiled by alldatapro.com and offer automakers’ insights into recurring problems with various models. The bulletins are not recalls; they are information provided by manufacturers to dealers’ service departments and mechanics. Unless otherwise noted, the manufacturers do not offer payment assistance for these repairs beyond the normal warranty coverage.

Alldata.com sells a more comprehensive version of the service bulletins to consumers. Here are a few recent examples:

BMW Some BMW M3s could suffer from a coolant leak. In T.S.B. 110709 issued on Aug. 1, BMW said some 2009 models might have been produced with improperly locked thermostat housing retaining springs for the coolant hoses. BMW told service departments to check vehicles when they are in for service and to replace the thermostat housing if needed.

Also, some 2009 X5s may have their own coolant problem. In T.S.B. 170109 issued on July 1, BMW said some models might have a leak in a sealing cap in a branch of the upper radiator cooling hose. Replacing the sealing cap should stop the leak.

There could also be a leak in the front doors of some 2009 7 Series models. In T.S.B. 512309 issued on July 1, the company said the Bowden cables, which run from the door handle to the opening mechanism, might not have been properly sealed. If water gets in, the doors will become difficult to open. The cables should be replaced.

CHRYSLER Some Dodge Calibers and related models may have a rough ride or a leaking strut. In T.S.B. 02-001-09 issued on Aug. 8, Chrysler said some 2007-9 Caliber, Jeep Patriot and Dodge Compass models might have the problem. Replacing the front struts might smooth things out.

Also, some vehicles may have what Chrysler called poor steering wheel returnability. In T.S.B. 19-004-09 issued on Aug. 1, Chrysler said it had received complaints that the steering wheel would not return to center after a turn on some 2009 Chrysler 300 and 300C models, and on some 2009 Dodge Chargers and Dodge Challengers. Chrysler said that installing an external power steering cooler would straighten things out.

FORD Some 2009 Ford F-150 pickups may offer uneven assist for the power steering. In T.S.B. 09-13-2 issued on July 13, company officials said the conditions, most evident in a parking lot or when turning hard from left to right, might be caused by a problem in the steering gear, which should be replaced.

HONDA Some Odyssey owners may feel that their minivans really want them to stay inside. In T.S.B. 09-054 issued on July 18, Honda said the doors on some 2007-9 models might lock multiple times when the vehicle was operating. The faulty door-lock actuator should be replaced.

HYUNDAI Some models may leak oil near the oil temperature sensor. In T.S.B. 09-EM-005 issued on July 10, Hyundai said some 2006-9 Sonatas and 2007-9 Santa Fes with 3.3-liter V-6 engines might have the problem. Adding some sealant to the threads of the temperature sensor was expected to stop the leak.

MAZDA Some 2010 Mazda 3s may leave their owners with a warm rear end. In T.S.B. 0904309 issued on Aug. 6, Mazda said the seat heaters on some cars might fail to turn off. The seat heater and thermostats should be replaced.

Also, some 2004-8 Mazda 3s with manual transmissions may have trouble in third gear. In T.S.B. 0501209 issued on July 10, Mazda said some owners reported that their cars made a grinding noise in third or popped out of gear. The cars need a new synchronizer ring, key springs and clutch sleeve.

NISSAN Some Versa owners may find their vehicles take a long time to get going. In T.S.B. 07-094c issued on Sept. 18, Nissan officials said some 2007-9 models required 4 to 10 seconds of cranking before starting. A new fuel-pressure regulator may be needed.

SCION Some Scion xBs may make a clunking or popping noise when turning. In T.S.B. SB0044-09 issued on Aug. 27, Toyota, the parent company of Scion, said the noise in 2008-9 models came from a problem in the intermediate shaft, which should be replaced.

TOYOTA Some 2009-10 Corolla and Matrix models may also make a clunking or popping noise when turning. In T.S.B. SB0243-09 issued on July 31, Toyota said the intermediate shaft should be replaced.

Advertisement