Saturday, July 25, 2009

The Ghost in the Infiniti

POSSESSED Infinitis and leaky Chrysler minivan radiators are among the latest technical service bulletins from automakers.


WRONG BATTERY 2008 BMW X6

RADIATOR LEAK 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac

RUST PROBLEM 2008 Subaru Impreza

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

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

ACURA Owners of some 2009 Acura TSXs may notice a popping or clicking sound from the rear when driving over bumps. In T.S.B. 09-019 issued on May 18, Acura says burrs from spot welds at the rear jacking points may be coming into contact with other sheet metal. Inserting a wedge to separate the pieces should quiet things down.

Also, some 2009 TSXs may be missing windshield trim pieces and retainers, and the fuel-filler doors may fall off. In T.S.B. 09-016 issued on April 25, Acura says it will replace both side trim pieces and all retainers. Acura blames a faulty hinge for the problem with the fuel door. The hinge should be replaced.

BMW Some 2008 X6s may have the wrong battery. In T.S.B. 610909 issued on May 1, BMW says some of the xDrive 50i models may need a battery with the correct capacity ratings.

CHRYSLER Some 2008-9 Grand Caravan and Town & Country minivans may seep coolant from around the radiator cap. In T.S.B. 07-001-09 issued on May 5, Chrysler says the wrong cap may have been installed in some vehicles. The cap should be replaced.

FORD Some 2006 Explorer and 2007 Explorer Sport Trac models with the 4-liter V-6 may leak coolant from the radiator. In T.S.B. 09-8-1 issued on May 4, Ford says a new radiator is needed.

GENERAL MOTORS Some 2007-10 Chevrolet Silverados and GMC Sierras may make a clunking noise in the rear. In T.S.B. 09-03-09-001 issued on May 6, General Motors says the problem is loose joints in the leaf spring assembly. Retorquing the bolts should quiet things down.

HONDA Some 2008 Civics may pop or clunk when turning. In T.S.B. 09-028 issued on May 2, Honda says the noise, which comes at slow speeds, may be from incorrectly torqued mounting bolts, which need to be retorqued.

INFINITI Is the G37 possessed? In T.S.B. 09-025 issued on May 12, Infiniti says the windows on 2008-9 models will lower an inch and then rise again when someone closes the glovebox. Apparently, a sensor wire is plugged in at the wrong spot. Putting this wire in the right place should purge “Christine.”

LAND ROVER Owners of some 2002-5 Freelanders may be eligible for a new fuel-pump module. In T.S.B. Q0572 issued on June 10, Land Rover says problems with the fuel filter may cause premature wear in the fuel pump. The company says that modules will be replaced regardless of warranty status through Jan. 11, 2011. Reimbursement may be approved for owners who replaced the module at their own expense.

LEXUS Some Lexus owners are finding their seats uncomfortable. In T.S.B. 0071-09 issued on June 9, Lexus says 2007-9 LS 460 and LS 600h L models may benefit from a new lower seat cushion.

SUBARU Some Imprezas may have a rust stain on the trunk or rear gate. In T.S.B. 12-110-09 issued on April 28, Subaru says that on some 2008 models, the rear trim piece running from taillight to taillight above the license plate may have been installed with slide bolts that did not get proper rust protection. The bolts need to be replaced and the rust removed.

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