Oil Leaks and Other Glitches

[DainBramaged]

TOYOTA and its Lexus division are having problems with vehicles that leak oil and transmission fluid, leaks that were noted in the latest batch of technical service bulletins.

The bulletins, or T.S.B.’s, from alldatapro.com offer automakers’ insights into some recurring problems with various models. The bulletins are not recalls; they are information provided by manufacturers to their dealers’ service departments and to mechanics. Unless otherwise noted, the manufacturers will not pay for repairs beyond normal warranty coverage.

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

ACURA Some new TLs may need front suspension parts replaced. In T.S.B. 08-055 issued on Nov. 25, Acura said some 2009 TLs and TL SH-AWD models could have front lower arm bolts that do not have enough anticorrosion coating. The company will replace the bolts on both sides of the vehicle free until Nov. 25, 2011.

AUDI Some 2007 A3 and A4 models may have faulty crankcase ventilation hoses or valves. In T.S.B. 170819 issued on Oct. 15, Audi said the faulty parts may cause a loss of throttle pressure, a lean fuel mixture or an air intake leak. The parts will be replaced free on vehicles under warranty though Jan. 15, 2010.

Also, some vehicles may have a leak from the coolant flange. In T.S.B. 190807 issued on Oct. 27, Audi officials said some 2005-6 A3 and A4 models may need a new sealing O-ring for the flange, which holds the coolant temperature sensor and connects to the engine cylinder head. And some Q7s that won’t start in the extreme cold could have a problem with their exhaust plumbing.

In T.S.B. 210802 issued on Nov. 7, Audi said some 2007-9 models used for frequent short trips in the cold may build up excess moisture in the muffler. The moisture could back up into the exhaust pipe, freeze and keep the engine from starting. If so, the vehicle needs a new exhaust system, which has been redesigned.

HONDA Some Honda Elements may have been shipped from the factory with contaminated coolant. In T.S.B. 08-097 issued on Dec. 18, Honda said the heaters on 2003-5 models may not work properly; the engines could also overheat. A letter has been sent to owners of affected vehicles. Some vehicles may merely need the coolant replaced, while others could need a new radiator, bypass hoses, heater breather hose and heater core. Owners who have already paid for the repair may be eligible for reimbursement.

Also, Honda updated an earlier T.S.B., adding 2008 Civics to T.S.B 08-044. The company had previously said that 2006-7 models might have engine blocks that are cracked at the cooling passages. Replacing the engine block is the only cure. Owners whose vehicles are out of warranty may be eligible for reimbursement for the repairs.

More at link http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/01/automobiles/01TSB.html?ex=1249189200&en=84c45363ede75796&ei=5087&WT.mc_id=AU-D-I-NYT-MOD-MOD-M080-ROS-0209-L3&WT.mc_ev=click


Hmmmmmm, no DOMESTICS listed, hmmmm.

[rollingrock]

1. The article says those are a few examples

it is by no means a comprehensive listing of all the TSBs or recent TSBs released for every car company.

2) TSBs are only for technical problems a car company chooses to officially acknowledge.

[DainBramaged]

2. So you are defending the Foreign transplants, the god ToyHonNis?

[DainBramaged]

3. These are the most recent and they are ALL from Foreign manufacturers

But ToyHonNis can do no wrong........

[rollingrock]

4. I have nothing against Ford

but as for GM and Chrysler, the ones who begged the struggling taxpayers for billions to save their sorry asses at the same time their execs are giving themselves bonuses and laying off workers, I could care less about.

I don't believe in bailouts to prop up failed crappy companies, they should just be allowed to fail once and for all so that more deserving established and up and coming companies can take their place.

[DainBramaged]

5. They were loans not bailouts asshole, piss off .

Crappy companies, eat me douchenozzle, and here's a flash

"click" you made my ignore list.

[rollingrock]

6. Thats what banks are for

Now that the banks have all our money, GM should be begging Citibank for a loan instead of the taxpayers.