2010 Repair Information Added To “The Online Source”
For Do-it-yourselfer's. With service information for 2010 vehicles recently added, the popular Online Auto Repair Manuals have been updated to include more repair articles, technical service bulletins and supporting graphics than ever before. So now you can get the manual you need from 1983 - 2010.
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Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Automakers face quake-related shortages of microchips, batteries, experts say
DETROIT (Bloomberg) -- Ford Motor Co. and other global manufacturers are maintaining production while waiting for partners in quake-rattled Japan to increase one key export: information.
Ford is among the numerous manufacturers worldwide that depend on Japan for everything from memory chips to batteries for hybrid cars. The goal is to avoid parts shortages while Japanese suppliers such as Sanyo Electric Co. and Toshiba Corp. make sure they have access to power, water, transportation and materials.
Four days after the magnitude 9.0 earthquake, Germany's BMW AG, truckmaker Volvo AB of Sweden and ON Semiconductor Corp. all say it's too early to know how they'll be affected by their Japanese vendors or customers.
One reason is the lack of information flowing from suppliers, and from the suppliers' suppliers. Companies such as South Korea's Samsung, taking no chances, are seeking other sources to avoid shortages that might shut production.
"The reality is the companies don't know the full extent of what's happened," said economist Kim Hill at the Center for Automotive Research in Ann Arbor, Mich. "You can't build a car with 97 percent of the parts -- you pretty much need all of them."
Missing suppliers
For example, Honda Motor Co. is struggling to make contact with some of its Japanese suppliers, IHS Automotive reported today, citing the automaker.
"Honda has disclosed that at least 113 of its suppliers are located in the affected areas and that it has yet to get in touch with more than 40 of them," the IHS report notes.
Nissan Motor Co. also faces major hurdles. According to IHS, company CEO Carlos Ghosn told a TV interviewer, "Our best hope is that we start to produce again (in Japan) in two or three days, but not for very long as our supplier network has really been devastated."
Electricity shortages caused by a shutdown of nuclear power plants in northern Japan is limiting the ability of suppliers to return to production.
"Sanyo supplies our hybrid batteries from Japan," said Todd Nissen, a spokesman for Ford. "We have not had any supply disruptions at this point but, like the rest of the supply base, Sanyo is continuing to assess the situation."
Sanyo, which is 80 percent owned by Panasonic Corp., supplies the nickel-metal battery packs for Ford's Fusion hybrid sedan that's assembled in Mexico.
Disruptions in chip supplies
Two U.S. chipmakers that supply the auto industry reported disrupted production at their plants in Japan. Texas Instruments Inc., the second-largest U.S. chipmaker, said its sales will be hurt in the first and second quarters. Freescale Semiconductor Inc. of Austin, Texas, said its plant in hard-hit Sendai has ceased operations.
Japanese companies including Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., silicon-wafer manufacturer Sumco Corp. and automotive supplier Denso Corp. -- an affiliate of Toyota Motor Corp. -- temporarily halted production.
Intel Corp., which makes microprocessors and integrated circuits for computer manufacturers, buys wafers from Japan but relies on flights to transport goods.
"Right now the main issue is trying to sort through the issues associated with moving materials within Japan," Intel spokesman Chuck Mulloy told Reuters.
ON Semiconductor said unreliable power supplies kept one its six factories off line.
Even when suppliers are able to keep producing, concern about potential shortages is driving up costs. Prices of semiconductors used in personal computers and mobile phones jumped.
Research firm IHS iSuppli said the quake and its aftermath could result in significant shortages of some electronic parts and lead to big price hikes.
"While there are few reports of actual damage at electronic production facilities, impacts on the transportation and power infrastructure will result in disruptions of supply, resulting in the short supply and rising prices," iSuppli said.
Japan accounts for one-fifth of the world's semiconductor production, including about 40 percent of flash memory chips used in everything from smartphones, tablets to computers.
Even if shipments of semiconductor parts affected by the quake were disrupted for only two weeks, shortages and their price impact were likely to linger until the third quarter, iSuppli said.
Auto plant closures
Japan is a major source of electronic components for autos and is the primary supplier of batteries and parts for hybrid vehicles, said Hill, the automotive research group economist.
The U.S. relies on Japan for about 14 percent of parts for auto production, Hill said, predicting that Toyota, Nissan and Honda will see the biggest impact to their U.S. operations.
While Ford hasn't experienced any parts disruptions so far, "We are still working with our Tier 1 suppliers, who are in turn assessing the Tier 2 supply base," spokesman Nissen said.
Toyota, Honda and Nissan all suspended domestic auto production until at least March 16, and until March 20 in Honda's case. Toyota may lose as much as $72 million for each day of lost production, according to a Goldman Sachs estimate.
Volvo Cars, the Swedish carmaker owned by China's Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co., buys about 10 percent of its components from Japan, spokesman Per-Ake Froberg said. "Our production won't be affected this week, but then we'll see," he said.
Silicon wafers
Taiwanese and Korean chipmakers may also be forced to cut output if shutdowns in Japan persist because the country supplies more than 80 percent of the world's silicon wafer supply, said Joyce Yang, an analyst at DRAMeXchange in Taipei.
Wafers are thin round slices of silicon that are the key material used in the production of chips. Samsung and Powerchip Technology Corp., the largest Korean and Taiwanese memory-chip makers, both stopped offering DRAM chips in the spot market after concern their own production may be affected by a shortage in supply of wafers.
Samsung, which makes phones and televisions as well as components, is preparing for possible shortages of materials, spokesman James Chung said.
Ford is among the numerous manufacturers worldwide that depend on Japan for everything from memory chips to batteries for hybrid cars. The goal is to avoid parts shortages while Japanese suppliers such as Sanyo Electric Co. and Toshiba Corp. make sure they have access to power, water, transportation and materials.
Four days after the magnitude 9.0 earthquake, Germany's BMW AG, truckmaker Volvo AB of Sweden and ON Semiconductor Corp. all say it's too early to know how they'll be affected by their Japanese vendors or customers.
One reason is the lack of information flowing from suppliers, and from the suppliers' suppliers. Companies such as South Korea's Samsung, taking no chances, are seeking other sources to avoid shortages that might shut production.
"The reality is the companies don't know the full extent of what's happened," said economist Kim Hill at the Center for Automotive Research in Ann Arbor, Mich. "You can't build a car with 97 percent of the parts -- you pretty much need all of them."
Missing suppliers
For example, Honda Motor Co. is struggling to make contact with some of its Japanese suppliers, IHS Automotive reported today, citing the automaker.
"Honda has disclosed that at least 113 of its suppliers are located in the affected areas and that it has yet to get in touch with more than 40 of them," the IHS report notes.
Nissan Motor Co. also faces major hurdles. According to IHS, company CEO Carlos Ghosn told a TV interviewer, "Our best hope is that we start to produce again (in Japan) in two or three days, but not for very long as our supplier network has really been devastated."
Electricity shortages caused by a shutdown of nuclear power plants in northern Japan is limiting the ability of suppliers to return to production.
"Sanyo supplies our hybrid batteries from Japan," said Todd Nissen, a spokesman for Ford. "We have not had any supply disruptions at this point but, like the rest of the supply base, Sanyo is continuing to assess the situation."
Sanyo, which is 80 percent owned by Panasonic Corp., supplies the nickel-metal battery packs for Ford's Fusion hybrid sedan that's assembled in Mexico.
Disruptions in chip supplies
Two U.S. chipmakers that supply the auto industry reported disrupted production at their plants in Japan. Texas Instruments Inc., the second-largest U.S. chipmaker, said its sales will be hurt in the first and second quarters. Freescale Semiconductor Inc. of Austin, Texas, said its plant in hard-hit Sendai has ceased operations.
Japanese companies including Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., silicon-wafer manufacturer Sumco Corp. and automotive supplier Denso Corp. -- an affiliate of Toyota Motor Corp. -- temporarily halted production.
Intel Corp., which makes microprocessors and integrated circuits for computer manufacturers, buys wafers from Japan but relies on flights to transport goods.
"Right now the main issue is trying to sort through the issues associated with moving materials within Japan," Intel spokesman Chuck Mulloy told Reuters.
ON Semiconductor said unreliable power supplies kept one its six factories off line.
Even when suppliers are able to keep producing, concern about potential shortages is driving up costs. Prices of semiconductors used in personal computers and mobile phones jumped.
Research firm IHS iSuppli said the quake and its aftermath could result in significant shortages of some electronic parts and lead to big price hikes.
"While there are few reports of actual damage at electronic production facilities, impacts on the transportation and power infrastructure will result in disruptions of supply, resulting in the short supply and rising prices," iSuppli said.
Japan accounts for one-fifth of the world's semiconductor production, including about 40 percent of flash memory chips used in everything from smartphones, tablets to computers.
Even if shipments of semiconductor parts affected by the quake were disrupted for only two weeks, shortages and their price impact were likely to linger until the third quarter, iSuppli said.
Auto plant closures
Japan is a major source of electronic components for autos and is the primary supplier of batteries and parts for hybrid vehicles, said Hill, the automotive research group economist.
The U.S. relies on Japan for about 14 percent of parts for auto production, Hill said, predicting that Toyota, Nissan and Honda will see the biggest impact to their U.S. operations.
While Ford hasn't experienced any parts disruptions so far, "We are still working with our Tier 1 suppliers, who are in turn assessing the Tier 2 supply base," spokesman Nissen said.
Toyota, Honda and Nissan all suspended domestic auto production until at least March 16, and until March 20 in Honda's case. Toyota may lose as much as $72 million for each day of lost production, according to a Goldman Sachs estimate.
Volvo Cars, the Swedish carmaker owned by China's Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co., buys about 10 percent of its components from Japan, spokesman Per-Ake Froberg said. "Our production won't be affected this week, but then we'll see," he said.
Silicon wafers
Taiwanese and Korean chipmakers may also be forced to cut output if shutdowns in Japan persist because the country supplies more than 80 percent of the world's silicon wafer supply, said Joyce Yang, an analyst at DRAMeXchange in Taipei.
Wafers are thin round slices of silicon that are the key material used in the production of chips. Samsung and Powerchip Technology Corp., the largest Korean and Taiwanese memory-chip makers, both stopped offering DRAM chips in the spot market after concern their own production may be affected by a shortage in supply of wafers.
Samsung, which makes phones and televisions as well as components, is preparing for possible shortages of materials, spokesman James Chung said.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Quake paralyzes Japan's auto industry; Toyota shutters factories
Toyota Motor Corp. suspended production at all of its plants in Japan at least through Monday following the massive earthquake and tsunami that devastated coastal areas in the northern part of the country.
Mitsubishi Motors Corp. said Sunday it would halt production at its three domestic assembly plants through Tuesday. The move follows similar suspensions at Honda Motor Co. and Nissan Motor Co.
At least 2,300 Nissan and Infiniti brand vehicles awaiting shipment to U.S. and Japan showrooms were damaged and some later caught fire when Friday's tsunami swept through the Port of Hitachi. They included nearly 1,300 Infiniti M, EX and FX models headed for North America.
At Toyota, more than a dozen assembly plants and parts factories will be idled. Virtually every model exported to the United States from Japan, from the Prius and Corolla to models in the Lexus and Scion lineups, could be affected.
Toyota's body-making subsidiaries in the quake zone, Kanto Auto Works Ltd. and Central Motors Co., will also keep plants closed.
The shuttered plants account for about 45 percent of Toyota's global production.
Toyota will decide when to restart production after reassessing damage and the condition of its supply chain on Monday, spokesman Keisuke Kirimoto said.
"It's first things first. And that's safety," Kirimoto said.
Toyota was still trying to get a grip on damage at plants in the disaster area, he added.
No Toyota employees were injured when the deadly March 11 tremblor struck off Japan's northeast Pacific coast.
Wiped out
Authorities were still trying to reach towns wiped out by tsunamis or blocked off by impassable roads.
But the death toll was expected to exceed the figure of 1,800 cited in media accounts. Nearly 10,000 people are unaccounted for in the port town of Minamisanriku alone, news reports say.
Toyota was suspending operations partly so employees could regroup with relatives. Many people have gone missing and phone service in the disaster area is almost nonexistent.
Toyota had planned to produce 3.89 million vehicles in Japan this calendar year, including output from its Hino truck-making and Daihatsu minicar subsidiaries. That's down 4 percent from 2010, but still represents nearly half of its global production forecast of 8.69 million vehicles.
Automakers are also concerned about damage to plants and the possibility of aftershocks. In addition, they have to ensure that suppliers are intact and ready to keep delivering parts.
Nuclear concerns
A new concern was the possibility of a meltdown at a nuclear power plant damaged by the quake and tsunami. Authorities are rushing to prevent that but have expanded the evacuation zone to a 12 mile radius around the site. Small amounts of radiation are already leaking, reports say.
The killer 8.9-magnitude earthquake and the tsunami waves it triggered ruptured gas lines, wiped out villages, devastated ports and turned coastal areas into swampy morasses.
Aftershocks, many strong, continued rocking the region through Sunday.
Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd., the maker of Subaru cars, closed five factories after the quake. It was unclear if it would resume operations on Monday.
Automakers including Mazda and Suzuki were largely spared from the quake's effects initially because they have assembly plants in other areas of the country.
But the companies are still gathering information about the impact on suppliers and distribution systems.
Mitsubishi had intended to resume work on Monday. But a spokesman said Sunday that its assembly plants would rest through Tuesday while the company coordinated parts shipments and distribution with suppliers, some of whom are in the quake zone.
Mitsubishi Motors Corp. said Sunday it would halt production at its three domestic assembly plants through Tuesday. The move follows similar suspensions at Honda Motor Co. and Nissan Motor Co.
At least 2,300 Nissan and Infiniti brand vehicles awaiting shipment to U.S. and Japan showrooms were damaged and some later caught fire when Friday's tsunami swept through the Port of Hitachi. They included nearly 1,300 Infiniti M, EX and FX models headed for North America.
At Toyota, more than a dozen assembly plants and parts factories will be idled. Virtually every model exported to the United States from Japan, from the Prius and Corolla to models in the Lexus and Scion lineups, could be affected.
Toyota's body-making subsidiaries in the quake zone, Kanto Auto Works Ltd. and Central Motors Co., will also keep plants closed.
The shuttered plants account for about 45 percent of Toyota's global production.
Toyota will decide when to restart production after reassessing damage and the condition of its supply chain on Monday, spokesman Keisuke Kirimoto said.
"It's first things first. And that's safety," Kirimoto said.
Toyota was still trying to get a grip on damage at plants in the disaster area, he added.
No Toyota employees were injured when the deadly March 11 tremblor struck off Japan's northeast Pacific coast.
Wiped out
Authorities were still trying to reach towns wiped out by tsunamis or blocked off by impassable roads.
But the death toll was expected to exceed the figure of 1,800 cited in media accounts. Nearly 10,000 people are unaccounted for in the port town of Minamisanriku alone, news reports say.
Toyota was suspending operations partly so employees could regroup with relatives. Many people have gone missing and phone service in the disaster area is almost nonexistent.
Toyota had planned to produce 3.89 million vehicles in Japan this calendar year, including output from its Hino truck-making and Daihatsu minicar subsidiaries. That's down 4 percent from 2010, but still represents nearly half of its global production forecast of 8.69 million vehicles.
Automakers are also concerned about damage to plants and the possibility of aftershocks. In addition, they have to ensure that suppliers are intact and ready to keep delivering parts.
Nuclear concerns
A new concern was the possibility of a meltdown at a nuclear power plant damaged by the quake and tsunami. Authorities are rushing to prevent that but have expanded the evacuation zone to a 12 mile radius around the site. Small amounts of radiation are already leaking, reports say.
The killer 8.9-magnitude earthquake and the tsunami waves it triggered ruptured gas lines, wiped out villages, devastated ports and turned coastal areas into swampy morasses.
Aftershocks, many strong, continued rocking the region through Sunday.
Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd., the maker of Subaru cars, closed five factories after the quake. It was unclear if it would resume operations on Monday.
Automakers including Mazda and Suzuki were largely spared from the quake's effects initially because they have assembly plants in other areas of the country.
But the companies are still gathering information about the impact on suppliers and distribution systems.
Mitsubishi had intended to resume work on Monday. But a spokesman said Sunday that its assembly plants would rest through Tuesday while the company coordinated parts shipments and distribution with suppliers, some of whom are in the quake zone.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Toyota, Honda, Chrysler recalling nearly 80,000 vehicles
Toyota Motor Corp., Honda Motor Co. and Chrysler Group LLC are recalling nearly 80,000 vehicles over safety concerns, according to documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Toyota is recalling about 22,000 SUVs and pickups because of tire-deflation monitoring systems that may fail, U.S. regulators said.
Toyota Sequoia, FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser, Tacoma and Tundra vehicles from the 2008 through 2011 model years may have tire deflation monitoring systems that fail to warn drivers, raising the risk of a crash, NHTSA said in a report.
The affected vehicles were shipped from assembly plants with working monitoring systems, but when accessory wheels were installed, the systems were not recalibrated and now lights to warn drivers of low tire pressure may fail, the report said.
Affected vehicles will be repaired at Toyota dealerships for free, Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc., the automaker's U.S. sales branch, told NHTSA.
Honda, meanwhile, has called back 36,656 Civic hybrids from the 2006 and 2007 model years after complaints that a faulty voltage converter could interrupt electrical signals to the headlights and engine. The problem could cause the vehicles to stall and fail to restart, a report filed with NHTSA said.
Owners of affected vehicles can have the voltage converter replaced for free at dealerships. The recall notice is expected to go out on March 18.
Finally, Chrysler is recalling 20,459 Jeep Wranglers built in 2010 and 2011. Certain Wranglers manufactured from July 12, 2010, through Sept. 10, 2010, may experience loosened fasteners on the front and rear axle attachments to the chassis, a report filed with NHTSA said. This could result in excessive noise and ultimately impaired steering and handling, increasing the risk of a crash, the agency said.
Dealers will retorque all 19 fasteners for free. The recall is expected to begin in March.
Toyota is recalling about 22,000 SUVs and pickups because of tire-deflation monitoring systems that may fail, U.S. regulators said.
Toyota Sequoia, FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser, Tacoma and Tundra vehicles from the 2008 through 2011 model years may have tire deflation monitoring systems that fail to warn drivers, raising the risk of a crash, NHTSA said in a report.
The affected vehicles were shipped from assembly plants with working monitoring systems, but when accessory wheels were installed, the systems were not recalibrated and now lights to warn drivers of low tire pressure may fail, the report said.
Affected vehicles will be repaired at Toyota dealerships for free, Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc., the automaker's U.S. sales branch, told NHTSA.
Honda, meanwhile, has called back 36,656 Civic hybrids from the 2006 and 2007 model years after complaints that a faulty voltage converter could interrupt electrical signals to the headlights and engine. The problem could cause the vehicles to stall and fail to restart, a report filed with NHTSA said.
Owners of affected vehicles can have the voltage converter replaced for free at dealerships. The recall notice is expected to go out on March 18.
Finally, Chrysler is recalling 20,459 Jeep Wranglers built in 2010 and 2011. Certain Wranglers manufactured from July 12, 2010, through Sept. 10, 2010, may experience loosened fasteners on the front and rear axle attachments to the chassis, a report filed with NHTSA said. This could result in excessive noise and ultimately impaired steering and handling, increasing the risk of a crash, the agency said.
Dealers will retorque all 19 fasteners for free. The recall is expected to begin in March.
Monday, March 07, 2011
Toyota recalls 22,000 vehicles over tire monitors
DETROIT (Reuters) – Toyota Motor Corp on Saturday recalled about 22,000 sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks because of tire-deflation monitoring systems that may fail, regulators said.
Toyota Sequoia, FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser, Tacoma and Tundra vehicles from model years 2008-2011 may have tire deflation monitoring systems that fail to warn drivers, raising the risk of a crash, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in a report.
The vehicles affected left their assembly plants with working monitoring systems, but when accessory wheels were installed, the systems were not recalibrated and now lights to warn drivers of low tire pressure may fail, the report said.
The models affected will be repaired at Toyota dealerships at no cost, Toyota Motor Sales, the automaker's U.S. sales branch, told the NHTSA.
Toyota has been plagued by a series of recalls since late 2009 that now total 19 million vehicles worldwide. Two weeks ago, the automaker recalled 2.2 million vehicles for a defect that may cause gas pedals to stick, widening one of the recalls from late 2009.
The recalls have cut into Toyota sales, particularly in the United States, where most of the recalls have taken place.
Toyota Sequoia, FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser, Tacoma and Tundra vehicles from model years 2008-2011 may have tire deflation monitoring systems that fail to warn drivers, raising the risk of a crash, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in a report.
The vehicles affected left their assembly plants with working monitoring systems, but when accessory wheels were installed, the systems were not recalibrated and now lights to warn drivers of low tire pressure may fail, the report said.
The models affected will be repaired at Toyota dealerships at no cost, Toyota Motor Sales, the automaker's U.S. sales branch, told the NHTSA.
Toyota has been plagued by a series of recalls since late 2009 that now total 19 million vehicles worldwide. Two weeks ago, the automaker recalled 2.2 million vehicles for a defect that may cause gas pedals to stick, widening one of the recalls from late 2009.
The recalls have cut into Toyota sales, particularly in the United States, where most of the recalls have taken place.
Saturday, March 05, 2011
Mazda recalls 52,000 vehicles for spider web concerns
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -- Mazda Motor Corp. is recalling 52,000 Mazda6 vehicles from the 2009-2010 model years over concerns that spider webs in the emissions system could lead to fuel tank cracks and possible leaks.
The vehicles were manufactured from April 8, 2008 through Feb. 8, 2010. The Auto Alliance joint venture plant between Mazda and Ford Motor Co. in Flat Rock, Mich., makes the vehicle.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in a summary of the problem that a certain type of spider may weave a web that restricts a vent line.
This could cause the emissions control system to increase pressure inside the fuel tank, leading to cracks and potential fuel leaks and an increased risk of fire.
Mazda said it would install a spring to prevent this type of spider from entering the vent line, NHTSA said.
The vehicles were manufactured from April 8, 2008 through Feb. 8, 2010. The Auto Alliance joint venture plant between Mazda and Ford Motor Co. in Flat Rock, Mich., makes the vehicle.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in a summary of the problem that a certain type of spider may weave a web that restricts a vent line.
This could cause the emissions control system to increase pressure inside the fuel tank, leading to cracks and potential fuel leaks and an increased risk of fire.
Mazda said it would install a spring to prevent this type of spider from entering the vent line, NHTSA said.
Friday, March 04, 2011
Free Car Owners Manuals
FreeAutoMechanic.com is now offering access to free car owners manuals. Same information as what the manufacturer put in the glove box when the car was first put on the lot for sale. Only now you can view it online for FREE.
Just Choose your cars make and follow the links and it will take you to where you need to go to get the free owners manual online. In some cases you have to register, but you can put in an anonymous email account and still get owners manual you need for your car.
Just Choose your cars make and follow the links and it will take you to where you need to go to get the free owners manual online. In some cases you have to register, but you can put in an anonymous email account and still get owners manual you need for your car.
Thursday, March 03, 2011
TSB 2009 Caravan/Town and Country Squeak at Low Speed Maneuvers and Over Bumps
Subject: Squeak at Low Speed Maneuvers and Over Bumps
Vehicle Involved: 2009 Caravan/Town and Country. This bulletin applies to vehicles built before February 9, 2009
Condition: Some sway bars may be rubbing against the heat shield during low speed maneuvers and over bumps.
Repair Procedure: This bulletin involves removing, modifying and re-installing the power steering gear heat shield.
Inspect the heat shield to sway bar clearance, if there is rubbing between the sway bar and the heat shield, perform the repair procedure.
1. Raise the vehicle
2. Remove the power steering gear heat shield.
3. Remove the two bolts and clips that retain the heat shield to the vehicle.
4. Cut the heat shield along the line indicated in (Fig. 1).
5. Install the power steering gear heat shield. When installing the push pins replace them with new pins
6. Lower the vehicle
Vehicle Involved: 2009 Caravan/Town and Country. This bulletin applies to vehicles built before February 9, 2009
Condition: Some sway bars may be rubbing against the heat shield during low speed maneuvers and over bumps.
Repair Procedure: This bulletin involves removing, modifying and re-installing the power steering gear heat shield.
Inspect the heat shield to sway bar clearance, if there is rubbing between the sway bar and the heat shield, perform the repair procedure.
1. Raise the vehicle
2. Remove the power steering gear heat shield.
3. Remove the two bolts and clips that retain the heat shield to the vehicle.
4. Cut the heat shield along the line indicated in (Fig. 1).
5. Install the power steering gear heat shield. When installing the push pins replace them with new pins
6. Lower the vehicle
Wednesday, March 02, 2011
TSB 1987-2002 Dodge Dakota/ Durango Front caliper housing bolt
Condition: Caliper housing bolt damaged when servicing front brakes
Repair: When servicing the brakes and replacing the front brake pads some techs have complained that the hex head of the housing bolt because of its size M9-1.25 is easily stripped or damaged when they re-install the caliper.
The fix is to install an alternative housing bolt with a M10-1.25 hex head.
The bigger hex will be stronger and will facilitate installation without any issues.
The Raybestos part number for the M10-1.25 housing bolt is H5015W.
Repair: When servicing the brakes and replacing the front brake pads some techs have complained that the hex head of the housing bolt because of its size M9-1.25 is easily stripped or damaged when they re-install the caliper.
The fix is to install an alternative housing bolt with a M10-1.25 hex head.
The bigger hex will be stronger and will facilitate installation without any issues.
The Raybestos part number for the M10-1.25 housing bolt is H5015W.
Tuesday, March 01, 2011
My 2002 Ford Expedition Air Bag Light is on and Flashing Code 42
I have a 2002 Ford Expedition with the Air Bag Light on flashing 4 times then 2 times over and over. I tried turning off my car and restarting it but the light keeps coming back on and keeps flashing. I keep thinking my airbag is going to go off and it scares me. What should I do?
Response:
First off, anytime the airbag light is on the airbag system is turned off and will not deploy the airbag even if you get in a crash. You will need to have a mechanic scan the system and diagnose the problem and have it fixed. The most common issue on this particular vehicle is the the drivers side front airbag sensor becoming corroded. Cleaning the connections and or replacing the sensor is usually needed.
Response:
First off, anytime the airbag light is on the airbag system is turned off and will not deploy the airbag even if you get in a crash. You will need to have a mechanic scan the system and diagnose the problem and have it fixed. The most common issue on this particular vehicle is the the drivers side front airbag sensor becoming corroded. Cleaning the connections and or replacing the sensor is usually needed.
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