Vehicle Classics

What Is A Technical Service Bulletin?

When you drive a new vehicle off the dealership lot, you expect that your first few years of ownership will be problem-free. In most cases, they are. The parts and systems under the hood are brand new. Sadly, auto manufacturers occasionally make mistakes. When they do, they’ll often issue a technical service bulletin.

Most won’t affect you. In fact, were you to read the majority of the TSBs that are issued by automakers, you might be inclined to ignore them. For example, a manufacturer may send out a notice about a faulty cigarette lighter. It may be irrelevant to you unless you’re a smoker.

Having said that, it is important to understand what a technical service bulletin is and how it affects you as an owner. In this article, I’ll describe how they differ from recalls. I’ll also explain how to make sure the appropriate repairs are performed in the event a TSB is issued.

How Is It Different Than A Recall?

Many owners believe recalls and TSBs are the same. The former is issued when an automaker discovers that the design of their vehicle includes a safety risk or a problem with emissions. The recall does not expire. It remains “live” or “open” until the owner has a dealership technician fix the problem.

A technical service bulletin is sent to the dealership by the automaker for design problems that do not present safety risks. Unlike recalls, they usually expire once the standard warranty period ends. If the owner fails to have the work performed and the warranty expires, his chance to have the problem resolved by the dealer for free also expires.

Having The Necessary Repairs Performed

Occasionally, TSBs address serious problems with key parts and systems. For example, your car’s engine may have a recurring hard starting issue that is due to a design flaw. Or, the transmission may slip. If you suspect a problem you’re experiencing with your vehicle is due to design issues, you can investigate existing technical service bulletins online. Be aware that the content will often exclude details that are available to the dealership.

The key to having TSB repairs done by the dealer is to make sure one of the auto technicians can duplicate the problem. For example, suppose you’re having trouble cranking your engine in the morning. Further suppose you have noticed a technical service bulletin that mentions a cold start engine issue. If you deliver your vehicle to the dealership after warming the engine, they won’t be able to duplicate the cold start. Deliver it the previous evening. Call in the morning and ask them to crank the motor. Once they verify the cold start, they can resolve it based on the TSB.

Again, most technical service bulletins are not important. Nor are they widespread. However, if you experience a glitch with your car, and it’s still under warranty, check online for a TSB. It may be the quickest path toward having the problem resolved.

Vehicle Classics

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Common Repairs That Are Performed On Automotive Transmissions

Your vehicle’s engine receives a lot of attention. Everybody from muscle car enthusiasts to salespeople on the dealership lot recites horsepower numbers like baseball statistics. But, the transmission is a far more complex piece of machinery. It’s more than just a gearbox. There are an assortment of components and systems within the housing that perform their respective jobs outside the limelight.

Eventually, the parts wear down and your tranny will begin to fail. At some point, you’ll need to replace them. However, there are many problems that can be resolved by making a few adjustments or repairs without removing the assembly from your vehicle. Here are two of the most common:

#1 – Resealing Work

Over time, leaks can occur. You might have noticed a small patch of reddish oil on the ground when moving your car. That implies that a seal or gasket has developed a leak. When you take your vehicle to a mechanic, he’ll probably put it on lifts to identify the source. If it truly is a leaking seal or gasket, he can reseal them and eliminate the leak without lifting your transmission. That said, if the leak is coming from the front seal, your mechanic will be unable to reach it without lifting the entire assembly. That becomes expensive.

#2 – Replacing Components

As noted, there are several parts and systems within your transmission; some of them will eventually need to be replaced. The good news is that a technician can reach many of these components by first taking out the oil pan. There is one small caveat, though. Every tranny is a little different. The components that are accessible on one assembly may be inaccessible on another (without removing it from your vehicle). Plus, because the mechanic can only inspect a limited range of parts while the assembly is still in your car, he’ll be unwilling to offer warranty coverage.

When An Overhaul Is Necessary

Sometimes, replacing a few internal parts or resealing areas that have developed leaks won’t fix a persistent problem. If that’s the case, your mechanic will likely recommend an overhaul. He’ll remove the transmission from its cavity and dismantle the entire assembly. Then, he’ll take a look at each component to check whether it has sustained a high level of wear and tear. If it has, that component is replaced. If not, it’s cleaned. Most of the parts that deteriorate naturally (for example, the clutch, gaskets, etc.) are replaced.

Next, the mechanic will check to see whether any changes are recommended by the manufacturer. If so, he’ll make those changes. Finally, he’ll reassemble the transmission and place it back into its cavity. Because he has been able to inspect every part, he’ll usually offer a warranty on the work he has performed.

When your transmission misbehaves, don’t immediately think it needs to be replaced. Take your car to a trusted technician and let him take a look. There’s a good chance he won’t need to remove the assembly in order to fix the problem.

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Tips For Buying A New Or Used Sedan

If buying an SUV seems like overkill for your limited cargo needs and a pickup truck doesn’t quite fit your personal style, a sedan may be right up your alley. There are several categories, from small to luxury, and each offers a unique blend of comfort, attractive aesthetics, and practical utility. Most cars in this class are also fuel-efficient while delivering impressive engine performance.

In this article, I’ll provide four tips for buying a sedan. Whether you intend to buy a new or used model, the following guidelines will help you select a vehicle that meets your expectations.

#1 – Consider A Six-Cylinder Engine

Smaller cars in this class typically have 4-cylinder engines. They tend to be more fuel-efficient that larger engines, but the disparity between a 4-cylinder and a 6-cylinder is diminishing. Today’s larger engines are almost as fuel-efficient as smaller ones. Plus, they deliver more power and a smoother ride.

#2 – Pick A Drivetrain That Suits Your Environment

FWD, RWD, or AWD? The majority of cars that are built today come with front-wheel drive. When the roads are wet and slick, this type of drivetrain offers more traction and control than RWD vehicles. That said, rear-wheel drive offers more overall steering control under normal driving conditions. All-wheel drive isn’t as popular as the other two drivetrains, but many sedans come with it. Like FWD, it is especially effective on slippery roads. If you live in a location that receives a lot of rainfall, FWD or AWD cars will provide more control on the road.

#3 – Test The Trunk

Don’t simply judge a trunk by its space. You should also consider how comfortable it is to work with. For example, if you’re a regular golfer, you’ll be loading and unloading your clubs often. Make sure the trunk’s height and design allow you to do so easily. The same is true if you travel often. You’ll be lifting your suitcases into the trunk repeatedly. If it’s too high, it will quickly become an inconvenience. A generous trunk can still be hard to work with.

#4 – Sit In The Back Seats

Buyers often become enamored with a sedan without checking to see whether the back passenger seats offer enough room. Sit in them. You should be able to move the front seats all the way back without significantly encroaching on the back passengers’ leg space. The best way to test them is to first sit in the driver’s seat and adjust it so you’re comfortable. Then, sit in the seat behind the driver to check whether there’s enough space.

Buying a new or used sedan is a matter of personal taste and needs. The cars in this class offer general purpose utility, but that utility can mean different things to different people. Whether you prefer a small 4-cylinder or spacious V8, there is a sedan that can seamlessly fit your style.

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