|
Technical Service Bulletins (TSB)
05/22/12
Kevin Schappell
Smart home mechanics use all the information available to diagnose problems
with their vehicle. Below you will find the two most valuable sources of data
available today. Most people know nothing about TSBs, but they should. Both
of these excellent resources are available online from websites like AllData.com
Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs):
TSBs are issued by vehicle manufacturers to help automotive technicians diagnose
and repair problems reported by consumers and repair shops. It's amazing how
many fixes are found in these bulletins that can't be found anywhere else. Car
manufacturers issue thousands of bulletins every year.
TSBs contain up-to-date factory fixes for difficult to diagnose problems such
as rough idles, intermittent stalls, hard starts, and all kinds of "shakes",
"rattles" and "clunks" that can sometimes drive you nuts.
TSBs describe service procedures that may improve performance, reduce future
breakdowns, or show a factory authorized modification for your vehicle.
This information can be valuable to the home mechanic when trying to troubleshoot
problems with his or her car. Most times the manufacturer gives detailed instructions
on how to fix the problem with part numbers included. You can choose to fix
it yourself or take it to your mechanic and alert him to the TSB.
Recall Notices:
Automobile manufacturers issue Official Safety Recall Notices to inform vehicle
owners of car defects that have come to the manufacturer's attention. Recalls
also suggest improvements that can be made to improve the safety of a particular
vehicle. Oftentimes your car dealer can perform this recall work for free. Knowing
what recall notices have been issued on your vehicle helps you keep your vehicle
in the best and safest working order. The best way to keep your family safe
is to check for recalls issued for your vehicle every 1 - 3 months. Not all
recalls are serious enough to warrant the manufacturer to contact owners, so
it's up to you to check for yourself.
|
