Mazda
Mazda reports that 1998-99 four-wheel-drive B-series pickup trucks are prone to producing a creaking or pinging sound from the drivetrain when the gear selector is shifted into drive or reverse.
The noise also can be heard when accelerating from a stop—with automatic transmissions—or during clutch release with manual gearboxes.
The most likely source of the noise, the Japanese car maker said, is excess clearance between the splines of the rear output yoke and the output shaft itself. A modified transfer case output flange, part #ZZRO-17-020, is now available to remedy the situation.
DaimlerChrysler
Some 1999-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokees, 2000-01 Cherokees and 2000-04 Wranglers (all with 4-liter engines) may produce a rough idle on start-up following a 10- to 20-minute soak in hot ambient temperatures. In addition, the check engine light may be on with trouble code P0303 stored in computer memory.
DaimlerChrysler said the condition is more prominent after stop-and-go driving and is most likely due to heat from the exhaust manifold causing a vapor lock situation at the No. 3 fuel injector. Installing an insulating sleeve, part #56028371AA, around the injector should prevent a recurrence of the problem.
Start the job by cutting the insulating sleeve with a razor blade until you have two equal halves about 1 inch long. Now install one portion of the sleeve around the No. 3 injector, with its slit facing upward. Install the other with its slit facing downward. To complete the fix, make sure that the sleeve halves are flush with the intake manifold and the injector is rotated to the 2 o'clock position—as viewed from the driver's side of the vehicle—so that the wiring doesn't strain the harness connector.
Acura
All 1998 3.2TL and 3.5RL models—as well as 1999 3.5RL models built between VINs JH4KA9 and XC000001 and JH4KA9 to XC003640—are prone to turning on the check engine light and storing trouble codes P0133 and/or P0153 in computer memory.
Acura said that both codes signify a slow response time from the front oxygen sensors and are due to the inability of the powertrain control module (PCM) to correctly interpret the signals from one or both sensors. Updated PCMs with revised software are now available to put a halt to the problem. Here are the relevant part numbers:
Mercedes-Benz
Drivers of 2000 S-class models may complain that they lose cooling from the air conditioning system after about 10 minutes of driving.
One probable cause is a damaged evaporator temperature sensor, Mercedes-Benz said. The sensor gets damaged by the condensate that collects in the evaporator.
Installing a new, better- sealed temperature sensor is the quick fix. The part number for the new sensor remains the same as the old.
“Factory Fixes” is written by Jim DePalma, a 30-year veteran of the auto repair business who has served stints as a service manager, parts manager and ASE-certified technician. His column provides vehicle manufacturers' authentic factory technical service bulletins (TSBs) that have been condensed for easier reading. Mr. DePalma advises that techs always check with a dealer or repair information system for the latest revisions before starting to work on a vehicle. He can be reached via e-mail at [email protected]