Ford
Drivers of 2001-04 Mustangs may come into your service department complaining of an irritating rattle from the instrument panel.
In addition to the noise, the climate control vents may be difficult to adjust. According to Ford Motor Co., both problems are the result of worn or detached vanes in an HVAC vent housing.
A better-design vent housing, part #3R3Z-19893-AB, is available to address both issues. To install the new housing, simply pry out the old one from the instrument panel with a flat-bladed screwdriver, then press the updated housing firmly into the dash. Repeat the procedure for all other affected vents.
Kia
Owners of 2001 Sportage models produced before June 29, 2000, may complain that the HVAC mode switch doesn't work properly, or at all.
Kia Motors said the problem is most likely due to a damaged or broken contact within the switch. Installing a new-design, sturdier mode switch, part #0K070 61 C21, and knob, part #0K070 61 C32, should restore proper A/C control immediately.
Lexus
Owners of 2003-07 Lexus GX 470 trucks may come up to your write-up desk with a complaint that one or both front doors may be extremely difficult to swing all the way open.
Toyota Motor Corp.'s Lexus division said one likely cause of the trouble is a defective or bent door check. A modified, heftier door check is now available to address the concern.
Order part #68610-60081 for the right side door; part #68620-60071 for the left side door.
Start the repair off by removing the inside handle bezel and front armrest from the affected door. Next, remove the power window master switch and the door trim.
Using the illustration (at left) as a reference, remove the door check cover, the two door check attaching nuts, the one attaching bolt and the defective door check itself.
To complete the fix, install the upgraded door check, torque the attaching nuts and bolt to 44 in-lbs., install the cover, then put the remaining door trim parts back into the vehicle.
Repeat the procedure for the other door, as necessary.
Mazda
Some 1998-99 B-series pickups with four-wheel-drive may produce a creak- or ping-type sound when the gear selector is shifted from park into drive or reverse.
According to Mazda Motor Corp., the noise also can be heard when accelerating from a stop (automatic transmission) or during clutch release (manual gearboxes). It is most likely due to excess clearance between the rear output shaft yoke and the rear output shaft itself.
Installing a new-design transfer case output flange, part #ZZRO-17-020, should help eliminate the noise immediately.
“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] For more Factory Fixes, go to www.tirebusiness.com and click on the Service Zone icon.