Subaru
Subaru reported that some 2005-08 Legacy, Outback, Impreza and Forester models equipped with the 4EAT automatic transmission may illuminate the Check Engine light and store trouble code P0851 and/or P0852 in computer memory.
Likely causes, the Japanese car maker said, are a misadjusted neutral safety switch and gearshift cable. Adjusting both parts should eliminate further trouble.
Start the fix by placing the gearshift lever in neutral. Now loosen the three neutral safety switch attaching bolts.
Next, insert a drift into the holes in both the switch lever and switch body and, keeping the drift as straight as possible, tighten the switch attaching bolts to 30 inch-lbs.
Now move on to the gearshift cable adjustment. Using the illustration above, loosen cable adjusting nuts A and B, as shown.
Now tighten adjusting nut B until it just makes contact with the gearshift lever. Using a spanner wrench or similar tool to prevent nut B from rotating, tighten adjusting nut A to 65 inch-lbs. The cable is now properly adjusted.
To complete the fix, check that the shifter engages each detent smoothly, the starter motor runs in park, the backup lights work in reverse and the park lock engages when the shifter is placed into park.
Subaru also reported that some 2000-02 2.5L Legacy sedans, wagons and Outback models may emit a groan from the steering pump and/or a vibration through the steering wheel when turning at low speeds.
Issues with the high-pressure power steering hose are a likely cause. If the noise or vibration is slight, try removing the high-pressure hose clamps and bolts at the frame to see if that reduces or eliminates the complaints.
If it does, leave the clamps off and release the vehicle to the customer. If the symptoms persist, replace the high-pressure hose with an updated design, part #34610AE09B, leaving the retaining clamps off.
If the noise or vibration remains after swapping in the new hose, Subaru recommended replacing the power steering pump, as well.
Toyota
Owners of 2003 Corolla/Matrix models may complain of little or no air output out of the center HVAC register.
One likely cause, Toyota reported, is a misadjusted mode control cable.
Start your diagnosis off by setting the blower motor on high and the mode control switch to defrost. Now turn the mode switch counterclockwise to the bi-level position.
Note the amount of air coming out of the center register. Next, place the mode switch to vent, then turn the switch clockwise to the bi-level mode. Once again, feel the amount of air coming out of the center register.
If the volume of air is noticeably less when turning the mode switch counterclockwise, the mode control cable definitely needs an adjustment.
Begin the job by removing the glove box to access the cable. Now gently pull the cable up and out of its retaining clamp.
Next, push the mode damper door lever fully to the left (vent position) while pushing the mode control cable back into its retaining clamp. Reinstall the glove box, then rotate the mode control switch to both stops to ensure that the cable isn't binding.
To complete the fix, repeat the mode test as outlined above.
General Motors
The air conditioning system on some 2003 Pontiac Vibes may fail to adequately cool the interior.
One probable cause, GM said, is a misadjusted temperature control cable. Readjusting the cable should eliminate further cooling issues.
When performing the adjustment, it's critical that the temperature control knob be held at the “full cold” position while the temp control lever is positioned fully to the rear.
Nissan
Some 2001 Maxima and Sentra SE models may produce a hum or groan from the rear under light brake pedal application.
Nissan said the noise usually occurs on the first few stops in the morning, will eventually fade as the brake linings warm, and is most likely due to the rear disc brake pads oscillating in the brake caliper support.
Installing new-design inner and outer brake pad shims from a kit, part #44080-4U027, and a set of fresh brake pads should eradicate the noise.
“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].