Chrysler
Owners of 2005-06 Jeep Grand Cherokees and 2006 Commanders with 3.0L and 5.7L engines—all built before Oct. 29, 2005—may complain of a whining sound from the power steering system on initial start-up.
Chrysler Group L.L.C. said the noise is most prevalent when the outside temperature is below freezing, increases in intensity the colder the temperature gets and usually disappears as the engine warms up. Poor fluid flow through the remote-mounted power steering reservoir is the most likely cause for the noise, according to the auto maker.
Installing an updated reservoir with improved flow characteristics, part No. 52124317AA, should eliminate further noise issues.
Ford
Some 2007 front-wheel-drive Ford Edge or Lincoln MKX models may end up in your shop's service bays with the antilock brake system (ABS) and/or electronic stability control (ESC) warning lamp illuminated on the dash panel.
If the vehicle was built before June 1, 2007, and trouble codes C1165/C1175 and/or C1235/C1236 are the only codes stored in module memory, one or both of the rear ABS sensors are likely defective, Ford Motor Co. said.
Installing a new-design speed sensor—part No. 7T4Z-2C216-AA, right; part No. 7T4Z-2C190-AA, left—should remedy the condition immediately.
GM
Some 2004-07 Chevrolet Aveo models with 1.6L engines may develop an oil leak from the front portion of the engine.
Before doing anything, General Motors Co. advised a technician check the VIN breakpoint of the vehicle. If it's before 7B797296, chances are the fiber oil pump gasket has sprung a leak.
A new-design, metal reinforced gasket, part No. 90573301, is now available to eliminate the leakage complaint.
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Some 2003 Cadillac CTS models built prior to VIN breakpoint 30134433 may produce a clunking noise and/or loose feel from the steering column.
According to GM, the problems are more noticeable during turning maneuvers, and are caused by excessive play in the upper intermediate steering shaft.
Installing a new-design intermediate shaft, part No. 25749288, should alleviate both conditions.
Nissan
Owners of 2003-06 Murano and 350Z models may come into your shop complaining that a ticking, clicking, thumping or knocking sound is coming from the engine compartment at idle.
One likely source of the noise, Nissan Motor Corp. USA said, is pulsations or oscillations in the fuel feed damper hose.
To make the diagnosis, the technician should start the engine and let it idle. When the noise occurs, grab the damper hose and feel for a vibration that matches the frequency of the noise. If you don't get the vibration, continue troubleshooting.
If you do feel the vibration, replace the fuel damper/hose assembly with an upgraded design. Order part No. 22675-CA00A for Muranos and part No. 22675-AM60A for the 350Z.
“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. 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. This column first appeared in Service Zone.