Infiniti
Owners of 2003-05 FX SUVs and G35 sedans, as well as 2006 M-series cars, may complain of a foul odor in the passenger compartment when the air conditioning system is running. Infiniti attributes the odor to mold and mildew accumulating on the evaporator case. Replacing the in-cabin, pleated air filter with a new, activated charcoal filter, part No. 27277-CL025, should eliminate the annoyance.
Ford
Some 1998-2003 Econoline vans, 1999-2003 F Super Duty pickup trucks and 2000-03 Excursion SUVs with 7.3-liter diesel engines may produce a knocking from the engine compartment. According to Ford, the noise sounds similar to an intermittent rod knock, usually gets worse as the engine warms, and is attributable it to the No. 8 cylinder being starved for fuel. Installing a special "long-lead" fuel injector, part No. XC3Z-9E527-AARM, into the No. 8 cylinder should alleviate the starvation issue and put an end to the noise.
Acura
All 2009 TSX sedans, in addition to 2010 models built from VIN JH4CU2…AC000001 through JH4CU2…AC009053, may produce an engine ping during moderate-to-heavy acceleration. Acura attributes the condition to a faulty knock sensor combined with calibration issues in the PCM. Replacing the knock sensor with an updated design, part No. 30530-RL5-A01, and having the PCM flashed with updated software should eliminate the ping. Check with a dealer for the specifics of the flash.
"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]