Chrysler Some 2001-05 Town & Country, Caravan and Voyager minivans may produce a knocking or rattling sound from the front suspension when driven over rough or uneven road surfaces.
Chrysler Group L.L.C. said the problem only afflicts minivans built on or before March 1, 2005, and is caused by the vehicle's front sway bar making contact with its frame.
Upgraded front sway bar bushings are now available to address the noise condition.
To complete the repair, order part #04743024AD for minivans with 26mm stabilizer bars; or part #04743041AD for models with 26.5mm stabilizer bars.
Ford Ford Motor Co. said some 2006 Ford Fusions and Mustangs, Lincoln Zephyrs and Mercury Milans with 4.6-liter engines may illuminate the Check Engine light and log trouble code P1000 in computer memory at high altitudes.
According to the car maker, if there are no other codes stored and clearing the code proves impossible, you're likely dealing with software gremlins in the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). Reprogramming the PCM with updated calibration files is the only solution. Check with a dealer for the specifics of the flash.
GM General Motors Co. reported the Low Traction and/or ABS light may illuminate on some 2004-06 Pontiac GTOs, even though none of the wheels are slipping or losing traction.
One likely cause is an insufficient air gap between a rear ABS wheel speed sensor and tone wheel. The condition can occur at one or both rear wheels.
Start your diagnosis by getting the car on a lift and removing both rear wheels. Now measure the air gaps between the rear wheel speed sensors and tone wheels. You should see a minimum clearance of .059 inch at both wheels. If you do, this information doesn't apply; continue troubleshooting until the problem is resolved.
If either air gap is less than specified, remove the affected speed sensor, install a specially designed shim—part #90278359—under it to increase the clearance, then reinstall the sensor. After completing the repair, take the car on a road test to confirm the warning light(s) stay off.
Lexus Owners of 1997-2000 ES300 and 1999-2000 RX300 Lexus models may complain of a squeak or chirp from the front end when the vehicle is driven over rough or undulating road surfaces.
One probable cause for the noise is a defective strut mount, Toyota Motor Corp.'s Lexus division said. The noise can occur on one or both sides of the vehicle. Installing new-design mounts (part #48603-33021, RH; part #48609-33121, LH) with an upgraded rubber bushing should put the noise issue to bed.
Nissan Nissan Motor Co. reported that some 2001-02 2WD Frontier pickups and Xterra SUVs built before May 1, 2002, may turn on the ABS light dimly while being driven or with the engine off and the ignition on.
The Japanese vehicle maker said there's a good chance the warning lamp is bogus—the result of software issues in the ABS module.
To make a definitive diagnosis, hook up your scanner and check for codes in the ABS module. If you find any codes, do the necessary repairs, then take the vehicle on a road test to verify that the warning light stays off.
If there are no codes stored, however, that's a hint that the ABS module has software gremlins. Installing an updated module, part #47850-8Z400, should eliminate further trouble.
"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.