Toyota
Toyota reports that the HVAC control panel on some 2003-09 4Runner SUVs may dim or flicker during vehicle operation. In some instances, the panel may go out altogether, only to return a few minutes later. Two defective bulbs that illuminate the panel are the source of the woes. Installing new, upgraded bulbs, part No. 90010-09017, should eliminate the trouble in short order.
Mazda
Some 2004-08 B-Series pickups with manual transmissions may produce a squeaking noise when depressing or releasing the clutch pedal. One likely cause of the noise, reports Mazda, is a dry interface between the clutch release bearing and pressure plate fingers. Replacing the clutch hydraulic cylinder with an upgraded design and lubricating the release bearing face and pressure plate fingers with a suitable grease should eliminate the squeak immediately. The part numbers for the improved hydraulic cylinder are No. 1F71-16-400 (2.3L), No. 1F70-16-400 (3.0L) and No. 1F72-16-400 (4.0L).
Suzuki
Drivers of 2007-09 XL-7 trucks may come into your store with complaints that their AWD system isn't operating and the Service AWD light is illuminated on the dashboard. The problem will often be accompanied by starting difficulties, such as a no-crank or slow-to-crank condition. Furthermore, if you hook up your scan tool you'll likely find trouble code C0550 in the clutch control module (CCM). According to Suzuki, all these symptoms might be due to a low battery condition.
Start your diagnosis by checking the voltage at the battery with a digital meter. If it's below 9 volts, perform a charging system check, a parasitic draw test and a battery load test, replacing parts as necessary until you've got full voltage to the CCM. Now clear the trouble code and turn the ignition off for at least two minutes. After the two minutes have elapsed, turn the ignition back on and wait to see if code C0550 resets. If it doesn't, the low battery condition was probably the source of all the trouble. If the code does reset, follow its trouble tree to completion until the problem is resolved.
"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]