Honda
Some 2005-06 Odyssey minivans may produce a vibration from the engine at idle or under a load at about 2,000 rpm. One likely cause, reported Honda, is a damaged rear engine mount.
To make the proper diagnosis, install a .024-inch feeler gauge between the rear engine mount bracket and the rubber bumper on the mount, as shown in the illustration above. If you can't get the gauge to slide between the two parts and the rubber on the mount bulges outward, the rear engine mount is bad. Installing an improved rear mount, part No. 50810-SHJ-A62, H/C 8485906, should eliminate the vibration. Along with the new mount, Honda says to replace the four short retaining bolts, part No. 90163-S5A-000, H/C 6462931, and the one long bolt, part No. 90163-SDA-A01, H/C 7151350.
General Motors
GM reports that the blower motor on some 2004-10 Chevy Aveo models might operate on high speed only, or not at all. A blown blower resistor is the likely cause. But don't be surprised if the replacement blower resistor you just installed suffers a similar fate. That's because the true culprit is a voltage spike being induced into the resistor by a defective blower motor. Installing a new-design motor and resistor is the long term fix. For the blower motor, order part No. 96539656 for vehicles with air conditioning; part No. 96539676 for vehicles with heaters only. As for the blower resistor, order part No. 96650490 for vehicles with automatic temperature control systems; part No. 96435889 for cars with manual a/c systems or heaters only.
Chrysler
Owners of 2004 Pacifica models may complain of a creak or squeak from the brake pedal when the brakes are applied with moderate force.
A likely cause of the noise, says Chrysler, is abnormal contact between the brake pedal return spring coils. Lubing the spring with a multi-purpose grease should eliminate the condition. For better results, press and release the brake pedal at least five to ten times to allow the grease to work its way into the coils.
"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]