Ford
Owners of 2006 2.3-liter Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan models may complain of a squealing sound from the engine bay. According to Ford, the noise is most prevalent on vehicles built on or before Nov. 1, 2005, and is due to the serpentine drive belt slipping on the various pulleys. Replacing the drive belt and belt tensioner with updated parts may get rid of noise.
To find out for sure, open the hood and examine the belt tensioner closely. If it doesn't have a shield, this information doesn't apply. Continue troubleshooting until the source of the noise is found.
If the tensioner is equipped with a shield, remove the shield, drive belt and tensioner. Toss the shield, then replace the belt and tensioner with the revised parts. For the tensioner, order part No. 6E5Z-6A228-BA. For the drive belt, order part No. 6E5Z-8620-B for vehicles with automatic transmissions; part No. 6E5Z-8620-C for cars with manual transmissions.
Lexus
Some 2006-08 Lexus GS and IS series models may produce a rattling noise from the rear when being driven over rough or bumpy road surfaces.
One probable cause for the noise, said Lexus, is too much play between the parking brake shoes and the drum section of the rear rotors. Adjusting the parking brake cables so that there's less clearance between shoes and drums should put a quick end to the condition.
Acura
Acura reports that the fuel filler door on all 2009 TSX sedans, as well as 2010 models built from VIN JH4CU…AC000001 through JH4CU…AC016137, may be difficult or impossible to open. One likely cause, says the luxury carmaker, is a defective fuel filler door push lifter. Replacing the push lifter with an updated design, part No. 74486-TFO-013, 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. 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].