Chrysler Some 2007 Jeep Wrangler, Compass and Patriot models may turn on the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) warning light and store trouble code C121A and/or C2205 in computer memory. Chrysler Group L.L.C. said the condition is limited to vehicles built on or before April 12, 2007, is usually intermittent in nature and is most likely the result of software glitches in the steering angle sensor. Reprogramming the ECU with updated software is the only surefire fix. Check with a dealer for the specifics of the flash.
GM Owners of 2004 Pontiac GTO models may complain of a whistling sound from the engine compartment when the car is stopped and the brakes applied. The noise usually disappears when the brake pedal is released, according to General Motors Co., which attributed the problem to a leaking brake booster check valve. Installing a new-design check valve, part No. 92148176, should eliminate the annoyance.
Nissan Some 2000 2WD Frontier Crew Cabs with automatic transmissions may emit a droning noise during engine warm-up, just as the engine speed drops below 1000 rpm. According to Nissan Motor Co., the noise only affects vehicles built before VIN 1N6ED27T*YC414670 and is the result of normal engine vibrations resonating through the exhaust system. Installing a new dynamic damper, part No. 20785-9Z300, to the driver-side exhaust bracket should cancel out the resonance and eliminate the noise. To mount the damper, Nissan recommended using the existing nuts from the exhaust bracket.
Suzuki Owners of 1999-2005 Grand Vitara and 2001-04 Grand Vitara XL-7 models may come to your service desk with a complaint of a squeaking noise from the front brakes under light brake pedal application. One likely cause, Suzuki Motor Corp. of America said, is normal brake system resonance being amplified through the brake pads. Installing new-design front brake pad shims, part No. 55400-65DA0, should put a quick end to the annoyance. The new shims come with a tube of synthetic brake grease, which should be applied to the pad backing plates before installing the shims. “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.