Honda
Some 2003-04 Accord models may turn on the ABS light and store trouble codes 15, 16, 17, 18, 43 and/or 44 in the ABS module. According to Honda, the light may come on intermittently or steadily and is most likely due to water getting into the left and/or right rear wheel speed sensor housing. Upgraded speed sensors with better sealing qualities are now available to address the issue. Order part No. 57475-SDA-A03, H/C 7269681 for the left rear wheel and part No. 57470-SDA-A03, H/C 7269678 for the right rear wheel.
Saab
Saab reports that some 2005 9-7X models may illuminate the check engine light and log trouble code P0526 in computer memory. One likely source of the trouble, says the Swedish carmaker, is a chafed cooling fan wiring harness. The wires get chafed when the harness pulls out of its plastic protective sleeve and exposes the insulation to the sharp edges of the sleeve. Replacing the harness with part No. 89024920 and taping the wires to prevent movement should help prevent a reoccurrence of the problem.
Chrysler
Some 2005-06 2.8-liter Jeep Liberty models built before Nov. 21, 2005, may produce weird drivability and/or braking symptoms at high altitudes (above 5,000 feet). Some of the complaints you might hear are that the engine is slow to idle up after a start, shakes during warm-up and/or that the check engine light is on with brake switch trouble code P0504 stored in the PCM.
According to Chrysler, all of these problems are due to software issues in the PCM. Having the module reprogrammed with updated software should eliminate further trouble. Check with a dealer for the specifics of the flash.
"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].