Honda
Owners of 2009-12 Fit models may come into your store with a complaint that their blower motor only operates on high speed. One likely source of the trouble, says Honda, is a blown blower resistor. The resistor fails due to excess current draw from the motor itself. Replacing the blower motor and resistor with updated parts (Part No. 79310-TF0-G01 and Part No. 79335-TF0-G01, respectively) should eliminate the condition.
Start the fix by removing the dash undercover from the passenger side of the vehicle. Using the illustration above for reference, disconnect the blower motor connector, remove the three retaining screws and remove the motor from the vehicle. Install the new motor using the same screws, then reconnect the electrical connector.
Now move on to the blower resistor. You'll find it to the left and slightly behind the blower motor, as shown. Disconnect its electrical connector, then remove the two retaining screws, followed by the resistor itself. Install the new resistor using the same two screws, and then reattach the connector. To complete the fix, install the dash undercover, and then verify that the blower motor operates properly.
Toyota
Toyota says that some 2004-07 Prius hybrids may emit a squeaking sound when the brake pedal is applied or released. According to the Japanese carmaker, the noise is most apparent when the key is in the Ready mode and the vehicle not moving. A defective brake actuator assembly is the likely cause of the noise.
Before replacing the brake actuator, however, try bleeding the braking system. If the noise goes away, you're done with the fix. If the noise remains after getting out the air, replace the brake actuator with an upgraded unit, Part No. 44500-47090.
Acura
Drivers of 2004-07 TSX models may come into your store complaining of a vibration in the steering column when the brakes are applied. Acura attributes the condition to excess thickness variation in the front rotors. Cutting or replacing the rotors and installing new-design brake pads, Part No. 45022-SEC-A00, that are gentler to the rotor surfaces should eliminate the vibration and prevent 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].