Technical Service Bulletins

What are Technical Service Bulletins?
Technical Service Bulletins, or TSBs, are the way that car makers notify their dealer service departments of known problems with specific model vehicles. These bulletins are also available to independent garages, owners, and do-it-yourselfers.

What's in them?
TSBs contain detailed information about vehicle operational, safety, reliability, performance, and comfort related problems. TSBs also contain detailed descriptions of fixes and updated factory repair procedures. Thousands of bulletins are issued by car manufacturers every year.

You won't hear about them
Don't confuse Service Bulletins and Safety Recalls. Manufacturer's are required to inform you of safety problems that need repairing, but you may never hear about the defective fuel pump part that is costing you hundreds of dollars each year in poor gas mileage. If your car is relatively new, many of these "secret" problems may be covered by your new-car warranty.

Your mechanic may not know
In fact, it's very possible that the service tech at your local shop either doesn't have the right TSB or doesn't bother to look for one that might relate to the problem you're having. Therefore, it's smart to do your own reseach, get a copy of the TSB, and take it to your repair shop.

Why TSBs can be important
If you're the buyer of a used car, you might want to know if the vehicle you're looking at has any serious unfixed problems, and if there's remaining warranty that might get those problems fixed at no cost to you.

If you're a seller, be aware that potential buyers may look at your vehicle's TSBs and ask you to either fix the problems or discount your price. In fact, a recent issue of popular and widely-read Consumer Reports magazine specifically advises anyone buying a used car to research TSBs.

Do it yourself
If you do your own repairs, TSBs are absolutely essential. If you find a TSB that applies to a problem you're having, you'll have the correct diagnostic and repair procedure. Be aware that the procedure could call for special tools that you may not have.

Sample TSB titles
Here's a sample of just a few of the service bulletins issued for the 2001 Honda Civic, as an example:

02-061 DEC 02 Body - Trunk Lid Difficult to Close
02-070 DEC 02 Suspension - Rear Suspension Squeaking Noise
00-088 NOV 02 Brakes - Brake Disc Refinishing Guidelines
02-054 OCT 02 Restraint System - 'SIDE AIRBAG OFF' Indicator ON
02-052 AUG 02 Restraint System - Occupant Detection Initialization
02-039 JUL 02 M/T - Shift Lever Difficult to Move/Hard Shifting
02-034 JUN 02 Restraint System - SRS Indicator ON/DTC's Set
02-026 MAY 02 Emissions - MIL ON With DTC P1457 (EVAP) Set
01-057 APR 02 Interior - Driver's Seat Rocks Back and Forth
00-095 MAR 02 Body - Moonroof Seal Squeaks
02-008 MAR 02 Body - Trunk Release Handle Inoperative
02-002 JAN 02 M/T - Clutch Pedal Squeak Upon Application
01-048 NOV 01 Front Door Panel - Rattle/Wind Noise
01-054 NOV 01 Front Suspension - Popping/Crunching/Knocking Noise
98-061 NOV 01 A/T - In-Warranty Exchange Program
01-091 OCT 01 Windshield - Cracks At Lower Corners
01-074 OCT 01 Trunk - Water Leaks
01-081 OCT 01 M/T - Stiff Shifting/Pops Out Of Gear
01-083 OCT 01 Engine - Rattle/MIL ON/DTC P1361 or P1362 Set

Where can I get TSBs?
ALLDATA is the primary source for car manufacturer's Technical Service Bulletins. A modest service fee gets you quick online access to all TSB's, recalls, illustrated service guides, part numbers, computer trouble codes, component diagrams, and more for a single vehicle make/model/year. Additional vehicles can be added for much less cost. You can check titles for free.

According to ALLDATA, information is available for Model Years 1982 to 2002. 2003 Model Year information is scheduled to be released in Winter of 2003. Unfortunately, information for Honda, Acura and BMW is not available to consumers through the ALLDATA by request of the manufacturer.