How to use the technical service bulletin
Content
To ensure your safety and the safety of those around you, be aware of current or potential problems with your vehicle.
One way to stay up to date is to use Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs), which are a valuable tool for car owners. The TSB provides information about potential vehicle related issues.
Essentially, TSB is a communication between an automaker and its dealerships to update automaker publications, describe part updates, communicate potential defects or failures, or communicate extended or new service procedures. The TSB is not a recall, but an informative document that alerts the public to a potential problem, and often precedes a vehicle recall.
TSBs are provided by automakers directly to dealers and the government, but they do not necessarily apply to every vehicle produced in the respective model and year. Typically, a TSB is issued when the number of unforeseen problems with a vehicle rises. Vehicle owners should search and research if a particular vehicle has a TSB. Over 245 TSBs have been filed on the NHTSA website for 2016 model year vehicles.
TSBs contain information on various topics, including:
- Security recalls
- Defective product components
- Service Campaigns
- Customer Satisfaction Campaigns
The TSB also includes information on the following types of products:
- Transport
- EQUIPMENT
- Child restraints
- Tires
There are several options available to find TSBs as they are not sent directly to vehicle owners. Some options include:
- National Highway Traffic Authority (NHTSA)
- Service centers of car dealers
- car manufacturers
Independent providers
- A warningA: If you are trying to access TSB through a vehicle manufacturer, be aware that the manufacturer may charge you. Similarly, third-party vendors often charge access either monthly or per document.
Part 1 of 3: Using the NHTSA TSB Database
Step 1: Access the NHTSA website.. The recommended search method is to use the free TSB database and NHTSA reviews. First, visit the NHTSA website.
Step 2: Database Search. To find the TSB for your vehicle, you can use one of the following methods:
- Search by vehicle identification number (VIN).
- Use "Search by Product Type" to search for TSBs associated with a specific product type.
The search results field displays the number of records found that match the search criteria. The app displays 15 entries at a time. These results will include feedback, complaints, and TSBs. Clicking on an issue displays a description of the issue, as well as all related documents.
Step 3: Find any TSBs. Review documents for "service bulletins". Click the link to download and view the "Service Bulletin" for free.
Part 2 of 3: Reading the TSB
Step 1: Understand what the TSB contains in general.. The TSB usually describes a complaint or problem with a vehicle; brand, models and years of issue of the bulletin; and specific procedures for troubleshooting and troubleshooting.
If new or upgraded parts are required, the bulletin will also list all required original equipment manufacturer (OEM) part numbers. If the repair involves flashing the engine control module, the bulletin will include calibration information and codes.
Step 2: Familiarize yourself with the various parts of the TSB. The TSB has several parts to be aware of, often slightly different from one automaker to another.
The most common and important parts of the TSB include:
Subject: The subject describes what the bulletin is about, such as repairs or special surface adjustments.
Models: This includes the makes, models, and years of vehicles associated with the bulletin.
Condition: The condition is a brief description of the problem or issue.
Theme Description: It provides detailed information about the bulletin's theme and how it will impact the vehicle or possible coverage.
Participating Vehicles: This describes whether the selected group of vehicles or all vehicles participate in the bulletin.
Parts Information: Parts information includes part numbers, descriptions, and quantities needed to solve a bulletin problem.
Action or Service Procedure: Includes a description of how to solve a problem with the vehicle.
Part 3 of 3. What to do if your car has TSB
Step 1: Fix the issue that is listed in the TSB.. If your search reveals TSB by the make, model, and year of your vehicle, it's time to act. Take your car to a local dealer service center or repair shop; You can also call a qualified AvtoTachki mechanic to your home or office. If you have a copy of the TSB, take it with you to save time.
- Attention: TSB is not a recall or special service campaign. When a recall is issued, the repair is often covered by the manufacturer at no cost to you. If the cost of servicing or repairing the TSB is covered by the warranty, it will be listed on the TSB, but this requires the vehicle to meet the original warranty limits and have the issues listed on the TSB. In rare cases, the issuance of a TSB extends the vehicle's warranty.
If you want to stay up to date with your vehicle's repair and ensure the safest possible ride, it's a good idea to periodically check and fix any TSBs that may be related to your vehicle. By following the simple steps above, you can do it without difficulty. If you're ever unsure about a TSB specifics, or just want to ask a question about the condition of your vehicle, feel free to contact your mechanic for quick and detailed advice from one of AvtoTachki's certified technicians.
