TSB #'s and Recall #'s

[WopOnTour]

Originally Posted by Freakazoid

Correct me if I'm saying anything incorrectly...

TSB = Technical Safety Bulletin.
A TSB is basically a 'mini-recall'.

A recall is when something is wrong over a lot (all?) of cars produced. Basically it's something that you can more or less take to a dealer and be like hey fix this, and it's pretty much something that should be fixed as soon as you can.

A TSB is an issue with a car that only affects some cars, not sure what the cutoff point is between a TSB and a recall in terms of the number of cars that must show the problem. But basically if you can signify to your dealer that you're having a problem that is affecting the driveability to a car, and it's a TSB. You know, one, others are having the problem, and two, as long as you can duplicate it to the dealer, you shouldn't have a problem having them fix it for you.


Basically TSBs and recalls are things that were produced poorly/wrong from the factory and have affected a significant amount of other cars. And the fix is covered regardless of warranty status, etc.

Well actually this all a bit innaccurate, let me attempt to clarify...

TSB is an acronym for "Techncial SERVICE Bulletin" (it usually does NOT have anything to do with SAFETY or a SAFETY system, but it MIGHT)

TSBs are NOT a recall or mandatory repair, and in fact may not even be indicating a cause>correction scenario that applies to ALL cars, even if they are listed in the TSB title. A TSB is released "TO THE DEALERSHIP" in order to provide updated information which MAY include additional diagnostic or even repair information that is not specifically outlined in the factory service manual. They are intended only for PROFESSIONAL TECHNCIANS and this is stated as such in the fine print on each and every bulletin

GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.

So just because a TSB exists for your car, it doesnt mean it applies. However IF (and only if) your vehicle can be confirmed as having the exact syptom as outlined in a bulletin- the dealership would (in all likelyhood) utilize the revised dianostic/repair information to fix your car. They may not inform you this was the case (nor are they obligated) however your copy of the repair order MAY include a copy of the TSB# used to (hopefully) rectify your scenario.

A RECALL (aka CAMPAIGN) on the otherhand is a voluntary repair made to a range of vehicles in order either meet some sort of regulated compliance (emissions, safet etc) OR purely to achieve improved customer satisfaction. You dealership will automatically know if your vehicle is in need of any RECALL repairs, the instant they enter it into their system. Otherwise, the owner of record would receive a letter indicating a RECALL repair is neccessary on their vehicle. Sometimes the RECALL would result in no repair at all, other than an inspection of some part, component, serial number or date code in order to determine if further repairs were neccssary.

In the end, KNOWING the potential existance of a TSB is useful in that it recognizes that your symptom MAY have an unusual but documented diagnosis and/or repair. But one must always acknowledge that they WONT be able to bring a vehicle in and say "THERE'S A TSB- FIX IT" as only a qualified techncian will be able to determine if in fact that vehicle exhibits the outlined symptoms and whether or not the TSB applies.

HTH
WopOnTour

[WopOnTour]

Originally Posted by RedlineKid

i've got a bumber scratch so if i just call and say hey i saw that there was a TSB out will they fix it?

In the case of the bumper scratching due to the trunk lid contacting the bumper... if you play your cards right, politely provide the TSB#, and not go in there DEMANDING they fix your scratches (they are in no way OBLIGATED to do so) there is a very good chance they will utilize that bulletin to rectify the scratches. (although if you do a search in these forums for "bumper", you may still find varying reported satisfaction levels for the repair procedures the TSB provides)
Regards
WOT

[Freakazoid]

heh I can just imagine how annoying it would be to have the shift knob problem, attempt to take it in and say there's something wrong with it, but they refuse to fix it because they can't 'duplicate'

and good catch on the Technical Service Bulletin, I knew that but for whatever reason the word Safety was stuck in my mind, thanks Wop

[RedlineKid]

Thanx guys i know someone at my local saturn dealership so ill talk to him and see what he can do for me about that stuff.

[Recoil]

I had my CES light come on. I brought it to the dealership and it got a code of PO128. They fixed it with a TSB #05-06-04-038A. Installed updated calibration/relearned crankshaft.

Module, Powertrain Control - Engine Reprogramming

[WopOnTour]

Originally Posted by Recoil

I had my CES light come on. I brought it to the dealership and it got a code of PO128. They fixed it with a TSB #05-06-04-038A. Installed updated calibration/relearned crankshaft.

Module, Powertrain Control - Engine Reprogramming

Not a new TSB
Was posted in this thread back in August 05

http://www.redlineforums.com/forums/77716-post2.html
WOT

[ChgoBlues]

Yes, Saturn has issued a TSB for the repair. Most of the parts will probably need to be ordered depending on your retailer's stocking policy.

[way2slo]

HEY just dropped car off at dealer this morning due to the fact i think my clutch is F*%$D. I asked if there wasany new recalls. AND he said they justgot one posted three days ago for the ecu... on the 04

[WopOnTour]

Originally Posted by way2slo

HEY just dropped car off at dealer this morning due to the fact i think my clutch is F*%$D. I asked if there wasany new recalls. AND he said they justgot one posted three days ago for the ecu... on the 04

Good One! (seen it on the 24th BUT was waiting for the actual calibration to become available)
They were correct and it's potentially significant, especially as the TSB #05-06-04-038B is actually the same one issued LAST year for the P0128 on the 2005 LSJs but (for whatever reason) didnt include the 2004 Redlines. However it was REVISED to include the 2004 Redlines!
So this looks to be the update to the 2004 OS we have all been waiting for.
HOWEVER
Dont RUSH to go get it as it may be a while before the calibration is actually available in the TIS software, as according to my check this AM- you would STILL be getting the same old software if you had it done TODAY

I will keep checking and will report once I see it change in the calibration database

I suggest If you get your 2004 FLASHED in the next couple weeks ASK THEM to record your calibration ID numbers BEFORE and AFTER the reflash to confirm there actually was a change

WOT

[BigBrother]

Good call.