TSB

Purpose and Scope

• TSBs are advisory documents issued by vehicle manufacturers to inform dealership service departments about recurring problems or needed updates that are not severe enough to warrant a recall. In the context of oil issues, TSBs often address problems such as excessive oil consumption, oil leaks, or other engine-related issues.

Content and Details

• TSBs typically include detailed instructions for repair, a list of the parts needed, the warranty status, and the labor charge. For oil-related issues, this might involve reprogramming the engine computer (PCM), replacing pistons and rings, or installing new dipsticks.
• For example, the TSB 19-2365 for the 2018-2020 Ford F-150 5.0L engine addresses excessive oil consumption by recommending PCM reprogramming and the installation of a new "improved" dipstick.

Eligibility and Warranty

• Repairs under a TSB are usually free if the vehicle is still under warranty. The service advisor and technicians must be able to confirm that the problem described in the TSB exists in the vehicle.
• It is important for the vehicle owner to provide a detailed description of the problem, including symptoms and when they occur, to help the service department duplicate and verify the issue.

Verification and Implementation

• The problem must be verified by a dealership technician. Simply reporting the issue without evidence may not be sufficient. For instance, in the case of excessive oil consumption, the dealership may need to monitor the oil level over a specified period to confirm the problem.
• Owners should ensure that the vehicle is presented to the dealership in a condition that allows the technicians to duplicate the problem. This might involve bringing the vehicle in at a specific time or under certain conditions to help technicians diagnose the issue accurately.

Examples of Oil-Related TSBs

• Ford F-150 5.0L Engine: TSB 19-2365 addresses excessive oil consumption by recommending PCM reprogramming and the installation of a new dipstick.
• Toyota Models: TSBs SB002411 and SB009411 for certain Toyota models (e.g., Scion tC, Scion xB, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Corolla, Matrix, and RAV4) involve replacing pistons and rings to solve excessive oil consumption issues.

Accessing TSB Information

• While summaries of TSBs may be available online, full texts of the bulletins are typically accessible through dealership service departments. Consumers can also obtain full texts by requesting them from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or by subscribing to services like ALLDATA DIY™ database.

By understanding these aspects, vehicle owners can effectively use TSBs to address oil-related issues in their vehicles, potentially saving on repair costs if the work is covered under warranty.