Jim Grant's Tech Tips
What is a Service Bulletin
Q:
What
is a service bulletin?
-
Lucien
A:
A Service
Bulletin in the automotive trade is called a Technical Service Bulletin
(TSB). TSB's would be better described as a problem/solution bulletin.
TSB's can cover a large array of problems. Let's start with the repair
manuals and time guides. It is not uncommon for the diagnostic or repair
procedure to be incorrect, just plain wrong, in the repair manual. Nobody
is going to reprint the whole manual, instead TSB's are issued to alert
the tech and be used as an insert. TSB's report on updated repair procedures
and new parts to replace problem parts. TSB's have fixes for some of the
strangest problems like dash itches to providing information on just how
a component or system should be operating. TSB's also report on warranty
information and in the event if a warranty is extended due to product
problems. On today's high tech vehicle's performing a TSB search is nearly
second nature and just part of what an up to date repair facility does
for its customers. One final note, TSB's are not be to confused with safety
recalls. The work performed for a Safety Recall is free to the vehicle
owner. TSB's are there to aid in solving problems and providing up to
date repair information. Repair is not free unless the vehicle is still
under warranty.
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