How long is a TSB good for?

[robfinger]

I have a 2003 Vibe with about 63k on it. I have been getting a clunk in my transmission in the morning but usually only when it is cold. Just happens when I go from P to R. If I let the car sit for a few min and warm up it seems to happen less. I just got my transmission fluid changed also. I found this TSB in this forum:Make : PONTIAC Model : VIBE Year : 2003Manufacturer : GENERAL MOTORS CORP.Service Bulletin Num : 01458 Date of Bulletin: NOV 18, 2003NHTSA Item Number: 10004260Component: POWER TRAINSummary:FWD SNAP CLICK CLUNK NOISE WHEN SHIFTING INTO REVERSE OR DRIVE. *TT Will a dealer still fix this since they recognized it as a TSB problem?Thanks,Rob

[VforVIBE]

I hope they would fix it, but I don't know...and let me be the first to welcome you to GenVibe!

[joatmon]

A TSB is not a recall. It is just information from corporate to the dealer service departments that there is a recommended service approach to a particluar problem. If you are out of warranty, a TSB will not get you a free repair. A recall would, but not a TSB.it would be good to see a copy of the TSB though, maybne there is an easy maintenance procedure described that you could do yourself to fix the problem.

[ColonelPanic]

Joatmon's right, if it were a recall you'd be able to get it fixed on their dime. A TSB on a car out of warranty basically means the dealer will have the proper documentation on what to do for a particular problem while taking your money. Welcome aboard, BTW.

[tnpartsguy]

A lot of times the bulletin is just way too open to interpretation too. There is a thread on here somewhere about noises from the rear brakes when backing up, that could be this same 'clunk'. here is the ENTIRE bulletin.Subject: FWD Snap Click Clunk Noise When Shifting into Reverse or Drive - kw axle front FWD inboard shaft wheel #PI01458 - (10/22/2003) Models: . --------------------------------------------------------------------------------When servicing the vehicle with the VIN you entered, the following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the described symptoms. Condition/Concern:Snap, click or clunk type noise when shifting the transmssion:From park into drive and reverse. Between drive and reverse. Recommendation/Instructions:Check the right and left drive axle nut for the proper torque. Refer to the fastener tightening specifications in SI Document ID number 813504. If the above condition exists after checking or re-adjusting the drive axle nut torque to specifications, perform the following: A. Verify which axle is making the noise.B. Then remove the axle from the transmission.C. Lubricate the splines on the axle shaft that goes into the transmission with grease.D. Install the axle and road test to ensure the noise is eliminated.