What exactly is a TSB? I know it is a technical service bulletin but if there are TSBs for my car, does that mean the dealer or mechanic repairs it for free or something? Is it similar to a recall?

 

TSBs are issued from the manufacturer in responce to customer observations, mechanics' obsevations and dealer observations.

They generally conists of new procedures or changes to existing maint. procedures or schedules, software upgrades, replacement parts, new or modified tools for working on the car, fixes to particular problems, etc.

It is my understanding that TSBs are not required to be performed. They are available to the dealer to perform them if needed. Usually they are of no cost to the customer if they so seek them out. Most often TSBs are accompanied by a letter to the owner (ie ECU software upgrade for 02/03 ES owners) but sometimes not (front brake TSB for 02/03 ES owners).

Recalls are most often safety driven or severe mechanical defect driven. Owners are most definately notified of a recall provided the manufacturer has updated contact information on each owner. Recalls are of no cost to the owner if the resolution is sought in a timely manner.

Accurate lists of TSBs can be found on http://www.alldata.com Mind you this will only provide a list of TSBs. The actual contents of the TSB are available through paid subscription.
Another TSB source that many mechanics use is "Mitchell's On Demand" (I have no website address for that one).
You should be able to get a list of TSBs from the dealer, too.

I hope this helps.
steviej

 

does this mean i can take my car to the dealer for my hyper blinking turn signal and have them change the bulb for free? (yeah i know, its cheap and easy to fix, but hey, i'm lazy )

 

and on a similar note, edmunds has TSB's, and for my GS lists 51 of them! Should I be concerned? When I brought it to the dealer, they didn't mention any of them:

http://www.edmunds.com/maintenance/M...step2.9.Lexus*