What can I do with TSB's?
 

Sorry for a dumb question. What exactly can I do with a TSB? How is it different than a recall? I have some issues that seem to be listed in a couple of TSB's. Will this be covered out of warranty? Do I site the specific TSB when taking the truck in? Thanks.

Technical Service Bulletin it is meant to let the mechs no of known & verified issues with the truck, and how to address the problem. they are not recalls as they are not pertintent to the immediate safety of the vehicle... so when you go in and say for example, my truck is having what seems to be a rough downshift from 3-2nd... they go, search the TSB's by your vin (which would give them the production date, etc.) for downshift issues their computer pops up with TSB xxxx.xxx and how to fix the problem.

Ok. So they are more for the mechanics diagnosing and fixing the problems more efficiently.

Yes, Technical Service Bulletins assist service departments with common or difficult problems. A TSB may contain updated part numbers or repair procedures. It's not something that would normally be taken care of free of charge if you are out of warranty.

Now what if they don't follow a TSB suggestions? Sparkplug TSB said warm engine, and take care to not drop debris into the cylinders when removing broken plugs. My dealer dropped ceramic into the engine through the plug hole. Stopped to ask me what I wanted to do about it. Waiting for a call back from me, the engine goes cold. They don't dare start the engine with the debris in the cylinder. So now they remove the other 7 plugs from a cold engine, after SPECIFICALLY being noted to only remove them from a warm engine. Two more broke! Is this my fault? NO, but now it's my problem.