Subject: | Corrosion of Radiator/Heater Hose Clamps -- Release of New Clamp |
Models: | 2004-2006 Passenger Cars and Light Duty Trucks (Europe and Japan Export Only) |
This bulletin is being issued to inform dealers that premature corrosion of the underhood radiator and heater hose clamps has been found on some vehicles that have had significant pre-sale storage. It was determined that the corrosion was caused by relatively high levels of hydrogen peroxide used in the water to leak test vehicles at the plant. Export vehicles are more prone to experience this condition due to the fact that the vehicles were never driven long enough to heat up the engine compartment and evaporate the water.
A new clamp is now being used that has a different coating (gray in color) that provides a higher rate of resistance to these type of oxidants. If a clamp shows signs of corrosion, replace the clamp. Until SPO has purged the stock of the old clamp (black in color), it can still be used for service.