Protegé FAQ - TSB 02-004/06

TSB: 02-004/06

AL MODELS W / TPMS - TPMS VALVE STEM BREAKS WHEN REMOVING AFTERMARKET VALVE STEM CAPS - SERVICE TIP

BULLETIN NOTE

Bulletin supersedes previous bulletin issued 04/21/06. The APPLICABLE MODEL(S)/VINS has been revised.

APPLICABLE MODEL(S)/VINS

2007 CX-7

2004-2006 RX-8

2004-2006 Mazda3

2006 Mazda5

2006 MX-5

DESCRIPTION

Some vehicles may experience the aluminum valve stem breaking off of the TPMS wheel unit when removing aftermarket valve stem caps during procedures such as routine checking of air pressure in tires.

Some aftermarket valve stem caps are made of brass or have thread inserts that are made of brass. Examples of these types of aftermarket valve stem caps are shown. When brass and aluminum are together in such a condition as this, galvanic corrosion occurs between the aluminum valve stem of the TPMS wheel unit and the brass threads of the valve stem cap. This corrosion can cause them to fuse together, becoming difficult to remove by hand. Then when more force is used to remove the valve stem cap, the aluminum valve stem of the TPMS wheel unit will break off and the TPMS wheel unit will be to be replaced.

This service tip is to aid in informing customers of the damage that may be caused to the TPMS wheel units by installing these types of valve step caps. When you encounter this concern, please advise the customer to use aluminum or plastic caps ONLY. Also, ensure that the caps they choose to install DO NOT have a brass thread insert.

NOTE: Damage to TPMS wheel units by installing aftermarket valve stem caps made of brass or with brass inserts is not covered by Mazda Warranty and claims where the sensor is found damaged in this manner will be denied or debited to the repairing dealer.