My Tata Safari XZA+ Dark: Issues & niggles within 1400 km of ownership

The good thing is they updated the software on my system so I can listen to my music once more.

BHPian Puffdamgcdragon recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Hello All,

I got my Safari XZA+ Dark Edition in Mid August from Siliguri, West Bengal.

On the way back from the showroom, the Apple Car play started hanging and the music system started switching off from time to time.

Then there were occasional rattling noises from below the steering column and by 1,000 km, vibrations on the gear lever and grinding noise below near the front left wheel.

Completed 1,400 km - now the grinding, clanking noises were getting alarmingly loud - and took it to the service centre for 1st servicing and they found that one of the bolts holding the gearbox to the gearbox mounting on the chassis had come off. They tried to screw it back but apparently, the threads on the aluminium casing had slipped and there was nothing they could do about it.

They assured me they'll order a new gearbox casing and gear oil (Lifetime oil for Automatic Gearboxes - not changed during any service - hence the dealerships don't stock it)- tied the bolt with wires and sent me on my way.

Travelled back 120 km of badly beaten roads back to my Hometown in Gangtok and that damn bolt came off halfway and had to stop at a local workshop en route, in the pouring rain at night to shove it back and gingerly tiptoed my way back home.

Been screaming at them over the phone ever since and now they're promising to replace my entire gearbox with a new one and it's due to arrive "soon".

A suggestion to my fellow Tata Owners, If your vehicle breaks down like mine, it helps if you keep screaming "I should have listened to my head and bought a Toyota INNOVA" to whoever's listening in the showroom gets them pretty pissed and they start attending to your problems. Plus the usual promise of Chai Pani to the Service Advisor, Workshop manager and technicians in the hope that they get their rear ends moving on your case.

Oh, the good thing is they updated the software on my system so I can listen to my music once more. Groovy!

Now my fancy Black Safari Top End Automatic with a panoramic sunroof and cooled seats is parked at home. I occasionally start it and sit inside, put on the AC and listen to my music. My entire extended khandaan is making fun of me as I sit counting the EMIs I'm paying the bank and quietly weep on the ridiculously large steering wheel.

Got a call this morning and a pretty, young voice cheerfully congratulated me on my purchase of the "Beast" and asked me to rate the Service! " IF I HAD LISTENED TO MY....."

Here's what BHPian iskandariya had to say on the matter:

I am pretty sure they have not heard of Loctite 638 or any similar products. If you have a good mechanic nearby, get the screw fixed.

Actually, there are 2 options:

1. Rethreading - 1 Size bigger than the present thread, you won’t need to change the casting - Service Center should have given you this option and performed it. It is pretty easy to need expert hands, powerful high torque low speed (in our Terms 4L) drill with thread maker head. 5Mins job of Threading, pre and post-prep time might vary depending on the accessibility of the Bolt. Suggesting this as to why get the Casing opened and reinstalled. If your service centre is not skilled.
2. Apply Thread Sealant, also known as Joint Weld solutions in technical terms. 1 example is above.

This is my M-Seal solution which might last till your Casing arrives or till you own the vehicle.

The reason for it back when we had Esteem we scraped its fuel tank between Nashik Saputara and in the middle of nowhere, the Fuel Pump attendant applied M-Seal which lasted till we owned the Vehicle. The alternate was either to replace the tank or to empty it take it off and Weld the hold; M-Seal did a better job.

Disclaimer: Attempt with your own sound judgement and risk-taking ability.

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