I bought a 2004 4R (great car) but I am not impressed with the service department of my local Toyota shop.

They did a couple of minor things for me. One was a tranny flush.

However, they did a poor job of sealing the "check" plug on the tranny pan. There is a slow leak which I am guessing might be caused by not replacing the crush washer. They also messed up the threads on something else and didn't bother to fix it right.

So here is my question.

The 4WD Low will not engage. Covered as part of my warranty is fixing the problem. The first time they said it was the 4WD computer. It didn't fix the problem. Now they say it is the 4WD motor. It is going in tomorrow to have the 4WD motor replaced. (As a side note, a guy in the local auto parts store said the Toyota mechanics suck...he owns a Toyota and drives an extra 30 minutes to get service)

So here is my question. Does anyone know if this type of repair is simple or complex. I am hoping it is a matter of a few bolts and simple electrical connections. I just pray it is an easy repair as I have no confidence in these guys. Thanks in advance for any replies.

I'm sorry to hear that you have no confidence in your Toyota Service Department, as for the repair, if you are talking about the 4WD Actuator in the Center Differential. It is a rather complicated repair as they have to dissassemble the transfer case to unpin the actuator from the case.

Best of luck.

The transfer case has to be taken apart to replace the 4wd actuator. Not a small job.

Is this something that can be done in one day? I am going out of town immediately after the car is out of the shop. I am a little concerned now that this cannot be done in one day. I am thinking of cancelling the appointment and going back another day.

Honestly? It shouldn't take more than a day to do, but the service writer has to include a buffer in case problems come up and so their estimates will always be on the conservative side, bording on almost lengthy. Its easier to promise a customer a vehicle and get it done before then, than have to explain to the customer they are running late.

It also depends on what the flow of business is that day, how many technicans there are on duty, amount of work orders being distributed. To tell you the truth it might only take say 6hrs, but it could be in the shop for a day or two, I can't tell you off the top of my head how much the job's reccomended length of time is as I am not able to log into our system now. (Off work)

My advice is when setting up your appointment to explain your situation and be firm about the time you need the vehicle by.

Thanks very much for taking time to respond.

i also doesnt hurt to ask for a rental if the vehicle is out of commision.

Looks like the service manual is listing almost 13 hours including removal and instantiation of the transfer case.

Personally i would never let my service advisors promise a one day turn around. Too much can go wrong. Parts could be late, other customers could be getting pushed thru.. You really dont want to rush a job like that. The manger should give you a TRAC car for a job that big.