Guys--wondering if a couple of you experts might weigh in here and help a guy who is a little uncertain? I did a search but didn't come up with the answer to these questions. My 2005 2WD 6 cylinder 4Runner time for the 30,000 mile maintenance is approaching. I called the local Toyota dealer and spoke to the shop about the maintenance, and when I hung up the phone I was lots more confused than when I called. Comparing the Scheduled Maintenance Guide to the online maintenance guide only confuses the issue further. A couple questions for the mechanically inclined:
1) Anyone know what spark plugs are in this vehicle, or do I have to pull one out to find out? When I mentioned to the guy on the phone that the 30,000 schedule said the spark plugs must be changed, he strongly insisted that the vehicle has irradium spark plugs that don't need changing at 30,000. But why is it emphasized as "required under the terms of the emission control warranty" in the book then? I am confused. He says they haven't had to be changed since the 2002 model.
2) Lubricating the propeller shaft--does this need to be done on 2 WD models? The book gives a footnote in each case stating that it applies only to the 4WD 4R. Now I try to run mine in 4WD once a month as the book says, but it is not a true 4WD.
3) What does "replacing the limited slip differential oil if equipped" mean? Is it equipped or not? The maintenance schedule gives a footnote that doesn't name the 4R, but below on the same page is the suggestion for driving while towing (which I do once or twice a year for several thousand miles) that the rear differential oil should be replaced and cites all models with two exceptions. So should I or shouldn't I?
4) Does the coolant get replaced? The book says just "inspect" but the mechanic at the shop says it has to be replaced. Why do the book and he differ on these items?
5) How much should the 30,000 mile check cost? When I asked him he said "between $250-$325 depending on the spark plugs and coolant", as though he wasn't sure if they needed changing or not, but would certainly like to in order to charge me more money!
Thanks guys for any help for a mechanically clueless guy! Hey, that's why I bought a Toyota--so I didn't have to work on it!
Mike
1) Anyone know what spark plugs are in this vehicle, or do I have to pull one out to find out? When I mentioned to the guy on the phone that the 30,000 schedule said the spark plugs must be changed, he strongly insisted that the vehicle has irradium spark plugs that don't need changing at 30,000. But why is it emphasized as "required under the terms of the emission control warranty" in the book then? I am confused. He says they haven't had to be changed since the 2002 model.
2) Lubricating the propeller shaft--does this need to be done on 2 WD models? The book gives a footnote in each case stating that it applies only to the 4WD 4R. Now I try to run mine in 4WD once a month as the book says, but it is not a true 4WD.
3) What does "replacing the limited slip differential oil if equipped" mean? Is it equipped or not? The maintenance schedule gives a footnote that doesn't name the 4R, but below on the same page is the suggestion for driving while towing (which I do once or twice a year for several thousand miles) that the rear differential oil should be replaced and cites all models with two exceptions. So should I or shouldn't I?
4) Does the coolant get replaced? The book says just "inspect" but the mechanic at the shop says it has to be replaced. Why do the book and he differ on these items?
5) How much should the 30,000 mile check cost? When I asked him he said "between $250-$325 depending on the spark plugs and coolant", as though he wasn't sure if they needed changing or not, but would certainly like to in order to charge me more money!
Thanks guys for any help for a mechanically clueless guy! Hey, that's why I bought a Toyota--so I didn't have to work on it!
Mike
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