**4th gen cracked dash warranty replacement

[Mullett757]

Anyone experience any AC issues after getting dash replaced? A friend of a friend with an early 4th gen had her dash replaced (still need to verify how long ago) and now her AC is only cold on the passenger side. General consensus is that this is the 4th gen's way of telling us it's low on refrigerant. If the evaporator sprung a leak due to being pulled around during a dash replacement, would a repair be covered under warranty/policy? Any advice on how to go about this with the dealer? I'm guessing she'd have to somehow prove that the dash replacement is the cause of the leak, which to me sounds like she's SOL.

Happened to mine before I had the dash replaced. A 10oz recharge of freon fixed it and that was 8 months ago and has been just as cold since


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[kcdehart]

Anyone experience any AC issues after getting dash replaced? A friend of a friend with an early 4th gen had her dash replaced (still need to verify how long ago) and now her AC is only cold on the passenger side. General consensus is that this is the 4th gen's way of telling us it's low on refrigerant. If the evaporator sprung a leak due to being pulled around during a dash replacement, would a repair be covered under warranty/policy? Any advice on how to go about this with the dealer? I'm guessing she'd have to somehow prove that the dash replacement is the cause of the leak, which to me sounds like she's SOL.

Weird. I had the same thing happen. It was fine until the replacement, then was only cold on one side, then stopped being cold completely.

I, too, ended up just refilling it and it's been working fine since.

 

[J-Roc]

Just noticed some cracks above the glove box last week.
Sounds like I'll be out of luck, but going to contact my dealer on Monday.
I have always skimmed this thread, but always said "this wont happen to me"
Well, it did and sounds like at a crappy time.
Does anyone know if this was also valid in Canada?

 

[AndroT100]

So I noticed a small crack in mine last week, now I have two very large cracks. Sounds like I'm SOL after reading this thread by a few months. That's sucks.

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Just found/saw the same crack on mine today. Same story also...the warranty is no longer in force. Toyota wants $899 for the dash cover and $325 or so to do the replacement.

Has anyone found a source for the part for less? Has anyone done a DIY on this. Toyota service states only 2.2 hours to do the switch. I figure I can do it myself!

Any and all help will be appreciated!

 

[AndroT100]

I believe I found the part with a $300 savings.

https://www.oempartworld.com/auto-p...-v8-gas-engine/body-cat/instrument-panel-scat


What would the dark grey color be.....fawn or stone?!

 

[AuSeeker]

I believe I found the part with a $300 savings.

https://www.oempartworld.com/auto-p...-v8-gas-engine/body-cat/instrument-panel-scat


What would the dark grey color be.....fawn or stone?!

I'm a bit confused with the description from that site, as far as I know all 4th gen dash pads are black and neither "stone" A.K.A. light grey or "fawn" A.K.A. tan, and as far as I know there are only 2 versions of the dash pads excluding the passenger air bag, which are with JBL stereo which has a center dash speaker cutout and non-JBL stereo with no center dash speaker cutout, and as far as the passenger air bag I would think all 4 gens would have to have that per Federal requirements!!

If you're considering ordering one from that site I would called them to be certain of what you're getting and if it's even a dash pad and OEM or not, etc.!!

 

[AndroT100]

I'm a bit confused with the description from that site, as far as I know all 4th gen dash pads are black and neither "stone" A.K.A. light grey or "fawn" A.K.A. tan, and as far as I know there are only 2 versions of the dash pads excluding the passenger air bag, which are with JBL stereo which has a center dash speaker cutout and non-JBL stereo with no center dash speaker cutout, and as far as the passenger air bag I would think all 4 gens would have to have that per Federal requirements!!

If you're considering ordering one from that site I would called them to be certain of what you're getting and if it's even a dash pad and OEM or not, etc.!!

Thank you!

 

[shahsmerdis]

Just found/saw the same crack on mine today. Same story also...the warranty is no longer in force. Toyota wants $899 for the dash cover and $325 or so to do the replacement.

Has anyone found a source for the part for less? Has anyone done a DIY on this. Toyota service states only 2.2 hours to do the switch. I figure I can do it myself!

Any and all help will be appreciated!

Dohhh! I did the same thing, Found the same crack same location. I feel like an idiot i checked ~6 months ago before warranty was up. expired 3 months ago. and I just found that crack isn't supposed to be there. so stupid...

 

[kingofthehill]

Dohhh! I did the same thing, Found the same crack same location. I feel like an idiot i checked ~6 months ago before warranty was up. expired 3 months ago. and I just found that crack isn't supposed to be there. so stupid...

Ya it sucks. I have found 2 cracks that weren't on mine when I got it back in July. I wish Toyota would extend the warranty.

 

[AndroT100]

I wonder about finding a group of us and lobbying Toyota to cover the issue longer or again.

 

[Anonymous4Runner]

I wonder about finding a group of us and lobbying Toyota to cover the issue longer or again.

That'd be really difficult to do - Toyota sent out recall letters and gave ample time for current owners whose dash were affected to come in and have the dash replaced free of charge pending verification. I do think Toyota should have continued warranty repairs until end of '17 to account for possible new owners that purchased a 4Runner since the letter would not have been sent to them but instead current owner based on addresses inputted in Toyota systems.

...that being said, if someone bought a '04 4Runner and knew how to service everything themselves and did not come into the dealership for a service visit (advisors would confirm current info before printing paperwork for you to sign), the individual would not get a letter because they did not update the address info. that is connected to VIN. Unless the owner updated the info on Toyota's website -
you're screwed. That and first-time owners may have gotten the letter but did not care to take any action because they were already planning on getting rid of the 4R at one point

Tough situation all around for owners who did not get a letter or knew anything about the dash recall

 

[kingofthehill]

That'd be really difficult to do - Toyota sent out recall letters and gave ample time for current owners whose dash were affected to come in and have the dash replaced free of charge pending verification. I do think Toyota should have continued warranty repairs until end of '17 to account for possible new owners that purchased a 4Runner since the letter would not have been sent to them but instead current owner based on addresses inputted in Toyota systems.

...that being said, if someone bought a '04 4Runner and knew how to service everything themselves and did not come into the dealership for a service visit (advisors would confirm current info before printing paperwork for you to sign), the individual would not get a letter because they did not update the address info. that is connected to VIN. Unless the owner updated the info on Toyota's website -
you're screwed. That and first-time owners may have gotten the letter but did not care to take any action because they were already planning on getting rid of the 4R at one point

Tough situation all around for owners who did not get a letter or knew anything about the dash recall

Ya I know. I would love for Toyota to replace my dash. They have always been great about fixing known issue with their vehicles when they arise. Since I am too late ( bought mine after deadline) I guess I will have to live with it. Id much rather live with a few cracks on my dash board than some of the other issues some vehicles have had. Like blowing plugs out of the cylinder, ignition switch setting vehicles on fire, etc.

 

[Anonymous4Runner]

Ya I know. I would love for Toyota to replace my dash. They have always been great about fixing known issue with their vehicles when they arise. Since I am too late ( bought mine after deadline) I guess I will have to live with it. Id much rather live with a few cracks on my dash board than some of the other issues some vehicles have had. Like blowing plugs out of the cylinder, ignition switch setting vehicles on fire, etc.

Trust me - as long you're not overly OCD about the interior look of 4R then you're golden, big guy. Not to BS you but your cracks will get worse over time. Just try your best and park in the shade on hot days. Not too sure about winter time. I'm not too sure of methods that can be applied to slow down expansion of crack(s) on dash.

I'd look into local junkyards to see if there are totaled 4R's out there waiting to be parted out

 

[AndroT100]

Are the replacement dash panels a different quality/build than the originals? I would suspect so, but why change if it would just crack again!

 

[Anonymous4Runner]

Are the replacement dash panels a different quality/build than the originals? I would suspect so, but why change if it would just crack again!

Actually cracked dashs was an isolated issue that affected certain Toyota models, including some Lexus models. I think it had something to do with how it was made at a particular plant overseas which is why it was not a widespread issue.

I have a second '04 SR5 V8 that had a cracked dash. I can assure you the replacement dash will last the entire life of my SR5. Replacement dash's quality is factory standard that is meant to last.

 

[AndroT100]

My 4Runner only has 71600 miles....I really like it, purchased it new, and plan to keep it. Maybe I'll splurge on the new dash.

I have the manual that has some instructions on removing and replacing...but since my dealer quoted $325 to do the work...it might be worth having them do it. Likely it would take me much longer than the 2.2 hours they say it takes.

 

[kingofthehill]

My 4Runner only has 71600 miles....I really like it, purchased it new, and plan to keep it. Maybe I'll splurge on the new dash.

I have the manual that has some instructions on removing and replacing...but since my dealer quoted $325 to do the work...it might be worth having them do it. Likely it would take me much longer than the 2.2 hours they say it takes.

Ya $325 is not bad at all I figured through a Toyota dealer it would be no less than $600 to install. I wish the new dash was less than $500 though. If it was I would buy it in a heartbeat and have my dealer install it.

 

[Anonymous4Runner]

My 4Runner only has 71600 miles....I really like it, purchased it new, and plan to keep it. Maybe I'll splurge on the new dash.

I have the manual that has some instructions on removing and replacing...but since my dealer quoted $325 to do the work...it might be worth having them do it. Likely it would take me much longer than the 2.2 hours they say it takes.

It is better to leave it up to the dealership to replace the dash if you're not well versed in maintenance on the 4R. I'm pretty sure your local dealership already did at least 50 swaps with cracked dashboards so if you paid them to do the work with advance notice, chances are they'll do it quicker than the ETA issued. In other words, they already know what needs to be done and can do it quickly while on the other hand you're going to be taking it one step at a time looking at the manual

 

[V8Limited4wd]

So I noticed a small crack in mine last week, now I have two very large cracks. Sounds like I'm SOL after reading this thread by a few months. That's sucks.

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I have the cracks in the same exact location.

 

[daytonaviolet]

i made an appointment this week for the crack. they are aware of the TSB but they have not mentioned it was expired. i'll report back my findings :lock1:

i was declined. they said i exceeded the 10yr limit and or may 2017. they did give me a 1800 number to discuss further with toyota-usa.