Airbag recall question

After reading the entire thread (and other airbag recall threads), there still seems to be some question regarding how much of the dash (if any) needs to be removed to replace the passenger airbag.
Like others, I'm concerned about everything going back correctly after looking at the procedure in the service manual. And, I have a custom audio/control system installation.
Are some folks really having the entire dash and console removed and others simply having the glove box popped off? Are some dealerships following the manual exactly and others have figured out a less intrusive method?
 
After reading the entire thread (and other airbag recall threads), there still seems to be some question regarding how much of the dash (if any) needs to be removed to replace the passenger airbag.
Like others, I'm concerned about everything going back correctly after looking at the procedure in the service manual. And, I have a custom audio/control system installation.
Are some folks really having the entire dash and console removed and others simply having the glove box popped off? Are some dealerships following the manual exactly and others have figured out a less intrusive method?

The procedure is available to view if you have concerns. Ask the dealer to show you or find it on the internet.
 
Got mine done a couple a weeks ago during my 65K-mile servicing and didn't notice that any work was done. In other words, they did a good job putting things back together ha.
 
The procedure is available to view if you have concerns. Ask the dealer to show you or find it on the internet.
I've reviewed the procedure in the service manual and in the NHTSA procedure sheet - that's why I'm asking. Some forum members are reporting removal of the dashboard, console, trim pieces, etc., while others report that it's much simpler and less involved. I'm trying to figure out why there's such a discrepancy in how it's being done.
 
I've reviewed the procedure in the service manual and in the NHTSA procedure sheet - that's why I'm asking. Some forum members are reporting removal of the dashboard, console, trim pieces, etc., while others report that it's much simpler and less involved. I'm trying to figure out why there's such a discrepancy in how it's being done.

I also am wondering why such a big discrepancy. On the official Toyota site it says the procedure takes "about an hour". In this forum thread, replacement times are much longer.

I have called several dealers in the Phoenix AZ area and gotten estimates ranging from 3-4 hours to all day. When I ask the service rep what the replacement entails, NOT ONE had a clue what it involves.

Still haven't picked one yet, but there has to be one service dept in the Phoenix area that knows how to do this just by removing the glove box...guess I am just too picky and don't trust the dealer service techs.
 
Just gonna throw in my experience with this as well.
Got it done 3 weeks ago. I was worrying about the work since the notice came in January. Eventually realized the only thing I can control myself is where I take it. I researched the dealers around me, asked a couple friends and coworkers with toyotas about their experience with other dealers and used the one I felt most comfortable with. I have 4 large dealers within 30 mins of my house (maybe a little lucky) and picked the 2nd farthest which is my usual one already. I feel like that's all I could do about it.
Dpropped my car off at 9:15am for airbag and state inspection. Told them I could come back after 6pm. Got a call at 11:30am it was done so you're guess is as good as mine on how long the airbag took. My guess is the whole dash didn't come out or else it would have taken longer. No scratches or rattles. Vacuumed my mats though.
 
Got mine done at Foothills Toyota, Burlington, WA. It was surprisingly fast, like little over an hour. And they had me come in the same day I called. No way to know from sitting there waiting if they removed dash or not. It looks the same as when I took it in. Hmm, maybe they just told me they did the work ...

Anyway, if the choices are, get a piece of shrapnel in the brain, or worry if the dealer tech will do a good job ....
 
Got mine done at Foothills Toyota, Burlington, WA. It was surprisingly fast, like little over an hour. And they had me come in the same day I called. No way to know from sitting there waiting if they removed dash or not. It looks the same as when I took it in. Hmm, maybe they just told me they did the work ...

Anyway, if the choices are, get a piece of shrapnel in the brain, or worry if the dealer tech will do a good job ....

You are right--guess I will pick one and go for it! Thanks.
 
Just gonna throw in my experience with this as well.
Got it done 3 weeks ago. I was worrying about the work since the notice came in January. Eventually realized the only thing I can control myself is where I take it. I researched the dealers around me, asked a couple friends and coworkers with toyotas about their experience with other dealers and used the one I felt most comfortable with. I have 4 large dealers within 30 mins of my house (maybe a little lucky) and picked the 2nd farthest which is my usual one already. I feel like that's all I could do about it.
Dpropped my car off at 9:15am for airbag and state inspection. Told them I could come back after 6pm. Got a call at 11:30am it was done so you're guess is as good as mine on how long the airbag took. My guess is the whole dash didn't come out or else it would have taken longer. No scratches or rattles. Vacuumed my mats though.

My OCD thanks you!
 
My point is - don't worry about what people reported for this work. How would the owner know what steps a tech took to do the job while their vehicle was in for service?
Also, do not get confused with the time differences that are reported. The service writer has to account for all the work in front of you and add the tech time to your job. If they wash it that is time too.
Mine was in at 7 am and I got a text at 9 am that it was done. I doubt the entire dash was removed, work done and dash reinstalled in that short amount of time.
 
My point is - don't worry about what people reported for this work. How would the owner know what steps a tech took to do the job while their vehicle was in for service?
Also, do not get confused with the time differences that are reported. The service writer has to account for all the work in front of you and add the tech time to your job. If they wash it that is time too.
Mine was in at 7 am and I got a text at 9 am that it was done. I doubt the entire dash was removed, work done and dash reinstalled in that short amount of time.

Good point and thanks for your info and encouragement.

Maybe it is because of my distrust or my DIY attitude, but I can't understand why the service advisors are so clueless about this recall. There are 5 dealers within 40 miles of my location and not one of them knew anything about the procedure. I did learn one thing by calling, service advisors are not necessarily techs! Is this true everywhere?

Guess I will just take a bottle of Tito's and go wait it out at a dealer.
 
I did learn one thing by calling, service advisors are not necessarily techs! Is this true everywhere?

I think this is probably true across all companies. I had a friend that was a salesman at another company and he was asked if he wanted a service advisor job. The guy can barely fill his own gas and he's definitely not a mechanically gifted person.
 
/SNIP/ I can't understand why the service advisors are so clueless about this recall.

I asked if they could schedule the work for anytime and had all parts on hand, and the advisor said it was no problem. He knew about the left A-pillar trim replacement. Then I asked if the console and dash really had to come out and he said "yes". I mentioned my concerns about my custom sound installation, rattles, etc., and he said "absolutely no problem; we've never had one come back".
My regular oil change, inspection, tire rotation, etc. is all due in May so I'm scheduling everything together. I'll post here when it's finished...
 
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Austin airbag replacements

Anyone get their airbags replaced in Austin, TX ? Which dealership would you recommend - thanks!
 
Finally got around to calling but the dealer is saying that there has been a nationwide back order and doesn't know yet when they will be receiving the parts needed.
 
Just an update to my earlier posts - I dropped off the 2011 this morning for the airbag recall and state inspection/oil change/45k service. All service work was completed by noon. I asked the service manager if they removed the dash and he indicated they didn't completely remove it but did have to "lift it". Cosmetically, all looks O.K. except for a 3/8" scratch on the fan control trim, but it's surrounded by other scuffs/scratches my kids have left, so I'm not going to worry about it. All of my custom wiring for the stereo/video is intact and everything appears to function as expected, but of course I've only driven it a few miles. I did notice the passenger A pillar trim wasn't replaced, or they carefully replicated the scuff marks that were on the original trim piece.
 
Passenger air bag recall-Chicago North suburbs

Need the recall done. Anyone have good/bad regarding north suburban dealers. Do not trust dealerships.

Thanks in advance.

Done by Bredeman in Park Ridge Il. Dropped off at 1600 for recall and oil change. They called at 2045 and even came to pick me up. Lots of fretting, no reason. Looks just like when I dropped it off.
 
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