Airbag recall question

[DesertCanyons]

Airbag replacement tomorrow

Tomorrow I'm having the airbag replaced tomorrow by the dealer here in Pasadena. I will be inspecting the dash and photographing the dash completely, including any existing scratches before I take it in.

Yesterday I took the RCI skid plates off because I don't want them messing that up. Last year I had the "Free Oil Change" done by the dealer and they must have used an impact wrench to overtighten the skid plate bolts. I had to cut the OEM skid plate off to work on the suspension. And the front left bolt is stripped now so I need to tap it and replace the bolt with a slightly larger one.

The transmission is also making noise so they will be checking that under warranty too. The trans rattles when warm, in drive when I come to a stop while stepping on the brake. It stops as soon as I put it in neutral. I found a place where the cross-under cat-back exhaust pipe was rubbing on the skid plate so that may actually be the problem with the noise. And if so, somehow putting it in neutral stops the rattle. I may need to shim the skid plates a bit?

 

[apollo]

on the rattle, I just installed plates yesterday, and I get a vibration at cold start when transmission is placed in reverse...I'm going to experiment with dropping the t-case plate and diagnose that as the issue, and if so, I'll add a short spacer when reinstalling...from what I read, its a common issue

Tomorrow I'm having the airbag replaced tomorrow by the dealer here in Pasadena. I will be inspecting the dash and photographing the dash completely, including any existing scratches before I take it in.

Yesterday I took the RCI skid plates off because I don't want them messing that up. Last year I had the "Free Oil Change" done by the dealer and they must have used an impact wrench to overtighten the skid plate bolts. I had to cut the OEM skid plate off to work on the suspension. And the front left bolt is stripped now so I need to tap it and replace the bolt with a slightly larger one.

The transmission is also making noise so they will be checking that under warranty too. The trans rattles when warm, in drive when I come to a stop while stepping on the brake. It stops as soon as I put it in neutral. I found a place where the cross-under cat-back exhaust pipe was rubbing on the skid plate so that may actually be the problem with the noise. And if so, somehow putting it in neutral stops the rattle. I may need to shim the skid plates a bit?

 

[AkamiNW]

Yeah - it's for real. The explosive chemistry becomes more volatile over time until it expands so quickly that it causes the metal housing parts to fracture where it's supposed to bend away from the airbag. The result is metal shrapnel.

That's terrifying

 

[DesertCanyons]

Rattle of exhaust on skid plate

on the rattle, I just installed plates yesterday, and I get a vibration at cold start when transmission is placed in reverse...I'm going to experiment with dropping the t-case plate and diagnose that as the issue, and if so, I'll add a short spacer when reinstalling...from what I read, its a common issue

Yes, I think you're right. When I removed the RCI transfer case skid plate yesterday I found a worn spot just off center. the spot coincides with the cross-under exhaust pipe location.

I drove it today and it didn't exhibit any of the rattle noise I mentioned above. So yes, it was the exhaust rattling on the skid plate.

I think when the truck is in drive and I come to a stop with my foot on the brake, the exhaust rotates slightly with the engine torque just enough to contact the plate. It also happens a little when I accelerate from a stop.

I think the fix is to add steel shim plates between the frame and the skid plates. I'll keep adding thicker shims until it stops.

 

[calcrc]

I did my recal yesterday, and I have to go back because I noticed that the dash wasn't installed properly..... Double check everything before leaving the dealer.

Damn I hate this, why the hell can't they fix things up correctly the first time sigh.

Had the same issue with my remote start. It got fixed the second time but the waste of MY time makes me grrrrrrrr.

 

[emy]

I did my recal yesterday, and I have to go back because I noticed that the dash wasn't installed properly..... Double check everything before leaving the dealer.

Damn I hate this, why the hell can't they fix things up correctly the first time sigh.

Had the same issue with my remote start. It got fixed the second time but the waste of MY time makes me grrrrrrrr.

Because we are in America. I bet this would never happen in Japan.
And they try to convince us that a Toyota built in US is the same quality than the one built in Japan. Maybe is close, because most of the work is done by robots, but the 10% or more where a lazy worker touches the car, that makes the differences in quality.
I did my recall a month ago and so far no rattles or scratches. Looks I've got lucky after reading some horror stories.

 

[Zhaicne]

All day. There telling me the dash has to come off but I want to hear from other 1s if this is the case.

I don't know what had to be done, but it took no more than 90 minutes while i waited to purchase my used 14 Limited. My Toyota dealership told me they wouldn't let me leave the lot without the recall being completed.

 

[CavPro]

That's terrifying

So is the damage to that guys head.

 

[Jetboy]

So is the damage to that guys head.

I believe it's a woman. But yes. Damage to her head from metal broken off of the airbag casing. She survived. But not everyone has. Having them replaced in the replacement period should be safe and remove the airbag before the propellant becomes dangerous.

 

[DesertCanyons]

Overlapping skid plates

on the rattle, I just installed plates yesterday, and I get a vibration at cold start when transmission is placed in reverse...I'm going to experiment with dropping the t-case plate and diagnose that as the issue, and if so, I'll add a short spacer when reinstalling...from what I read, its a common issue

Just a note that you may have thought of already. If you add shims to the transfer skid plate, make sure the plate in front of it, the transmission skid plate, overlaps the transfer case plate in the same manner as it was intended. If you slide over a rock, the rock should slide by the overlap point to the next plate that follows smoothly, without hitting an edge and peeling the next, following plate off of the frame. IOW, moving from front to rear, each plate should overlap the next plate from below the next plate. :wof:

 

[DesertCanyons]

Fast air bag repair

The dealer just called to say my truck was ready. I dropped it off at about 7:30 am and the service rep called at 1:00 pm. He also said the glove box door and trim piece above it had minor scratches in it before they started. I said I knew about those marks and that was fine.

When I dropped it off I asked the service writer how they were going to protect the car interior when they did the work. He said they only had to remove the glove box and top of the dash, not the center console cover or radio. I think it was good to ask how they were going to protect it because the service tech saw my questions and showed the service writer the scratches before he started. I'll pick it up soon so I'll see how it looks then.

Today, when I was at the Toyota dealer here in Pasadena, a friendly guy walked up to me and said, "Say, aren't you Desert Canyons on T4R.com?". He recognized my truck from my signature photo. I said "Yes, my name is Dave". That was Chris who's also a member here on T4R. I was amazed that we were able to connect that way. :cheers:

I asked him if he's been out lately and he told me about driving through Anza Borrego Desert State Park last weekend. It started a whole conversation about Anza Borrego, kids and off road trips. I met his father too, who was there to pick him up. I gave him my card and asked him to call me anytime he wanted to go for a 4 wheeling trip.

Thanks for saying hello Chris. Now that's an example of friendly forum decorum. :thumb3:

 

[JayceeP]

Just received my notice in the mail this evening. Will phone dealer soon... about 1-2 more weeks of driving until my next maintenance interval anyway so it’s good timing for me.

 

[TRUSTYAXE]

Done

I got my notice about 2 weeks ago, had to bring it in for service soon anyway. Got the recall done today at good old Venice Toyota. I always get the same master tech, Todd. He did a great job as usual
, no issues.

 

[Hughwho]

The dealer just called to say my truck was ready. I dropped it off at about 7:30 am and the service rep called at 1:00 pm. He also said the glove box door and trim piece above it had minor scratches in it before they started. I said I knew about those marks and that was fine.

When I dropped it off I asked the service writer how they were going to protect the car interior when they did the work. He said they only had to remove the glove box and top of the dash, not the center console cover or radio. I think it was good to ask how they were going to protect it because the service tech saw my questions and showed the service writer the scratches before he started. I'll pick it up soon so I'll see how it looks then.

Today, when I was at the Toyota dealer here in Pasadena, a friendly guy walked up to me and said, "Say, aren't you Desert Canyons on T4R.com?". He recognized my truck from my signature photo. I said "Yes, my name is Dave". That was Chris who's also a member here on T4R. I was amazed that we were able to connect that way. :cheers:

I asked him if he's been out lately and he told me about driving through Anza Borrego Desert State Park last weekend. It started a whole conversation about Anza Borrego, kids and off road trips. I met his father too, who was there to pick him up. I gave him my card and asked him to call me anytime he wanted to go for a 4 wheeling trip.

Thanks for saying hello Chris. Now that's an example of friendly forum decorum. :thumb3:

I also had a recall for actuator replacement and took my 2016 Trail premium to Pasadena Toyota on tuesday last week.It took approx 4 hrs and I picked it up that afternoon.While it was there they did a "multipoint" inspection which included checking brakes-you need to remove wheels to do this!This weekend I was up in the snow with my daughter and granddaughter at Mt Waterman and on the way back down noticed a front end wobble but we made it down ok and next day was on Altadena Dr and it happened again! I pulled into the local Chevron and the guys put the 4 Runner on the lift and the FL wheel had all loose lugs--not even hand tight! We were so lucky the wheel did not come off as we were coming down Los Angeles Crest. Called Toyota the same day and left message for service manager who did call back and said he would investigate and get back to me ----still waiting!All service has been done at Toyota Pasadena since I ordered the truck but this sure does not instill confidence in dealership service!!!Will keep an open mind until I hear further from the service manager.Be wary

 

[DesertCanyons]

Loose lug nuts over-tightened skid plate bolts

I also had a recall for actuator replacement and took my 2016 Trail premium to Pasadena Toyota on tuesday last week.It took approx 4 hrs and I picked it up that afternoon.While it was there they did a "multipoint" inspection which included checking brakes-you need to remove wheels to do this!This weekend I was up in the snow with my daughter and granddaughter at Mt Waterman and on the way back down noticed a front end wobble but we made it down ok and next day was on Altadena Dr and it happened again! I pulled into the local Chevron and the guys put the 4 Runner on the lift and the FL wheel had all loose lugs--not even hand tight! We were so lucky the wheel did not come off as we were coming down Los Angeles Crest. ...Be wary

HughWho,

That's bad. Angeles Crest Highway is a steep and winding road. Waterman is around 7000 feet at the base and Altadena is not far above 500 feet. They could have been liable for a lot of damage.

I went to Pasadena Toyota too, as I said above. I got the "free oil changes" twice. After the 2nd service I went to work on the suspension and I couldn't get the front skid plate off. I guess they tightened the bolts with an impact wrench until they just wouldn't turn anymore, rather than the specified torque. I had to cut the cheap OEM skid plate off before I could get the bolts to turn by turning the little square of metal that remained around the bolt.

So the dealer overtightens the skid plate bolts where it doesn't matter and they leave the tire lug nuts loose.

I do all my own service now. I changed the engine oil, the oil in both differentials and the transfer case oil at 29,000 miles.

 

[Hughwho]

I apologize if I "butted in"on the thread but needed to advise other people who will be getting the airbag situation dealt with at their respective dealers. Obviously this is not something we can do in our own garages or driveways as it is "warranty" related but it does show how we can never trust work done at some dealerships and need to check everything ourselves!
It could save your life!!

 

[KKL]

Airbag Recall at Gullo Toyota Conroe TX

Dropped off at 7:15am on Sat. They took all around video of vehicle plus the passenger dash area. Service advisor said they had done hundreds of these before. Process involves dropping glove box, NO dash removal. Job done at 10am. Got a free car wash too. No rattle so far.

 

[ChrisJHarney]

Dropped off the rig at the dealership at 7:45 in Pasadena, also ran into [MENTION=115572]DesertCanyons[/MENTION] who was also dropping off his rig at the same time. Got mine back at 11:30am which also included an oil change. Nothing creaks or rattles at all. [MENTION=115572]DesertCanyons[/MENTION], how did yours end up?

 

[Rob71]

Will Drop Mind on Wednesday at Avondale Toyota will see how it goes. Very concern on such a dangerous situation that I took them that long to inform us. Wonder how is the driver side is doing. Does it take people dying to inform us. Maybe I will get a new one that does not have that type of air bag..but I like mind a lot

 

[eyerolleddapiece]

Will Drop Mind on Wednesday at Avondale Toyota will see how it goes. Very concern on such a dangerous situation that I took them that long to inform us. Wonder how is the driver side is doing. Does it take people dying to inform us. Maybe I will get a new one that does not have that type of air bag..but I like mind a lot

The problem is that the airbag supplier also supplies for other OEMs so it wasn't just a Toyota issue. I think this is the second or third wave of recalls on their airbags.