Changing Spark Plugs @ 35,000 for warranty purpose

[jow]

Are Toyota Dealerships owned by Toyota or investors? I tried to file a complaint related to a Certified 07 T4R that I purchased with 43,000 mi. There is no record of the spark plugs being changes at 35,000 mi. The Service Manager said they did not need changing (as all of us probably know) but the warranty requires the change to possibly prevent future problems. That is also my position on asking them to change the plugs vs me needing a 130.00 service on the T4R I just purchased. I called Toyota’s Customer Care and they recommended I contact the Dealer, which I did. Something is not right here, when they say the plugs d/n need changing but if a problem occurs related to the plugs not being changer (as Cat converter or emissions) I would have a problem with the warranty. Plus, can I request that the plugs be changed as part of the 3 mo/3,000 Extended Comprehensive bumper-to-bumper that comes with the Certification?

I am trying to be too nice with the Dealer since I feel stuck with no deductable 72 mo bumper-to-bumper with them vs 100.00 with any other certified shop. jow

 

[Doozi]

I wouldn't think that they could do plugs under warranty, but I certainly feel that your "Certified" Toyota vehicle should have new plugs in it considering the mileage (for a V6 anyway). Isn't that why people spend extra to buy Certified Pre-Owned? So that they know that the vehicle has been inspected by trained techs and that all factory service intervals are up-to-date! I'd either make them replace the plugs at their expense or just ask if you could do it yourself. I just replaced my factory plugs at 71,686 miles with Autolite XP Iridiums for $31.41 and it took probably 45 minutes... measuring all of the plug gaps, using anti-seize, torquing everything to spec, and cleaning up.

Good luck with that... keep us posted.

~Doozi

 

[jow]

Thanks for the reply! I said I would ask for a set of plugs to change myself as a last effort. Even though they have you again (if they need an out) if you are not a Certified Toyota Tech and you change the plugs.

I could possibly pull one plug and check it for wear. I feel they are basing their fact of not needing plugs on performance, which seems good or a diagnostic display. I c/n base my complaint on poor MPG because I h/n checked it. The Service Manager said he would be glad to re-check the plugs again to see if they need changing vs changing them due to the warranty need (which he has not replied to). Before I make the 30mi drive, I’ll want him to commit to the change. Meanwhile, I will challenge Toyota on their Cretification Advertisement, “Vehicle professionally reconditioned to Toyota's exacting standards”.

Some warranties can cause more pain than they are worth. In 1968 I wanted to know how much I could purchase a New VW for w/o a warranty. No Such Thing! 1,600.00 Period. My point was I d/n want to come in every 3,000 mi for a valve adjustment to keep it in warranty for 2 yrs/24,000 mi. I did learn a lesson, I burned a valve after missing the 1st 3,000 mi valve adjustment “Out Of Warranty”. But, Never Again, I checked and adjusted if needed Like Clock Work! Then, rebuild VW engines for years afterwards. jow

 

[DocMT]

Most Toyota dealerships are privately owned, but there are some that are corporate owned by Toyota. That's also true for just about all of the major manufacturers.

The V6 4Runner specifies a 30,000 mile change interval for the spark plugs. If you know for sure that they weren't changed, I'd point out the change interval as per Toyota's maintenance schedule. If you puchased the vehicle as a certified pre-owned car, it MUST be up to date with all scheduled maintenance. I used to do the certifications for Toyota, so I know for a fact that this is true. Tell the dealer to show you the qualifications for certified pre-owned and them have them explain to you why the plugs weren't changed if the vehicle was purchased with more than 30,000 miles on it.

 

[DocMT]

Thanks for the reply! I said I would ask for a set of plugs to change myself as a last effort.

If the dealer is still fighting you and you don't want to deal with it anymore, keep in mind that you can buy the OEM plugs for a few bucks each.

 

[Doozi]

jow: I posted some info on what my plugs looked like at the 71,686 mile mark in this thread... some good info throughout.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/81568-time-plugs-ones.html

I think DocMT said it best... "If you puchased the vehicle as a certified pre-owned car, it MUST be up to date with all scheduled maintenance." I can't believe that they would be bickering about something so trivial... it seems pretty straight forward! If it's in the recommended service schedule and they want a happy customer, they should just change the plugs! It's not like you're asking for a new engine because the someone missed a plug change 12k miles ago!

~Doozi

 

[jow]

Thanks DOCMT! I walked & looked 4 mo for a Certified T4R. The Scheduled Maintenance Records are documented in the T4R. The oil changes and tires rotations were the only scheduled maintenance per 5,000 mi up to date. The Dealer’s Shared Service Database (sent to me by the Service Manager) and CarFax info shows the same info. I also ask for records of the “160-point inspection” findings and results/repairs (as from past Certified Camry purchases). I was told they could give me a blank “that had a carbon copy” vs the actual because it was sent to Toyota related to certifying. I’ll admit, work was done per the invoice shared, it looks good but 160 points, w/o a record and the rear turn signal was out the next day is a question. The 40 basic checks CarMax verified with me involved ended any basic questions.

I’ll hope to have the past needs behind me soon as I harvest some firewood, catch a fish and visit old friends. Oops the 35,000 vs 30,000 mi! jow

 

[Jeff T]

The first set in my 4R went 110k before I changed them. Still ran like a top. I will admit the plugs did add a bit more power though!

 

[BlairB]

Most Toyota dealerships are privately owned, but there are some that are corporate owned by Toyota. That's also true for just about all of the major manufacturers.

The V6 4Runner specifies a 30,000 mile change interval for the spark plugs. If you know for sure that they weren't changed, I'd point out the change interval as per Toyota's maintenance schedule. If you puchased the vehicle as a certified pre-owned car, it MUST be up to date with all scheduled maintenance. I used to do the certifications for Toyota, so I know for a fact that this is true. Tell the dealer to show you the qualifications for certified pre-owned and them have them explain to you why the plugs weren't changed if the vehicle was purchased with more than 30,000 miles on it.

1) ALL dealers are privately owned, not 1 out of the 1200+ dealers is owned by Toyota Corporate.

2) To certify a vehicle it needs to pass the 160 point inspection, that is it. There is no way for a dealer to know the exact maintenance of a vehicle. Some people do their own maintenance work, some go to independents etc... it is not possible for a dealer to know- that is why they go by the inspection sheet.

All that needs to be done is checking the vehicle to see if it has a clean car fax.

"VEHICLE HISTORY
Run and print a CARFAX Vehicle History Report [1] /Check for outstanding Special Service Campaigns"

Here is a link to the inspection requirements

160-point Inspection

More importantly, to the OP- I would not expect the Service Manager to change the spark plugs at no charge, I would talk to your sales person to see if there is anything that can be done. Worst case, just pay to have them changed- it is not that expensive.