Dealer advice - oil change issue

S

Scottd9000

New member
Brought our 2015 Limited into dealer for our "free" 10k oil change on Monday. My wife drove the truck to work yesterday and today. When I got home before her tonight I notice a large oil slick on the garage floor. It's probably 1/4 quart mixed with water. When she gets home I have her park in the other stall - oil dripping everywhere. I check the oil - doesn't register on the dip stick. No oil light on. Inspecting from the top I see oil everywhere on top of the skidplates. Not sure if I can see a filter (how do I check on the 5th gens?).

I have always done my own oil changes on all my Toyota's until the 4runner because it's free and I know just browsing the how to's the skid plates look like a pain...

My question is - do I have the dealer come get the truck? Do I fill it with oil and drive it 3 miles to the dealer? Or do I pull the skid plates and figure out what they messed up? I really don't want to touch anything because the dealer could blame me. Thanks for any advice.
 
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They probably did not tighten the filter housing or the drain plug unfortunately... I would top it off with a quart or so and then take it back to the dealer (assuming the dealer isn't too far away) and complain.
 
BlackWorksInc said:
They probably did not tighten the filter housing or the drain plug unfortunately... I would top it off with a quart or so and then take it back to the dealer (assuming the dealer isn't too far away) and complain.
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Any easy way to figure out if its either of these possibilities? I prefer to drive it the three miles if possible. Would like to talk to the manager in person. But would like to know what's wrong beforehand.
 
I hate to disagree with BlackWorksInc, but I would call them first and request they come get it before I added anything.
If they say "put some oil in it and drive it to us", and you don't want to push the issue of them coming to get it, then go ahead.

I hate to even state this:
You better record that conversation in case something fails on the motor.....just sayin!
 
Saker said:
I hate to disagree with BlackWorksInc, but I would call them first and request they come get it before I added anything.
If they say "put some oil in it and drive it to us", and you don't want to push the issue of them coming to get it, then go ahead.

I hate to even state this:
You better record that conversation in case something fails on the motor.....just sayin!
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I think getting it towed is a bit drastic if the dealer is only 3 miles away, but it is technically his right to do so; so I'm not gonna say don't do it. While I don't have anything against "sticking it to the Dealer" I also can say that from experience on both sides of the spectrum, sometimes compromising a little bit (i.e. driving 3 miles to talk and show the service manager in person vs. showing up with a flat bed and demanding they pay the bill) puts the offending party more at ease and less like to knee-jerk screw you over.

As a technician and someone who genuinely wants to help people, I am more than happy to try and correct a mistake or help you out if you approach me in a more neutral manner than if you just come in screaming and accusing me or others of stuff without having the common courtesy to show a modicum of respect. Now if the Service Manager is going to be a dick to you; don't hold back at all, hell bill him for the bottle of oil you put in (actually I would do that anyways I suppose, or at least credit)
 
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Probably worth the half day off to be safe. Good idea on recording the conversation (after informing him). Headed out now with the gopro to document everything. Sucks it's a new garage floor too....grrrr Toyota!
 
This seems to be a re-occurring problem of late ? BWInc you think this is because of this type of filter or what ? Lazy, incompetence or what trying to compete with the jiffy-lubes ?
 
oljedi11950 said:
This seems to be a re-occurring problem of late ? BWInc you think this is because of this type of filter or what ? Lazy, incompetence or what trying to compete with the jiffy-lubes ?
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Its probably because people are stretching the O-Ring over the canister rather than rolling it like you would a.. *ahem* male birth control device on a banana. The pulling/stretching it over the canister usually leaves a little hanging out when you tighten it down that can catch/cut. That or the lube guy is rushing/doesn't have a good order of operations/work rhythm/work flow and forgot to tighten it down.
 
So a word to the wise then when taking it in for a change , might be something to stress to newer members to watch out for ? Tell service writer up front to beware !
 
Does this engine have a different style oil filter? Or is it the same screw-on filter with a seated o-ring, like just about every other passenger car or truck? If it's the standard type filter, it sounds like the old o-ring stuck on and the tech didn't notice it.
 
BlackWorksInc said:
I think getting it towed is a bit drastic if the dealer is only 3 miles away, but it is technically his right to do so; so I'm not gonna say don't do it. While I don't have anything against "sticking it to the Dealer" I also can say that from experience on both sides of the spectrum, sometimes compromising a little bit (i.e. driving 3 miles to talk and show the service manager in person vs. showing up with a flat bed and demanding they pay the bill) puts the offending party more at ease and less like to knee-jerk screw you over.

As a technician and someone who genuinely wants to help people, I am more than happy to try and correct a mistake or help you out if you approach me in a more neutral manner than if you just come in screaming and accusing me or others of stuff without having the common courtesy to show a modicum of respect. Now if the Service Manager is going to be a dick to you; don't hold back at all, hell bill him for the bottle of oil you put in (actually I would do that anyways I suppose, or at least credit)
Click to expand...

The part where the op said no oil on dipstick is why I would call first.
That's why I stated call them first and inform them, request they come get it....
give the dealership the opportunity to make that call before ranting !

Anyone can make a mistake.
 
Manager is supposed to call me right when he gets in at 7. I hope he tells me to add oil and come on. I would like to know how many quarts low it is. That would help me decide how pissed to be. Yes people make mistakes but this one could be serious.
 
blacktrdpro said:
Does this engine have a different style oil filter? Or is it the same screw-on filter with a seated o-ring, like just about every other passenger car or truck? If it's the standard type filter, it sounds like the old o-ring stuck on and the tech didn't notice it.
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No ! Someone post a pic please !:hiding:
 
I as a mechanic who had more than my share of screwups over the years would much rather have the tow deducted from my pay than risk buying a motor and spending 2 days repacing it for free. Driving a car with a leaking oil filter is insane. The pressure of the oil pump can empty the motor in seconds if that seal isnt right. Do not add oil and drive it, tell them to tow it. Mistakes happen no big deal. No service manager would risk a motor. Some writers are not that smart though so be sure to insist on the tow.
 
blacktrdpro said:
Does this engine have a different style oil filter? Or is it the same screw-on filter with a seated o-ring, like just about every other passenger car or truck? If it's the standard type filter, it sounds like the old o-ring stuck on and the tech didn't notice it.
Click to expand...

No, this is what is called a "Canister" style filter (the automotive industry has been slowly switching over to this design in the last 5-7 years or so) which involves a solid metal or plastic outer canister that screws into the engine, the paper filter media goes inside of it.

41694d1301276698-how-2011-oil-change-used_filter.jpg
 
My 2014 Jeep had a canister oil filter too but it was much easier accessed (from the top) than the 4Runner. 2nd easiest oil change I've done (FJ is the easiest imo). It irks me that the 4Runner oil change is such a chore. Not hard just too cumbersome. I would either insist on a tow or just drive it there since it's only 3 miles (your wife's already been driving it 2 days) but if tow I'd meet it there for a face to face.
 
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