Driving from CA to OH: tranny just died in KS?

[Solidape]

Kansas member here. I'm in Lawrence. If there's anything I can do to help you out tonight, tools, place to sleep, take you out for a dinner to get your mind off things, etc, assuming you are still in the state, send me a PM.

 

[John7M7]

First, thanks for all the input! I drove 12 hours yesterday and had to handle many things today, so I didn't connect to the forum.

I had the truck loaded on a flat bed truck, it will be delivered to my new home tomorrow. Renting my own truck etc was a PITA I wasn't gonna deal with during a move and with doggies.

I'm thinking that a leak causing the tranny fluid to disappear is the most likely scenario here... and if that's true, I'm wondering what I can do against the dickheads at the garage in L.A.

I got many recommendation from locals about where to take the truck to, and as soon as the mechanic takes a look at it i will post an update.

What a bicth though...

Also, if you ever get stuck in Kansas, here is what I learn:
- the people are great
- finding a car to rent is mission impossible.

 

[Solidape]

Update? Did you figure it out?

Where in the state were you stranded?

 

[shootmymime]

What a bicth though...

Also, if you ever get stuck in Kansas, here is what I learn:
- the people are great
- finding a car to rent is mission impossible.

where were you in kansas?

 

[ToyotaBrah]

Gosh, I feel terrible I just saw this. Haven't been on the forums for a week. I would have helped in any way I could if you were still here.

I understand how frustrating it must be to have it break down, in the middle of Kansas, and also given the fact that you were proactive in getting the rig ready for a road trip. If you're ever passing through KS again, consider me a solid link for any help you need (hopefully this won't happen again).

 

[John7M7]

Thanks guys, now the rig sits in my street, the shop everyone recommend around here has no availability for the next... two weeks.

 

[amalik]

Maybe consult with a lawyer on potential options against the dickhead garage, per your description -- in LA.

IMO, it's going to come down to what you have in writing from them; i.e. do they warranty their services and do you have it in writing?

 

[John7M7]

They warranty some... But transmission is excluded from the warranty!

Last guy I talked to said they'd assume the cost if it comes from the work they've done, so that's good news... But when it comes to proving it, we will see...

 

[John7M7]

UPDATE: We were very lucky on this one! I mean, kinda, right?

The transmission is doing great, the garage inspected the truck and the issue was due to a leak in the transmission line (not sure of the proper term in English). Apparently one of the hose wasn't tightened properly.

We basically dripped most of the tranny fluid, not way to realize that until it was too late.

The bill? $200.

Yes, you also have to consider the $1,500 or so we paid to tow the truck from KS to OH, and the cost of the rental car for a couple days ($450), but in the end we are lucky.

The 4Runner is now back on the road, cruising in the beautiful State of Ohio.

 

[THatfield]

UPDATE: We were very lucky on this one! I mean, kinda, right?

The transmission is doing great, the garage inspected the truck and the issue was due to a leak in the transmission line (not sure of the proper term in English). Apparently one of the hose wasn't tightened properly.

We basically dripped most of the tranny fluid, not way to realize that until it was too late.

The bill? $200.

Yes, you also have to consider the $1,500 or so we paid to tow the truck from KS to OH, and the cost of the rental car for a couple days ($450), but in the end we are lucky.

The 4Runner is now back on the road, cruising in the beautiful State of Ohio.

Sorry I didn't see this until I now! Or i probably would've met you at your new home to try and help you fix it!

I'm glad you were able to fix it. Welcome to Columbus. If you have any questions about the area, good eats, anything like that let me know.

And find Ohio 4Runner's on facebook. We try to meet up once a month at a reservoir in Westerville- a suburb on the NE side of the 614!

 

[John7M7]

Sorry I didn't see this until I now! Or i probably would've met you at your new home to try and help you fix it!

I'm glad you were able to fix it. Welcome to Columbus. If you have any questions about the area, good eats, anything like that let me know.

And find Ohio 4Runner's on facebook. We try to meet up once a month at a reservoir in Westerville- a suburb on the NE side of the 614!

Nice, I'll join the FB group! I'm in Pickerington, so Westerville is very close. Thanks for the info man!

 

[TurtleAdventure]

Hey John, nobody on here can console you and "would've, could've, should've" does nothing for the situation you're in.

Driving 1000 miles in 3 days with only 170K miles on your rig is completely acceptable. Don't beat yourself up on that decision. Many on here have done that. Once you get to Ohio, you need to invest in a scan gauge so you can monitor the health of your rig a little better. The "idiot" lights. unfortunately, come on when it's too late. Deal with that later.

Hopefully you've had a chance to sit down and regain your composure after being pissed. I can only imagine what was going through your head. You only have about 900 miles to go so I wouldn't even consider doing any troubleshooting or maintenance on it.

Get yourself to a U-Haul place and rent a U-Haul with a car dolly and get it to Columbus first.


My suggestion is to put it behind you and get your family to your new home in Ohio!

This guys is a problem solver and good advice giver.

 

[John7M7]

I'm gonna invest in the Scangauge, but $160 is violent so I'm waiting a little bit.. eventually I'll just go for it.

 

[thegipper]

Check out Ultra gauges, they are much cheaper (90 bucks ish) and IMO, better.

Either one is much better than nothing.

There is also the cheap OBD2 bluetooth readers and torque app option. I have both but having a dedicated gauge is the way to go....

 

[John7M7]

I'll check them too, thanks!

I bought a great Bluetooth ODB II reader a few days ago, so for that I'm set.

 

[kolelt]

I'll check them too, thanks!

I bought a great Bluetooth ODB II reader a few days ago, so for that I'm set.

One think I like about scangauge. Is it's always plugged in. Never looses connection and it's right in front of me. As far as phone. Only for gps use.