Is the 30,000 mile service necessary?
- Thread starter molocono
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Boaz
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The 30K service includes new sparkplugs,
I am planning on changing them myself at 30k. I looked in the engine bay yesterday and the plugs are very easy to get to.
Some dealerships want to change out the trans fluid at the 30K interval. I say pass on that, my fluid looks fine. I think they also recommend a new cabin filter and air filter as well. Its just like any other service but new plugs and like I said some dealers try to stick you with the new trans fluid.
Oh and I think the manual says replace the diff fluid and transfercase fluid if you tow.
I drained my transfer case fluid at 25k and it was fresh and clean looking oil. The front and rear diffs were NASTY! I recommend changing them at this interval.
So to answer your question, I would not "skip" this service. Beware that the dealer may try to sell you a trans fluid change and in my opinion is unessary.
Hope this helps!
Jake
I am planning on changing them myself at 30k. I looked in the engine bay yesterday and the plugs are very easy to get to.
Some dealerships want to change out the trans fluid at the 30K interval. I say pass on that, my fluid looks fine. I think they also recommend a new cabin filter and air filter as well. Its just like any other service but new plugs and like I said some dealers try to stick you with the new trans fluid.
Oh and I think the manual says replace the diff fluid and transfercase fluid if you tow.
I drained my transfer case fluid at 25k and it was fresh and clean looking oil. The front and rear diffs were NASTY! I recommend changing them at this interval.
So to answer your question, I would not "skip" this service. Beware that the dealer may try to sell you a trans fluid change and in my opinion is unessary.
Hope this helps!
Jake
molocono said:
Never let a dealer do a "service" alway go in a ask for specific work to be performed. You will notice that most oil/filter changes at any dealership includes a 19-21 point inspection, that covers all the look/check stuff that they charge you for on a "service". With the V8 you don't change the spark plugs until 120K miles. If you have the V8 the transmission fluid does not need to be changed at 30K only at 60K if you tow and "never" if you don't tow. I would change the airfilter yourself at 30K miles (very easy) and the cabin air filter is an easy do it yourself change, but should be done once a year. Also have them grease the driveline, which they should do at every oil change interval. Have the dealer also change the fluid in the diff's and the transfercase. All that should cost you a lot less then $300 if you have a V8.
FYI, I have a V6.
So I'm pretty much looking at getting a minor service done with the addition of the spark plug change?
Toyota's maintenance manual says that at this interval you should change the diff and transfercase fluids if you tow. I dont tow, but I should I still have them replaced? Thanks again!
So I'm pretty much looking at getting a minor service done with the addition of the spark plug change?
Toyota's maintenance manual says that at this interval you should change the diff and transfercase fluids if you tow. I dont tow, but I should I still have them replaced? Thanks again!
Boaz
New member
molocono said:
YES I would change the Front and rear diffs. Do a search on Differential Fluid Change I listed all the Crushwasher part numbers in a thread.... The transfer case could go longer in my opinion but its really not hard to change. You will need 6 quarts of fluid total and a small hand pump to pump the fluid into the diff drain holes.
here is the thread
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=10117&highlight=Differential+fluid
I am also approaching the 30k svc. on my 03 V8. However, my manual reads that the plugs do need changing. Any recommendations on the type? My dealer needs $389.00 for the 30k but they clean the injectors too. No changing the front and rear diffs though. They change to coolant too. Any advise?
Stacy
Stacy
Last edited:
saaggie said:
Stacy, you have a V8 so your plugs are good for 120K miles, don't change them. (I've attached the Toyota recommended service spec's and it only recommends changing the plugs on the V6). Go to the dealer and ask them to do the following items and leave the words "30K mile service" out of the conversation or they will screw you over on the price.
You want a -
1. Cooling system flush (service) whatever your dealer calls it.
2. Change the front and rear differential fluid and also the fluid in the transfercase (I don't care what your manual says you want to change these fluids every 30K miles).
3. If your 4runner is 2 years old you want the brake fluid flushed. (makes it last a long time since time and moisture is the enemy of brake fluid)
4. Get the oil/filter changed (if it is time) and have them lube the driveshaft.
5. These others are do it yourself items. You can change the airfilter for your engine. On a difficulty scale of 1-10 it's a 1. The next thing is change the "cabin air filter" look it up in your owners manual, it too is a "1" on the difficulty scale.
That's it your done. Cost should be around $200.00 from the dealer work and the filters should cost no more then a total of $70 for your do it yourself work.
Here is the Toyota maintance information - http://smg.toyotapartsandservice.com/pdfs/truck_service_03_45.pdf
Hmmmm, I dunno if all of that will run you $200. I just wen to the dealer for the "30k mile service" and I believe I got burned. FYI, I live in San Diego, CA.
I told them I only needed the oil/filter and sparkplug change and I was billed $230. The oil/filter change was actually the 'minor service' so it included tire rotation, 21-point inspection, and some other things. Spark plug change was like $170. Damn labor costs!!!
They wanted to charge me about $130 to change the diff fluids and it was going to be like $425 for the entire '30k mile service.' I figured I could do some of the things on my own so I didnt go with that service. How hard is it to change the diff fluids on a scale from 1 - 10?
Oh yes, and definitely dont even mention '30k service." They just keep insisting that you need it and will not let go of it until you give in.
I'm thinking about taking my car somewhere else now, not the dealer. Just seems really expensive. What are you thoughts on this? Any suggestions on finding a good 4Runner mechanic?
I told them I only needed the oil/filter and sparkplug change and I was billed $230. The oil/filter change was actually the 'minor service' so it included tire rotation, 21-point inspection, and some other things. Spark plug change was like $170. Damn labor costs!!!
They wanted to charge me about $130 to change the diff fluids and it was going to be like $425 for the entire '30k mile service.' I figured I could do some of the things on my own so I didnt go with that service. How hard is it to change the diff fluids on a scale from 1 - 10?
Oh yes, and definitely dont even mention '30k service." They just keep insisting that you need it and will not let go of it until you give in.
I'm thinking about taking my car somewhere else now, not the dealer. Just seems really expensive. What are you thoughts on this? Any suggestions on finding a good 4Runner mechanic?
Boaz
New member
130 bucks labor for changing spark plugs?? It took me 5 minutes to pull 3 off the passenger side, the driver side has a few minor things to remove to make it easier, I say sparkplugs is a 30-45 min Job TOPS, thats if you take a smoke/soda break!
of course this is on a V-6, dunno how hard the V-8's are to pull plugs......
of course this is on a V-6, dunno how hard the V-8's are to pull plugs......
Boaz
New member
molocono said:
ask them to explain the 'tune up' ... in my book, new spark plugs is the tune up. I guess they could adjust the timing , if its even off in the first place, but I dont think that applys to 4th gens. When I change my spark plugs, I will see if my wife will take pics and I will do a short write up if that will help you ... or anyone esle for that matter...
jake
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