Might have to trade it off...ridiculous

[Martinjmpr]

Another tactic...

Social media is your friend.

Does the dealership have a Facebook page? If they're a major-brand dealer they probably do. So go onto their FB page and post on their wall that they sold you an extended warranty for $XXXX and now the warranty company is denying a repair that should be covered.

The key here when doing this kind of public complaining is:

1. Don't lie, and don't exaggerate. If you paid $1500 for the warranty don't say you paid $2000.

2. Don't use profanity, threats of violence or obnoxious personal attacks. All of these things make it easy to dismiss you as a crank or a kook.

3. State clearly what happened and don't try to "assume" what anybody's motive was - the facts are damning enough by themselves. Also state what you want them to do (i.e. get their warranty company to cover the repair.)

If they have any social media savvy at all, you should get a PM or an email from them within a few hours offering to discuss the issue.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

What does the hydroboost electric motor do? Is it abs related? What codes and and symptoms does this problem cause?

The electric motor in the Hydraboost unit is used to build up hydraulic pressure in the accumulator for use in assistance and applying braking force when the ABS/Traction Control System feels it needs it. Essentially it replaces the tradition vacuum assist.

As for codes and symptoms? Pretty much any failure and or loss of performance not accountable to the brake calipers, lines, and sensors will indicate an issue with the unit.

Post Note-

For the OP, is your extended warranty a Toyota Extended Warranty or a 3rd party company?

 

[talonjade]

I feel like captain obvious here but... waht about "wrecked" 4runners near you.. i have a few listed in my area that are "PARTS" that should be an ok place to look.

 

[calikev]

I have a hard time believing that Toyota would sell an extended warranty on a truck with that many miles. At 150k, things are going to start to break and should be expected.

Aftermarket warranties are nearly universally a complete ripoff, and you're seeing why.

I'm betting that the dealership was some independent lot and not a Toyota dealership?

I think you just made the best point yet.

I'd still use all the methods we've all discussed to find a way to get refunded or coverage somehow

 

[Martinjmpr]

I think you just made the best point yet.

I'd still use all the methods we've all discussed to find a way to get refunded or coverage somehow

I would not push for a refund unless it came with accrued interest (and probably not even then.)

He bought a warranty, they need to honor it.

If my house burned down and my insurance company instead of covering the cost to rebuild it, offered to refund my premiums, even with interest, I'd be pissed.

 

[calikev]

I would not push for a refund unless it came with accrued interest (and probably not even then.)

He bought a warranty, they need to honor it.

If my house burned down and my insurance company instead of covering the cost to rebuild it, offered to refund my premiums, even with interest, I'd be pissed.

I agree 100% I was just thinking that right now he has nothing and that the warranty is likely at least 1/2 the cost of the repair, so if it had to go that route that's still a win.

I guess you're right though...stick to one solution and press it as the only solution. He did pay for coverage and should have it. I bet that warranty has "fine print" for the "fine print.

 

[jzme]

Can anyone tell me how often the hydroboost motor should be kicking on? My 4th gen also does this but i dont pay much attention to the frequency in which it turns on/off.

 

[webby]

Small Claims Court, aka Justice Court

-- take whoever sold you the extended warranty to court. I bought a 2 year old Toyota from a non-Toyota dealership. As part of the sale, they agreed to replace the rubber surface piece on the back bumper. But when they found out it was bonded to the bumper and would require replacing the bumper, they stiffed me. I took them to small claims, had it all in writing. The dealer rep lied thru his teeth, but didn't matter. I had the goods. Judge quickly awarded me $800+. And the dealer paid up promptly!

I have been to small claims court a number of times for various things, and have never lost. If you have documentation, you will likely win. Good luck!

 

[TRDCal]

I bet that warranty has "fine print" for the "fine print.

Hahahaha

 

[zonianbrat]

To answer your questions. I bought the truck through a KIA dealership as it was a trade in. The warranty is a 3rd party company called zurich. I talked again with the warranty company and they are standing firm that it is a high pressure hydraulic motor that is electric and part of the ABS system. They are also saying that ABS is only covered on the preferred plan of the warranty. I went to one of the links for toyota parts on the first page of this thread and typed in the part number I was given from the shop that did the estimate and they have it listed as the actuator assembly. Doesnt even look like the pump itself. Either way the actuator assembly is 1,700.00 dollars which is a lot better than 3,000.00. Still I imagine they are going to charge me a crap load for installation. So that makes this still not feasable cause I refuse to pay that much. I'm sorry but if I am going to spend 2,500 plus. I want a shiny new engine not a hydroboost pump. It is simply dumb to have to pay so much for a brake component. There are lots of cars even newer cars running around where if you spent 2,500 you would be getting a entire new braking system. Not just a component.

 

[MikeInNH]

I have a hard time believing that Toyota would sell an extended warranty on a truck with that many miles. At 150k, things are going to start to break and should be expected.

Dealerships are NOT owned by Toyota. They are independently owned. The owner of the dealership can offer ANY 3rd party warranty coverage they want. When I bought my 4runner and my wife bought her Lexus we were offered a Toyota extended warranty OR a third party extended warranty from the Toyota/Lexus dealer. Of course we turned them down.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

The Toyota extended warranty is a little better, but honestly unless you're able to con the sales man (or they get desperate enough) for something like a zero deductible they really aren't as helpful as we are seeing.

Mike is right on, Dealers are independently owned, sometimes family othertimes corporate (mine is AutoNation/AutoWest owned... also known as AutoNazi).

 

[zonianbrat]

Hey Blackworks Inc, do you know if the setup for the hydroboost is the same on the Tacoma? I ask cause I found one being parted out but the description says it is vacuum assist. Will you look at this link and tell me what you think?

Parting out 2005 TOYOTA TACOMA BASE

 

[nevada]

maybe im missing something, but techincally, theres nothing wrong with the electric motor, it is still working correctly, right?
its the hydraulic portion that has failed. that should be covered.

 

[zonianbrat]

Yeah you would think so wouldnt ya? It has been said that use units are pretty hard to diagnose and that Toyota just replaces the whole unit. I'm taking it to another shop on the 4th of December just for a second opinion on this deal. If it is in fact the same issue I'll go from there. I'm still fighting with the warranty company but I do not see much happening there. I'll be cancelling my warranty coverage and getting a refund so that will pretty much pay for the repair. I really love this 4 runner and I do not want to trade it in. So I'll probably invest the money in her....she's worth it. If it keeps having problems then I'll just punch myself in the junk repeatedly later.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Hey Blackworks Inc, do you know if the setup for the hydroboost is the same on the Tacoma? I ask cause I found one being parted out but the description says it is vacuum assist. Will you look at this link and tell me what you think?

Parting out 2005 TOYOTA TACOMA BASE

The Tacoma interestingly enough uses a traditional brake booster set-up, Though the FJ Cruiser seems to use a similar hybraboost unit.

Yeah you would think so wouldnt ya? It has been said that use units are pretty hard to diagnose and that Toyota just replaces the whole unit. I'm taking it to another shop on the 4th of December just for a second opinion on this deal. If it is in fact the same issue I'll go from there. I'm still fighting with the warranty company but I do not see much happening there. I'll be cancelling my warranty coverage and getting a refund so that will pretty much pay for the repair. I really love this 4 runner and I do not want to trade it in. So I'll probably invest the money in her....she's worth it. If it keeps having problems then I'll just punch myself in the junk repeatedly later.

I'm sorry you're having to go through so much trouble. Its ridiculous on so many levels.

 

[zonianbrat]

It figures that the tacoma would use the traditional system. Worth a shot though! There is a wrecked v8 sport somewhere in Denver so I will see about getting the assembly from it (assuming it is the same as my sr5 v6) and possibly getting it installed down there if someone will do it. If it means I have to go pull it myself then I might just bite the bullet and buy the new one. Mainly cause all the shops around here said they will not install used units for liablilty issues. I'd do it myself but this suv doubles as a taxi for the most precious of cargo (my 3 kids) so I want it done professionally. It's all good just wont be able to get much for the runner this xmas.

 

[zonianbrat]

Update: So I found a complete assembly that is guaranteed for 600.00. I was quick to order it and am having it shipped to my house.

Blackworks: Is this job a job I could do myself with a buddy who was a mechanic? I said earlier I want it done right but if it isnt that huge of a project then I wouldnt mind at least trying it myself. I have beginner to slightly moderate mechanical skills like I've done timing belts, cams, radiators and most everything related to routine maintenance. My friend was a certified chevy mechanic like 5 years ago but he has not ever torn into a Toyota hydroboost system. He says he doesnt think it would be a huge job. I trust him as I have seen him do some amazing things but I just want an actual Toyota tech's opinion.

 

[dadigab]

Thanks for update. Good luck sounds like a great time for you and your buddy. Curious to how it turns out. As with most projects: :worthless

 

[jimithing]

Ya if you do it try to post some pics or something for guys down the line that might have to do it.