That what I am thinking too. 2004 with 139k......right on time for headgaskets
No heat on passenger side, shop says blocked heater core
- Thread starter CA-RJ
- Start date
That what I am thinking too. 2004 with 139k......right on time for headgaskets
CA-RJ
New member
The saga continues:
So it's now at the Lexus dealership where I bought it from. After getting a quote from Toyota for $3k, I called and they said to bring it over and they might cover some or all of it. The service writer called this morning and said that they want to try and flush the core (I didn't tell them it had been at an Indy shop and that they did that already) and if that doesn't work that replacing the core would be the next step.
They also said that the tech did a cooling system pressure check and there were no leaks so they think the radiator is fine.
So here's my question. I'm sure that they won't have any better luck flushing the core and that they will recommend to replace it. Would flushing the entire cooling system be sufficient for getting the radiator stop leak out or should I replace the radiator, even if it's at my own expense?
So it's now at the Lexus dealership where I bought it from. After getting a quote from Toyota for $3k, I called and they said to bring it over and they might cover some or all of it. The service writer called this morning and said that they want to try and flush the core (I didn't tell them it had been at an Indy shop and that they did that already) and if that doesn't work that replacing the core would be the next step.
They also said that the tech did a cooling system pressure check and there were no leaks so they think the radiator is fine.
So here's my question. I'm sure that they won't have any better luck flushing the core and that they will recommend to replace it. Would flushing the entire cooling system be sufficient for getting the radiator stop leak out or should I replace the radiator, even if it's at my own expense?
BlackWorksInc
New member
Wouldn't hurt I suppose if you can afford it. If they are flushing the system withe the thermostat out that should help a lot.
CA-RJ
New member
:bash::bash::bash::bash::bash::bash::bash:
Well, it's gone from bad to worse. They still haven't done anything since we ware waiting on the sales manager to authorize the work but the service writer went over to Toyota to get the service history. Previous owners took the truck in for a CEL and the dealership changed the spark plugs and noticed the the coolant level was low. They recommended a head gasket check which apparently was never performed. The CEL was P0306 which is, of course famous around here. I told him I could provide many references of others starting with that issue and ending up with a head gasket issue.
So now I wait to see what happens now. I told them I want them to check for the gasket leak. If anyone has any more information that I can provide the dealer about this I would appreciate it.
Well, it's gone from bad to worse. They still haven't done anything since we ware waiting on the sales manager to authorize the work but the service writer went over to Toyota to get the service history. Previous owners took the truck in for a CEL and the dealership changed the spark plugs and noticed the the coolant level was low. They recommended a head gasket check which apparently was never performed. The CEL was P0306 which is, of course famous around here. I told him I could provide many references of others starting with that issue and ending up with a head gasket issue.
So now I wait to see what happens now. I told them I want them to check for the gasket leak. If anyone has any more information that I can provide the dealer about this I would appreciate it.
YotaDriver
New member
I feel like a god damn clairvoyant! Sorry to hear this is the case, but as soon as I heard stop-leak had been added to a 2004 V6 with 139,000 miles I knew someone had passed the buck on their problems.
I can't see this being your responsibility no matter what, but I'd track down the previous owner. Then I'd dig a shallow grave somewhere in the woods. Then I'd put them in it.
CA-RJ
New member
I'm sure nothing can be done, but the dealer knows who traded it in. What sucks about this is that I bought it and it came with a 3 month, 3,000 mi warranty. I did a big road trip right after buying it and am 700 miles out of the warranty but have only owned it for a month a half. So, I'm hoping that they will see that they got screwed and I got screwed and cover all of it.
Right now I'm looking at the head gaskets, heater core and maybe a radiator?
Right now I'm looking at the head gaskets, heater core and maybe a radiator?
BlackWorksInc
New member
Hmmm... Maybe look into lemon laws just in case? Ultimately it sounds like everyone got screwed in this situation besides the PO. But, I'd at least be prepared in case the dealer turns on you instead of covering the repair.
YotaDriver
New member
The head gasket "passed" because the stop-leak plugged it up (along with your heater core). I'd see if you can't get them to extend your warranty - especially as it relates to any P0306 or P0304 codes - based on your suspicion and the previous owner's actions regarding NOT checking the head gasket before adding the stop leak.
CA-RJ
New member
Okay, looking for some advice...
I got the service records for my 4Runner. On 7/2015, they brought it in for the P0306 code and the spark plugs were replaced. It had 134,046 on it.
It now has 139,7xx on it and there is no check engine light.
My concern is that the Lexus dealership is going to tell me everything is fine tomorrow and that they don't see any head gasket issues. I feel like with that head gasket/radiator sealant that I can't trust the truck for long trips. I'm supposed to take this thing from Kansas to California next Friday but worry something's going to happen. Do I replace the head gasket anyway or should I just not worry about it until it throws a check engine light?
Before this all happened, the truck was running fine. No rough startup, no check engine lights.
I got the service records for my 4Runner. On 7/2015, they brought it in for the P0306 code and the spark plugs were replaced. It had 134,046 on it.
It now has 139,7xx on it and there is no check engine light.
My concern is that the Lexus dealership is going to tell me everything is fine tomorrow and that they don't see any head gasket issues. I feel like with that head gasket/radiator sealant that I can't trust the truck for long trips. I'm supposed to take this thing from Kansas to California next Friday but worry something's going to happen. Do I replace the head gasket anyway or should I just not worry about it until it throws a check engine light?
Before this all happened, the truck was running fine. No rough startup, no check engine lights.
nevada
Senior Member
it could take more than 100 miles for the HG problem to show up again.
I say again, because its likely the reason the stop leak was used to begin with...
yup. this.
possibly, but maybe not right away. stop leak is ONLY ever a temporary "fix" at best.
it really is terrible shit, and should not even exist.
BlackWorksInc
New member
It's hard to say, if the issue was diagnosed and verified as a cylinder head at 134k, it's most likely that it will rear it's head up again. When exactly is hard to say for sure. Removing the "gunk" is going to speed the process along because that gunk is what was sealing the head up before hand. I wouldn't be overly afraid of the engine giving out on you right now, but realistically long trips will most likely be the place it will happen if it does.
Since this dealership seems to at least be working with you and trying to do the right thing I don't think you need to jump all over them, but stand firm on your position and concerns.
i.e.
-Firmly, but amicably present your concerns with the headgasket & vehicle reliability and ask for the dealer to either (a.) provide an extended warranty on the engine (or maybe just an extended warranty package? I dunno what they could offer you) under their cost (b.) replace the headgaskets and repair the engine under their cost
-If they refuse to cover the cost 100% on either of those two options, remain courteous and reiterate that when you purchased the vehicle it was under the assumption that it had been inspected, the history ran, and all potentially large issues such as this had been diagnosed, documented, and/or repaired. While these things can happen, it is still unfair of you as the new owner to be saddled solely with the burden of a potentially unreliable engine and costly repair bill due to an issue that was not caught when the vehicle was traded in, inspected, and placed on the lot. As such you'd at least appreciate that they compensate you partially and work out an acceptable amount of assistance for the cost of either (a.) an extended warranty (b.) the headgasket repair itself.
-If they continue to refuse and begin to stonewall you on the subject matter, I would take the research on Lemon Laws and your legal rights and options in this situation and calmly present them to the dealership. Again stating your concerns and dissatisfaction with the vehicle being presented in an inaccurate manner (again, not entirely their fault but at least the signs of a larger issues should have been noticed when the vehicle history was run and inspected.) State that you feel it is unacceptable for you to feel afraid that your vehicle's engine can give out at any given time because of this previously unnoticed problem and that shouldering the cost and responsibility when you were given the assumption of a fairly problem free vehicle when purchasing it is not only unjust, but somewhat dishonest in your eyes. You do not want the vehicle as it is not the vehicle that was presented to you when you agreed to purchase the vehicle and they should accept the return of the vehicle from your ownership. Failure to do so will unfortunately result in you having to follow the correct legal recourse in this matter as well as contacting your regional Toyota/Lexus Office and having to inform them of this situation as well as any other organizations that are involved in these matters.
The basic idea hear is that since they are being helpful right now, there's no reason to be aggressive or demanding. But things can always change when it comes down to "who foots the bill" and to make sure you are prepared for all outcomes, the key is remaining firm on what your realistic expectations are and that any less is not doing right by you, the customer. If they pull a 180 on you and go full "not our fault, you bought it, you got it," you will most likely have to go through legal means to correct the situation.
Basically at this point if you haven't already, record & duplicate everything in your conversations and interactions with all dealer personnel in regards to your vehicle and the service you are given. Also research your applicable Lemon Laws and legal options should things go south (in case they do try turn on you, you're prepared and ready) as well as at least have contact information for a good attorney if need be.
It's an unfortunate situation and I wish you the best in it, but the fact of the matter is you were unwittingly wronged by this dealership (who they themselves were duped by the original owner of the vehicle). While they are a business and must turn a profit, they need to do the right thing and take care of the customer due to this unfortunate mistake on their part, at the very least they need to meet you half way on getting the vehicle back to or better than the condition it was presented to you in at the time of sale.
Since this dealership seems to at least be working with you and trying to do the right thing I don't think you need to jump all over them, but stand firm on your position and concerns.
i.e.
-Firmly, but amicably present your concerns with the headgasket & vehicle reliability and ask for the dealer to either (a.) provide an extended warranty on the engine (or maybe just an extended warranty package? I dunno what they could offer you) under their cost (b.) replace the headgaskets and repair the engine under their cost
-If they refuse to cover the cost 100% on either of those two options, remain courteous and reiterate that when you purchased the vehicle it was under the assumption that it had been inspected, the history ran, and all potentially large issues such as this had been diagnosed, documented, and/or repaired. While these things can happen, it is still unfair of you as the new owner to be saddled solely with the burden of a potentially unreliable engine and costly repair bill due to an issue that was not caught when the vehicle was traded in, inspected, and placed on the lot. As such you'd at least appreciate that they compensate you partially and work out an acceptable amount of assistance for the cost of either (a.) an extended warranty (b.) the headgasket repair itself.
-If they continue to refuse and begin to stonewall you on the subject matter, I would take the research on Lemon Laws and your legal rights and options in this situation and calmly present them to the dealership. Again stating your concerns and dissatisfaction with the vehicle being presented in an inaccurate manner (again, not entirely their fault but at least the signs of a larger issues should have been noticed when the vehicle history was run and inspected.) State that you feel it is unacceptable for you to feel afraid that your vehicle's engine can give out at any given time because of this previously unnoticed problem and that shouldering the cost and responsibility when you were given the assumption of a fairly problem free vehicle when purchasing it is not only unjust, but somewhat dishonest in your eyes. You do not want the vehicle as it is not the vehicle that was presented to you when you agreed to purchase the vehicle and they should accept the return of the vehicle from your ownership. Failure to do so will unfortunately result in you having to follow the correct legal recourse in this matter as well as contacting your regional Toyota/Lexus Office and having to inform them of this situation as well as any other organizations that are involved in these matters.
The basic idea hear is that since they are being helpful right now, there's no reason to be aggressive or demanding. But things can always change when it comes down to "who foots the bill" and to make sure you are prepared for all outcomes, the key is remaining firm on what your realistic expectations are and that any less is not doing right by you, the customer. If they pull a 180 on you and go full "not our fault, you bought it, you got it," you will most likely have to go through legal means to correct the situation.
Basically at this point if you haven't already, record & duplicate everything in your conversations and interactions with all dealer personnel in regards to your vehicle and the service you are given. Also research your applicable Lemon Laws and legal options should things go south (in case they do try turn on you, you're prepared and ready) as well as at least have contact information for a good attorney if need be.
It's an unfortunate situation and I wish you the best in it, but the fact of the matter is you were unwittingly wronged by this dealership (who they themselves were duped by the original owner of the vehicle). While they are a business and must turn a profit, they need to do the right thing and take care of the customer due to this unfortunate mistake on their part, at the very least they need to meet you half way on getting the vehicle back to or better than the condition it was presented to you in at the time of sale.
No Heat
My sons 2010 Corolla's heat would go out. After a reverse flush, "stop leak" or a similar product was found. Worked for 2 years then , it stopped working again. Another reverse flush and its been good for 18 months. I think a tire dealer mechanic put it in there when he wouldnt buy all the up sell items that they recommended at an oil change. If you have 2 heater cores, I could see this happenening
My sons 2010 Corolla's heat would go out. After a reverse flush, "stop leak" or a similar product was found. Worked for 2 years then , it stopped working again. Another reverse flush and its been good for 18 months. I think a tire dealer mechanic put it in there when he wouldnt buy all the up sell items that they recommended at an oil change. If you have 2 heater cores, I could see this happenening
fullboogie
New member
Unless the Kansas lemon law is different from any other state I've dealt with, those laws do not typically apply to used vehicles - only new ones. The only warranties the OP is likely to have are those express warranties listed in his purchase paperwork, and possibly implied warranty of fitness for particular purpose (as it is called in TX). Have you read your paperwork to determine what your potential remedies are under the express warranties?
If you get bogged down with the dealer, it would not hurt to pass this by an attorney buddy just to find out what your state's laws are on this subject.
If you get bogged down with the dealer, it would not hurt to pass this by an attorney buddy just to find out what your state's laws are on this subject.
Sounds to me like someone knew it was on barrowed time and dumped it. I would be afraid of dumping any more money into that motor after stop leak was ran through it. You can flush it all you want, but that stuff will not just flow out with water pressure. It gels up like sludge blocking the narrow channels of your water jacket. The only real way to get that crap out is to have the block and heads cleaned. Even that is a challenge with aluminum because you can't just dip it in 800 degree acid like you would with steel.
I would hope that the dealership will help you out, but the problem is the previous owner who knew the problem existed and there is no accountability because you didn't buy it directly from them.
