2003 Toyota 4runner, o2 sensor engine light
post - 9/29/2016
2003 Toyota 4 runner, limited. purchased new, engine warning light, VSC track off light is on stays on, even when you disconnect battery or, replace fuel cap, read on!
Engine warning light VSC track off light is on. Serviced on 9/23/2013, 103,000 miles - $422.81 replaced 1 sensor bank 1, 1 hr labor. No codes provided possible replacement of Catalytic convertor in the future is noted? 3000 miles outside of emission warranty of 100,000 miles.
Repeat service , again – requested service for engine warning light VSC track off light is on. Serviced on 6/19/14, 104563 miles $366.72, replaced bank 2 sensor 1.50 hr labor. Dealer states they only replaced one sensor prior. No codes provided
Again - Requested service for engine warning light VSC track off light is on. Serviced on 8/15/2015, 117911 miles, dealer requests to replaced both bank1 & bank 2 sensors? I called Toyota. Toyota notifies dealer of recall / parts revision, to replace prior factory installed sensors, to follow Bulletin number - 1gr-fv-v6, dated 2/11/2005. Dealer never realized they had a revision on factory installed O2 sensors but does comply ; dealer refuses to honor their mistake of not following factory directive to replace sensors with new part numbers, charges me additional $235.71 (labor only). No codes provided. Dealer refuses to work with me.
Again - Requested service for engine warning light VSC track off light is on. Sept. 22, 2016, 124549 miles. This time dealer states oil is fowling sensor near fire wall / rear O2 sensor causing error reading (causing engine / VSC lights). Dealer reports code reading - p0136, case number created. This is my 4th time with this problem over a period of 3 years.
I called Toyota factory again explaining that Dealer is having problems servicing my car; dealer’s contention is that it’s a different problem. Dealer has my 4 runner for 2 days now, never calls me back. When I did reach dealer they explained that Toyota factory has been called with engineer’s conclusion which is: Transmission oils are fowling o2 sensor; oil from transmission and engine are traveling up “cabling” to CPU module causing sensor warning and error reading at CPU. At this time dealer explains that they have spoken to factory and agrees to follow factory advice, quotes me cost to repair - $2600.00, computer module is additional. Asked for a rental car and signs me out with rental. 35.00 per day.
Replacement Parts would include - transmission & engine harnesses, transmission fluid , gasket sealant, 12 hours of labor, total paid to dealer $2436.73. Dealer credits me my 4 day rental car. They went by the book!
I asked dealer if I could see old parts and dealer complied. Over looking old parts I witnessed oil infusion on all Molex plugs and harnesses… oil noted inside male plugs that could cause arcing, failure or even fire. I was shown removed transmission harness and plug that runs inside transmission body. Took photos of old cabling with oils showing up inside plugs etc. Had to be at least 10-15 feet of cabling / parts.
On Oct. 16, 2016 after, while my check was not even cashed / still warm, only booked 60 miles since the repair, errors codes appear again, engine, VSC lights appeared once again, had to bring it back to dealer. Waited 2.5 days, dealer replaced rear engine o2 sensor, stating that it could have been damaged by all the work that was done!
Conclusion, 11/5/2015, it appears to be working, I have my doubts, my fingers crossed.
Note: that it is fixedo2 sensor are federally required pollution devices. My problems started at 103,000 miles just outside the 100,000 emission warranty. Factory refuses to recognize this point or make good!
Purchased vehicle new, never had a major problem. My experience with dealer, I feel that I have been wronged here. Dealer and manufacture do not understand that they lost my respect when they did not follow Bulletin 1gr-fv-v6, dated 2/11/2005 or work with me just outside the factory warranty on originally serviced date 9/23/2013 (car being only10 years old), 103,000 miles and dealer did not honor parts and labor warranties. It’s going to be a long time before I forget this experience. Manufacture and dealer should consider, If fluids are traveling up and down cabling into electrical systems, If my assumptions are correct, knowing transmission fluid can act as a combustible “at the right temperature” it’s just a matter of time for fatality or disaster to happen. You might look at this “as not your problem” but as a retired mechanical engineer I see this as a major problem which should be addressed. The factory customer services should be held accountable for doing their jobs of reporting these concerns promptly, think out of the box with addressing complaints. Copy of this letter has been sent to better business and state general’s office for consideration and filing.
Do it yourself? -
How to Fix a Bad O2 Sensor - Toyota Parts Blog
