Hello. I posted this in the mechanical section also, but maybe someone here can help. Hope that's ok. I purchased a 2012 Limited with 24,000 miles on it out of state and it was shipped today. I didn't feel it was too risky since it is Certified, and the AutoNation dealership has excellent reviews and offers a full money back guarantee. Unfortunately, the 4LO light was flashing and the traction control light was on so we immediately took it to a Toyota dealer. They could not diagnose the issue right away so we left it there overnight. Hopefully, they will give it a full inspection and determine the issue. Very disappointing though! Does anyone have an idea what this could be? Thanks for your help.
Purchased 2012 Limited Today! Problems Already:(
- Thread starter JKENDOW
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bimrunner
New member
It could be due to some strange way it wa loaded or unloaded from the car carrier. I assume you have it at a Toyota dealer. Make sure you talk to the seller immediately and that they have agreed to cover any expenses. Hope it works out. Could just be a fault code so I guess you'll find out soon enough!
Thanks for your reply! Yes, it is at a Toyota dealership near us. The Toyota dealer that we purchased it said any issue would be covered under warranty, but it still makes me nervous that there would be an issue before I even had a chance to drive it. Plus, I am worried they might blame the shipping company if that's what it turns out to be. I guess we will find out. Was just hoping someone might've had that same issue and was concerned that the service center couldn't have diagnosed it more quickly. Thanks again.
manofsteele2003
New member
I'm sure it's nothing major. Sounds like the 4wd lever was put in the Lo setting. That would cause the light to flash because it has to be in neutral to engage in Lo and the traction light would also be on.
It seemed to run fine other than the flashing lights. The mechanic mentioned that maybe the rear differential was locked. Just would've thought that they would have found the cause after it was there hour and a half. We ended up having to move it to the dealers other location since the technician opened the door into the lift and put a big scratch on the door. That's another story though. Not a good first day:/ thanks for your help though! I just don't want to have to give the truck back if it's something major.
zenimcphea
New member
I assume you have it at a Toyota dealer. Make sure you talk to the seller immediately and that they have agreed to cover any expenses.
Turned out that the left rear wheel speed sensor was damaged, therefore the 4wd will not work. $530 repair not covered under warranty. Must've happened during transport, but the transport company is just blaming the driver, which is a different company apparently. What a mess. Exactly one of the scenarios I feared buying long distance like this
Something doesn't sound right here, JKENDOW. It's "certified? By whom? Toyota or Autonation? Your repair seems like it should be covered by someone. Before paying that $530 bill I'd be threatening to take them up on that money back guarantee.
Just my thoughts. Did I miss something?
Just my thoughts. Did I miss something?
hearno
Senior Member
Turned out that the left rear wheel speed sensor was damaged, therefore the 4wd will not work. $530 repair not covered under warranty. Must've happened during transport, but the transport company is just blaming the driver, which is a different company apparently. What a mess. Exactly one of the scenarios I feared buying long distance like this
Reading your first post, that was gonna be my guess. An ABS/speed sensor was damaged when the truck was lashed down for transport. Unfortunately a warranty wouldn't cover that as it's damage and not a mechanical defect. Sorry to hear it's a pain in the ass to get remedied but at least it wasn't something serious.
Yes, the vehicle was Toyota Certified, but the repair is not covered since it is not a mechanical defect, but something that happened during transport. The driver does have insurance, but supposedly anything under $2500 he has to pay out of pocket. At least that's what he told my husband, putting on a guilt trip:/
Thanks for your help again!!
Thanks for your help again!!
manofsteele2003
New member
Yeah I would fight that one tooth and nail. Even if it comes out of his pocket then oh well he'll learn to be more careful next time. Can't be sympathetic to incompetence.
wfo9
New member
Every single story about Toyota service is a nightmare these days.
Those wheels speed sensor wires are very problematic, I had one go bad on my truck. It is related to how the wires are crushed during the factory install. Any movement after that (relocating the bracket...) causes a failure.
And even at retail pricing. That is a $75 part. It took me all of 30 minutes to replace it. A child could handle that job. $530 is a mind blowing rip off.
Now if the actual sensor went bad (not the wiring), how could Toyota blame that on anyone. It's impossible for misuse to cause an issue. The sensor is completely enclosed and protected. I don't see how that could be caused by loading... People here beat the piss out of these things offroad... and the sensor is one thing that never gets destroyed.
Those wheels speed sensor wires are very problematic, I had one go bad on my truck. It is related to how the wires are crushed during the factory install. Any movement after that (relocating the bracket...) causes a failure.
And even at retail pricing. That is a $75 part. It took me all of 30 minutes to replace it. A child could handle that job. $530 is a mind blowing rip off.
Now if the actual sensor went bad (not the wiring), how could Toyota blame that on anyone. It's impossible for misuse to cause an issue. The sensor is completely enclosed and protected. I don't see how that could be caused by loading... People here beat the piss out of these things offroad... and the sensor is one thing that never gets destroyed.
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Hmmm. Interesting! Thanks for the input. I received word from the dealer in FL that they believe it will be covered under warranty. Lets hope this is correct and the service center where the truck is was wrong. I guess I have to wait Til Monday to find out. Unless I could call toyota directly somehow tomorrow? Thanks again!
manofsteele2003
New member
The whole exposed part of the sensor is plastic as well as the connector so it is possible that a poorly placed tie down strap could've broken it. But it was probably one of the wire leading up to it since the sensor is pretty well tucked up in there.
wfo9
New member
I sure hope they don't try to charge you for that. The last person who should be paying for problems that happened before you received the car is you.
I'm an admitted bigot when it comes to dealers (especially Toyota dealers). They are master rip off artists and just assume every consumer is a complete clueless brainwashed clown. Oh its a Toyota nothing ever goes wrong with them, it must be your fault, BS.
It should have taken them all of 5 minutes to diagnose your issue... but they see dollar signs ever time a customer walks in the door. Especially if you purchased the car at another dealer. I treat everyone with respect in everything I do, but when I walk into a dealer for anything, I take the stance that I'm dealing with proven criminals. I know that is a bad way to look at things, but the bad ones have proven themselves so many times to me that I'm 100% profiling them all now.
This is my second Toyota and both of them have been really good reliable trucks, but the dealer experiences I have had are much worse than other brands.
I'm an admitted bigot when it comes to dealers (especially Toyota dealers). They are master rip off artists and just assume every consumer is a complete clueless brainwashed clown. Oh its a Toyota nothing ever goes wrong with them, it must be your fault, BS.
It should have taken them all of 5 minutes to diagnose your issue... but they see dollar signs ever time a customer walks in the door. Especially if you purchased the car at another dealer. I treat everyone with respect in everything I do, but when I walk into a dealer for anything, I take the stance that I'm dealing with proven criminals. I know that is a bad way to look at things, but the bad ones have proven themselves so many times to me that I'm 100% profiling them all now.
This is my second Toyota and both of them have been really good reliable trucks, but the dealer experiences I have had are much worse than other brands.
Yes, I think you're right in that it they should have been able to diagnose the issue sooner. My husband waited an hour and a half before they told him they'd have to keep it and run further tests. I think we will call another dealer to get a price on the repair. Sounds like the $530 is overpriced and maybe they are trying to make up for it since they have to repair the scratch they caused. I am loving the Toyota dealership in FL though. They have been very professional and helpful through all of this mess.
