Should we bring our 4Runners in for TSBs

[PT2002]

I just posted at least 8 TSBs for our 2003-2004 4Runner. While the "bugs" on the vehicle affects many truck owners here, i personally have NOT experience any of the symptoms described. However, if my truck's VIN # is listed as a candidate on these TSBs, would i have my local dealer fix these issues even if i have never encounter the problem?

Reason why i ask is because i have never bring in my truck for a TSB fix before.

PT
San Gabriel Valley, California
2004 V6 4X2 4RUNNER SR5

 

[sharp4runr]

It's up to you though you do have somewhat of a limit of when you can bring it in. Usually TSBs have a mileage or Time limit so you have to have the service done before then. The limits are usually pretty high so they give you time to see if it needs fixing.

Same thing with the LSC (limited service campaign)

 

[Sac State]

I've had 5 or 6 of the listed TSB's occur on my vehicle. I can live with all the blemishes.

Think of it this way....your vehicle has a small issue and is otherwise in pristine condition. Would you completely trust the greasy Toyota mechanic who climbs in your rig smearing axle grease over the headliner, door sills and dash and then providing you a 'could not duplicate' after your vehicle is coated in mechanic smear?

I say suck it up and put up with the minor annoyance(s). Having your local Toyota stealer and their 18 year old 'tech' trying to fix your vehicle is a bigger high risk-low reward than what I am prepared to face.

Unless the headliner falls off the roof or the axle drops to the ground, don't trust these people to give you back your car in the pristine condition you gave it to them in.

 

[4route]

the only TSB i've taken my '03 in for is the v8 sulfur smell fix. happy to report, i'm smell free now.

 

[toybox]

If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

I stick by that motto. You go to "fix" one of those things and my wind up with another problem or some aggravation as to the way they treated your vehicle.

Just to note though, I had the sunroof rattle fixed because the rattle was there and it bothered me. Everything came out fine except for a slightly scuffed headliner. The rattle is gone though.

 

[toyo]

I am going to stand up for the so called "18 year old techs" I feel this is just not fair. Toyota spends alot of money and time on continuing education for these guys. They send us to school at least 3 times a month to learn about the upcoming models and how to correct the current problems. Dont get me wrong, there are some bad inconsiderate techs out there, just like there are bad apples in every profesion.

 

[Sac State]

I am going to stand up for the so called "18 year old techs" I feel this is just not fair. Toyota spends alot of money and time on continuing education for these guys. They send us to school at least 3 times a month to learn about the upcoming models and how to correct the current problems. Dont get me wrong, there are some bad inconsiderate techs out there, just like there are bad apples in every profesion.

That's great and all, but usually I do not get one of these 'experienced' techs to fix my car. Usually when they are repairing my vehicle I notice they always have an 18 year old looking person climbing over my rig.

Then when I get it back, it appears that person had ten greasy tentacles and smeared them over every light colored surface in the interior of my vehicle.

They have absolutely no respect for your property. To them you are just a $$ sign, the more they can push through their bay doors, the more $$ they make, if it is repaired correctly or not.

When I picked up my vehicle it had 10 miles on the clock. I had them install the sunroof deflector before delivery. On the actual delivery day there were black/gray grease smear marks completely surrounding the interior sunroof opening.

Basically, the sales manager got some 'minor' to 'quickly' install the deflector before delivery w/o any regard to the fact the installer was coated in grease from fingertip to shoe sole.

Why oh why, did they let someone like that into a brand new grey interior colored car?

 

[darktiger]

I have only done the Sulfur smell one and glad I did it. The other TSB's really do not bother me....

 

[Sac State]

I am sure their are some professional technicians at the dealerships. If you trust your dealer and most importantly your service writer, fix away.

I have complete confidence that my dealer, who has a new team of service writers every time I visit, does not employ these professionals who work on my car.

110% of the time that I have tried to have something fixed, it is always followed by, 'could not duplicate'. Or the gracious mark of 'we looked at it' grease stain.

 

[boston_kevin]

TSBs are not always things to be fixed

Remember that not all TSBs are things to fix, these are things that some customers have complained enough about to alert every service department that there is a problem, even though there is no fix.

Here are a couple of examples:
PG005-03 AUG 03 Wheels/Tires - Spare Tire Carrier Operation
EL010-03 JUN 03 Instruments - Difficult to Read
EG007-02 MAR 02 Valve Cover Oil Baffle - Damage Prevention
SS002R-01 JUN 03 Engine Controls - ECU Flash Reprogramming Process

The moral is (as afore mentioned): If its not broke don't fix it.

Generally they won't implement a TSB just because the customer says so, there has to be a reason (ECU would be reprogrammed for service issues, AC blower motor would not be fixed unless they saw the icing occur, etc)...

On a side note, all mechanics do have required continuing ed for all vehicles every year. Most dealerships cannot afford to hire 100% mechanics so they supplement the work force with some "experienced labor" (the 18 year old you mentioned). A mechanic will sign off on the work (if any is done), but usually these guys are doing the oil changes, tire rotations, brake service... routine service stuff. This frees up the trained mechanics to do the more difficult and more lucrative work.

If you have issues with the dealer, take the car to the service manager or to the dealership manager and ask if they treat their car this poorly. Usually the dealership manager will remedy the situation quickly.

 

[Sac State]

Re: TSBs are not always things to be fixed

If you have issues with the dealer, take the car to the service manager or to the dealership manager and ask if they treat their car this poorly. Usually the dealership manager will remedy the situation quickly.

I did, I had a great relationship with the service writer at my dealer. Used him for three years w/o ANY issues whatsoever.

One day I went in and asked for him and was told he was fired.

Now I deal with a person who greats me as, "hi big guy". and proceeds to tell me I do not know what I am talking about. Or when I specifically state three times what I want done, rent a car for the day and upon my return find out the 'experienced mechanic' didn't even flush the tranny as requested. He forgot was the reply.

Those 'bus boys' working for the licensed mechanic is the problem. The mechanic does not view the mess that was caused in the interior and he doesn't care, as he is 'invisible' to the customer and is not held accountable. And when you make a comment about the service, every service writer looks at you like you are a big ass.

Good thing I have a Toyota, I don't have to visit the dealer very often. I thought VW service was hell.

A family member is in the market for a new SUV. After talking to and dealing with the Toyota dealer, looking at Sequoia & Runner, the family member quickly crossed the Toyota brand off the potential candidates list based on the poor dealer experience of just discussing purchasing the car. Imagine the surprise when it comes time to actually service it.

 

[PT2002]

First of all, thanks for sharing all of your experience. Longo Toyota in EL Monte, CA (largest Toyota dealership in the US - they claim) has a new system. It offers the customers to fill out a form after they bring their car in for service. Grade is Excellent, Good, fair, or poor. If anything fall short of Excellent, then it translates to a "Bad" grade for the service rep. The rep will try his best to correct the issue for you. This dealership is really trying to win the hearts of everyone.

I will be picking up my car today, so if my car has signs of oil anywhere inside, i will voice it out and have them fix on the spot.

BTW, based on everyone's feedback, i only have them fix the sulfur smell problem + an oil change. I didn't smell anything before nor should I smell anything from this point on. This gives me a little peace of mind.