Stealership Recommending a laundry list of services.

kmiller8821

kmiller8821

New member
Hey Everyone,
So I took my 20104Runner Limited in for regular service this weekend. My truck now has about 52k miles. They are recommending the following services:

Throttle Body Cleaning
Fuel Injector Cleaning
Power Steering Flush/Fill
Rear Differential Fluid Change
Battery Replacement
Cabin Filter (I already ordered one from amazon for 15 bucks, just waiting on it to come in)

Now, I've always kept my vehicle (gasp, on pavement) because its only a 2WD. It's more than capable for what I use it for. The battery has a bad cell, so yes, I will be replacing that but I'm not sure of all these other services. I'm leaning towards doing the differential fluid change because I have read that it's an important one so fair enough. My question to you guys, do you really think I need all those other services? My truck is running fine, my gas mileage is fine, and I've had no issues with anything in that regard. I can't find anything in the owners maintenance that states all this at these mileages, so is the dealer just trying to take me for a ride?

Which of these have you guys done, and if you remember, what mileage?

I think they are just trying to upsell me on services I may not even need. I always run name brand gas in my truck, I've run a fuel injector cleaner additive every once in a while and I just think they are trying to sell me stuff I don't need.

Thanks for the help, comments, etc. I appreciate it.
 
Register to hide this ad
What Stiffy said....

Whenever the dealer does that to me, I just whip out the 4R service schedule and ask them to explain why theirs is different from THE MANUFACTURER's. It's eye-poking, I know, but I sorta enjoy the BS they come up with.
 
As [MENTION=81573]Stifler[/MENTION] said.

Keep repeating the words "factory recommended service only" until they understand that that's what you want. The order taker with the computer will probably shout it out loud just to make you feel bad - just translate it to "not a sucker" in your head.
 
Throttle Body Cleaning: I recently cleaned my air intake path down stream of the air filter up to the throttle body. I was quite surprised at how much dust was in the throttle body. You'd think with as much air flow as our engines generate that dust wouldn't be able to stick to the sides of anything. However, as dirty as it was I seriously doubt it would have any impact to performance. What's more of a concern is how much dirt is getting past my filter.

Fuel Injector Cleaning: Isn't that why we have cleaners in our expensive name brand gas? :)

Power Steering Flush/Fill: Should not be needed unless you've been driving around with the lid off since it's a sealed system.

Rear Differential Fluid Change: I would rate this one a maybe. My truck has 65k miles on it and I've changed the front and rear diff oil twice now. Both times there were a surprising amount of wear metal on the drain plug magnet. The first time there was so much on there that I doubt the magnet would have been able to fully retain it all. The big unknown is if this would shorten the life of your differentials. I would at least consider it. If you're mechanically minded at all you could do it yourself without too much effort since the rear diff is easy to reach.

Battery Replacement: No brainer.

Cabin Filter: Super easy. I've done it a few times now and each time it looks like a small forest has sprouted up in there. There is usually sticks and leaves in it.
 
Would be nice if someone would make a do it yourself front and rear diff oil change like Antmans oil change...
I have 52k on mine and haven't changed it yet...
 
Laundry lists of services

Most dealers do this. It is just pure additional profit. Just do what the manual states and your warranty is fulfilled.
 
Throttle Body Cleaning- Rather young on the mileage to really be worried about it to be honest with you
Fuel Injector Cleaning- Just pour a can of SeaFoam in your gastank when its almost empty, works great (or any other trusted fuel cleaner)
Power Steering Flush/Fill- Unless its black like syrup, don't waste your time
Rear Differential Fluid Change- Follow the Factory Maitenence Plan and/or do it yourself
Battery Replacement- You said it needs to be done, so no point arguing about it
 
Sputnik said:
Page not found.
I remember seeing one but it wasn't as detailed for the folks that have no clue what it looks like. I personally never owned a SUV and have no clue where I start.
Click to expand...

Well, you'll have to start on your back. All kidding aside, it is quite easy to figure out once you get under there and take a look around. Of the rear, front and transfer case, the front will be the most difficult to refill. You'll need a pump to fill it back up while the transfer case and rear diff can be done with a short length of tube on a Mobil 1 bottle. I know there are some pics floating around. I'll take a look later. I can take some pics next week when I do my rock lights.
 
Narkhelek said:
Throttle Body Cleaning: I recently cleaned my air intake path down stream of the air filter up to the throttle body. I was quite surprised at how much dust was in the throttle body. You'd think with as much air flow as our engines generate that dust wouldn't be able to stick to the sides of anything. However, as dirty as it was I seriously doubt it would have any impact to performance. What's more of a concern is how much dirt is getting past my filter.
Click to expand...

Are you using an aftermarket filter? Is your OEM dirty needing a replacement? Change the air filter yourself? Maybe the lid wasn't properly or securely attached?
Wouldn't hurt to take photos and send them to Toyota with a brief note.
 
Here is my experience with a dealership I trusted:

05/28/13 - Regular 15k Service; Told air filter is dirty and needs to be replaced

06/09/13 - Replace air filter myself. It was dirty, I'll give them that.

09/07/13 - Regular 20k Service; Told air filter is dirty and needs to be replaced. I explained I just changed it a month or two ago. Short pause, "oh, okay." But I know that I recently went camping in the desert, so I didn't know the condition of the air filter.

09/23/13 - Curiosity was killing me. Here is my air filter:

a>



a>


According to Toyota in Cerritos this is a dirty filter that needs to be replaced.
 
Last edited:
2013Trail said:
Are you using an aftermarket filter? Is your OEM dirty needing a replacement? Change the air filter yourself? Maybe the lid wasn't properly or securely attached?
Wouldn't hurt to take photos and send them to Toyota with a brief note.
Click to expand...

I'm running a TRD oiled type air filter in a TRD CAI. It was a really fine dust that had gotten through. I don't believe there was any leaks post filter as everything was pretty snug.
 
Thanks for all the replies, I will be doing the following:

1. Replacing cabin filter (amazon), will be here tomorrow.
2. Using a bottle of sea foam in the gas tank.
3. Replacing the battery and then going thru the window reinitilization process and compass calibration. (Got to love nashman's repair guides)
4. Changing rear differential just to be safe.

I won't be bothering with anything else.

Thanks!
 
kmiller8821 said:
Thanks for all the replies, I will be doing the following:

1. Replacing cabin filter (amazon), will be here tomorrow.
2. Using a bottle of sea foam in the gas tank.
3. Replacing the battery and then going thru the window reinitilization process and compass calibration. (Got to love nashman's repair guides)
4. Changing rear differential just to be safe.

I won't be bothering with anything else.

Thanks!
Click to expand...


I've never heard of Sea Foam, but I'm a little weary of adding stuff to my fuel, it may be good for older engines, but newer engines like today I'm not so sure.....anyone else want to prove I'm a dipstick??
 
there is ZERO need to run seafoam in a vehicle with less than 100k on the odo......

with that said seafoam is a great product
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

N
Service engine and flashing 4lo lights, limp mode/ no throttle response: P2127 code?
Replies
3
Views
2K
El Dusty
El Dusty
U
Need MAF testing procedure and wire diagrams please
Replies
1
Views
832
spartacus
spartacus
axel1
2014 Engine Toast - Rebuild vs Replace
2
Replies
34
Views
5K
axel1
axel1
L
2008 T4R v4 repair feedback
Replies
5
Views
6K
IVD4R
I
L
Which of these maintenance items could I possibly do myself?
Replies
8
Views
6K
hypoeddy
H

Members online

Total: 3,910 (members: 1, guests: 3,909)

Forum statistics

Threads
278,317
Messages
3,554,125
Members
248,016
Latest member
Advally Service

Share this page

Trending content

Back
Top