USA service records for Canadian vehicle

[OttawaT4R]

Hi all, been a lurker for about 6 months since I got my new to me 2007 Limited. Very informative site.

A little history. The 4runner I bought was owned by a snowbird - had 88000KM. I am able to get the service records for all the work performed on the truck in Canada but it drops off the map from November to March when he was in FLA. I've been unable to get any information from Toyota USA. They will not (or can not) relinquish and warranty work done in the US based on the VIN. At first they claim privacy issues and when I pushed harder they indicated that I can reach out to individual dealers (data is stored locally, not nationally). Would they not keep track of warranty work??? If not, I could just cross the border and keep getting my cats replaced under the TSB. Just seems a little odd that this wouldn't be stored nationally.....

Just prior to having my power train warranty expire I went to my mechanic to give it a once over (i.e. manifolds). He indicated that the transfer case had been apart at one point (something about the color of the seal) but I can't locate the service records for this work. All that has been done (that I can find) other than oil and fluids are tires, odometer, and bulb/wiper kinda things.

Anyone have some advice (or a list of dealerships elderly Canadians might frequent in Florida

Thanks!

 

[jimithing]

Did you already register the VIN on the Toyota Owners website? As far as I know that will show you any service done at an American Toyota dealership.

Toyota Owners Official Website: Service Coupons, Owners Manuals, Service Scheduling and More

Just create an account and then add the vehicle using the VIN.

 

[stevec5000]

Maybe nothing was done during that dark period or if it was it might be listed on Carfax. My '04 was listed on Carfax from when it was purchased in Florida until the owner moved to Arizona then it disappeared for a couple of years until it was purchased by the guy I got it from. I dunno if Toyota keeps track of service or not but they do keep track of owners, I just got a recall notice on the floor mats even though I haven't registered it with them yet.

 

[TRDCal]

I am able to get the service records for all the work performed on the truck in Canada but it drops off the map from November to March when he was in FLA.

Just out of curiousity, did you have any trouble getting them to print the service records. Cornwall Toyota refused to print them off for me because of "privacy" but then I went to a different dealer and they had no issue giving them to me. Also, consider youself lucky it's only a 5 month period. My service records have 3-4 year period with no info.

Did you already register the VIN on the Toyota Owners website? As far as I know that will show you any service done at an American Toyota dealership.

Just create an account and then add the vehicle using the VIN.

Unforunately we can't do that. I tried. Since our VIN number register as a Canadian T4R the website won't let you make an account. And for some stupid reason (I think it has to do with our privacy laws) the Canadian Toyota owners club doesn't give you access to service records.

 

[OttawaT4R]

Just out of curiousity, did you have any trouble getting them to print the service records. Cornwall Toyota refused to print them off for me because of "privacy" but then I went to a different dealer and they had no issue giving them to me. Also, consider youself lucky it's only a 5 month period. My service records have 3-4 year period with no info.

Hi TRDCal, I purchased the t4r in Ottawa but it came from a dealership in 1000 Islands. I reached out the the service manager there and he sent me a print screen of the work that had been done, no problem (he's been very helpful). He also tried to contact Toyota USA on my behalf and got no useful information. He's currently trying to reach the previous owner to find out where he serviced it, but so far nothing.

It's 5 months every winter since 2007 which is a pretty significant chunk of time.

So here's where I take issue with the policy, without proof (i.e. oil changes), my warranty may be void. The vehicle was a lease and the owner performed every oil change on time when in Canada, based on this I must assume that the trend continued in Florida. I believe it was a lease, and he always serviced it at the dealership, I must also conclude he would service it at a dealership in Florida. But my dealership in Ottawa hinted that "wow, that's a long time between oil changes".

My main concern is why was someone in the transfer case??? It drives like a dream (kicks the crap outta my POS Xterra), shifts smoothly, I have zero complaints, but inquiring minds want to know

 

[TRDCal]

It's 5 months every winter since 2007 which is a pretty significant chunk of time.

My main concern is why was someone in the transfer case???

Oh ok, I didn't realize it was every winter...hahah I guess that's the life if your retired.

Just a guess here but I would say they were into your T-case because a leak at the actuator. Its a known issue for these 4runners and inorder to replace the seal properly, you must split the t-case.

 

[OttawaT4R]

Just a guess here but I would say they were into your T-case because a leak at the actuator. Its a known issue for these 4runners and inorder to replace the seal properly, you must split the t-case.

That makes sense, thanks! Is it a reoccurring issue or typically a fix and forget? How often should I be putting it in 4L? I've only used it in 4L two or three times since I've had it (with no problem).

 

[TRDCal]

That makes sense, thanks! Is it a reoccurring issue or typically a fix and forget? How often should I be putting it in 4L? I've only used it in 4L two or three times since I've had it (with no problem).

As long as it gets used regularly, I'd say minimum once or twice a month then you should be fine. My theory is most problems occur because the first owner never uses 4lo so it sits for 5-6 (or however long) and the seal becomes stuck to the actuator. Then the second owner jumps in, tries to see if 4lo works, sure the actuator moves but it rips the seal apart in the process. That's my theory anyways...