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Toyota RAV4 Cruise Control Problems
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Comments
(200708081405) Charles
(200708081371) Mike
(200708100591) Pam
(200708101001) Gerald
(200708140250) Cindy
(200708170082) Ron
(200708210991) Steve
(200708220207) Kay
(200708280198) Bill
(200708140096) Dana
To everyone who is reading this thread and have an 06 - 07 RAV4 with the Cruse Control Problem.
Call the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 800-331-4331 and get a case number like Charles,Pam and I have.
Tell them there are others with the same problem and reference our case numbers. The corporate guys get these comments/complaints... Maybe they will read these and light a fire under technical support for a fix to our RAV4 Cruse Control problem.
Post a message back here with your first name and case number so others can call and reference our case numbers on this problem.
Mike
You have to take out the dashes. It is my spam protection from Spiders that roam the internet looking for addresses.
Bill
To me this tells us that we should all file for arbitration and stop bother trying to get a solution from Toyota.
I just left a meeting with my lawyer. He stated that in my state we could pursue the Lemon Law Act without going with the Toyota arbitration process. I will be starting my Lemon Law paperwork process next week. You might want to check with your state's Office of Consumer Affairs or their website for further information.
If you would like to contact me about any of this please send me an email at [email protected]
Mike
I don't think all RAV4/4Bangers behave in this fashion. In fact, I have read a posting in another forum where the owner of a RAV4/4Banger said he wasn't having this issue.
I have asked my dealer which cars have the erratic gear hunting. I think it may be important to issolate how widespread this issue is and with what models.
Bill
After reading some feedbacks of Rav4 owners who have the same cruise issues, I also notice my Rav4 cruise control has similar problem as well. Analyzing most feedbacks from Rav4 owners on the forum, I can say that this is not a transmission problem. Because of the drive by wire technology, and inefficient time for testing (?), the computer control software need to be upgraded in order to fix this problem.
There are 3 basic functions that need to be synchronized. The signal from the encoder (I think)at the gas pedal, the output control the throttle valve, and the signal to detect the speed of the vehicle. If the computer slow responds reading/control on one of them, the transmission will down/up shift badly. Some of us suggest to spend $$$ to add on aftermarket cruise control, I don't think it works. It is because the throttle is now controlled by wire (computer). There is no physical cable connecting to the throttle.
Possibly use ferrites to suppress noises that interferes with signals may help. or replace the encoder ( if it is cheap quality). Just my guess. We are dealing with the electronic design issue here.
Is there any electronic guys out there may exchange idea and come up with a temp fix/ less cost so we all can enjoy our Rav4 ride. Other than this cruise control issue and the bumpy suspension, I really love this Rav4
While I appreciate your suggestions and ideas I think it's probably pointless to try to come up with a fix for this on our own. When talking to my dealer about possible solutions he advised me that he could not "experiment" on my vehicle to try to fix it.
I also don't feel we should have to try and fix it either temp. or permanently. While I cannot speak for others here I am not going to do anything to it because it's under warranty and I am not going to give them any excuses not to be responsible for it.
Again I appreciate your comments and I am not bashing either of you for your thoughts.
Mike, What state are you in?
Summer
No I would never try to fix it on my own. I just think if other models with drive by wire don't behave in this fashion neither should mine.
I read with interest the post about what has to happen to make this work properly. If we pass this on to car critics I think it gives good background as well.
But mostly, I think it helps me in making an assessment. Right now I am of the opinion that Toyota can fix this thing. I don't have an opinion on if they will or not.
Today I called Toyota and gave them the video link. I hope this helps them see what we are talking about. I had previously provided it to my dealer.
Bill
Don't forget to call Toyota and get your number. I think the more of us that do that, the quicker Toyota will fix it.
Bill
It seems to me that if it's a computer issue, some models must have different computers or other components,hence the fact of no problems. Why couldn't they differentiate between the computers and switch ours out with the type that has no issue.
That's my take on situation.
Again I feel they will fix it when they find out how. I am sure they don't want persistant problems with any of their cars. My position is simply that I am not willing to wait however long it take for them to find a fix. I would be willing to give them a reasonable amount of time if they asked for it but I am being told that they have no idea of what time frame that is needed. To me this is unacceptable especially since some here are driving 06s with the same trouble.
Summer
I went back to my dealership this morning to try and get paperwork for a last effort to fix the issue. They stated again there was nothing they can do and it would be useless to provide any paperwork stating that. Gezzzzz.....
Georgia :lemon: Law Here I come.....
Mike
With what I have been told from Toyota, and read here, I feel that it is useless for any of us to bother going back to a dealer. There is nothing they can do without Toyota doing something first.
I think we are at a point where we have two choices...seek arbitration,either through Toyota's 3rd party or lemon law proceedings, or live with the problem until Toyota fixes it.
Charles, I feel for you. My brother in law needs his car w/c equiped and it is expensive!!!!
I would not trade it myself. It isn't your fault and why should you have to take the financial blow from trading a new vehicle. Let's make Toyota solve it for all of us!!!
How many times have you had it to the dealer? I just spoke with a "lemon law" attorney and he advised me that most states require we have documents where we have taken it in to a dealership for repairs three or more times and the issue is still unresolved. I am now at two and will be finding my next closest dealer next week. :mad:
I am going ahead with the Lemon Law process with only 2 attempts at this time...
It's a shame... I love everything about my RAV4. If it wasn't for this cruise control issue, I wouldn't have a problem!
Mike
I am in Dallas. Would you email me. I would like to pick your brain a bit further.
My email is --wdpcpa----at---y-a-ho-o-.-c-om.
Take out the dashes. That's my spam avoidance.
When I get your email I will trade phone numbers. I think it is interesting that the technician is from Dallas and my dealer is also from Dallas.
Bill
Document it yourself. Type up a certified letter and send it to them stating the problem you brought it in for and they won't service it for that issue. State that they refuse any further service order.
Ask them to respond if they disagree. Bingo. Third visit documented.
Bill
Definetely, I will call Toyota and ask for a number to join our list. The more of us on list, the quicker Toyota acts on this issue.
I still want to try my assumption. If it helps, I will inform you the result. One thing I would like to make it clear is that if our Rav4 are still under warranty coverage, do not attemp to modify or fix anything unless your car exceed the warranty period. My ferrite is just a snap on wire device. It would not electronically harm the engine control module. My guess is 85% of cruise control problem comes from the engine control module that is mounted under the hood on the right. This is either electronic design issue or assembly issue.
I don't want to take lof of your time here. I believe Toyota had already been aware of this issue. Surely Toyota will fix it if they have enough record relating to safety issue, Toyota will not issue a recall to replace this unit now because it is a big cost for them. I feel the heat from many of us here because of this problem. Just the matter of time, Toyota will correct it, they are smart enough when to issue the recall. Everyone still remmembers Firestone tire recall?
GBE
Mike
I have been getting between 24 and 26 mpg in combination city/hwy driving.
Mike
Also why the big deal of using cruise on hills? I have an 04 Ford f-150 that I use to pull a 27' travel trailer and I use the cruise when towing that! Granted I wouldn't do it in the mountains but my point is why should hills effect it.
It is not the fact that the tranny shifts to maintain speed it's the fact that it doesn't shift correctly.
I tend to agree with you in Toyota's knowledge of the problem but the solution is not to require us to change our driving style.
It all just doesn't make sense, but I'll take Toyota's suggestion...arbitration papers going in the mail today.
Summer
I agree. We shouldn't have to change our driving style. A TSB would be fine.
I am experimenting with a work around. Based on earlier comments, I have given up using the resume option. When I tap the breaks I cut off the cruise. When I get where I can use the cruise again, I turn it back on and reset it.
So far so good, but given that my problem is intermittant, I can't tell for sure. But I have had some short highway trips with no jumping about.
I will keep you posted.
Bill
In msg 116, Kay said she was told they would have a fix in about a week. That's close to what I am told.
Others might check to see if their dealer is telling the same story.
Bill
Maybe all of our case numbers sparked an interest for a fix.
Mike
Hope you are being told the truth. I phoned the CRM at my dealership just to see if he had any news. I told him what you had reported and he sounded very suprised.
He advised me that the regional rep from Toyota was coming by Friday and he would see what he knew about it.
I spoke with him this evening and he explained the arbitration process to me like this. He will mail me a package with a booklet and a form to fill out. It should be here in "10 to 14 days" but that's to allow plenty of time for the Post Office to lose it. The same form is in the center of the Owner's Warranty Rights Notification book that should have come with the car. He said I could go ahead and send that form to start the process then all I would need from the packet would be the booklet.
They have 30 days from the time the form is received by Toyota to set up a meeting. It usually takes place at the local dealership and is presided over by someone familiar with the auto industry such as a retired ceo, a lawyer or some such person. After they make their decision Toyota has 10 days to comply. I am not bound by the decision but Toyota is. If I choose to pursue further legal action the proceedings are admissible in court.
He also told me to be very specific in what resolution I want because most of the arbitrators, if they deny your request, won't offer an alternative. If they do it's out of the goodness of their hearts.
Sorry this is so long but I thought everyone would like to know the details.
On another note; my owners manual doesn't say anything about flat roads. Page 166 reads "The cruise control is designed to maintain a set cruising speed without requiring the driver to operate the accelerator.... Within the limits of the engine's capabilities, cruising speed can be maintained up or down grades. However, changes in vehicle speed may occur on steeper grades." It also notes that the speed may increase when driving downhill.
Cindy
Keep us posted on how the arbitration process goes.
Also, thanks for the note from the owners manual.
Looking forward to how this all plays out.
Bill
Cindy, any new news on the arbitration? The center just phoned me on what type of hearing I wanted, verbal or written. They are to call back with a schedule for the verbal hearing.
Who elso has filed for arbitration and what is the status of your process?
I just got a call from the dispute resolution center asking what type hearing I wanted. They are also going to call me back to schedule a date and time for my verbal hearing. I hope it's soon, I'm ready to be done with this.
Cindy
There was no gear hunting. She was very surprised.
However, she did fill the tank with premium. This is my habit on road trips. I don't know if that had an effect but I want to document all possible clues.
I do feel that if it sometimes does and sometimes doesn't that lends stregnth that something is wrong. If it is operating as spec, it would be doing it all of the time.
I hope everyone keeps us posted on what's going on till we get this solved.
BIll
I just wanted to make you aware.
Cindy
Mike
I have taken your advice to call the Customer experience and was courteously given a case number[200709060769]. The dealer service mgr. called the next day. Now I am waiting. I was heartened to read msg # 141,142 & 143 today. Looks like Toyota really does not have a fix. Settlement? Maybe.
Hal
My suggestion to you is call the service center back and have them give you an arbitration case number. The form they will send you to fill out is identical to the one in the center of the warranty rights book that came with your car. You can send it in before you receive the one from them to go ahead and get the process started. The booklet says to send a copy of your registration with the form. I didn't know this so didn't send it. It doesn't seem to have mattered. Best of luck.
I asked the lady today about possibly swapping my 4 cyl for a 6. She talked to Toyota and I would have to pay at least $2,000 for the upgrade and still be subject to the usage fee of 20 cents per mile (per the MS lemon law). I'm thinking my best bet is to sell the car back to them and find one on my own.
I'm not sure if I will try to find another RAV or if I'm gonna go with something else. Anyone else figured out what you'll get if you sell yours back to Toyota?
Cindy
(200708081405) Charles
(200708081371) Mike
(200708100591) Pam
(200708101001) Gerald
(200708140250) Cindy
(200708170082) Ron
(200708210991) Steve
(200708220207) Kay
(200708280198) Bill
(200708140096) Dana
(200709060769) Hal
To everyone who is reading this thread and have an 06 - 07 RAV4 with the Cruse Control Problem.
Call the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 800-331-4331 and get a case number like Charles,Pam and I have.
Tell them there are others with the same problem and reference our case numbers. The corporate guys get these comments/complaints... Maybe they will read these and light a fire under technical support for a fix to our RAV4 Cruse Control problem.
Post a message back here with your first name and case number so others can call and reference our case numbers on this problem.
Mike
Summer
In my case it looks like the added drag on the engine from the AC compressor is what's causing the computer(drive-by-wire) to shift the transmission in and out of 2nd and 3rd gear on inclines.
Has anyone else noticed this... or can you test this theory out with your RAV4.
Thanks,
Mike
Summer
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