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That's exactly what I wondered these days. What if in an accident the liftgate is the only way for people trapped inside to get out? Should the manufacturers make liftgates operable from inside? I never thought about it...
Tony
BTW, if you were in a rollover accident and the only exit was the tailgate, I am sure Fire & Rescue would be needed, no matter the condition of the tailgate handle.
anyways, the warranty does not cover "trim" items or door handles...it does cover mechanisms, but not the handle itself!!!
.....not that even reading the fine print would make you think twice...who expects the latch handle itself to break?
http://toyota.custhelp.com/
FAQ and search for "sludge"
Steve, Host
This info should be readily available; otherwise you won't have anything to show Toyota if gelling occurs.
If you search for sludge in this discussion, the number of people who actually have experienced the problem is small.
And yes, Toyota did roll a fix in (crankshaft ventilation stuff, iirc). More here:
tmsusa1 "Engine Sludge/Oil Gelling--Toyota's Customer Response" May 3, 2002 5:17pm
Steve, Host
I want to do a DIY job but need to order a part from a dealer. Do dealers charge parts higher if you don't let them do the labor? If so, is it legitimate? How to avoid it? Thanks.
Tony
www.toyotaparts4u.com/ is one that I know of. Google search "discount toyota parts"
thepartsbin.com is another internet source for parts.
having said that during the peak of the oil sludge saga it was deteremined that the affected engines were .01% or somethign IIRC. If you do regular oil changes i wouldnt worry about it.
The sludge policy is supposed to cover those who buy used vehicles (according to the sludge discussion here at Edmunds and in the news articles that came out in 2002); however, you are also required to show proof of reasonable maintenance. "Reasonable maintenance" is not defined and presumably is left up to Toyota's discretion. Prior to purchasing a used sludge-era van, I would recommend checking with Toyota (corporate, not dealership level) to see what they require as proof. Then you need to make sure that the appropriate records arer available from whoever you are buying the van from. I would also recommend, regardless of maintenance history, that you take the van to a mechanic and have the valve cover removed to check for sludge.
Steve_Host, you mention that you may have to pay for repairs up front and be reimbursed later. I am not sure if this is the case, unless you have some more recent information. Toyota has been fixing these engines just as they would under warranty. There have been some who were initially denied coverage and were later reimbursed, but it is my understanding that those currently experiencing the problems are having it repaired at Toyota's expense and also getting a free loaner car while the repair is being done.
Also, some of the '02 models ARE included under the sludge policy. Toyota made the change in the engines mid-production '02 (after announcement of the sludge policy which was around March/April). You can find the details of the models and years on the www.Toyota.com website.
MODEL MODEL YEAR
Avalon 1997-2002
Camry
4 Cylinder
1997-2001
V6 1997-2002
Celica 1997-1999
Highlander
4 Cylinder Not involved
V6 2000-2002
Sienna 1997-2002
Solara
4 Cylinder 1999-2001
V6 1999-2002
Thanks for picking up on that!
Steve, Host
Good luck on your purchase.
I found this. Go back to 2001 for info
cblake "Sludge in the Engine Problem: Sienna, Camry, & Avalon" Oct 8, 2000 11:57pm
there wasanother thread started by a Toyota Rep but i cant seem to find it. Maybe Steve could help
Engine Sludge/Oil Gelling--Toyota's Customer Response
My liftgate cannot be opened because its latch handle is broken. I need to order a part but don't know the part number. Some readers previously mentioned their fixing experience (#2854 - #2861) and would you please provide the part number for me? It costs around $65 (and labor around $180).
It's a tinny, plastic, cable actuator that can be seen outside from underneath the handle. When you pull the handle outward, the actuator transfers your pulling force to the internal cable.
Your help is much appreciated.
Tony
This is not a big repair for the average DIY.
It looks to me like an adjustable crankcase vent.
What is this thing I am looking at?
Same old.
You're not talking about the coolant draing plugs, which are metal, are you? There are 2 drain plugs, one of which is visible looking in from in front; the other is found from below...
Pete --- 2002 Sienna, 38000 miles.
Thanks!
Carrie
It is the first one I have ever seen in any location away from the radiator.
Just got back off of an 1800 mile trip and no problems.
Thanks for the info Pete.
jeprox Mar 6, 2002 11:37pm
They said that they *think that since my Sienna is over 36,000 miles that it wouldn't apply to the fix.
Does anyone know if this is true? The problem has been around ever since I bought the van!! I've been looking for a fix for 2 years, well before the 36,000 miles!
I haven't had the service manager check with regional or national yet. Does anyone know if this new bulletin is limiting the fix to vans under a certain number of miles?
While the squealing noise was gone (big relief!), the brakes now make a 'skipping/thumping' noise, as the van slows to a stop. It sounds like the old shoes are not making complete contact with the new drums.
Took the van back to the dealer, they told me there is nothing to go 'off centre' in the drum brake set-up that would explain the noise, so they just 'deglazed' the shoes more. But skipping noise persists. Finally, they told me the only solution is to replace the shoes, but that is not covered by warranty because 'there is no upgraded part for the shoes'.
Though I agree brake shoes are a wear item, in this case I am not willing to pay for the new shoes because of the low mileage of my van. The most recent service on the van was December 2003, where it was reported the brakes had 65-70% wear left.
The dealer is telling me I need to complain to Toyota Canada to see if they will cover the new shoes... alternatively, if I can provide details of another owner that has the same paid for by Toyota Canada, then they will do it for me. So I'm trying to solicit help from fellow town hall members...
Reading posts by fellow Canuck jasdmw, apparently some dealers would replace the shoes as well under warranty, while replacing the drums (TSB BR-03-005)? Wonder if jasdmw can pls post more details of the repair, e.g. part numbers, operation numbers, etc pertaining to the shoe replacement? Have read many posts by jasdmw, and found them very informative -- hopefully jasdmw can help out again.
Input from jasdmw and any other town hall members would be greatly appreciated !
Sorry to hear you are having difficulties with your dealer. Not sure if I'm allowed, but the dealer I had/have my service done at is Burlington Toyota. Did not buy the van there, but have had service done there for the last 27 months, so they know me. Perhaps that helped?
Checked out my service receipts. Interesting that the shoes were replaced in May of 2002, after I complained about the squealing at that point. The replacement shoe part number was 04495-08010. Replaced under warranty, no charge. Van had 25,374 KM at that point. Unfortunately, I seem to have misplaced the invoice for the latest work, which would have the new part number for the new shoes on it. I'll get a re-print next time I'm in for service, but that's not due for a while yet, sorry. Did note on the second last invoice, where the drums were replaced, that the work was done under a thing called "P.S.B.". Not sure if this was a typo or if that's what Toyota calls a TSB. No number specified on the invoice, unfortunately.
Thanks very much for the speedy reply! I'm in Vancouver area, and I bought the van from a dealer where I went back for service for the first 2 years. I recently switched to this current dealer mainly for convenience -- they're near where I work.
The first work the current dealer did was the drum replacement under the TSB. Unfortunately I now have this new noise problem to deal with. I'll go to see them tomorrow, to suggest they call up Burlington Toyota on the shoes warranty. Last time in the shop, they suggested that I pay for the shoes replacement first, then seek reimbursement from Toyota Canada. While I really want to get the problem fixed, I wonder what's the likelihood of the reimbursement if Toyota Canada won't have any chance to assess the problem (after it is fixed).
It's encouraging to hear that you recall a new part number for the shoes, as my current dealer insist there is no updated part -- in fact, they're using that as their main reason not to cover the shoes under warranty. Hopefully, the call tomorrow to Burlington will clear things up.
I've looked up my invoice for the drum replacement. It quoted TSB #BR-03-005, replaced both brake drums (part number 42431-08012), and deglazed the shoes. I can't find any mention of 'PSB', so perhaps it was just a typo on your invoice. I also have a copy of the said TSB from Toyota Canada -- they do call these things 'Technical Service Bulletin'.
I'd try another dealership, but the next closest Toyota dealership from here is 105 miles.
.
Now my van is in the shop to give my dealer a 3rd attempt to solve the skipping brake noise problem. If it turns out only new shoes will solve it, I will probably have to raise it to Toyota Canada as my dealer don't seem to want to goodwill it for me.
These disturbing sounds coming from the brakes must be a fairly common problem in a lot of vehicles because Wal-Mart sells a spay that is supposed to stop it. I did not use it but I did see in in the store. So, Toyotas are not the only cars with that problem.
I picked up the van yesterday, and the invoice noted 'lubed backing plate, deglazed shoes, and serviced'. The dealer assured me it was the best they could do, without replacing the shoes. They also said they spent 1.5 hours labor this time, but they would not charge me, though they could not claim it under warranty because Toyota considers brake noise a normal maintenance, i.e. customer's responsibility.
Driving yesterday and today, the skipping brake noise was gone. I'm praying it is fixed for good, but in any case can't really blame the dealer. Looking back they have been quite helpful, though they're short of offering me the shoes probably because I have not established myself on their books yet. Side note, they don't offer candies, but they do give customers free rides for drop-off AND pick-up -- even for the basic $29.95 lube service. I think that is great customer service, and I intend to keep doing business with them.
Wishing you a happy long weekend!
The reason why I didn't even try do it myself is that it'll be very difficult to guarantee cleanliness. The risk of having debris fall into the combustion chamber is not worth saving $100 every 60k miles. -Mathias
I would suggest the Toyota platinum plugs, good for 60,000 miles.