1st Gen Frame Recall/Replacement/Coating

Took my 03 into the dealer about 1-1½ mos. ago. The frame passed inspection. I asked the tech about applying a coating. The tech acted like (maybe it wasn't an act) he did not know what I was talking about. The tech told me that he thought the problem was with the frame drain holes getting plugged with dirt/debris, and not allowing water to escape and, consequently, rusting the frame from the inside out. The tech said that my frame had no such issues....

Today, I called Toyota Customer Service (800 number I found on Toyota's website), and relayed the aforementioned. I asked whether I was entitled to the coating and/or whether my frame was "covered" for the 15 year period without the coating. The rep took my information down, and said that someone from the "truck" team would get back in touch with me tomorrow (that my "case" was being assigned to the "truck" team).

Questions:

1. Has any other 1st gen owner had their frame inspected; passed inspection; and not received the frame coating?

2. If "yes," what did the tech/dealer say to you regarding the reason(s) your frame wasn't being coated post-inspection?

 

Hey bKeith I just had mine done on tuesday, I brought it to the dealer about 3 wks ago for the inspection and it passed. I had to make an appointment to get the frame treatment done.
If your truck passes the next step is the frame treatment, I don't know what area your from but over here there are only a few dealers set up to do the treatment.

 

Thanks guys...I'm in Nebraska.

New Questions:
1. Any ideas on whether the 15 year frame warranty is honored without the coating?
2. 03coma, did you have to ask about the coating, or was it something the dealer/tech suggested?

 

This is what Toyota call the application:
90D L.S.C. 2001-2004 tacoma Frame Corrosive-Prev. compound Application.

It's not the states that are having the problem with this, it is the the town fire officials, they want all kinds of crazy things done before you can start to spray,

One of the dealers by me has been fighting with the town for over 6 months, trying to comply with the fire depts requests.
1. Spray in an enclosed area (like a paint booth)
2. Exhaust fans to vent
3. Exhaust fume test

Call a few of the Toyota dealers in your area to see who is doing it, thats your best bet.

 

What I meant was: Did you initiate the conversation about the coating/treatment |OR| did the tech/dealer say "now get the treatment" after your inspection?

 

No you have to tell them you want it done, they did'nt give me any problems once it passed. I just had to find someone that was doing it. The 15 years is after doing the treatment.

 

That's f-ed up...if Toyota calls me tomorrow and tells me that my truck is eligible for the treatment, I'm going to 'address' my tech's/dealer's ignorance regarding the treatment...imo, the dealer should know about the treatment [option] regardless of whether it offers the treatment in-house; if the dealer did know, and 'acted' otherwise, it's even more f-ed up.

Thanks again for the input!

 

No its was like your truck passed the inspection, so I said when can I bring it in for the frame coating? they pulled out this book with dates available (tuesday's only) they only do 5 per night.
and it was pretty booked, so i took one day I was available to drop off. They gave me a 2010 Camry as a loaner only 1400 miles on it.

They kept my truck over night, they told me after coating the inside and outside of the frame it leaks out a little. I could pick it up the next day after 11 o'clock.
It was pretty painless, did'nt cost me anything.

 

My point is this: I don't understand why Toyota has invested in the process of inspection/treatment, but I have to initiate the conversation regarding treatment. That is, the dealer should bring up the treatment, after confirming that my frame is safe; I should not have to bring up the treatment.

Analogy: Free balance with purchase of new tire. I purchase the new tire, and the tire dealer automatically balances it free of charge without me having to ask for the balance.

It's ridiculous; my soap box is put away now.

 

I hear what your saying, but you have to look out for #1, it's your truck the stealer doesn’t care.
Toyota has there hand tied up in all these recalls, I heard today a new one for the Avalon and a Lexus LS model. Steering component cracking causing the steering wheel to lock up while driving...
Good Luck !

 

bkeith call your dealer and ref. this:
90D L.S.C. 2001-2004 Tacoma Frame Corrosive-Prev. Compound Application.

If they don't know what that is, go somewhere else... that tech is talking out his a*s. when the frames were made by the US company supplying them to Toyota the metal was not treated with the corrosive additive. That's why they are rusting out.

I had a 89 Toyota long bed for 13yrs before getting my 03 Taco NO RUST on that truck. the cab was just too small.

 

I'll reference it during my phone conversation w/Toyota (corporate) tomorrow. Thanks again man!

 

np

 

What part of Nebraska as I looked up what vehicle's qualified for frame treatment and Nebraska trucks don't qualify. There are 3 dealers here in the Omaha area maybe try another dealer if your on the eastern part of the state.

 

Central NE...but my truck came out of Texas. I'll know more after I speak with Toyota corporate.

 

so, I bought my truck about 10 days ago used. (obviously)

can I take it to the toyota dealership and get them to inspect it? I am in Alabama but the truck came form Kentucky and Ohio (1 owner truck, guess he moved).
basically I am trying to figure out if I am elligible to get the frame coated since I am not the original purchaser.

thanks alot.

 

So I spoke w/Toyota corporate. Here's what I was told:

1. The 15 year frame warranty attaches from date of first use, regardless of whether my frame is treated. Therefore, I have the 15 year frame warranty from approx. '02/'03 (my truck's an '03...not sure when it was originally purchased); and,

2. NE is not a salted-roadway state. Consequently, treatment is not authorized. However, if I move to another state that is a salted-roadway state, Toyota will reconsider frame treatment at that time (I say "reconsider", as the rep did not give me a firm yes/no...).

smbundy13: Couldn't hurt to take it by your dealership; I'm not the original owner of mine, and I'm covered by the warranty as per Toyota.

 

Lots of salt here, so just have to keep after it with washing it the winter, above freezeing weather I slide the lawn sprinkler under the truck and run it for a few minutes, I spray plenty of water into the grille so to rinse the radiator which catches road salt too.