Powertrain Warranty, Do My Own Oil Changes?

My truck has about 17k miles on it and the first three oil changes were done at 5,10,15 by the previous owner at the dealership. I wanted to start doing it myself at 20k but am concerned they may give me a hard time if I don't have a receipt, etc. I do record it when I do it, but I don't have anything other than a Word document to prove it.

So, if I ever have a problem which requires warranty service on anything lubricated by engine oil, will I have a problem getting it honored if I've been doing my own oil changes while it's under the powertrain warranty?

 

You could save your receipt for the oil and filter.

 

Yeah but I don't know if they'd honor that. I've honestly never had a vehicle that needed warranty work on anything powertrain so I just don't know. This truck just doesn't seem as well put together as my '02 so I don't want to shoot myself in the foot.

 

I am pretty sure they have to honor those receipts. Toyota can't dictate who changes the oil, just when. I see oil and filter receipts same as an invoice from an independent shop.

 

Keep the receipts and stop crying. You'll be fine.

 

That's what I'm thinking too. I'll just keep doing all of my own stuff like I have always done and not worry about it.

 

I have recipts for every oil change, as well as a quick video of me stating the date and time, showing the ODO mileage, showing the full new oil jug and empty oil pan. Then an after of me stating the date and time, showing the ODO mileage, showing the empty oil jug and full oil pan.

It would be very hard for them to dispute that i didnt do the oil changes.


Also OP, do yourself a favor get a grease gun and grease the u joints on your driveshaft.

 

Already have one. I also own an '02 TRD 4X4 and it has a lot of zirk fittings. I've been doing my own maintenance on it for a lot of years now.

I only own two vehicles and they are both Tacomas!

 

Do you really do that?

 

I have/had an unlimited power train warranty. They stated it had to be serviced at a shop (not just Toyota). They would get a number and have to call it into the dealership, from what I remember (don't have the paper in front of me). I wouldn't be able to do it in my driveway despite the reciepts produced. From the site: http://www.mywarrantyforever.com/faqs/

Then I started having issues with the shops doing my oil changes, and said "fuck it." Can't trust them to do the right work, or do what I requested done.

If the powertrain warranty is important to you, read the contract from the dealer and see what can be done.

 

Yes sir. Sorted in folders on the computer with names of the milage it was done it, excel doc documenting all work as well. Takes an extra 5 min per oil change to take the vids, edit the doc and put them on the comp, but if anyone asks for any sort of maintenance documentation you know ill have it.

 

Good for you! I thought I was doing good just to keep up with a Word document for maintenance!

 

That's a bummer. JiffyLube is a licensed service facility. I wouldn't let those clowns check my washer fluid level!

 

Nice drop ships. Can they be remote piloted?

 

I see what you did there.

And yes, but only by Bishop!

 

I self report my maintenance on toyota's website; you enter date, mileage, work done, etc. I keep my receipts and take/keep picture with products (filters, oil, etc.). I don't remember but it seems like my first 2 years of dealer maintenance was already entered when I initially went to site to self report. Probably automatic when I entered my VIN.

 

From my unlimited warranty brochure:

 

Lucky!

 

I can't speak to any kind of aftermarket or dealer sold warranty - but keeping your receipts should be more than sufficient for Toyota to honor your factory warranty. You don't mention the year of your truck, but I'm assuming you mean the 3yr/36k warranty and/or the 5 yr/60k powertrain warranty. While maintenance could be a factor, dealers often can tell by overall condition how the truck has been treated. The guys that walk in at 35k miles demanding new brakes will get laughed at, but if you have a legit claim, they will honor it.

I had a 2011 Honda Accord V6 that never saw the dealer after purchase. I did the oil changes myself every 5k - the local dealer isn't bad, but wants an appt for everything, and if you just show up its a 4 hr wait. At 24k miles the car blew a head gasket - no warning, just started running terribly and misfiring. I keep all my cars in good order, clean and well maintained, in excellent shape, and they never gave me any trouble, and never asked for any maintenance history. They replaced the gasket and the front entire cylinder head, said it was a manufacturing defect...bill was over $3k, but I'm sure that reflects dealer pricing. Point is, if you show up with a car that's beat to hell and demand things that are unreasonable, you will have problems. Show up in a car with a problem, but otherwise in good order, be polite and explain why you think it should be covered, and if your warranty claim is legit, they will take care of you. It's not always fixed in an hour, but they'll get it right. And if not, you go up the food chain at corporate.

 

I like the video proof for self service; a bit overkill but why not. The best is the actual pouring in of the oil after breaking the seal on the jug, video of the ODO, etc.
Another recommended practice; take digital prints of your receipts so they're not lost, and record your work on Toyota Owners Club account, which should show all dealer work anyway and can include DIY records. Enter the receipts code/invoice number for the parts.
Just remember that a decent toyota tech can always tell damage due to lack of oils, vs just a warranty claim; e.g. sludge in engine, oil pan, etc. Can't really fool them as Toyota has seen it all.