What rights do dealerships have on OUR trucks?

I have a 30K service comong up at the local Toyota dealership. I do NOT want some dim-wit, half baked modification done to my gas pedal with a hack saw and I want to know the following...

Will they just DO IT and say that it's for your best interest??? The modification is probably more dangerous than the risk inherent in the OEM design. Imagine the stress induced on the sensor as the damned blade goes in and out 50 times.

Have any of you talked to a dealer since all this occurred? Thanks, Rob

 

Your truck is not included in the recall for sticking gas pedals
http://pressroom.toyota.com/pr/tms/toyota/FAQ-for-Sticking-Accelerator-Pedal-152196.aspx

If you are talking about the all weather floor mats recall
http://pressroom.toyota.com/pr/tms/toyota/toyota-announces-details-of-remedy-152140.aspx
just remove the mats if those are what you are using.


http://pressroom.toyota.com/pr/tms/toyota/toyota-consumer-safety-advisory-102572.aspx


But the bigger question is...why are you taking your truck to the dealership for service??

 

So... is my truck trying to kill me or no?

 

x10 on getting raped at the dealership.

They'll try flushing all fluids, changing your brake pads and will probably offer to 'tune' your engine for optimal performance. Basically, they jack it up, throw on some cheap parts and charge you out the ass for it all. Say goodbye to $500.

A better option, do as much as you can yourself. For the rest, select what you need done and take it to a local shop. Ask around to find one that you can trust. Do not allow them to perform unapproved maintenance or repairs. Check your manual for a list of recommended maintenance items.

 

In answer to your original question, the dealership has no right to modify your vehicle without your permission. As a practical note, they are likely to do whatever they please, leaving you to fight about it after the fact. Stay away from dealerships if you can avoid them.

 

Actually, RobPaul is sort of right in his concern.

Although the Tacoma is not currently mentioned on the "Do Not Sell" list Toyota has released and is not apparently related to that accelerator malfunction...

The Tacoma is involved in a recall related to the All Weather floor mats. In that recall there are two solutions being offered up.

1. Remove the floor mats. Toyota is recommending no floor mat at all for the driver side at this time.

2. Also Toyota has allowed for concerned owners to goto their dealer and have them cut off some of the lower portion of the accelerator pedal, reducing it's likelihood of getting caught on a floor mat.

Anyway, I think it is this second part of the Toyota "solution" that has RobPaul concerned.

Fortunately the Toyota dealer wants paid for this work by Toyota.. and for that to happen you have to sign for it, authorizing the work. So, be careful what you sign.

BTW- Legally speaking. If they did the work without your prior approval you would have a good case in court to have that remedied.. aka, put back the way it was.

Cheers!

 

I just had the 30k service done this week at the same time the dealership was replacing my rear springs and a few other warranty checks. They didn't even ask me about the recall.

 

You actually got my question. I hate the idea that they would cut the #$%^ out of my accelerator pedal when I drop it off for an oil change. Frankly, my dealer has never tried to bamboozle me out of any more than ~$85 for a full service - and they have performed good repairs under warranty.

Best, Rob

 

I didn't ask, I was more concerned with the springs and forgot actually, but they checked my mats when I took the truck in for the springs.

This was all they did. Just advised, no sawing or anything to the truck.

 

I thought they just stitched the floormats to the floor using one of those white plastic lines similar to how cards/tags are attached to new clothes. That's how my floormats were when I bought my truck.

anyone in bay area had tsb done at piercey?

 

If you're worried about them cutting the pedal, just take our your mats and tell them "Don't cut the pedal." If they (for some reason) say that they have to, tell them you'll take your business elsewhere.

As others have said ,though, you won't have to do any of that. They won't cut the pedal.

 

Speaking of service, I have about 36,000 on my taco and I,m about to start doing my own maintance. My question is this, should I get a Toyota oil filter or should I use a Fram or something else?

 

You can get a box of 10 OEM filters (YZZD3 - larger than standard) on ebay for $40 shipped. Just use the OEM if you don't want to buy an expensive filter.


EDIT: $38 shipped for the YZZD1 (what came w/ the truck)

 

They probably will not have a hacksaw. It will be a couple of Toyota techs in Toyota pajamas armed with battery operated Saw-Zall's. Pull up a Police officer will detain you and they will do the deed to the acclerator pedal against one's will. All while singing "Armed with my SawZall I'll modify your Toyota".

Actually I don't know how much " Authority" a dealership has to preform modifications to a private vehicle. I would think none since they don't own the vehicle even though its government suggested. I suspect when going in for service one should ask about the modification if your vehicle is affected.

 

Are you guys all 18 yrs old? The dealer will do only work you request. If they suggest services you do not want, tell them you're not interested.

I go to the dealer because:

1. The dealership will back their work. An independent...who knows?
2. I'm not working on my truck because I make good money and prefer to pay someone to do it for me. Just like my yard work, I prefer to have it done for me. I spend my time doing other things. That's why I bought the maintenance plan.

 

^^^ Dolla dolla billz, y'all

 

The dealership asked me about my pedal . I told them dont touch it. I have to get my maintence done if not it voids my prioritys for life. Which are engine and transmission guarrentted for life as long as I own the truck.