Transmission Covered by Warranty?

I know this thread has been dorm for a while. But I just got the shuddle between 2nd 3rd gear. I had my dealer master tech check it out and wasn't even on the road for 3 miles when he quickly said the torque converter was trashed and a new tranny would need to be replaced. The truck has 75k miles it's a 2013 trd sport prerunner.

I have extended warranty so it should be covered, my main concern is the truck is lifted on 33s (more like 32") and has a lift. Will the warranty "people" make a complaint on that? Will they blame it on the lift?

If so, is their anyway in defending myself to get it replaced?

I should be getting a call today from my dealer on what's going to happen.

 

He said the torque converter had to be replaced but since it was under warranty it would be best to push for a new transmission instead?

 

magnason moss act........they have to prove those items caused the failure/breakage

 

75k miles??

 

In which larger tires will cause more strain on the drivetrain and can deny your claim.

 

To avoid the fighting I was planning on taking it in with the stock tires and wheels(of course it will look off and not right) but will it help a bit?

 

Yea I drove it a lot up state the first two years but haven't been driving it as much lately. I put a crap load, it was my daily.

 

What if I take it in with stocks tires and wheels? Can that help?

 

IMO, and it is mine, the best thing you do is don't go in there all gung ho and threatening this or that. Be calm, polite, and honest. If I was a dealer or factory rep, i'd be more inclined to work with someone that doesn't go off because they can't get what they want.

 

Yea I know I definitely will. Honesty I just want to avoid the blaming on aftermarket parts that's why I'm asking if theirs anything should do or remove.
I also understand that more than likely the reason for the damage was because of the aftermarket parts, I don't have my hopes up at all. I have 90% feeling the claim will be denied unfortunately.

 

Well this is true, in the real world I don't think it actually helps anyone. Toyota will most likely want to deny the claim as replacing a transmission is a large cost and they would definitely look for anyway out of it. Good luck either way.

 

Worked for me for them to perform the needle bearing TSB. I had to be firm with them and remained polite but when they brought up my lift I told them magnason moss act and you would have to prove it caused the issue. It can't be denied simply due to a modification that is not directly the component itself. It also helps that I had to teach them about the needle bearing TSB as they had never done one nor understood what was wrong with my truck and attempted to blame the lift and then the stock tires.......but click 4wd on the sound goes away......customer is always right (not really but sometimes)

 

The Magnuson Moss Act absolutely helps in the real world. I've personally seen it leveraged multiple times. Just about every dealership hates when you drop those magic words (not that anyone should threaten that immediately). It really does come down to proving that your modifications caused a failure. And realistically, they can never do that. Really, any part you didn't modify, they can't prove damage to. You and I might know this isn't true for certain cases, but it will never hold up in court on their end.

Fun fact: Dealer-installed lifts/parts are also covered under the Magnuson Moss Act, because it "came that way from the dealer".

 

I would put the stock wheels and tires on and give it a try. Couldn't hurt to at least give it a go.

 

OP avoid internet misinformation regarding the MMA.

Wait for a phone call and then decide what information you should research (if any).

Rolling in with stock tires on a lifted truck isn't going to make it not a lifted truck. Don't waste your time or try to hide anything.

Changing your truck from something that it isn't when it's already been documented at the dealership is a sure fire way to make you look shady and like you're hiding something.

 

Thanks for all the info guys.
I'm really trying to avoid any arguing with my dealer, why I asked for some advise.

The tires I've had on and never had any bigger are 275 70 r17.

About this "ACT" you guys speak of, I've never heard but nice to know. Is this for California residents too?

I should be expecting the call any time today, so we will see how this goes.

 

By the way, the truck is still in my hands as of right now and not at the dealership

 

But they have seen it. If I'm a Toyota master tech I could look at a truck and see who was done pretty quick and easy. When a truck has a transmission issue, larger tires will be noted most likely.
When you bring in the truck with stock tires/rims red flags will be going off since I made note of it before.

 

Yea he got on the truck and drove it. Whether he made the notes or not I'm not sure. I'm more convinced now to just take it in with what it has on right now.

The tires could have been a factor but the engine and everything else is bone stock aside from the suspensions which is all bolt on.

 

I understand the tires is the big issue here probably but isn't the truck allowed to tow or carry people?
Or does that void warranties too? Cause I'm sure that puts a load on the truck too?