Dealer refused to check transmission fluid at 5k serivce

I have a 17 Tacoma SR Auto and the shifting on it is pretty rough and I feel a pretty noticeable clunk in 1st gear. I have read in a few different locations that people have had low transmission fluid on their new trucks so when I went in for my 5k service I just asked them to check it to be sure. I know the chances of the clunk being from low trans fluid are pretty low but it seemed like a very reasonable thing for me to ask to have done.

They pretty much told me its too difficult to do since there is not dipstick in the 2.7 and unless there is a verifiable issue with the transmission they will not check it for me unless I pay to have it done and "its very expensive". Does this sound right to anyone?

 

It’s very easy to do

They are full of shit

 

I've never had a dealer refuse to do something I asked. Ask another service advisor.

 

I asked both the advisor when I got there and he said it requires taking out "a lot of bolts" then the service manager called me to tell me they could replicate some other issues I was having and confirmed he would not check the transmission fluid unless I paid

 

Well, they are lazy and stupid. Or liars. Which do you prefer the folks who do your service to be?

Time to find another dealer for your 'free' and warranty work? You're not required to use your selling dealer.

As a side note, I didn't realize (or forgot) the 2.7 has joined the ranks of no dipstick, because they still had that in the 2nd gens.

Let me add that to my list of reasons I'll pass on a 3rd gen.

#savethedipsticks #dipsticksmatter

Back on track, I'd call Corporate and advise them of the quality of service you received, along with your description of the shifting issue. But I'd never darken the door of that dealer again.

 

What did they write on your ticket/receipt?

 

Its still at the dealer, Im going to make sure it says "refused to check transmission fluid" or something of the like

 

They'll just tell you "sure thing".
It will also say, "could not replicate customer complaint".
Sorry man.

 

Be sure to ask for their dealer number to assure you have it correctly for your conversation with Corporate.

 

I have a thread on my transmission issues, but I have had some different things happen. I think they give so much resistance because the vehicle needs to sit for so long for the fluid to cool prior to a check, which usually requires a free rental. Not saying this justifies it, but may be a reason.

 

Only takes a long time if they have to wait for the fluid to cool down to within a specific temperature range.

it's not just you, your dealer, or even 3rd gen specific issue.

I went to a dealer a few years ago to buy the disposable washer that goes on the plug that gets removed when you check fluid level. Dude at parts counter had no clue what I meant, called in a tech that found it in the service manual for him. Tech said he's never checked one (2nd gen) and parts guy said his computer had no record of them EVER having had that part in stock. So I have never been back to that dealer.

 

By the time you're done hastling the dealer to do it, you can watch a couple of youtube videos and instructions all over this forum, buy the tools, and check it yourself. Yeah I agree, dealers should do it per the scheduled maintenance manual. But I try to be independent and learn a thing or two. Maybe one day, I will have to do it because dealers won't exist anymore... ask people who own a Pontiac, Mercury, Geo, OldsMobile. Those people are screwed because their dealers don't exist.

 

You literally put the truck in temp check mode and then remove the overflow bolt


30 mins max and one bolt.....

 

Just saying.

 

seems pretty clear cut to me

 

What if it is full? Who do you think should pay?
You need to be able to have them replicate it; either by a ride along or giving them the truck long enough to replicate it. If you can replicate it every time, I suggest a ride along. If it only happens cold; well...
Corporate will more than likely back anything that dealer decides.

Even if they can replicate it, they might tell you it's a 'normal characteristic'. In that case, ask for a ride along from one off the lot; several if you can.
Get accurate documentation.

If you're still not satisfied, find a dealer who will accommodate you. I suggest calling ahead and speaking with a service manager before you even go down there.

You might have to leave it overnight if it hasn't cooled enough for an accurate check. Some might use a overflow tube extension and read the temp through Techstream to calculate fluid level. I'm not a fan of that method, fwiw.
Get accurate documentation.
If it is in fact low, hit up corporate for an extended warranty.

Good luck.

 

Report to corporate.

 

Im just asking for them to check my transmission fluid, regardless if the clunk is present or not. Its just what is included in the 5k service

 

Hey Daddy-O, please post the URL for this electronic version of the service chart, thanks!!!

 

When you go to pick it back up, I would very politely inform them that you will be calling corporate regarding their failure to check “all fluids” as outlined in the scheduled maintenance. At that point I would leave and not accept any offer to do anything further with my vehicle. Odds are that at that point they would be pissy and do a sloppy job anyway.