2018-2019 Tacoma; Modified Vehicle Handling Process Update

Fine, but you have to let me do a photoshoot on the hood of it while I wear a speedo so I can add it to my album. You gotta be holding the camera too

 

You ever notice how lots of “Off road” companies have warranties that don’t cover “off road” use. Same concept with Toyota making a vehicle that advertises off road use. They show you what I can do but don’t expect you to actually do it. And if you do, you’re pretty much on your own

 

Black electrical tape on the dash

 

I checked my tag on the recall site and it says there are no recalls for my vehicle 2019 OR. Good thing, I just ordered a faux pro grille from taco garage.

 

Why not just get a ridgeline?

 

I have a thing for turbo 4-bangers

 

I suspect many dealers will just do the recall even if it has a TRD Pro grille and/or other small modifications without issue. If there is an issue though, they can point to this document and say they won't do it until the vehicle is put back to how it should be.

Toyota is responsible for the vehicle the way it left the factory, many mods that people do directly affect the way the PCS sensor "sees" the road, and so it makes sense Toyota wouldn't want to be repairing vehicles that have had that system modified.

But as I said, most small modifications will likely go unnoticed.

Jeff

 

Ok - I can see how they could claim aftermarket lift, wheels, etc. causing issues with the sensor (even though it’s totally bs because this warranty is with the unit apparently leaking), but how in earth could they claim that with an OEM pro grill? Wouldn’t they in effect be claiming the OEM grill is defective itself?

 

I did back in the day, and I just did again. Not much has changed. The truck still costs more than $5.

I still don't see any way Toyota can absolutely refuse to do the repair (this particular repair) over something as simple as aftermarket tires.
To refuse (and win the lawsuit), Toyota would have to prove that the system is significantly different than the systems in the Rav4 or Tundra. Even the camera position isn't really much of an argument (and we're talking about the grill sensor anyway) because no one in their right mind would say a Tacoma and a Tundra are the same height. They might have an argument after putting 40+ inch tires on the Tacoma, but let's be real. A 2 inch lift with another 2 inches of tire is still going to be shorter than a Tundra.

The cameras (and any other sensor) have to be certified to work going up a hill, down a hill, over a speedbump, in the rain, on Tuesdays....
These things have ranges in their specsheets, and that range is going to be well outside of aftermarket tire range.

The policy is just to make it easier on Toyota, I'm fine with that. As long as they realize that if a customer pushes back, they should give in and do it.


Edit: I don't mean to be overly (just slightly) combative. I'm in the thick of a lemon law situation that's lasted over a year now, and my patience with car manufacturers isn't the highest it's ever been.

 

I would think (as most rational people would) that if the dealer installed the Pro Grille, they would go ahead and perform the recall and you would be covered, provided no other modifications have been done. I believe Toyota's intent is that if one does anything (outside of factory specs) that could alter the performance of the sensor, fixing the sensor would be pointless as the operation of such would not be covered anyways.

 

One interesting point is that the TRD Pro uses a different PCS sensor than normal-grille Tacomas. Nobody changes it to the TRD Pro sensor when they install it. What's the difference?

Jeff

 

There are just too many modified (tires, lifts, grills) out their for Toyota to blatantly say they won't fix them. Bottom line is they put out a defective and potentially dangerous product. They've got to address it. The fact that a truck has larger tires does not negate the fact the sensor is defective. Fix it or disarm it an no cost to the customer.

 

15 more HP.

 

Interesting to learn, thanks.

 

My guess would be a slightly different angle to the sensor to account for the slightly higher front end on the Pro.

 

I think it would account for the fact the sensor is a different shape to match the pro grille, and not centered.

 

A dealer near me has a new 19 lifted high with aftermarket wheels and tires. I am curious to know how they make sure the radar works correctly. Is it done by human measurement for angle etc or simply a computer input if not both?

 

Couldn’t agree more

 

Not having seen one, it's got to be computer related.
If it's manually adjusted, then it'll have set screws. No way they're going to be replacing brackets constantly.

Another piece of info that supports my reasoning: Every time you get an alignment you are supposed to get a calibration done. This happens more often than any other scenario that I can think of. ALOT easier to have a wider "field of view" then tell the software to only pay attention to a portion of it, and change that imaginary square periodically.


Edit: it's also supposed to detect every combination on a roadway between a bicycle and a semi truck. No way an aftermarket tire makes the whole system useless.