Oil change disaster advice needed

In my humble opinion, I think you are playing exactly right. Be professional. Don't pound the table. Don't threaten them with legal action. Be polite and draw them out ... let them make the first offer so you get a sense of what you are actually dealing with. You can then respond accordingly. The goal is a mutually beneficial resolution that gets you what you want.

I do agree with the person who said always follow up any communication that is verbal with a note confirming who you spoke with, what you talked about, what you agreed to and next steps. Remember you have one of their loaners so it is not like they are unaware that they need to address your issue.

All that said, and as I mentioned, I do think you are handling this properly, if I were in your shoes I would drive by on Friday afternoon (in their loaner) and see if you can get an informal meeting with someone in service. Hey, I have your car, was driving by and wanted to see what was going on with my truck because I really need it and I am concerned about it. All very informal and friendly. The goal would be two things: 1) Let them know you are really concerned and 2) Show them that you are going to be pleasant to work with. Might not be a bad idea to suss out where they are at without any pressure. You can then document that encounter and send them a follow up note -- all friendly of course. I only bring that up because getting a face to face pleasant encounter will show them you are going to be professional and rational and you might learn something.

Just a thought to consider ..

 

Maybe that sound you heard was the camshafts and rockers losing oil pressure? I’ve heard a knocking sound when I’ve lugged my engine with a bad clutch engagement. I’ve loaded up a 4.0 with buckets and it doesn’t make the same sound.

 

He did not say "shaking hard" in his op... just engine knocking.

If there is significant engine damage, it'll show up sooner rather than later.

If it was shaking hard, it would likely readily display need for engine replacement.

Either way, a warranty extended to 100k miles will be plenty long enough to verify that the engine is sound or not..... and I'd argue you'd see issues much sooner if real damage is there.

Was there some extra wear from the event? Sure, but if it makes it a few thousand miles and the engine isn't neglected, it'll probably last a very long time.

 

Also, I should point out as it's not always apparent, but there is risk to doing work on equipment just as there is risk to not doing work..... as exemplified by the OPs issue.

 

Please let us know how this progresses for you and resolution

 

I agree to document everything that might be an issue.I always made the “vendor” sign for any documents passed, take minutes and distribute them within a day going over any points discussed and the actions to be taken. I was a network engineer so even more important in issues like this.

 

As long as you inform them, you can record all verbal communications, which I would do for sure if they wouldn't put stuff in writing.

 

Your written log of day, time, who you spoke to and a general description of the conversation is good. The minute you whip out a microphone or video tape the interaction.....they'll probably stop communicating with you.

 

Then they have something to hide. And I would think if it’s not in writing or recorded, it’s he said she said stuff. But if they do stop communicating, then ask for it on writing or contact corporate. Oh and all you need is your cell phone to record.

 

they have had it a week and silence, nothing. something is not copacetic here.

 

PM sent.

 

Love that first sentence, I am definitely going to use it.

And yes re the loaner, it's costing them one way or the other.

 

My attitude exactly. I was immediately provided with a loaner that more than meets my needs. My driving pattern, frequency, and habits have not changed. There are no free miles, especially with the cost of gas these days. The loaner did not come with a gas card. I haven’t driven a single extra mile in the loaner that I wouldn’t have put on my own truck. I’m also driving it decently because the loaner I’m driving will be someone else’s new truck soon. That includes the habit of seeking out end parking spaces in parking lots. I’m long past my hot rodding days.

 

A reputable dealer should have contacted you to advise the progress and timeline. We are all pulling for you.

 

Otterstuff, thanks for the response. There is something I’ve found out (not from the dealer) that would explain a delay. Unfortunately it’s something I cannot post in an open forum. Thanks for the support. I believe a favorable outcome will be achieved.

 

[QUOTE="Spare Parts, post: 27261540, ]Oh and all you need is your cell phone to record.[/QUOTE]

Right on.

 

You have uncovered a conspiracy by the dealership to destroy Tacoma engines!

 

OP’s post gets the award for the most mysterious on TW ever.

 

That is great news. Glad that you got a favorable response. We don't need to know all the details, just that they take good care of you. There are still some good dealers out there. Sometimes it pays to be patient.