Dealership says I have to pay for TSBs

So I recently saw the newest TSB update for my 2016 Tacoma that came out over the summer it looks like. My Tacoma does have the issue of hunting for gears and just doesn’t shift smooth at all. I called them and they acted like I had to have an issue to get an update. They said they are gonna call me back and that I would have to pay for the tsb after I told them I didn’t pay for the last one. Is this wrong ?

 

To have to word it correctly when you tell them. You should not be paying for TSB’s. Bet corporate would like to hear about them charging for it.

You are still in warranty right?

 

I bought it used from them last August. I’m pretty sure it’s still in warranty. It’s a 2016 and has 24K miles on it. They just called me back and I’m dropping it off to them this coming Monday morning. I told him it was a known issue of 2016 transmission not being the best and mine doesn’t shift smooth. Before the last update it was horrible. I could put into in reverse and back up out of my driveway and then shift to drive and it would have a big delay in shift and I would have to give it gas then it lunges forward into drive.

 

That’s BS. It’s a TSB that’s covered until 96 months or 80,000 miles. Just tell them it surges 40-50mph. They’d be wasting their own time by not doing it. Corporate will tell them to apply the update if you have to go that route.

 

Call corporate or pick a different dealer.

 

Take your business to a dealership that’s not shady. I’d try another dealer, I’ve had to do the same. Good luck!

 

Go to a different dealer. You should not be paying for TSBs.

 

They don't have to update your truck just because you want them to. A TSB is a documented repair procedure for a specific problem. The technician is supposed to replicate the symptoms and then perform the repair if the symptoms are present.

 

TSBs aren't recalls. You really just need to take it to them and tell them it has the concern that the TSB addresses (surges 40 - 50). If you're under warranty, Toyota will pay for it. If you're not under warranty, yes, you have to pay for a TSB.

 

Got to a different dealership....I think 90% of us have had to try several dealerships until we find one that is good to go!

 

Tell them it stumbles when taking off from a stop. It is extremely dangerous and could get someone killed. Print off the tsb below and tell them to fix it.

 

Dude, make an appointment and take it in. Don't mention TSB, just tell them what is going on. If they find the symptoms that a TSB will fix, they will apply it. It will be FREE if you are under warranty. It will COST you if you are not under warranty. If they don't think you have the symptoms that a TSB will fix, they will not apply it even if you are under warranty. Got it?

Everyone thinks TSB's are applicable to all Tacomas. They are not. They are simply a set of instructions for the dealer to use to fix specific problems to a specific group of Tacomas, identified by VIN and manufacture date. For example, if they got in a shipment of bad HVAC hose that could crack and leak air, they would issue a TSB that would cover this and use the VIN and a date range of manufacture. But, they don't have to apply the TSB unless the truck is exhibiting symptoms of air leaking. A TSB is not a Recall.

 

I wouldnt attach the TSB. If they call you and tell you they cant duplicate it or they cant do anything about it, tell them you were doing research while the truck was there and found the TSB but if they think you just want the TSB done for shits and giggles, they're more likely to dig their heels in.

 

How much do they want?

 

I had trouble with my dealership at first as well, they said it would be $120 when I made the appointment with the service adviser. I had to have it in hand to show them the TSB, which my vin was a part of and that it covered to 80k. It specifically says at high altitude (I'm around 800 ft MSL). I simply told them it stumbled while I was in CO on vacation with my family and almost got us T boned when crossing the highway. They went ahead and flashed it then just noted the situation on the service ticket that said they couldn't replicate due to altitude.

 

Most everyone gets the same story on TSBs that service reps aren't familiar with. Mine gave me the same line in Escondido. I submitted mine under the Wide Open Throttle ( WOT ) TSB ( 62-18 ). I described the issue as: from a complete stop position, stepping on the gas caused the truck to surge, then paused while the transmissionhunted for a gear, then took off. I've sent a few folks to him now with the same issue and he doesn't even question folks now, he just gets it done. My truck is very smooth now, ZERO gear hunting.

 

While your in there have them do the AC blower motor recall too.

 

Every advisor should give you an estimate for an hour of diag time (120 - 175) to cover the diagnosis in case it winds up not being warranty (customer neglect, modifications, etc). If it is warranty, they will not charge you. That estimate is just to cover the diagnosis in case its determined to not be warrantable.

 

I've been dealing with the same Toyota dealership for over 5 years and this was the first time they ever quoted me a price on the phone to try and deter me from bring it in for a TSB. Heck my old service adviser usually called me about new ones that pertained to my truck. Never had that much flack about a TSB before.

 

Do what Pistol Pete said. I had that exact TSB applied three hours ago. I came prepared with a complete printout and told him firstly there is a delay from a complete stop to a wide open throttle and secondly I have two small children and I can not risk having that issue. The guy said no problem and may I keep the printout for paperwork and data entry in the computer. So come prepared, there is no reason they shouldn't take care of you. Worst case they test drive your vehicle to replicate the issue and they apply it after. Good luck

By the way the TSB fixed the issue, feels completely different, but it's only been a few hours so time will tell.