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First Service Visit to the Dealer

Discussion in '3rd Gen. Tacomas (2016-2023)' started by JAdams1, Jun 20, 2018.

  1. Jun 20, 2018 at 4:40 AM
    #1
    JAdams1

    JAdams1 [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 2, 2018
    Member:
    #240035
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    63
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    First Name:
    John
    Coventry, RI
    Vehicle:
    2017 SR5 AC V6 4WD w/Tow Package
    I dropped off the truck at Balise Toyota in Warwick, RI the night before my appointment and wrote instructions to check the automatic transmission fluid level with the thermostat in the open position (my truck has the tow package). I get a call around noontime and the service rep tells me this procedure takes a long time and the senior tech working on my car told him my truck does not have a thermostat. I took the time to explain how to check it and that the test does not take that long and that the tech is wrong. I get a call about an hour later and he told me yes, my truck does indeed have a thermostat and they did the level check and it had around 5 ounces excess. My guess is they would not have even checked unless I specifically requested it?

    Pretty sad that the customer knows more about servicing the product than the dealer. Any RI owners had good experience at other Toyota dealerships in RI or are they all just as bad as Balise? My friend just got the runaround at Tarbox Toyota so I would not go there.

    I do all my own wrenching, these Toyota Care visits are just to maintain my warranty. This and warranty work is the only time my truck will ever see a dealership.
     
    Last edited: Jun 20, 2018
    INSAYN likes this.
  2. Jun 20, 2018 at 4:50 AM
    #2
    2016Tacoman

    2016Tacoman Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 23, 2016
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    #190389
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    J
    Vehicle:
    2016 Tacoma 4x4 V6 Metallic
    That is why I don't believe in even letting the dealer look at the OCD transmission bug going around unless you have issues. Whose to say they even did it right ?
     
    JAdams1[OP] likes this.
  3. Jun 20, 2018 at 4:52 AM
    #3
    JonathanH

    JonathanH Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 29, 2015
    Member:
    #158405
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    Jonathan
    Southern Maryland
    Vehicle:
    11' DCLB
    Sounds like the techs need to learn the product they are working on.
     
    Last edited: Jun 20, 2018
    JAdams1[OP] likes this.
  4. Jun 20, 2018 at 4:57 AM
    #4
    Cardsallday13

    Cardsallday13 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 19, 2017
    Member:
    #230481
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    603
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    Male
    Vehicle:
    2017 DCSB TRD Sport 4x4
    same here. as soon as warranty is up, i'm either doing it myself or going to a shop closer to home and that i trust more.
     
    JAdams1[OP] likes this.
  5. Jun 20, 2018 at 4:59 AM
    #5
    JAdams1

    JAdams1 [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 2, 2018
    Member:
    #240035
    Messages:
    63
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    John
    Coventry, RI
    Vehicle:
    2017 SR5 AC V6 4WD w/Tow Package
    Here's a pic of ATF thermostat pinned open. Picture taken from a write up done by other member.
    transmission cooler pic.jpg
     

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