How I got the TSB on my 2009

Doesn't the VDS just describe the body style in the vin? How does this mean a particular 09 truck qualifies for the 08 tsb? Don't all 09 DC LB TRD have same VDS?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vehicle_Identification_Number


Vehicle Descriptor Section

The 4th through 9th positions in the VIN are the Vehicle Descriptor Section or VDS. This is used, according to local regulations, to identify the vehicle type and may include information on the platform used, the model, and the body style. Each manufacturer has a unique system for using this field. Most manufacturers since the 1980s have used the 8th digit to identify the engine type whenever there is more than one engine choice for the vehicle. Example: for the 2007 Chevrolet Corvette U= 6.0L V8, E= 7.0L V8.

 

Mac

you may be correct (prolly are) but when I showed the T-SB to my service writer (with the stuff highlighted that matched my VIN,) they simply said - "yep, it applies to your truck."

So I made the assumption this was what they needed in order to justify the upgrade.

One of the key things my service writer said was my truck was built in Dec 2008 - therefore it qualified!

I dunno, I do know I got the new springs!

Larry R.

 

I wouldn't be concerned whether the TSB specifically lists your VIN. More importantly, do you have the 3 leaf pack that most 2009's sold in the USA are receiving? If so, you will have problems when loaded down.

When I had the problem, I said "this is a problem and you need to find the solution". Maybe not in those exact words but you get the idea. You shouldn't seem like you are trying to get the TSB done on your vehicle "just because its owed to you". Loading 1/2 the weight the truck is designed for creates unsafe situation. They need to resolve that issue.

"I don't care if there is a TSB, LRD, ESH, FML or GED for my truck...fix the damn problem!"

You bought the trucked rated to safely handle over 1000 lbs. Bottoming out with 500 lbs is NOT SAFE. That's the attitude you need to approach Toyota with.

 

yeh what Veccster said!!

Funny, when my service writer called this regional rep dude, and she explained to him my problem he said, "oh, so he uses it like a real truck then?"

She responded, well yeh!

I've read this a 1,000 times on here, but one would think Toyota would get the hint!!

Larry

 

I am currently having the same problem with being denied the TSB but I have a Regular Cab. The TSB says, Regular Cab EXCLUDED, so the dealer doesn't care what is happening to my truck. (I have loaded my truck with 500lbs and it bottoms out, constantly) Currently I have a Case # with Toyota and am having a Case Manager call me tomorrow. This is very frustrating.

 

You're in a difficult spot since it does exclude the reg cab. I thought it excluded it because it had different springs. If you are having the problem, I guess I'm wrong.

Good luck. If it's too frustrating for you, spend the $75 and add a leaf. It will solve the problem and provide more lift than the TSB.

 

I just got a 2009 Taco and other than it not having a tailgate lock, love it. I have reading the threads about TSB on the leaf springs. I have not had much weight in it yet but plan to do some heavier hauling. I too have the 3 leaf and followed the protocol from the orignal poster-calling toyota, getting case #, then calling the dealership. I will be bringing it in next week. Hopefully it goes smoothly....will post as things progress.

 

Took mine to the dealer last week with a copy of the tsb. I asked him to call Toyota and see if they would do it. It was installed today in 3hrs gave me a rental to drive. I can't tell the ride differance but the rear sits about 1.5" higher.

 

I just got an 09 SR5 4x4 DC a few weeks ago. I checked my manufacture date (12/08) and left rear spring assy part # and my truck qualifies for the TSB. Can anyone tell me if it really needs to be done if Im going to install the toytec "ultimate" lift lit though?

 

I did the math on this a while back and TW represents a very VERY small portion of the Tacoma sold in one year....never mind all the 2nd Gens out there...so the majority of folks don't care cause they like the ride or don't know better or have taken their truck to the dealer and said "It rides like shit when I load it up" without any prior knowledge of this TSB.

I would read again before you say "Your truck is eligible" It's an '09 which IIRC have not been added to the TSB yet- despite the common parts/problem. If you go into the dealer acting like you are entitled to this warranty item when you really aren't- you look like an asshole and they are likely to not work their hardest to help you.

That being said- Yes if you are lifting it's worth getting the TSB if the dealership will hook you up. Good luck!!

 

Im not sure why you would suggest Im "not really entitled to this warranty item", or that I would "look like an asshole" if I go to the dealer and suggest that I am. I was just basing my speculation that my truck qualifies based on the 08 manufactuure date and the fact that I have the previous part number. If I tell them it rides harsh and handles like crap when I tow or load the bed up in addition to those two variables, they'll fix it. I had similar TSB experiences with my 04 4runner and the dealership was fairly accomodating; albeit with some polite but persistent persuasion. I'll probably pursue it over the next few weeks even though Im gonna lift over the next few months, so thanks for the advice!

 

Correction: You aren't entitled to anything, according to the TSB, as it does not apply to your truck. If you have READ THE TSB you would see that it is specifically listed for 05-08 Tacoma Access and Double Cabs (unless there is a new version I missed)- It doesn't say anything about manufacture date or about VIN numbers or anything like that. Yes- You have a problem with the way the truck performs, so take that complaint to them- but Toyota Corporate has to approve the work, they may....they may not.

If you go in there demanding service under the auspices of the TSB that doesn't apply to your truck, it makes you look pushy and ignorant (read:asshole). That in turn will make the dealership less likely to pull favors or strings to get you the leaf springs.

I know that it's not hard to get warranty coverage work done-I've had to do it once for scion and twice (including the TSB) for my Taco.

 

I did read it and saw that it doesnt say it covers 08 manufacture date, but it does have previous part numbers and thats clearly whats on my truck. I dont plan on stomping in anywhere or demanding anything. Thats just common sense. You'll get alot more bees with honey than you will with piss and vinegar. Thanks again!

 

Sadly your attitude is not the prevailing one from folks regarding this issue. Like I said-Best of luck getting the hook up from your dealer!!

 

took it in for the TSB today. Dealer called back and said they could not duplicate problem. I requested to speak with the regional service manager. I am getting the run around already.

 

Have you experienced the problem or are you trying to get it fixed before you do experience it?

It shouldn't matter but I'd be furious if they tried to replicate it and you already experienced it. Could just look at the bump stomps to see if they have ever been hit.
I've NEVER felt a truck bottom out - until last week when 600# made my TSB updated truck bottom out

If you are doing some serious hauling, you may want to upgrade your suspension with aftermarket parts anyway.



Regarding your battle, call the dealer and ask who the Regional Manager for Toyota Corp. is. If they won't tell you, call Toyota Corp and ask. Keep calling and filing complaints to Toyota.
In your case, it doesn't even sound like the dealer tried to get Toyota to approve it. I would try a different dealer.

 

you guys ever heard of an 09 regular cab getting a TSB? is it worth the hassle to try to get one or is it srictly for double cabs and access cabs?

 

And so the saga begins... I left mine with the stealer all day last Fri with a complaint of rear end sag/front suspension float and generally poor handling with ~600-800 lbs in the bed. They called later in the day and said they had put 4 techs in the bed totaling about 800 lbs and were unable to get the rear suspension to bottom out and didnt see any signs the bump stops had made contact. I explained I never said it bottomed out so that wasnt my complaint. They said they were unable to duplicate the "harsh ride" condition described by the TSB and went on about how it wasnt applicable to the 09 model year, etc. I explained that the description of "harsh ride" was so vague that they could call it whatever they wanted, I just wanted it addressed. Then I explained that although its an 09 it was built in 12/08 and it has the 3 leaf spring pack in the rear and the part # on it matches the TSB. I asked them to call their factory field rep in and they said they couldnt do that if they couldnt duplicate the condition. Then he suggested I bring it back in loaded up so they could duplicate the condition with me. I explained that I wasnt going to take the washer and dryer out of my house that I had brought home from Lowes the day it exhibited the condition just to duplicate it for them and said I would be calling Toyota. Then the guy starts telling me how his Chevy S-10 pickup has such stiff rear suspension it causes a harsh ride unloaded so I better be careful what I ask for, etc. Then he made note of the fact that I had changed the OEM tires to the factory TRD size Nitto Terra Graps. I pointed out that I immediately noticed substantially improved handling if anything so that wasnt relative. I hung up and called Toyota, explained my concern and that they had a TSB out on this so it was a known issue for my model, body style and part numbers, so I wanted it addressed. They called the stealership customer relations specialist who called saying Toyota had informed them of a "harsh ride" complaint. I reiterated (yet again) that wasnt my specific complaint but that was so vague that they could call it whatever they wanted to if that would allow them to address it. She spoke to the service manager and then called me back apologizing for their misunderstanding of my complaint and asked me to bring it in again for them to have another look. Hopefully they fix it next time. The same stealer didnt give me even half this hard of a time when the rear in my 04 4runner had to be replaced due to a minor whine under deceleration at ~55mph. I'd hate to have to have this drag on into numerous calls to the Toyota customer service line. What a PITFA!!!

 

Good read...thanks for sharing.

Dealers are bred to deny issues on vehicles. It's almost funny sometimes. I can make something up and my rep will tell me "that is common on this exact model".

Keep pushing but don't loose your cool over it. That won't get you anywhere and will only agitate you more. If you continue to get denied, just get an AAL for the non-TSB pack or a whole new set of springs. That will lift it up and look good with those NTG's.

 

Yeah, Im staying cool about it. I havent raised my voice or threatened any legal action, etc. (All of which I'll resort to before I'll give up entirely.) I even thanked the service writer for his "help" on my way out when I picked it up that afternoon. After all, he's just doing his job. Youre right that theyre basically trained to deny everything - much like health insurance companies! Then they wait to see who has the will and sense to fight for their rights. Its downright shameful what the state of customer service is in almost every industry anymore...

I dont really haul that much, but I def dont want to put a camper top on it in 10 years or so only to find out the damn thing bottoms out all the time. I thought about the Toytec ultimate lift but then I read some stuff about needing to do a dif drop to address low speed vibes so I backed off that idea. If I can get the TSB addressed then I'll prob just go with some bilstein 5100's up front to level it out and be done with it. Thanks for the support!