T-SB-0044-14 Feedback: Engine ECM Reprogram [Pinging]

I was having terrible pinging in hot weather with my 2012 DCSB. Had the tsb done about a year ago and it dramatically improved the pinging, but it didn't completely eliminate them.

I suppose it's probably not worth having it done again? Then again, what could it hurt? Any thoughts?

 

Pretty sure once the update the ECM, they can't redo it.

 

I agree. Once the software has been updated and the TSB is complete, I'm pretty sure it can't be reverted or applied again.

 

I'm sure they can redo it, it might just not change anything since it will likely be the same reflash parameters. But then again the ecu does 'learn' so maybe it would help. Either way it's a pain in the ass.

Furthermore, isn't it likely that this has to do with carbon buildup as well? Since these trucks usually don't ping right off the lot, but we know they are prone to pinging, maybe all it takes is a little carbon

 

So I had URD Spec-U Headers put on my truck a couple weeks back. I've noticed ever since that while driving the "Taco Tick" noise seems louder than before. The truck itself drives great!

I guess I'm just wondering, because I'm anal, if I'm experiencing the ping issue. I had an old 1980 280ZX inline 4 cylinder that DEFINITELY had engine ping issues. The truck doesn't quite sound like that though. I've only ever used 87 octane (w/ethanol).

I also know there's something rattling in or around my rear catalytic converter since header install. Wonder if that's what I'm hearing...

The noise is tied to acceleration - which certainly doesn't rule out the rattle from the cat. Was hoping it was simply a pebble stuck between the cat and the heat shield around it (banging on the exhaust pipe a couple feet down produces the rattle noise at the cat itself). My installer said it's always possible something inside the header from production could have come loose and gotten caught up in the cat itself. With equal length headers you can't actually see through them all the way when inspecting before install.

 

I hear ya. I thought it was for sure heat shield rattle, But for me the tsb actually did reduce the noise significantly. Although the dealership may have gone through and retorqued things...

 

Yes! I have 2013 and had this done a few days ago. I got so used to the ping that I find it weird not hearing it anymore. Needless to say, I'm glad it's gone.

 

Glad to hear this is still helping people.

 

I've listened with the windows down a couple times. I'm thinking it's the rattle from the cat. Might have to pay my exhaust guy to pull it down and see if something got inside it. It started when the headers were put on. So it would make sense.

 

Good advice, but make sure you talk to the "right" adviser... Despite the fact that the TSB clearly states "This repair is covered under the Toyota Federal Emission Warranty. This warranty is in effect for 96 months or 80,000 miles..." and my 2013 has only 50K miles on it, the first guy I talked to said there would likely be a $150 charge. Thankfully, common sense prevailed with the next guy I talked to. Work is scheduled to happen on Monday.

 

Apparently, there is no "right" adviser. The same guy who "understood" last week, tried to charge me $65 for the TSB today. Had to point him back to the same TSB we reviewed together several days ago...

This was my experience as well, though "Authorized Modification Label" was NOT installed.

Truck seems to idle smoother. Haven't noticed any pinging (or other changes) yet.

 

So my 2014 Prerunner 4x2 started pinging at about 36,000 miles. The service adviser at my dealer is telling me that the TSB does not come up under my VIN and I will have to pay $120 to have the problem analyzed.....any advise?

 

Check through the time and mileage constraints, if any, and make sure you meet those requirements on the TSB. If you do, then go to the dealer with the TSB on hand, and highlight you VIN number. Basically do their homework for them. Also, read through the customer symptoms description on the TSB, and use some of that language with the Service Advisor.

Once he understands it's a legit TSB, he should set up the service for you at no cost. Make sure also to check there is no labor fee... Toyota keeps mention of who pays for labor off the TSB while its under warranty in some cases.

 

I agree with the advice you got from "mbrogz3000."

Print the TSB found on page one of this thread. Bring it with you. Describe the problem as the TSB describes the problem..."1800 engine rpm...under load...driving uphill....temperatures at or over 80*F."

The way I read it (see attached picture), Model years affected and covered by this TSB should be 2012 to 2014. The TSB is covered under federal emissions warranty for 96 months or 80,000 miles. It is restricted as warranty only to vehicles that have the described pinging sound present, so you should qualify for free service in this case.

 

+1 to the advice Matt and Nate provided. Assuming your "2014 Prerunner 4x2" has its original 4.0L V6 engine, this work IS "covered under the Toyota Federal Emission Warranty." Don't let the dealership off the hook. Despite having shown them the TSB and discussed the warranty coverage when I made my appointment, they still tried to charge me $65 for the work. I had to put the TSB back in front of them AGAIN to get the charge removed.

In addition to the basic dishonesty involved in attempting to charge for warranty work, isn't it odd how widely varied charges for this work are - almost like dealerships are making it up as they go...?

 

This is most likely what's happening. The dealership is trying to squeeze some profit out of the warranty work. Maybe they are worried that the warranty claim will not be fully paid, or that it will be denied by Toyota. Charging a bogus fee on top of the warranty claim is their way of trying to prevent losing money on the work order.

 

That's why we need to ask whether any labor is involved. It's blatnetly left open ended for non-safety related TSBs especially is the vehicle's warranty is over. If they persist there would be labor, that's when you kindly take the Service Advisors name and your keys, and a copy of that initial invoice check in form which logs the customer complaint, leave and make a call to Toyota's corporate service line to discuss how the dealer was handling the TSB issue.

 

I have a 2013 4.0L V6 DOHC 24V Prerunner Double CAB V6 Auto 2WD. Since I bought the truck, at 27k miles, I have always had pinging in the engine when I use 87 octane. Goes away if I use 93 octane. I also hear and feel a clunk when the transmission shifts into 4th gear and it seems to be getting worse now that the truck has around 47k miles. Additionally, I feel a vibration over 70 mph that I thought could be the tires but after reading blogs I am thinking the vibration and clunking are the drivetrain. Toyota said they checked it out during my last two oil changes and their mechanic couldn't get the truck to duplicate my concerns. Of course the moment I drove away each time the issues were there! I printed out this T-SB-0044-14 and Toyota told me that it only applies to diesel engines, yet there is absolutely nothing in the TSB that states this.

I read somewhere that the pinging and the clunking can both be fixed by this TSB. Anyone else know?

 

re-read the tsb it states what it applies to

toyota doesn't sell diesels in north america.

 

Yes, I know the TSB does not state diesel engines. I was only commenting on what Toyota said.