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

None that I know of...I’m at 85,000 mikes now and truck still runs great.

 

I have been experiencing the engine knock as well. I made an appointment for my 12' Tacoma at my local dealership and brought the TSB with me and asked that they perform the fix. My truck is a 12' with 27,000 miles on it so it should be covered under the TSB but the dealer looked my vin# up and said that the only applicable warranty extension on my vehicle was for the air injection and that the repair for my engine knocking would not be covered and that I would be charged for the service. It seems I am getting the runaround from my local dealer. For those of you that have had this done do you have any advice on what hoops I need to jump through to get this done?

 

When I had this done, my truck was still under warranty and they just did it at no charge. I believe the TSB indicates that it's covered by the 5 year powertrain warranty.
What's shitty is that is depends on the dealer on covering things at charge or no charge. In this case, if they're offering, even at a charge, I'd do it and move on.

 

Like many others, your dealer doesn't know what he's talking about or plans to bill you and Toyota for doing the work. 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, whichever occurs first, from the vehicle’s in-service." (Emphasis added)

 

Thanks for the feedback, I called Toyota corporate and they confirmed that it is indeed covered and gave me a case number. They will contact my local dealer with a case number and ask them to do the re-flash under the warranty. I'll bring the truck in later this week to get it done.

 

I got the TSB fix today and was in and out in about an hour. No more pinging on the ride home. I'm very glad I found this thread on TW.

 

Has anyone found this to be an issue on the 06 same engine code?? I get a slight ping during some accelerations, Not all. I do live in AZ and it’s been hot. Thanks in advance

 

Just got the pinging on initial acceleration, especially if I hit the gas going uphill from a stop. Since I have a 2011, the TSB is out. Any estimate on the cost to fix pre det through dealer or non Toyota mechanic?

 

I don't want to sound dumb, but what does the spark plug knock sound like?

I have a weird rattling or ticking sound coming from under my hood, I notice it more going up hill or when the engine has a load, like getting up to speed. its not constant only at some times.

My truck is 2014 with 68k and I do not have a warranty on my truck.

I called the dealership and asked about the TSB that is issued. He said they would need to confirm that it is spark plug knock to perform the ECU flash, but they would charge me 130$.

Without the warranty is this something that should be covered or billed to me? I want to know before hand if what I have is this spark plug knock, and if I am supposed to charged. I don't want to spend 130$ if what I am hearing is not the spark plug knock.

 

The best description I can come up with for the sound spark plug knocking sounds like is small metal BBs in a tin can faintly rattling. It is not an obnoxious rattling sound but more of a faint and intermittent sound. My dealership tried the same thing with charging me $130. I called Toyota HQ and the dealer called me within 24 hours to bring my car in to get it taken care of for free. The TSB should cover you even if you are out of warranty.

By the way, my knocking came back after few months after I had the TSB performed. I was in need of a spark plug change and changed the plugs and I have not heard any knocking since the plug change.

 

My understanding is the Toyota TSB's are typically covered for free only under warranty.
Mines was a rattling sound, under load, going up hill, in a high gear. I had the TSB applied (under warranty) and most of the rattling went away. I still have it, but I rarely notice it. Even less with premium gas (But I don't fill premium anymore).
I'm a very picky person and for me, it's something I'd have done regardless of free or not.

 

I assume this TSB would also cover the 2015?

 

Depends on what you mean. 2015 trucks don't required the TSB because the update was built into their ECU from the beginning.

 

Just got this TSB "performed." Dealer did not apply sticker under the hood as stated in the TSB, and I still get the pinging noise... so the question is... I got charged for it, but did the dealer really do it? hmm...

 

Did you get paperwork stating that it was performed? I would ask why the sticker was not put on or is there a way to prove it through the trucks system?

 

Not sure how to interpret this line item... $100 in labor to check and advise, or $100 to check and perform flash? The dealer verbally told me the PCM would be reprogrammed but after not seeing the label when I got home, in addition to hearing the knock on the way home, I started to lose hope. Service was trying to rush me out so they could close. That should be a sign not to bring it back to that dealer...

 

I read that it was "checked" but not performed. Especially due to the sticker not being there and the knocking still there.

 

Well, FML! I was hoping I wasn't going crazy. The worst $100 spent... ever... lol

 

Print out the TSB and take it with you for those types of complaints. Use a highlighter to show your VIN and model year eligible, the criteria and any other dates for eligibility.

 

Thanks for the input. That is exactly what I did. I brought the TSB printout to the dealer. I got the impression they have never seen this one before.