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Toyota Scheduled Service - hiccup

Dannmann801

Dignitary Member
Supporting Member
10,640
191
Springboro
So I have a 2011 Tundra, took it in for the 120K service. One of the scheduled things is to have for the first time the transmission fluid drained/refilled. It's a sealed system. So they call me and tell me that they can't get the plug out, it's froze, and they're afraid of stripping it out. If they do that, a replacement plug might not work then they'd need to replace the pan which is a hefty penny (almost $500).

I told them to hold off, cancel the transmission portion of the service while I weigh my options.

The mfgrs service schedule calls for the trans oil to be changed. I know a lot of people never change their trans fluid, and once it gets past a certain point, it's better off not to, as you can do more harm than good by "stirring the pot" so to speak.

Anybody care to share any thoughts or guidance? I'm a little pissed that the plug is frozen and that it's out of warranty long before this service is called for. I hate to drop big bucks on a pan, but it sounds like that's what I'm gonna hafta do to "do it right". My plan has been to follow all of the recommended services and keep this truck tip-top - I've had no problems whatsoever and want to keep this vehicle for years and years. I've stopped using it as my day-to-day vehicle to keep the miles off of it.
 

giles

Cull buck specialist
Supporting Member
Bite the bullet and move forward. $500 somewhat scheduled repair is much cheaper in the long run. If that's the biggest complaint after 120,000 miles, you're still way ahead!

Could just pop right outa there once they quit being such a pussy. End up not costing you anything extra.
 

Quantum673

Black Hat Cajun
Supporting Member
Flip side. Used transmission fluid has clutch material in it from the clutch plates wearing over time. Changing it removes the clutch material from the fluid. I have always heard that changing it can cause the transmission to start to slip since the clutch packs are worn. I know that I have had higher mileage trans start slipping after a fluid change but cannot say for certain that was what caused it.
 

Dannmann801

Dignitary Member
Supporting Member
10,640
191
Springboro
Bite the bullet and move forward. $500 somewhat scheduled repair is much cheaper in the long run. If that's the biggest complaint after 120,000 miles, you're still way ahead!

Could just pop right outa there once they quit being such a pussy. End up not costing you anything extra.

Yeah, I told them to go ahead and try it, and if they mump it up and I need a new pan, so be it.
I want it to be right.

Flip side. Used transmission fluid has clutch material in it from the clutch plates wearing over time. Changing it removes the clutch material from the fluid. I have always heard that changing it can cause the transmission to start to slip since the clutch packs are worn. I know that I have had higher mileage trans start slipping after a fluid change but cannot say for certain that was what caused it.

And this is the reason I don't want to wait - because I'd always heard/been told the same thing - if it's not changed on a regular basis then it's best leave it be.
 

Dannmann801

Dignitary Member
Supporting Member
10,640
191
Springboro
Digging a little deeper, I learned that they had actually did the initial change at 60K - I told them that if it was stripped or screwed up it was their doing, I don't get it serviced elsewhere - their service manager told me not to worry, if the pan needs replaced they would cover it. So I'm all good. I'm glad they did the right thing by me.

I hope that in 2031 she'll still be running like a top.
 

hickslawns

Dignitary Member
Supporting Member
39,721
248
Ohio
Digging a little deeper, I learned that they had actually did the initial change at 60K - I told them that if it was stripped or screwed up it was their doing, I don't get it serviced elsewhere - their service manager told me not to worry, if the pan needs replaced they would cover it. So I'm all good. I'm glad they did the right thing by me.

I hope that in 2031 she'll still be running like a top.

Great news! Sounds like you have a solid dealer you are working with as well. Hard to beat their offer. Plus, now that you know it was changed at 60k, it makes the 120k fluid change seem like a real good idea.
 

Jackalope

Dignitary Member
Staff member
38,841
260
Great to hear that they were willing to step up to the plate if they over tightened it to begin with. I was going to recommend bringing it home and putting some heat to it. When in doubt heat it up is my new motto.
 

MoonLab

Where we’re going, we don’t need roads.
Supporting Member
10,371
145
Tooville
bite the bullet and move forward. $500 somewhat scheduled repair is much cheaper in the long run. If that's the biggest complaint after 120,000 miles, you're still way ahead!

Could just pop right outa there once they quit being such a pussy. End up not costing you anything extra.

x 2...
 

MoonLab

Where we’re going, we don’t need roads.
Supporting Member
10,371
145
Tooville
Digging a little deeper, I learned that they had actually did the initial change at 60K - I told them that if it was stripped or screwed up it was their doing, I don't get it serviced elsewhere - their service manager told me not to worry, if the pan needs replaced they would cover it. So I'm all good. I'm glad they did the right thing by me.

I hope that in 2031 she'll still be running like a top.

Good to hear, dan
 

Dannmann801

Dignitary Member
Supporting Member
10,640
191
Springboro
So the dealer called me last night and it's all done - they did end up having to replace the pan....service writer said they actually had problems getting the pan off and broke two bolts, lawdy lawdy, glad I'm not on the hook for that.

Basically, I can say I'm very pleased with my Tundra and happy with the Toyota culture of service.
And I'm a little jealous of the cool paint job on CJD's Tundra