Fortuner Servicing

[PETERTHEEATER]

As stated in another thread, I recently had a 40,000 km service carried out by my local Toyota agent.

The maintenance schedule requires that a number of items are replaced at this inspection. Engine oil, gearbox oil, diff oil, brake fluid, oil filter, air filter and spark plugs.

Although the service is free under the warranty, the owner pays for the replacement items. I discussed the replacements with the service staff and pointed out the 'R' items in the maintenance schedule to ensure that there was no misunderstanding. It took two pretty girls and one male service rep 10 minutes to produce the invoice printout for my approval. i signed and the work went ahead.

I watched the mechanic carry out the service from the comfort of the customer viewpoint and noted that he was not given a new air filter or spark plugs so I trotted back to the desk and asked why.

The lovely lady said that new spark plugs were not required because diesel engines did not require them. I agreed but pointed out that my vehicle was a petrol engine version. Startled stares were exchanged between staff. Lovely lady # 2 went out back and returned saying that they could not replace the plugs because they did not have any. I expressed surprise that such a common item was not available and said that they should order them and I would bring the vehicle in again to change them. More surprised looks exchanged between staff. Lovely lady # 3 goes out back, returns after 5 minutes smiling to say that the plugs did not need to be replaced because they were 'platinum' type that would last 100,000 kms. OK says I, but if I have a problem I shall expect FOC replacements under the warranty.

Next I queried why the Air Filter had not been replaced. The service rep waas adamant that it only needed cleaning at 40k and replace at 60k. I pointed out the 'R' at 40k in the Thai language Owners handbook but he said it was an improved item.

The mechanic also failed to lubricate the prop shafts and had to hoist the car again to do the job after I pointed out the omission.

They did rotate the wheels as I requested and fixed a slow leak in one tyre that has been there from new. Also, surprise, surprise, the correct air pressure was put in the tyres and the wheels nuts were correctly torqued. However, they did not drop the spare (the mechanic topped it up from under the car) even though written on the work order in Thai was and instruction to do so because I had complained that the winch was locked solid.

The staff said that this was the second Fortuner they had looked at with the spare wheel winch siezed. Two mechanics heaving with all their strength using the joke extension provided in the car tool kit eventually freed it with a sharp crack. I got them to drop the wheel completely and wind out the chain then lubricate it with grease before winding it back in. I checked it again myself yesterday and was able to operate the winch but only after I had drilled a hole through one extension piece so that I could positively lock it to the hooked extension by putting a nut and bolt right through it.

I shall be interested in hearing other owners experiences with their Toyota agents.

Also, can anyone with a new Fortuner (and an English language handbook) confirm that the replacement period for spark plugs and air filter has been extended?

[Nordlys]

Also, can anyone with a new Fortuner (and an English language handbook) confirm that the replacement period for spark plugs and air filter has been extended?

My English owner's manual printed in March 2006 (4th edition, in pp. 230 - 231) shows the service interval of both the air cleaner filter and spark plugs of gasoline engine Fortuner as 40,000 km on odometer reading, with R indicator (R being replace, change of lubricate).

Edited August 19, 2006 by Nordlys

[Bung]

This really makes you wonder why you bother! Better to buy the parts and have the satisfaction at knowing the job was done right by yourself.

The last service I had there was a oily smudge on the fender from where they put their "protective" mat. mai pen rai I thought, it will come off when I wash it but when I did I noticed quite a bit of scratching and was suitably miffed. Obviously it had oil on it and was tossed into a corner where it picked up the dirt and waited for the next mug to come along.

You really need to be watching the whole process and get up them each time.

I say again. Why do you bother?

[PETERTHEEATER]

This really makes you wonder why you bother! Better to buy the parts and have the satisfaction at knowing the job was done right by yourself.

The last service I had there was a oily smudge on the fender from where they put their "protective" mat. mai pen rai I thought, it will come off when I wash it but when I did I noticed quite a bit of scratching and was suitably miffed. Obviously it had oil on it and was tossed into a corner where it picked up the dirt and waited for the next mug to come along.

You really need to be watching the whole process and get up them each time.

I say again. Why do you bother?

The only reason that I don't do it myself is that the vehicle is under warranty until 100,000 kms (or 36 months) and the warranty is invalid unless the periodic maintenance is done by a Toyota accredited agent. When it goes in at 50,000 I shall have them replace the plugs and air filter. My usage has reduced now so I might hit the calendar backstop first.

My wife's YARIS had only done 4800 kms when it hit the 6 month calendar backstop. The same agent said that the service was not required until the vehicle reached 10,000 kms so I asked if they would give me a written warranty waiver to cover it. Of course not! So, the service was done. I don't make the rules, Toyota does and I accepted the warranty terms when the vehicles were purchased.

I shall still be interested in other posters experiences with their agent.

[PETERTHEEATER]

Also, can anyone with a new Fortuner (and an English language handbook) confirm that the replacement period for spark plugs and air filter has been extended?

My English owner's manual printed in March 2006 (4th edition, in pp. 230 - 231) shows the service interval of both the air cleaner filter and spark plugs of gasoline engine Fortuner as 40,000 km on odometer reading, with R indicator (R being replace, change of lubricate).

Thanks N,

the Thai language handbook states the same.

[Plus]

Which Toyota was it, Peter? Is it in Bangkok or upcountry?

[chuchok]

If you really want the car to last, replace the oil and filter every 30thou...without fail.by doing this it could/should increase the life of your moter.

[Bung]

The only reason that I don't do it myself is that the vehicle is under warranty until 100,000 kms (or 36 months) and the warranty is invalid unless the periodic maintenance is done by a Toyota accredited agent.

Your right of course, I forgot to mention that. They have you buy the balls until the warranty finishes. And worse is the fact that getting it serviced anywhere else would be a bigger disaster.

All you can do is make sure they understand exactly what you want done - in writing on the invoice, which they can show you before they start - and then keep an eye on them that they actually do it.

I went and checked my prop shaft grease points after posting yesterday and guess what? Dry as a bone!

[PETERTHEEATER]

Which Toyota was it, Peter? Is it in Bangkok or upcountry?

The agent that I use is in Hua Hin, recently opened so they haven't yet got the hi-tech diagnostic bay open (it's being installed) and, presumably, the mechanics are gaining experience.

I forgot to mention that the dealer in BKK from which I bought the car gave me a written extended warranty which upped the periods by 5k each. Snag is, the extended warranty is only valid if the the car is serviced by the agent who issues it!. I'm not about to do a round trip 500 km trip each time I need a service!

I have used a main agent in BKK (Ram Indra) and they provided excellent service. There is no reason why the provincial agents should not do the same, they just need time and guidance.

[PETERTHEEATER]

If you really want the car to last, replace the oil and filter every 30thou...without fail.by doing this it could/should increase the life of your moter.

I agree. Oil and filters are the cheapest way to keep the engine clean and promote long life. I have the engine oil and filter replaced every 10k even though I am a gentle driver. Air filter should be good for 40k but more frequently if you drive in dusty conditions.