TSB fixes and a diagnostic charge?

I was just at Toyota getting my 10K service and asked about the TSBs that could fix my transmission clunking at startup and hesitation in acceleration from a stop. They can update it for me but insist there’s a Toyota policy that they charge $250 for a diagnostic before they perform the TSBs. Anyone encounter this? I don’t want to pay $250 for something that should be covered under warranty.

 

fake news

 

Service manager chat would likely sort this right out.

 

usually minor adjustments the first 12m or 12k miles (or is it 10k miles) are free (its un written rule that some dealers dont follow).

i know on my last service call of the 6 tsb i had them check, they only did 1 (rear suspension needed adjustment) the other 5 didnt apply. they didnt charge me anything for the 1 tsb or to check that the other tsb applied.

 

Sounds like BS. Under 3yr 36 mile you can bring a symptom or problem you are having and they have to fix it. Most dealers want to duplicate concern while it is in their shop before fixing or performing TSB. There should be no diagnostic charge if covered under warranty. The exception is wearable parts like tires, belts, wipers, rotors and brake pads and alignments after 12 mo or 12k miles. I agree with @Adam B, talk with service manager to verify. The key is you have to have a problem to report a problem and get it documented in their service order or write up. Just because they can’t duplicate it doesn’t mean it isn’t happening. Good luck

PS you may need to switch to another Toyota dealer.

 

Lies, I visited my closest local dealer, told him the problems and the TSB numbers to apply and they set up an appointment and did them.
The tech complained he should have had the vehicle overnight to observe the cold start noise and acceleration problem.
But the service guy said to just do it. (I knew what I was talking about is what he told him)
No charge, and I didn’t even buy the truck there.
(I had purchased 2 others there)
As others said, call them on the BS charge or go elsewhere.

 

Thanks for the feedback folks. Sounds like y’all agree that the charge is nonsense. When I go back I’m going to explain to the service manager why I’m not going to pay for a diagnostic. I view these TSBs as an acknowledged problem by Toyota and completely expect the dealership to fix, especially on a truck with only 8k miles!

 

If they want to keep it overnight to witness the cold start clunk, ask them what tundra they will provide as a loaner .

 

software tsb are easy money really for the tech, just let the laptop run the tsb update and go work on another vehicle. some of the those software updates can take hours to run depending on how slow the connection is with TIS system backend.