80000km update The vehicle had gone for 80K servicing on Saturday.
80K is a major service. As usual, had a frustrating experience when going for the extras that a 4X4 needs - propeller shaft greasing, and front differential oil change.
I had to wait for 4 hours more than the promised time, to get things done. Toyota ASC folks are so busy servicing 2D vehicles, that they have forgotten what needs to be done for a 4WD.
Prop shaft greasing: the grease gun wasn't filled. The guys didn't even know where all the nipples are. I helped find 4 of them, not sure where the remaining two were. Then they tried to charge me a lot for the grease (about 4X of what I had been paying every 10k for the greasing). That led to another argument.
Front differential oil change: The service advisor had little clue about what needed to be done for differential oil change. Finally when I got hold of a 'senior' technician, he confidently said that the oil had been changed. I asked which one? He said the rear diff oil. What about the front diff? Not needed, they never do it!
Called the team leader, the customer relations lead, and finally the shop floor manager. None of them had a clue. I put my foot down, and said that if they don't do a proper job I want a written statement from them saying that front differential oil is not required to be changed for a 4X4 Fortuner. And that I will discuss that with Toyota. That made them perk up. They said that they will lift the vehicle again, and drain the front diff oil. Guderian's thread and images were of great help! (I had also texted Guderian and Manuuj to get their inputs in the middle of all this). The two protector sheets were removed from the front right, to access the draining and filling point. The oil that came out was blackish. Anyway, it all ended up well. 4 extra hours and the usual stress (arguments, escalation etc).
They tried to push alternator and starting motor overhaul, as well as the usual 3M stuff. I asked them whether anything was amiss with the alternator and starting motor. They ave a vague reply ("Saaar if you are not facing starting problems, then no need, but it is better to" etc.). I might still get them overhauled (preventive precaution) later. Any inputs, Fortuner and Innova long-term owners?
The broken floor mat clips got fixed this time. I had called 4 days before and told the ASC to get them without fail (and that since last two times they told me at the last moment that the part was out of stock, this time, if they don't get it and fix it in spite of me giving advance notice, I will take it up with Toyota).
I still have the old stepney. No dealer in Bangalore has Pirelli Scorpion ATR in stock. I have been trying to procure the 5th tyre for a while now.
Took the vehicle out for a night spin, to see if there was wobbling or steering pull after tyre rotation. I would have done 5 way rotation if I had 5 Pirellis, but was forced to do 4-way. Things seem to be ok.
The Bison is raring for another long drive. Let's see if I can get leave in Dec. |