Question for someone who works at a Toyota dealership

[ace_leroy]

I just got my '08 HL back from a service that involved removing the steering wheel. She is only a couple weeks old and had to unfortunately go in for an early surgery. All turned out well, but there are some small tool mark scratches on the one of the brushed nickel plastic pieces on the steering wheel. I have not yet called the dealer to complain, feel kind of petty, but the car is only a couple weeks old and that is the first scratch. Can just that piece be replaced? I don't want to force them to order me an entire new wheel, but if they can just swap out that piece I will ask them to.

Thanks!

[LifeTech]

I do not currently work at a Toy Dealer.

I have incurred similar Dealer damage at some point with my HL(cut leather on my steering wheel from dealer's car jockey holding a handful of keys while driving the car.) .

I can say that working as a tech many years back for a local Toy dealer that it was only prudent to point out the damage as soon as possible.

But, sometimes yu notice it the next day, etc. for whatever reason.

>>I would go to the parts dept. and ask about this damaged part. See if it is the whole Steering wheel as an assembly or just the part. Then walk over to the service manager and discuss it. I will tell yu that the steering wheel is probably close to around $600. Add about 1 hour labor minimum, and there yu go. Hopefully the trim is available separately. And, will probably be on backorder if I was to guess.

Yu must notify the Dealer asap about this problem.

I guess yu learned something as I have in the past....look over every part of the car for damage when yu pick it up.

Yu might be lucky and find the dealer will act in good faith to fix the damage. They just might be able to call it a defect under warranty since your HL is very new. That would be a stretch, but would help the dealer out and speed up the resolution.
Having worked for a dealer long ago, I have seen this and worse..


LT

[summerwind]

Opinion here...

Your comment regarding scratches on one of the silver pieces makes me believe that the piece prys off and the tech did not have the proper nylon trim removal tool and used a screw driver.

I agree with LifeTech that you should bring it to the attention of the service manager as soon as possible.

The service manager should take ownership of correcting the problem and order a replacement part.

It is highly unlikely they would have to replace the entire steering wheel.