[jhilgeman]

Hi,
My engine started overheating, so I took it to Jiffy Lube for an oil change, then shortly after, the engine started smoking and transmission fluid was sprayed all over the rear of the vehicle (I was on the freeway when we first noticed the smoke).

Towed the car back to the nearest dealership (in Las Vegas), who said that the transmission fluid was filled up too much or something and charged me $250 to flush it and refill it and clean up the mess. Then they did a road test and said it was still overheating, and started rattling off something about torque and a stater (stator?) and something about not locking and backspinning. I really don't know the first thing about cars - I'm a computer tech, not an auto mechanic, so it's all kind of gibberish to me.

Anyways, they basically said I need a new transmission and they'd charge $4,200 for the part, $98 for another diagnostic, and whatever the cost of service/labor was to put in the new part. I ended up deciding to ship the car to Utah where I have a contact that works for an auto garage and he said he might be able to do it for $2,500.

This was just all out of the blue, though, and now I got a letter in the mail about reprogramming the ECM or something. Can anyone offer me some advice here? Is the ECM issue linked to my problem? Am I getting screwed by Toyota, and if so, is there anything I can do about it? The car is a 2001, 4-cylinder Highlander with just over 51,000 miles on it. Never had any serious trouble before and always did regular service on it, although I don't have an extended warranty for it.

Any help would be appreciated. Thank you!

 

[kcidmil]

and started rattling off something about torque and a stater (stator?) and something about not locking and backspinning.

That would be your Torque Converter. There's a impeller, stator, and turbine inside. You can look up how it all works on the how it works website.

BUT... basically if that is shot, you more than likely don't need a whole new transmission, especially if you're driving down the road. And if transimission was "spraying" fluid all over the back of the engine, that sounds more like a broken line than just the torque converter locked up.

I would definitely get a second opinion on what is wrong. $4200 is a lot of money to fork up, especially if you don't need the whole transmission. You've already got the car out of the "stealership" so you're at a better position already.


The ECM reprogram is a service that will be covered by Toyota, and should not cost you a dime.

(P.S. for those that might get offended at my "stealership" comment, I am a ASE certified mechanic in both areas of Light and Heavy Duty vehicles and spent 2 years working on automatic transmissions. I'm no way the "absolute" expert on them, but I can tell you something smells fishy. A good service department will explain everything that is wrong)

 

[LifeTech]

kcidmil, beat me to the punchline....I could not have said it any better.
ditto.
He is dead on.:tu:


LT

 

[ddvk]

Wait a minute, when did you actually buy the car, you should be covered under 6yr/60,000 power train warranty. Check that out and let Toyo NA know about your problem, have them document the problem!!

 

[LifeTech]

Last I heard, 3year-36mos engine/drive train was for Toyotas . Lexus got the 6 year-60mos.

Can someone else verify this?
LT

 

[ddvk]

Last I heard, 3year-36mos engine/drive train was for Toyotas . Lexus got the 6 year-60mos. LT

Power train warranty is 6yr/60K miles, pl. take the vehicle to the stealership and log the problem into their computers.. Its after that you can deal with the dealership/Toyo NA/yourself as to who will pitch in the repairs.!!!

I have never heard of 3yr/36K powertrain warranty for any vehicle!!

 

[42GAMI]

I have never heard of 3yr/36K powertrain warranty for any vehicle!!

then you havent been to hawaii for awhile. servco pacific nazis only offer a 3/36 out the door.

oh, and servco has a monopoly on all toyota/lexus products in the state of hawaii. :td:

 

[LifeTech]

Last I heard, 3year-36mos engine/drive train was for Toyotas . Lexus got the 6 year-60mos.

Can someone else verify this? MY BAD:td:

I will correct myself...I forgot we are talking about a drivetrain issue.
Yu should be covered hopefully with a 5yr/60mos.
LT

Warranty Information | Toyota Owners

LT

 

[ddvk]

Too late jhilgeman, you will have to pitch it out of ur pocket. 60 months =5 yrs (my math skills are getting really bad)