So now that you have had the FJ Cruiser for a few weeks/months.....

[Zack1978]

Originally Posted by k_os

It appears so, right now I am in the process of debating my case with toyota headquarters. They have been a bit more helpful and willing to hear my concerns that the damn dealership.

1) Why would you advertise a 4x4 and then when people use it off the road, it fails and then you don't cover it

2) I don't know if you put a V6 camry alternator in there. If you plan on have the "legend reborn" please take care of these things.

3) Their first argument was that I submerged the alternator in muddy water. I made them take out the alternator to check out the water line.. guess what there was none. Then they changed it around and said that mud/water was splattered by the fan into the alternator. To which I responded well then that's your fault for designing a 4x4 like a asphalt queen you should expect this to happen.

So far the dealership takes me for an idiot and wants me to fork over $800. So I stopped dealing with them and went somehow got a hold of Toyota's Headquarters Costumer relations districs manager. And told him about my history. He's going to talk with the dealership tomorrow morning and call me back. I'll keep you guys posted

Any new info on the Alt front?

Zack

[dmmi]

Originally Posted by k_os

only one complaint... do something about an alternator... I frequent off road places (mostly farms) and I do go through mild mud and what not. So my alternator gave in, and now the dealer doesn't want to cover it.. becuase I took the truck off road. So you make 4x4 vehicles that can't go off road? I don't think you'd be needing a rear locking differential and off road traction control on pavement. I'm fighting for this one as we speak.

I had an '05 Tacoma with the same engine and used it for field work.... mud, snow, small swamps etc. it had the same engine, no problems.

This is obviously a warranty issue.

By the way, when I traded it for an FJC I told them what I did with it and what I was going to do with the FJC (leasing), and no problems.

Take it to a different dealer or something. I used to rebuild alternators for 3 years and there is something wrong i.e. WARANTY!!!

[SATXChelus]

Ok, I got a new dislike...no map lights! I didn't think about this one until I reached up to turn them on one night and there was nothing there!

[Butsu]

Ok, I have had my FJC for 2 weeks and here are my thoughts so far:

Likes:
-The feel of the ride in general - smooth, extraordinary steering and turning radius for a vehicle that size. Solid and safe - feels like it can take on any road.
-The body style is phenominal - classic and modern looking at the same time - not an easy thing to pull off successfully. It looks like a fun truck to drive...and it is indeed.
-Sounds like a truck, but not too burly for it's own good.
-Comfortable seats and solid interior design. Rubber floor is just plain smart.
-Dig on the dash layout and controls - very utilitarian and sporty - all adding up to fun and adventureous.
-Better than expected factory stereo system with sub in the back and speakers in the ceiling - offering a very unique experience for such a vehicle - makes me not want to get to my destination too quickly.
-Peoples reactions to the FJ are fun to see 95% positive. The other 5% are insecure or jealous in nature.

Dislikes:
-Coming up from a VW Golf the MPG is kind of a bummer - but I am dealing with it.
- Blind spot factor is more prevailant in the FJC, but again just takes getting used to.
-Sun visors are worthless when the afternoon sun hits the left side of my face.
-Kind of bummed that hitting the Random Track button on the stereo only randomizes tracks within chosen CD or Folder - would be nice if it randomized all tracks on all disks and folders...and quickly too....I'm probably asking a lot with this one.
-Wish parking sonar applied to the front of the vehicle as well.
-More compartmental storage would be nice too - in the back as well.


So that's. I truely have nothing but love for my FJC. I am very happy that I made the choice to get one - it refreshed a part of me that is good to see again...

[jazzkenpo]

I have about 3k miles on my FJC. Just got back from OC MD. While I was there it rained a little, nothing major, just a few showers and one thunderstorm for the whole week. My fiancee went to get some money out of the FJC (under the passenger side floor mat , since our camper door might as well not have a lock on it) and it was soaking wet. There was 1/4 inch of water on the floor front and back. After cleaning that up we loaded up our son and his cousin in the Cruiser to go to dinner and our son noticed water dripping in from the center spar where the doors come together. By the end of the week, the ceiling liner - front to back at the doors, and the floors were totally soaked. You can actually see a water line where the liner was wet. Had a storm come through here yesterday and I had the same thing this morning. I'm taking it to the dealer on Friday to see what kind of run around I'll get from them. They want to take a look at it and see if they can "recreate" the situation. I'm not holding my breath after reading about the alternator problems and the dealerships.





Yuhri

[Zack1978]

Originally Posted by jazzkenpo

I have about 3k miles on my FJC. Just got back from OC MD. While I was there it rained a little, nothing major, just a few showers and one thunderstorm for the whole week. My fiancee went to get some money out of the FJC (under the passenger side floor mat , since our camper door might as well not have a lock on it) and it was soaking wet. There was 1/4 inch of water on the floor front and back. After cleaning that up we loaded up our son and his cousin in the Cruiser to go to dinner and our son noticed water dripping in from the center spar where the doors come together. By the end of the week, the ceiling liner - front to back at the doors, and the floors were totally soaked. You can actually see a water line where the liner was wet. Had a storm come through here yesterday and I had the same thing this morning. I'm taking it to the dealer on Friday to see what kind of run around I'll get from them. They want to take a look at it and see if they can "recreate" the situation. I'm not holding my breath after reading about the alternator problems and the dealerships.





Yuhri

WOW this sucks! I hope they help you!

Zack

[jazzkenpo]

I just got back from the dealer. The roof rack was not installed properly. One of the bolts was cross-threaded and not seating properly. They ran the bolt through a die and retapped the hole, resealed the rackmount and hopefully they fixed the problem. I was assured (almost like assume) that there would be no rust problems because of the short amount of time that it was wet, but we'll see. They said if the water leaves a mark on the headliner they would replace but I should wait a few days to see how it dries and if the leak is fixed. On a cheerier note, my tires are not the ones that Toyota thinks they might have a problem with - check with your dealer about this non-recall.




Yuhri

[greytandy]

Originally Posted by jazzkenpo

One of the bolts was cross-threaded and not seating properly.

And after installing that baby myself, take them at their word that it's very easy to cross-thread those bolts. I'm glad it was a simple solution and everything worked out.

[k_os]

The dealer refused to fix the alternator under warranty so I just took it apart and bathed it in engine degreaser for a night and another night in WD40. Put it back on and it worked flawlessly.

I spent $12 dollars on 8 bottles of engine degreaser and about $20 in WD40 plus about 4 hours of work. I took it back to the dealer to ask them if that wasn't a design flaw and they still had the balls to tell me that it was my fault for put it in mud. Even the parts guy agreed with me. Greedy toyota, last new car I buy from any make. Since the "warranty" you offer is no good, might as well buy an used car.

[greytandy]

Originally Posted by k_os

The dealer refused to fix the alternator under warranty so I just took it apart and bathed it in engine degreaser for a night and another night in WD40. Put it back on and it worked flawlessly.

I spent $12 dollars on 8 bottles of engine degreaser and about $20 in WD40 plus about 4 hours of work. I took it back to the dealer to ask them if that wasn't a design flaw and they still had the balls to tell me that it was my fault for put it in mud. Even the parts guy agreed with me. Greedy toyota, last new car I buy from any make. Since the "warranty" you offer is no good, might as well buy an used car.

Have you tried to contact Toyota directly? Maybe customer relations? Dealers don't give a crap about anything but making money. They won't touch warranty work if there's even a hint that Toyota will not reimburse them. Besides, Toyota reimburses at a rate less than you would, so it's in their best interest to make you pay. I absolutely agree, if the vehicle is marketed as offroad, it should be treated as such when there's an obvious failure.

[hammer1]

i agree. contact the local regional sales/service department and raise hell.
believe me, it will work wonders. the last thing they want is a non-repeat customer.
i had a wheel bearing problem with a 1989 toy picku p, and after three or four times back to the dealer, where i could see them rolls their eyes when i was walking through the door, i called the regional office. the next day, the service manage from the dealer sheepishly called me, apologized over and over again, sent some one to pick up my truck, and give me a free loaner. it was in the shop for two weeks, most of the time waiting for some one from another dealer who had seen the problem before to come and fix it. in the mean time , i beat the hell out of the isuzu they gave me.
finally fixed it, and gave me a coupon for 500 bucks off a new car purchase, which i gave my mother.
i was happy, thats why i still deal with them. 26 years of buying cruiser parts, and i am finally buying my new fj from them.
the even call me "mr. when i go in. have not been called mister so much since i was arrested ( not convicted ) of illegal dumping in another persons dumpster.

[rfjtoy]

got the b-off code but the seat belt chime still rings for the drivers seat at startup? suggestions?

[k_os]

I contacted Toyota Customer Relations before even bitching to the managers at the dealer. I even got to talk with the District manager for my region.

I alredy fixed it myself. I know the lost some money. While I was waiting for my car to be checked. I got a beach chair and sat infront of the FJCruisers and told every living soul about my problem and go take their business elsewhere. One of the salesman tried to tell me that I couldn't sit there, and I really wanted to rock him in the face but I just said my vehicle is being worked on inside and I can sit where I please. He said I'll go check on your vehicle. If he would've came back one bloody salesperson and I'd probably have assault charges by now.

I love toyota's reliability(I've owned Toyota vehicle all my life) but I hate dealerships. Last new car I buy from any dealer. There's still a little voice inside me that says "Should've dumped the $30k in the 40" muahhaha.. ugh.

[inthewall]

Dislike: Just noticed today There is a small area under rear wheel wells that holds mud and gravel. In the future I can see this causing rust and tearing out the lower door plastic . Its located in rear wheelwell near front. I might have to do a mod. I wish I didnt throw away trimmed plastic from allpro bumper install! I might be able to rivet it in there.

[Runner Ryan]

I have the same problem. I grab a handful of rocks every time I wash it. I just plan to cut out the bottom of that little pocket, so they don't gather.

[inthewall]

That might work. I am going to work on this problem this weekend. It should be pretty easy whatever I decide to do.

[Brazenhead]

Let us know how it goes, since all of us that have taken it in the mud have the same problem.

[Blues Dawg]

One . A group here in AZ went on a run last month with the Toyota Trails team. Several FJs beached themselves on a rock and bent rear links. The rear link is some relatively thin welded tube and apparently not up to impact or supporting the weight of the FJ. Several fix options are out there, including beefier aftermarket links and reinforcing the existing link with a piece of angle.

[inthewall]

I also heard someone is making them adjustable to relieve pressure on lifted rear suspension. I cant remember whos doing it .Anyone Know?????????????

[inthewall]

Has anyone on toyota trail teams had a problem with inner fender liner coming apart. That cubby whole under rear fenders on mine is jammed with dirt and rocks. It looks like its going to get seperation near the plastic rocker guard if I dont figure out a fix!
Toyota should fix this on next year models.

[Brazenhead]

Originally Posted by inthewall

Has anyone on toyota trail teams had a problem with inner fender liner coming apart. That cubby whole under rear fenders on mine is jammed with dirt and rocks. It looks like its going to get seperation near the plastic rocker guard if I dont figure out a fix!
Toyota should fix this on next year models.

Even if they do fix it on next years model you'll still have this years.

[TrAiLbUs1]

Originally Posted by inthewall

I also heard someone is making them adjustable to relieve pressure on lifted rear suspension. I cant remember whos doing it .Anyone Know?????????????

IH8MUD.com ~ Toyota Tech Resource > TLCAforum.com > Clubhouse Corner > AZ- Copper State Cruisers FJ Crusier Lower Links
there is info on these I believe there.

I dislike that the sun visor does not block the sun from your left side at all, or for that matter the passenger side either, and I'm short as hell. Where were the engineers for this mishap, now it's totally useless. My old ZR2 blazer had an adjustable visor that extended to cover that area(genius GM), I'm wanting to mod my vehicle w/ one, just wondering if it's possible . Tucson,AZ sun is unbearable glare, so this really gets me pissed.

[Blues Dawg]

Originally Posted by inthewall

I also heard someone is making them adjustable to relieve pressure on lifted rear suspension. I cant remember whos doing it .Anyone Know?????????????

To make it easier to find, go to www.sonoransteel.com and email steve for info. These are heavy duty rear links with rubicon superflex ends replacing the OEM rubber. I was the test vehicle, they fit great with no noticiable ride change, but I won't get to put 'em to the rock test till later this month

[turk]

Originally Posted by k_os

It's appeartly low enough to get splashed by the mud/water that the fan kicks all over the place.. I haven't paid one dime.. and I don't plan to. I didn't buy a corolla or a sienna. I bought something with a rear locking differential and off road traction control. Last time I checked you don't need those in the pavement.

Seems that they are trained to say that right away! I had the same problem with B. F. Goodrich. I took my truck in for inspection and I not the dealer found a bubble in between the ride wall tread of one of my tires. The dealer sent me to the local B.F. Goodrich shop. They in turn pulled the tire shoved a screwdriver through the tire from back to front to show me where it was the proceeded to tellme it was an impact mark. The said I must have hit a curb or something and that it was not covered. I bought thqt for a minute but then cou ntered with , you sell a product designed to be used off road in other than average conditions but bumping a curb( wihich incidently did not happen) and you say it's not covered. I hadf to e-mail the main office and express my disatisfaction. I was told to mail the tire to them for inspection and if it was a issue with the tire they would sent me payment minus the use already on the tire. funny but the shop threw the tire away , replaced it with my spare and even had the nerve to charge me. Finally I didn't get a new tire or my money back for the tire swap. So I will never purchase a BFG product again.

[Lovey]

I've only had mine two weeks.

Some annoying things I know I'll get used to are:
Could use another interior light near rear view mirror.
View out back while towing. Cant see my boat til its sideways.

I'm just getting used to it so I figure the towing will be old hat a few more times.
Just like any other vehicle I've owned.

Other than that I'm pretty happy with it.

[danno67]

i just bought my fj 1 month ago....love it! runs great.... handles great. great on the hi way, and in the rain. couldn't be happier....

dislikes.....driver side visor..........mirror on passenger visor

[Zack1978]

Anything new to report?


Zack

[Warren Peck]

Well, after a round-trip from DC to Corpus Christi, Texas (over 1600 Miles each way), and another one to Georgia, with now over 17,000 miles and 2 noticable dings/dents on "The Beast", I can say that there ar