Lexus Service; LX570

[kickboxr99]

All, quick post just need to ask, for my peace of mind...

Today had 60k service performed at local Lexus (Performance Lexus - N of Cinci), and in addition to the 60k I had them perform a coolant exchange/flush.

Seemingly all was well until I returned home (approx 30 miles later), and noticed the coolant reservoir cap completely off - just hanging loose - and the coolant in the reservoir was above the 'F' line; dried coolant spots surrounding the area too.

Two questions:

1) anything to be concerned about?

2) Would y'all gripe about this considering I paid nearly $1k for service (thought I was paying premium for peace of mind).

Thanks so much, in advance!

 

[Fasternfaster]

I would complain. I have similar luck with my service. Each time they do something that makes me wonder how they keep their jobs.

 

[TonyP]

I would go back and talk to the service manager. You'd be surprised at the credentials (or lack thereof) that are required to become a service tech. Many/Most don't attend a specialized toyota school (T-TEN).

 

[kickboxr99]

Thanks, Gents; much appreciated...validates my thoughts too, and I certainly will discuss w/ the manager. Just so darn frustrating

 

[gaijin]

Seemingly all was well until I returned home (approx 30 miles later), and noticed the coolant reservoir cap completely off - just hanging loose - and the coolant in the reservoir was above the 'F' line; dried coolant spots surrounding the area too.

Two questions:

1) anything to be concerned about?

2) Would y'all gripe about this considering I paid nearly $1k for service (thought I was paying premium for peace of mind).

Thanks so much, in advance!

Two answers:

1) It's easy to pop the coolant resevoir cap back on, and the coolant level should be above the "F" line unless the engine is stone cold. After the engine cools completely, overnight completely, the fluid in the resevoir should be at the "F" line.

2) I would mention your observations to the service manager, but I would also pop the resevoir cap back on and take a damp cloth to the visible spots of dried coolant and not worry too much about it.

One comment:

This is a good example of why I do all my own routine maintenance. Not only is it a good opportunity tolearn more about my vehicle, it saves money and leaves me with a confidence that all the work is done properly and completely. I fully sympathize with those who can not or will not do their own work for a number of good reasons, and for those who are at the mercy of the dealer - or any other shop for that matter - then it is always a good idea to be clear and polite when pointing out shortcomings in their work.

HTH

 

[kickboxr99]

Two answers:

1) It's easy to pop the coolant resevoir cap back on, and the coolant level should be above the "F" line unless the engine is stone cold. After the engine cools completely, overnight completely, the fluid in the resevoir should be at the "F" line.

2) I would mention your observations to the service manager, but I would also pop the resevoir cap back on and take a damp cloth to the visible spots of dried coolant and not worry too much about it.

One comment:

This is a good example of why I do all my own routine maintenance. Not only is it a good opportunity tolearn more about my vehicle, it saves money and leaves me with a confidence that all the work is done properly and completely. I fully sympathize with those who can not or will not do their own work for a number of good reasons, and for those who are at the mercy of the dealer - or any other shop for that matter - then it is always a good idea to be clear and polite when pointing out shortcomings in their work.

HTH

Thanks, Gaijin, for the reply.

A lot of what I had done (diffs, oil/filter, brake fluid, etc...) I've done myself on my earlier lx450; however, with the AHC being an important component of the 60k (frankly me knowing enough to stay away from that one) coupled with lots of business travel it made the most sense to leave it with the dealer for the day (which admittedly should be OK).

Hindsight being what it is I'd have paid for the AHC & nothing else, and simply waited until I had a day or so to dedicate to the prev mx.

 

[LCHardriver_02]

I just received my LX back from my local dealer last night...

For future reference this is what I recommend:
1. Take the time when you pick the truck up to walk through with the tech writer to visually see where they worked on the truck. (Since mine was dealing with a steering system leak, I actually climbed underneath and ran my hand over the previous leaking area.)

2. Do NOT be OK with sub-par work. If you had opened up the hood and checked the levels per item 1, you would have caught this in front of the tech writer and asked them politely to clean up the mess and verify fluid levels. (I did this the first time they replaced my rack & pinion, only to find the power steering level below the cold level mark. I pointed this out to the tech writer. The next day it was back in for a second rack & pinion because the leak was even worse.)

3. Be OK with leaving the truck and having them fix any discrepancies, but always be polite. (There is a reason that Lexus gives free loaners. Take them up on it. You deserve it.)

4. Call them on their BS, if you are presented with an explanation that just doesn't seem right. Ask them to explain in detail so you could understand. (My tech writer tried to tell me that the power steering fluid would come up with the truck running... I started the truck... the fluid level did not move. Of course, it will move a bit based upon heat, but not as if it were going to just jump up an inch... He learned and I learned not to take everything he says at face value.)

5. Be your own advocate. Be OK with speaking up at the time of service or when you pick the vehicle up. (I've learned to expect at least 15 minutes of my time spent walking through the workorder in front of the truck and verifying each item... yes, the tech writers all know my name by now. I'm probably seen as a PIA, but that's ok by me.)

 

[Fasternfaster]

I just received my LX back from my local dealer last night...

For future reference this is what I recommend:
1. Take the time when you pick the truck up to walk through with the tech writer to visually see where they worked on the truck. (Since mine was dealing with a steering system leak, I actually climbed underneath and ran my hand over the previous leaking area.)

2. Do NOT be OK with sub-par work. If you had opened up the hood and checked the levels per item 1, you would have caught this in front of the tech writer and asked them politely to clean up the mess and verify fluid levels. (I did this the first time they replaced my rack & pinion, only to find the power steering level below the cold level mark. I pointed this out to the tech writer. The next day it was back in for a second rack & pinion because the leak was even worse.)

3. Be OK with leaving the truck and having them fix any discrepancies, but always be polite. (There is a reason that Lexus gives free loaners. Take them up on it. You deserve it.)

4. Call them on their BS, if you are presented with an explanation that just doesn't seem right. Ask them to explain in detail so you could understand. (My tech writer tried to tell me that the power steering fluid would come up with the truck running... I started the truck... the fluid level did not move. Of course, it will move a bit based upon heat, but not as if it were going to just jump up an inch... He learned and I learned not to take everything he says at face value.)

5. Be your own advocate. Be OK with speaking up at the time of service or when you pick the vehicle up. (I've learned to expect at least 15 minutes of my time spent walking through the workorder in front of the truck and verifying each item... yes, the tech writers all know my name by now. I'm probably seen as a PIA, but that's ok by me.)

That's great advice! Pretty obvious. Last time i had them do a second alignment, i had to take the car for a ride with their manager and he also drove it himself before i even came to pick it up since going to the dealer is out of my way.