Oil change panel dn under broken

Has anyone who had the engine under cover replaced via the TSB noticed any difference in the hinge on the "oil change door"? Is the plastic beefier? Is there a real hinge now?

Inquiring minds want to know...

 

Check your VIN against the following, to see if your vehicle is pre-production change.

Tsutsumi No.1 Line---JTDKN3DU#A0178517
Tsutsumi No.2 Line---JTDKN3DU#A1214667
Toyota Auto Body ---JTDKN3DU#A5164846

 

The number after the "A" is the plant number. The number after that one is the one you should check to see if it is higher than the ones on the TSB.

For instance, if your VIN starts with JTDKN3DU#A0 and if the following number is the same or higher than 178517 then you already have the fix.

I wonder what's changed?

 

Anytime Geeter. Let us know how it goes, I am going to bring in this TSB within the next week. Wish me luck! Although, I hope I don't need it.

Others have said it is improved. I'll let you know what I think after I have the TSB preformed. Either way, I don't think this new hinge will fair like the previous one.

I understand that part, but I was confused as far as the plant/numbering goes. I got it now. Thanks!

Hokeysmoke, thank you! I understand it now. Turns out, I am eligible for this TSB. I'm going to bring it in within the next week when I get my tires rotated to see if they'll check it out for me. I appreciate your insight. You wonder what's changed regarding the new panel? Apparently it wont break after a couple of oil changes like the other one used to.

 

I am wondering if there are any mechanical changes, or if it's simply a material change.

 

So good news here................

I took the car into another local Toyota dealership. They put it on the lift and within minutes ordered the new panel under warranty. I am glad this will get taken care of finally.

I hope the new one has a little better design than my current one.

 

Going to the dealer today and see if they will replace mine... not that I need it.

 

I went to my dealer yesterday with the TSB in hand. They simple asked me: "is it warped?" I said "I don't know for sure". Then explained why and how this should be replaced. He didn't do anything else further with the TSB.. Meh.. Whatever.

 

Try another dealer like I did. Who knows?

 

I went to my local Toyota Dealer.

So far, I believe, nobody in this forum as actually seen this new panel.

I may be wrong but the new panel may be a solid piece with no inspection door for oil drain nut and oil filter.

Now, if this is true you will have to remove the entire panel to gain access
to the oil drain nut and oil filter. This will be a pain in the neck when
changing the oil.

al

 

And?

A few might have, namely the ones earlier in this thread that got it changed.

True. Well it's actually not that much harder. But: how exactly did you glean that it's a redesign, without service door, LOL.

My hunch: it's identical. Same shape, same material. I may be wrong

 

This is actually the approved method used in the repair manual. It makes no mention of the "oil change door." It says to remove the entire panel when changing the oil. Why? I'm not sure.

 

So, if one of our forum members has the new panel
could you please let us know if the inspection door for the
oil drain plug and oil filter are still there.

alfon

 

Hey, sorry for my tone, it was out of line.

 

Mendel, its OK, thank you.

alfon

 

The new part came in so I am going next week for installation. I will talk to the service manager about its "improved function".

 

See post #12 in the below thread for my positive experience at the dealer and a comparison between the new and old engine undercover.

http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-iii...ubleshooting/94010-tsb-oil-change-door-2.html

If a dealer is giving you a hassel about getting the new undercover, I would take that as an opportunity to take your business to another dealer. This is a pretty small warranty-covered item for which the dealer is reimbursed by Toyota. Dealers should not be giving owners a hard time on this one. Of course, dealership personnel are human just like everyone else and respond better when they are approached with courtesy and respect.

 

Got the new panel today. It looks pretty similar to the old one.