2008 HID bulb out with 49K miles

Friday night we go to the local dealer so he can document our failed drivers side HID bulb. I asked if he would replace it for free under Toyota's new extended 5 yr./50,000 mile HID warranty.Our car is a 2008 with 49,150 miles.

He says he is only aware of the the TSB for HID flickering and that there is only the 3yr./36K warranty. Says it will cost $150 for the bulb and $82.50 for labor. I have read elsewhere that some dealerships are replacing bulbs freonao cars under 50K.

I did receive Toyota's paperwork to reimburse for headlight ECU's replaced and for those who were charged $300 for the $150 bulbs.
Also received the claim form paperwork for the HID class action lawsuit, but that does say to mail in no later than May 30th, 2011.

I plan on calling Toyota Customer Service tomorrow and will try to get this bulb replaced at my local dealer for free as others have done.

I prefer not to pay the dealer approx. $250.00 and then have to send in a claim form and hope to receive a reimbursement. Any suggestions or similar experiences? Thanks.

 

Called Toyota Customer Service and they opened a case number.
Received a call from the dealer the same day and they confirmed that the HID system has a 5yr./50K warranty.

Brought my vehicle in and they replaced both bulbs under warranty. No charge.
I never would have called Toyota Customer Service if the assistant service manager I spoke to on my first visit had known about the HID warranty.

 

striker308,

You are correct. I do believe he knew about the new extended warranty but was just trying to get me to pay $250 which is more than the dealer would probably get for warranty work.

He was quick to pull up the service history and ask why the car has not been in since the 1st 5000mile oil change. I told him that I let the dealer do the 1st service and that I (ASE Certified Technician) have done all the remaining service as per the Toyota recommended maintenance schedule. By the way, they overfilled the oil on that 1st service.

He tried to sell me an Inverter coolant change. I said no thanks, not due yet.

He asked if they could do the floor mat/ accelerator pedal update. I said no thanks, floor mats are OEM Toyota all weather mats and are properly secured to the floor with plenty of clearance below the accelerator pedal. I told him that there is no problem there and that I don't need or want them to cut or shorten my pedal.

Finally, he asked if they could check my tire pressure. I told him no as I check and set mine at 42/40 once a month. He lined out that item on work order but the tech recorded that he set the tires to factory spec of 36/33?
The next morning I checked the tires cold and they were still 42/40. Wth!

Now I'm wondering if they lied about changing both headlight bulbs and just changed the failed drivers side. The repair order says both bulbs, but who knows, other than the tech who performed the work. Anyway, both bulbs now have a 12 month warranty.