Steering wheel/alignment questions

I would also make sure that after they do the alignment,they need to do what is called " Torque Sensor Zero Point Adjustment". If they look in the repair manual under Front Wheel Alignment,it will direct them to the steps to do. But their alignment tech or Prius tech should know about it. A couple other Toyota's I believe also get this when aligned,so it should not be a suprise to the tech(maybe the service writer/service manager would look at you funny tho,haha).

 

Your adjustment warranty period is 12 month / 12,000 miles. This does include ONE alignment. HOWEVER, on PDI, the dealer was responsible to check to see if the wheel was off center. If it was, Toyota would pay them to straighten and perform zero point calibration of the steering angle sensor before delivery. After delivery, any off center issue could be viewed by a dealer as customer pay because you "hit a pot hole or something".

My recommendation would be return to the selling dealer and hold them accountable for the off center condition. They may claim more than just an "off center" condition which would require and alignment and then could be covered under the warranty adjustment period. This really should not be an issue that ANY Toyota dealership would worry you about and risk an unsatisfied customer. As far as the steering angle sensor callibration, this is common on Toyotas now (any w/ VSC) and should not be a concern either.

 

It shouldn't make any difference if it has VSC or not on a Prius. It could be in line and just the steering wheel is off.

 

WOW, I'm amazed to find out that I'm entitled to a free alignment check. Since I studied the owners manual and warranty paperwork in detail and found nothing about that. What else are we entitled to that Toyota hasn't told us? Don't misunderstand I'm overjoyed with the car and have NO complaints.Unlike the earlier models, the 2005 offers no free services or repairs, except in warranty situations.

 

Andy:

There should be quite a few things they'll cover under the "adjustment" period: door alignment, headlight aim, wheel alignment, etc.

I always "white glove" a vehicle before taking possession to find anything at all. Even a nick on the paint, just to make sure I don't get into a "he said she said" situation.

Like how I drove down the highway with the sales guy who sold my Prius, commented on the steering wander, let him drive it, and back at the shop he immediately booked me for an alignment.

Or how when I drove down to the Twin Cities I discovered the badly misaimed headlights. I immediately informed the dealer and they took care of it.

A lot of folks would just ignore picky things like that. Consider that in your life you will probably spend more on cars than your home, better fix it pronto. It just makes sense.

 

Torque Sensor Zero Point Adjustment, which has to do with the electric power steering, is different from steering angle sensor callibration, which has to do with VSC. Two separate items, though an alignment that changes the steering wheel position would probably require both, assuming you have VSC, and only the TSZPA if you don't.

 

Mine was about 10 deg off and they aligned it satisfactorily when I brought it in for the first visit. In retrospect I would have waited a little longer as this counted as my only 'freebie'. Fortunately when I changed tires at 700 miles there was no problem and has not been one since to 28k mi.

 

Your wiper inserts are also cover 12 / 12 - Warning - don't go and ask for your "warranty wiper inserts" - You need to have a problem in order to get a warranty repair. The steering wheel off center, or pull / drift is a condition that warrants repair - and could be covered under the adustment period.