Shel_B
Site Donor 2023
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What is the flashlight test?
Toyota used wrong oil filter, how bad is it?
- Thread starter Yota94
- Start date
I was being facetious in a silly way regarding oil sneaking around the filter. Threads on this.
Wow! This confirms my suspicion of dealer service dept inferiority.
I could (almost) understand the mistake for some models (e.g., Lexus IS250) where the book indicates both the longer A3/A5 filter and the shorter A1 filter, but the 2022 4Runner only specs the longer filter, so no excuse for this.
At least it was a relatively benign mistake, and a good reason to avoid them like the plague for future repairs!
I could (almost) understand the mistake for some models (e.g., Lexus IS250) where the book indicates both the longer A3/A5 filter and the shorter A1 filter, but the 2022 4Runner only specs the longer filter, so no excuse for this.
At least it was a relatively benign mistake, and a good reason to avoid them like the plague for future repairs!
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And so the dealership can pass on to the oil change guys that they are using the wrong filter at least in that case, and to watch closer what the correct oil filter is. Could be happening to others getting service there too.
You must have missed all the threads about internal air gaps being tested by a flashlight. Doesn't apply to cartridge filters, only spin-ons.
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There was no charge or record of the oil change, it almost had to be the wrong car was picked. They did an oil change but the owner didn’t ask for one. If the order shows a car that takes the shorter filter, they used it without thinking something is wrong. Sometimes a tech will be chastised for asking too many questions or not making every job a quick and done, “creating problems.” If it wasn’t an owner with knowledge it would have gone unnoticed.
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I think bypass is at the bottom of the cap? Toyota doesn’t want to hear about the flashlight test. To mention it at corporate, the employee would be a “trouble maker.”
I was really kidding. Like a giant gap!
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I understood it that way too. So it’s a bypass filter of sorts, maybe it filters better. Oil so clean you can resell it. Tech knew this.
Wow, so obvious incorrect cartridge used. WT Heck. Shameful service experience here, imo more so for a dealer. For me, I would go back and show them exactly what you found and to share your dissatisfaction with the service. I'd also mention that they have not earned your trust for future service. What you do going forward, your call. Easily understandable if you don't go back.
All that said, agreeing with some others, I don't believe a significant issue here with the 750 mile oci/fci and the shorter cartridge. But, I don't believe it's the same as using a shorter consolidated 'spin on' filters which quick lubes often do , eg 6607 for 7317. There, just a matter of holding capacity, and in a well maintained vehicle not an issue.
All that said, agreeing with some others, I don't believe a significant issue here with the 750 mile oci/fci and the shorter cartridge. But, I don't believe it's the same as using a shorter consolidated 'spin on' filters which quick lubes often do , eg 6607 for 7317. There, just a matter of holding capacity, and in a well maintained vehicle not an issue.
They likely won't add a note to your record as you didn't bring the car back to have the service redone.
You might try to pry the cost of you (re)doing the OC but good luck. I would have a sit down with the service manager (not writer) and bring your r.o. form the service with you and photos of the incorrect filter insert. This is sloppy on so many fronts. Good luck.
You might try to pry the cost of you (re)doing the OC but good luck. I would have a sit down with the service manager (not writer) and bring your r.o. form the service with you and photos of the incorrect filter insert. This is sloppy on so many fronts. Good luck.
As long as you got full oil flow, which could be assumed you did if no oil pressure light came on, I wouldn't worry about unfiltered oil. These filters operate in the bypass mode a lot anyway during cold starts, so I would not lose sleep over it.
I'd raise hell, as it's very likely fine, you didn't spend $50K + on a vehicle that you expect to last 300K + miles so some ignorant untrained monkey could potentially **** it up like that. If the service manager says it's fine, ask why Toyota bothers putting an oil filter in 'em in the first place, along with every other manufacturer since the 50s.
I'd try for something out of 'em, not sure what, but at least something.
I'd try for something out of 'em, not sure what, but at least something.
I called corporate and filed a case with them. They ultimately gave me another 2 years on my warranty so I’ll have a 5yr/60k warranty on the drivetrain now. I guess it’s better than nothing but if any debris got into bearing due to undiluted oil flowing through the engine, I don’t think I’ll see an premature failures or wear until well past 60k miles. I bought the car for its legendary reliability and really have been pretty upset over the whole situation. Trying to remind myself that in all likelihood, there was no harm done but that’s easier said than done.
