Toyota RAV4 Forums banner
Cancel
Create thread New Garage Forums

RAV4 Hybrid 30,000 mile service

Jump to Latest
1 - 20 of 46 Posts

njchivers1

· Registered
Joined
·
2 Posts
Discussion starter · #1 ·
I just took my vehicle in for a 25,000 mile service (wheels rotated), and paid for the alignment $159.95. (last time alignment was done 11 months ago)
I have recently changed the cabin and engine filter myself. Next service is 30,000 miles. The dealership says my charges will be Fuel Air Induction "cleaning" $189.95, Balance tires $35, Rear Differential service $150. Does this look correct? Anything else i should be aware of?
 
#2 ·
The vehicle maintenance schedule should be in owners manual and is available on Toyotas web site, not dealers. Anything other than what is listed on schedule is a complete waste of money. Your being fleeced! You tell them exactly what you want done according to schedule and what it cost before giving them the keys. Personally I would bring it elsewhere.
 
#3 ·
Hi I agree with Robert to stick with what’s listed in the owners manual. I’m concerned with need for a new wheel alignment after a recent one 11 months ago and tire balance. I have a 2022 and so far it has been running straight with no need for an alignment or tire balancing.
 
#4 ·
njchivers1 said:
I just took my vehicle in for a 25,000 mile service (wheels rotated), and paid for the alignment $159.95. (last time alignment was done 11 months ago)
I have recently changed the cabin and engine filter myself. Next service is 30,000 miles. The dealership says my charges will be Fuel Air Induction "cleaning" $189.95, Balance tires $35, Rear Differential service $150. Does this look correct? Anything else i should be aware of?
Click to expand...
When I hear stories like that I’m reminded of the phrase, “Don’t pee on my leg and tell me it’s raining!” I’m surprised they didn’t tell you it needs a new turboencabulator (a famous spoof you can find on YouTube.)
 
#5 ·
njchivers1 said:
I just took my vehicle in for a 25,000 mile service (wheels rotated), and paid for the alignment $159.95. (last time alignment was done 11 months ago)
Click to expand...
Any reason for the alignment? It's not really something done as preventative maintenance. I get mine checked only if there's a noticeable issue or if getting new tires.
 
#6 ·
Unless your tires are wearing oddly or you've been in an accident, hit a huge pothole, curb or something else, there's no reason for another alignment until you replace tires. Instead of spending $190 on air induction cleaning, drop $18 on a bottle of Chevron Techron complete fuel system cleaner & pour in 16 oz. next time you fill with fuel. If you can't feel any vibes through the seat or in the steering wheel, or your tires are cupping, don't worry about tire balancing until you replace tires & do that somewhere like Discount tire & get their package where they rotate, balance & place a road hazard warranty on the tires. Even a private mechanic shop that sells tires is usually better than going through your dealer... Check & clean the traction battery filter if you haven't already. It's located @ the right front lower corner of your rear seat. Gently remove the plastic screw that holds the cover in place with a phillips screwdriver & pop the cover off the vacuum it or blow it off. I would also do the differential service & tranny fluid change @ 60K, but find an honest mechanic shop to do that for you or DIY if you're mechanically inclined. One more thing that needs to be checked is the cable that goes to the traction battery. If you haven't heard about it, do a search here for Cablegate & settle down for a good read.
 
#9 ·
njchivers1 said:
I just took my vehicle in for a 25,000 mile service (wheels rotated), and paid for the alignment $159.95. (last time alignment was done 11 months ago)
I have recently changed the cabin and engine filter myself. Next service is 30,000 miles. The dealership says my charges will be Fuel Air Induction "cleaning" $189.95, Balance tires $35, Rear Differential service $150. Does this look correct? Anything else i should be aware of?
Click to expand...
I suggest picking up an impact Wrench / Jack stands. Do your own tire rotation. Fuel Air induction cleaning / Rear Diff service (In a hybrid? - there is nothing back there to do. Dealerships always looking for extra service fees....... As for tires, only if your tires are drifting to one side at the same PSI would I worry about a rebalance or Alignment. Otherwise I would not even consider an alignment unless you buy new tires or the suspension / Shocks replaced.
 
#11 · (Edited)
njchivers1 said:
I just took my vehicle in for a 25,000 mile service (wheels rotated), and paid for the alignment $159.95. (last time alignment was done 11 months ago)
I have recently changed the cabin and engine filter myself. Next service is 30,000 miles. The dealership says my charges will be Fuel Air Induction "cleaning" $189.95, Balance tires $35, Rear Differential service $150. Does this look correct? Anything else i should be aware of?
Click to expand...
I thought the R4H and R4P are CVTs and the rear axles are the electric motors, so no gears/traditional differential as with the ICE variants...do they mean changing the fluid in the motor?

Separately, dealers are getting slimey around me too... jjust the other day, I brought my R4 in for the 15k service and they were also pushing an alignment, which I refused...I'm not even sure they did the rest of the inspections...the main thing at 15k was the oil change, and it didn't look like they even did that as the dipstick handle still had dust on it, and the oil at the tip looked darker than I would have expected for fresh oil...though it was a little higher than before.
 
#12 ·
njchivers1 said:
I just took my vehicle in for a 25,000 mile service (wheels rotated), and paid for the alignment $159.95. (last time alignment was done 11 months ago)
I have recently changed the cabin and engine filter myself. Next service is 30,000 miles. The dealership says my charges will be Fuel Air Induction "cleaning" $189.95, Balance tires $35, Rear Differential service $150. Does this look correct? Anything else i should be aware of?
Click to expand...
I think my last alignment was in 1975. I have never had uneven wear in the tires of the probably 10 cars I have owned since then. But if it makes you feel better, ok. I have also never paid for an injector cleaning. If you buy top tier gas with the standard detergent, then it is a waste of your money.
 
#13 ·
23Rav4Runner said:
I will never get an alignment unless totally necessary. Once they crack things apart from the factory, they will never get it right.
Click to expand...
I've found that so true, have no issues then when replacing tires they push selling an alignment! My car was never the same and they always blamed me for hitting a pothole! I've gotten into the habit after my alignment I go back and say it doesn't feel right. They then put it back on the rack to show me, out of the 4 times 2 times it was out. Meaning they didn't do anything! One other note these alignment machines are so sensitive, that you can bump the machine and take a picture of it to show it's out of alignment which it's not!
 
#14 · (Edited)
Great video from the Car Care Nut about Wheel Alignment and when you need one.
Car Care Nut Wheel Alignment

I took and automotive course in college decades ago. The instructor had ben an automotive shop Manager for many years at various dealerships. He said that if you are driving on a flat smooth road like a freeway, with constant speed and it is a fairly calm day, take you hands off the steering wheel and the car doesn't pull to ether side. You don't need to have a wheel alignment.
 
#15 ·
SSlushbox said:
I thought the R4H and R4P are CVTs and the rear axles are the electric motors, so no gears/traditional differential as with the ICE variants...do they mean changing the fluid in the motor?
Click to expand...
It is an eCVT which is quite different than other CVTs out there with chain or belt between two pulleys. The eCVT is all gears and an electric motor

There is still a differential (and bearings) in the rear MGR housing, but most differentials don't need oil change that often: RAV4 and Highlander Hybrid Q211 Electric Rear Axle - YouTube

SSlushbox said:
.the main thing at 15k was the oil change, and it didn't look like they even did that as the dipstick handle still had dust on it, and the oil at the tip looked darker than I would have expected for fresh oil..
Click to expand...
Toyota schedule for oil changes is every 10,000 miles or one year, thus no oil change at 15K. The higher level on the dip stick could just be due to the warmed up engine.
 
#16 ·
Whenever they insist on doing a wheel alignment, I always insist that they also change the Blinker Fluid with Premium Synthetic Extra-Virgin Blinker Fluid.....

P.S. Re-read Post # 14 (TrueTexan) and watch the Car Care Nut Wheel Alignment Video.....
 
#17 ·
njchivers1 said:
I just took my vehicle in for a 25,000 mile service (wheels rotated), and paid for the alignment $159.95. (last time alignment was done 11 months ago)
I have recently changed the cabin and engine filter myself. Next service is 30,000 miles. The dealership says my charges will be Fuel Air Induction "cleaning" $189.95, Balance tires $35, Rear Differential service $150. Does this look correct? Anything else i should be aware of?
Click to expand...
I recently posted a similar post, and my costs included yours plus replace transaxle fluid. There’s no transaxle in a hybrid, plus brake fluid replacement etc. I declined all these extras, which finally brought the 30k mile check down to basic oil and filter, rotate tires, changle out cabin and engine air filters. So I did my own. With all the added ”suggested” maintenance, my bill would have been over 1,700. The Toyota maintenance schedule is what I follow. I bought a brake fluid moisture tester from amazon for 13 dollars. Checked my vehicles and bikes, and an old can that had been sitting unsealed but closed for about 2 years. The old can was still within limits, but the vehicles and bikes all indicated zero moisture. I suppose it depends on where you live, but use your best judgement on all this. At least you didn’t get the transaxle fluid change! Plus I had already told my representative that mine was a hybrid. And had him email me the list of items and costs. Buyer beware!
 
#18 ·
TrueTexan said:
Great video from the Car Care Nut about Wheel Alignment and when you need one.
Car Care Nut Wheel Alignment

I took and automotive course in college decades ago. The instructor had ben an automotive shop Manager for many years at various dealerships. He said that if you are driving on a flat smooth road like a freeway, with constant speed and it is a fairly calm day, take you hands off the steering wheel and the car doesn't pull to ether side. You don't need to have a wheel alignment.
Click to expand...
New Tires With Wheel Alignment Scam - Avoid Rip Offs (youtube.com)
 
#19 ·
jjamart64 said:
Hi I agree with Robert to stick with what’s listed in the owners manual. I’m concerned with need for a new wheel alignment after a recent one 11 months ago and tire balance. I have a 2022 and so far it has been running straight with no need for an alignment or tire balancing.
Click to expand...
It only takes 3 good pot holes to knock alignment off.
 
1 - 20 of 46 Posts
About this Discussion
45 Replies
29 Participants
Last post:
sarttek
Toyota RAV4 Forums
posts
1.1M
members
174K
Since
2004
Rav 4 World is the internet's largest Toyota Rav4 SUV and EV online forum community. Discuss towing, modifications, and more.
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
4.3 General 4.3 Mechanical 4.5 RAV4 Hybrid (except Prime) 4.5 RAV4 Prime 4.3 Exterior