Here are the specifics of the free frame replacement program:

1. All 2000-2003 Tundras are eligible for frame replacement, regardless of their geographic location.
2. The frame will only be replaced if perforation due to rust can be found, and only if that perforation is larger than 10mm in diameter. For reference, a marble is about 10mm across.
3. Frames with perforation will be replaced free of charge, and a rental vehicle will be provided while the frame is being replaced.
4. There is no mileage limitation, but the vehicle must be in otherwise good condition to qualify for a free frame replacement. Trucks with severe body damage, non-functional powertrains, and salvage vehicles are not eligible for this program.
5. This program is available until April, 2012.

This Program Is In Addition To Last Year’s Frame Rust Recall

In response to a NHTSA investigation, Toyota announced a recall to replace rusting rear cross-members on 2000-2003 Tundra frames in November of 2009. NHTSA’s investigation found that 00′-03′ Tundra spare tires – which are mounted to the rear cross-member – were falling off due to frame rust. This investigation forced Toyota to recall all 00-03′ Tundras in 20 cold weather states to check the rear cross-member for rust.

Unfortunately, many of the recalled trucks had severely rusted frame components that were NOT covered under recall. Toyota said that recalled trucks with more extensive rust would be evaluated on a “case-by-case” basis which – according to many Tundra owners – was problematic. Months long delays and inconsistent offers (some owners were offered buy-backs, some were offered new frames, and some where told nothing would happen) created a lot of anger and confusion.

The recall notice sent out last year covered the frame sections in red. This month's new service campaign covers all the frame sections in green.

The new program is intended to answer the frame rust issue once and for all. If your 2000-2003 Tundra has a frame that has been damaged by rust (NOTE: Surface rust is NOT damage – we’re talking about perforation here), you get a new frame. The letter indicates that most frames will be replaced in less than 30 days, with frame ordering times of 1-2 weeks and the actual repair taking 4 or 5 days. Tundras with accessories may have trouble with this warranty is those accessories are frame-mounted.

If you own a 2000-2003 Tundra, we suggest you bring it to your local Toyota dealership for a free inspection ASAP.

Is Toyota Changing For The Better?

When stories of Tundra frame rust first began to appear in the news in April of 2009, Toyota’s response was cryptic. While Toyota seemed to indicate Tundras had this issue, they did not seem overly concerned about resolving the problem quickly. When we published Tundra frame rust photos in August of 2009, the issue seemed to be gaining momentum with our readers and on other Tundra websites. NHTSA began investigating Tundra frame rust complaints in October, 2009, and in just a few weeks NHTSA found evidence of a problem. Toyota, in an effort to keep this issue and quiet, announced a “voluntary” frame rust recall just before the Thanksgiving holiday last year (November 09′).

Unfortunately, as was outlined above, the “voluntary” recall didn’t do enough to solve the problem. Finally, 6 months after the frame rust recall, Toyota launched the limited service campaign we’re discussing today.

While the apparent lack of urgency in resolving this issue is disappointing, Toyota’s decision to replace these rusted frames indicates their commitment to Tundra buyers. What’s more, Toyota will begin notifying 2000-2003 Tundra owners of this program this month. The notification letter states:

Toyota has received isolated reports regarding certain 2000 through 2003 model year Tundra vehicles exhibiting excessive rust corrosion to the frame causing perforation of the metal. Toyota has investigated these reports and determined that the vehicle frames in some number of vehicles may not have adequate corrosion-resistant protection. This combined with prolonged exposure to road salts and other environmental factors may contribute to the development of excessive rust corrosion in the frames of some vehicles. This is unrelated to and seperate from normal surface rust which is commonly found on metallic surfaces after some years of usage and/or exposure to the environment.

Although the vehicle’s frame is covered by Toyota’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty for 3 years or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first), we at Toyota care about your overall experience and confidence in your vehicle. To assure you that we stand behind our product, we are providing an enhancement to the warranty coverage on your vehicle’s frame for this specific condition for a limited time (repairs must be completed by April 30, 2012).

The letter seems to indicate a change in Toyota’s posture on this issue – perhaps it’s a result of pressure from NHTSA, but we’d like to think that Toyota’s new PR team has helped Toyota execs recognize the negative impact rusting frames has on sales of new Tundras. By stepping up and replacing frames, Toyota has fixed a mistake. Considering the cost of this free frame replacement – in excess of $10,000 per vehicle – Toyota has put their money where their mouth is.

While we’re sure there are Tundra owners who will not be satisfied by Toyota’s frame replacement offer, it would seem that this issue is finally resolved. New Toyota Tundra sales might see a boost as well.

Comments?

Check out this list of available Toyota Tundra shocks

Click for a larger view

I stumbled upon these sketches completely by accident, and I think they’re pretty incredible. Check out 3D models of each sketch below:

Toyota Tundra Off-Road Police Cruiser

This is the top rated 3D sketch of the Tundra on Sketchup.Google.com. It was created by TRL with contributions from Lightbar Guy.

This is a 3D model – click to view it from all sides.

If you see this truck in real life, you’re probably in trouble.

Tundra Convertible

Designer: Martin Triebel

This is a 3D model – click to view it from all sides.

This is actually called a Tundra FJ, so maybe the artist was thinking of making a hard-top/soft-top for this? Having a removable roof would be nice this time of year.

Tundra With Huge Rims and In-Bed Stereo

Designer: BigG1_2008

This is a 3D model – click to view it from all sides.

The tires on this thing are just rubber bands so the ride would be terrible, and the stereo keeps you from hauling much. Still, tell me this wouldn’t generate a little attention on a Friday night?

Tundra Fire & Rescue With Dual Rear Axles

Designer: Buttlamo, with contributions from TRL, Lightbar Guy, and kyle.

This is a 3D model – click to view it from all sides.

This might be the coolest concept Tundra yet – two rear wheels and a huge ambulance/rescue body just look awesome. If only Toyota made these kinds of concepts for SEMA…

HD Tundra Cab & Chassis

Designer: Peterbilt 1993.

This is a 3D model – click to view it from all sides.

This is a great sketch – not only does it show the Tundra in a larger-than-life HD configuration, but the details on the wheels and tires are very authentic. I’m crossing my fingers that Toyota actually makes this truck someday!

Border Patrol Tundra

Designer: Myles Nielsen with a lot of contributions from others

This is a 3D model – click to view it from all sides.

Lots and lots of detail on this model – very cool.

Toyota Soarer JDM TRD Drift Car

Designer: iLKE®

This is a 3D model – click to view it from all sides.

The Soarer was the Japanese market Supra sports coupe – this model is tricked out to drift. Incredible details, one of the highest rated models on Sketchup.

What do you think – which is your favorite?

Check out this list of available Toyota Tundra shocks

Some Tundra owners face air injection pump repairs in excess of $4,000

Here’s the background on this problem, what’s happening, and what you can do if this problem effects your Tundra.

What’s An Air Injection System?

Air injection is used to improve cold-start emissions, a federally-mandated emissions requirement. By injecting fresh air into the exhaust stream, the catalytic converters will heat up more quickly and therefore become more effective at scrubbing exhuast gases. Once the catalytics are warmed up, the air injection system is no longer needed.

On the 2007+ Tundra, the air injection system turns on at cold start and runs for 1-2 minutes until the engine computer determines the exhaust system is sufficiently warm. The injection system is purely needed to improve emissions – it has absolutely no impact on the core function of the engine. In fact, your truck would run better, cost less, and be more reliable if it didn’t have this system…but it wouldn’t be as “clean” environmentally, so it’s required by federal law.

Why Some Parts of The Air Injection System Are Breaking On The Tundra

The system has four main components – two pumps and two valves. The pumps pull air from under the passenger-side fender well and send it to the back of the intake manifold, where two valves open and close to allow this air to enter the exhaust gas stream. The pumps themselves and the air inlet are located behind the front passenger-side splash guard, just below the fender. The air is pulled from essentially the same place that the air intake pulls fresh air, an area that is designed to stay mostly dry and free of moisture.

Click to see a larger view of the pumps (left) and valves (right).

However, many Tundra owners have found that their truck’s air injection system has somehow ingested water. The water then collects in the induction pumps, sometimes causing the pumps to fail. Additionally, as these pumps operate in wet conditions, they pump humid, moisture-filled air into the valves at the rear of the intake manifold, which can cause the valves to fail as well. The total cost to replace both pumps and valves can exceed $4,000, depending on the dealer. This repair is not generally covered by warranty.

At this point, it’s not clear as to how water is getting into the system. The most obvious answer is that water is getting into the pumps from the air intake tubes. However, it’s hard to determine how this is happening – the tubes are protected from exposure to the elements. If we find any new info on this, we’ll be sure to update this article.

The Parts That Are Failing

There are a few different possible failures:

1. Pump failure only. According to Toyota’s most recent TSB on this issue, pump failure can be diagnosed quickly and easily using the electronic diagnosis tool. If the pumps become water-logged, the pumps can fail. However, it’s also possible that the pumps can fail as a result of a poor harness connection or a clogged intake line.

2. Valve failure only. If the pump test shows that the pumps are operating correctly, the problem may be a stuck/corroded valve or a valve wiring harness problem.

3. Pump and valve failure. This is the worst case and most expensive possible failure.

Vehicle’s Potentially Effected

It seems that all 2007’s and that a portion of 2008 and 2010 Tundras are susceptible to this problem (all engines). According to the TSB, Toyota made a production change in 2008 that ‘fixed’ this issue…yet there is also a TSB for 2010 models. If the 2008’s were changed, why the TSB on the 2010 model? Chances are good this problem can occur on all Tundras. However, their is no TSB currently for 2009’s, so 09′ Tundras may be exempt from this issue.

Engine Trouble Codes Set By This Problem

P0418, P0419, P2440, P2441, P2442, P2443, P2445, and/or P2447

Unfortunately, the codes aren’t always specific to a particular component. In order to figure out what’s broken, first the pumps must be tested for function. If the pumps aren’t working, they must be removed and checked for moisture. If the pumps are wet, at least one of them must be replaced. If not, connectors must be checked. Then, regardless of moisture or connection, the valves must also be checked.

How Many Tundras Have This Problem?

We have no data to indicate the size and scope of this issue. However, based on the number of complaints on the TundraSolutions.com website, similar complaints on TundraTalk, complaints we’ve heard, and a brief survey of some dealership personel we speak with frequently, it seems this problem is fairly rare. None the less, the incredible potential expense is cause for concern.

What To Do If Your Tundra Has This Problem

1. Recognize that this system is non-essential. The air injection system isn’t necessary for proper function, and ignoring this light will not harm your truck. However, if a check-engine light is set by this error, your truck will enter what is known as ‘limp’ mode. While your truck is in ‘limp’ mode, you’ll have significantly less power until the code is cleared.

If you purchase your own code scanner, and if you’re willing to deal with the hassle, you can clear this code on your own any time it is set. The air injection pumps and/or valves might not work correctly, but you can drive down the road just fine without this system (remember, it’s just emissions equipment, and it’s just used for 1 to 2 minutes at start-up).

2. Beware dealers who want to replace the entire system. Don’t get us wrong – sometimes the entire system (both pumps and valves) will need replacement. However, dealers often recommend replacing all suspect parts at once rather than replacing parts as they break. The reason? Labor costs are usually the same whether you replace one part or the whole system, and when there’s a lot of labor involved, the cost of the parts is less than the labor.

Also, it should be noted that dealers will often recommend replacing parts that aren’t technically malfuctioning in order to reduce the number of visits to the dealership (and increase the chances of fixing a problem right the first time),  not to mention the additional profit this policy generates.

If your dealer suggests you replace both pumps or valves, ask them:

Are both of the pumps really malfunctioning? It doesn’t make sense to replace both pumps unless they’re both broken because the labor cost to replace a pump is very low. It’s better to pay an extra $100 of labor later than it is to buy a $1000 pump you don’t need.

On the other hand, the valves should be replaced as a set (even if only one is malfunctioning). The reason? Labor costs are more than the cost of the part, which means it’s smart to replace both valves than it is to pay to have one valve replaced now and then the other one later. Besides, there’s a pretty good chance that both valves are damaged even if only one is malfunctioning.

NOTE: If you own a Tundra with a 4.7L V8 and you’re told that you must replace BOTH pumps, your dealer is reading the oldest TSB. According to TSB032908, only the bank 2 pump must be replaced.

3. Ask for a discount on parts and/or obtain your own parts. There is a substantial mark-up in the parts cost on the pumps – there are reports of pumps costing anywhere from $900 to $1200 each. Be sure to check for parts online before authorizing this repair.

4. Ask for assistance. Toyota dealers are authorized to cover a substantial portion of this repair under what is known as “After Warranty Assistance,” or AWA. However, AWA is not doled out freely. Dealers have a limited amount of discretion, and they can’t give everyone assistance. Here’s how they determine who gets assistance and who doesn’t:

• Was the vehicle bought new?
• Was the vehicle bought from the dealer?
• Is the person requesting AWA a frequent dealership service customer?
• If AWA is granted, is it likely we’ll see this customer again?

If the answer to any of the above questions is no, it is unlikely you will be granted any AWA.

5. In some states, some or all of these repairs are covered by emissions warranty. The coverage depends on the failure and the code set. Generally speaking, the bulk of this coverage expires after 3 years and 50k miles. Some parts may be covered for 7 years or 70k miles.

If you bought your vehicle in and live in the states of California, Maine, Massachusetts, or Vermont, your 07+ Tundra may be covered by state-mandated emissions warranties.

If you have an 08+ Tundra and you bought your vehicle in and live in Connecticut, Pennsylvania, or Rhode Island, some or all of this repair may be covered.

What Else You Can Do

1. File a complaint with the EPA. Depending on your perspective, you can either complain to the EPA about Toyota’s poor design/poor part quality, or you can complain about EPA regulations that require your vehicle to have this system in the first place. Either way, the EPA complaint form is at the bottom of this page.

2. Don’t overlook the option of buying a scanning tool. You can purchase a code reader scanner tool for about $100 and clear the codes yourself. You’ll probably have to do this a few times – and at some time it will stop working – but it will prevent this repair as long as possible.

3. Fix it yourself. There’s a good thread about this on TundraSolutions.com with a lot of info, plus some pictures that show rebuilding a pump and this video:

Click here to view the embedded video.

If you can get the pump working again as shown in the video, you’re a few thousand to the good.

TSB Info

The TSB’s can not be provided here. However, here are the TSB numbers you can tell your dealer:

2007 and 2008 Tundra – TSB 032908

2010 Tundra – TSB 035009

Check out this list of available Toyota Tundra shocks

Why Catalytic Converters Are Stolen

Catalytic converters have value to thieves because they contain a variety of precious medals, all of which can be sold for scrap. Depending on the particular vehicle the catalytic converter comes from, the scrap value can range from $75 to $250 per converter. Unscrupulous scrap yards often don’t require proof that a converter came off of a wrecked or salvaged vehicle, making it far too easy for thieves to turn a quick profit.

Catalytic converters are also targeted because stealing them isn’t terribly complicated. All it takes is a portable saw and a dark place to work. SUVs and trucks are usually targeted because of their high ground clearance, which makes them easier to crawl underneath than passenger cars.

Tundra owners must be careful because newer models have four separate catalytic converters, each of which has a significant value. According to the Houston Chronicle, the recently broken-up theft ring was able to earn $80 per catalytic (or $320 per Tundra). This is a small percentage of the replacement cost, which is over $3500.

Catalytic Converter Theft Prevention Tips

Like most things in life, a little bit of planning goes a long way. Here are some simple tips for keeping potential thieves away from your truck’s catalytic converters.

1. Park inside your garage. It’s obvious to be sure, but it works very well. Not only is your truck out of sight (and out of mind), but there’s a lot more risk involved in breaking into someone’s garage than there is crawling under a vehicle in the driveway or parked on the street.

2. Park in a well-lit area. Again, it’s obvious, but if you have to park outside at night, do so in a well-lit area. Lighting discourages thieves.

3. Install an alarm system. Just about every vehicle alarm system includes a shock sensor, which can detect the vibrations of someone’s portable saw if it’s setup properly. Upgrades like a proximity sensor are nice as well, but it’s sometimes difficult to get the settings just right, so you’ll want to spend some time calibrating everything if you decide to go this route.

4. Install a special catalytic converter theft deterrent. Full disclosure – no anti-theft system can stop a thief. However, both the CatClamp and the CatLock are interesting systems that will deter theft simply because they appear impenetrable (even though they’re fairly simple to defeat). They’re also sort of expensive – $100-$300 per device, which means it would cost $400-$1200 to protect all of the catalytics on a Tundra. Still, if your neighborhood is constantly the target of these thieves, they’re an option worth considering.

5. Get a dog. They’re easily the most expensive anti-theft device on this list, and they’re never guaranteed to work, but it’s a good bet your dog will make some noise if someone is crawling around on your driveway in the middle of the night.

Check out this list of available Toyota Tundra shocks

Check out these Tundra Deconstructed Videos – very entertaining:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Best Interview Quotes

Ranch Foreman Re: Towing Capacity

“If those calves weigh 1200 and we have 12 in there do the math…I mean that’s pretty close to…I don’t know what. It’s lots of weight.” [Editor's Note: That's 14,400 lbs + the weight of the trailer. Probably 17,000lbs, possibly more.]

Toyota Exec (in response to above):

“Towing capacity is 10,800, although I can’t really say we approve of the use, I’m sure he probably exceeded those capacities at some point in time…”

Ranch Foreman (follow-up):

“ya – ya I overloaded it. But it was a test truck, right?”

Hilarious. Love the Tundra or hate it, you’ve got to admit that was pretty damn funny.

Ranch Foreman Re: Suspension and Steering

“The 100k miles on the suspension and the steering is just unbelievable to me because there’s no other pickup we’ve ever had…that you did not have a steering problem or suspension problem within 100k miles”

How cool is that quote? It seems very genuine (although the setting itself was definitely staged).

The Good:

The concept itself is awesome. The ranch foreman didn’t hide the fact he wanted to break this truck when he got – overloading it, running it hard, etc. He didn’t seem “prepped” or commercial at all – definitely seemed like a real guy. In fact, he seemed a lot like the kind of guy who would have never considered a Tundra until you gave him one to try out.

The mention of frame flexibility and how it’s not necessarily a bad thing. I’m not convinced on that particular point, but it’s Toyota’s best strategy for overcoming all the negative publicity about bed bounce and frame flex.

The mention of the stainless steel water pump design and the fact that a lot of other trucks don’t have it (which ones?).

The fact the truck only needed a battery, a new radio, and regular maintenance…even after 100k miles of tough use.

The fact that Toyota is going to keep this test going – they gave the ranch a new 2010 model to test again.

Areas For Improvement:

Compare the performance of the well-used parts to some brand new parts – How about showing us if the ranch truck’s cooling system performed similarly to a new truck’s system, or if the stopping distances are similar? This would be a great way to showcase the quality of the truck.

How bout’ some dyno stats? – Who wouldn’t love to see the horsepower and torque numbers on that old ranch truck compared to a new one?

Overall, the videos are pretty good advertising. They don’t offer anything useful beyond anecdotes, but since 90% of America would never care about or understand meaty facts and figures anyways, I can see why Toyota skipped it. Still, it would have been better to see some “hard” evidence that this truck could go another 100k miles than the testimonials from a couple of ranch hands and comments from a bunch of Toyota employees.

Still, Toyota gets an “A” – this campaign is definitely going to convert some non-believers.

Check out this list of available Toyota Tundra shocks

Four Wheeler magazine 2010 Truck of the Year Competition

While the Tundra earned fourth place, Four Wheeler magazine did point out that the competition wasn’t quite equal. The Tundra was the least powerful and least expensive truck in the group, and it was the only truck missing an off-road package (sort of essential for these off-road tests, but not available on a 4.6 Tundra). The rules of the comparison aren’t necessarily meant to create an apples-to-apples comparison, so it’s hard to find fault with any of the results. It’s highly unlikely anyone has all four of these trucks on their shopping list. Still, if you’re looking at a new Tundra, you might find some of their observations interesting.

Performance

The Tundra’s 4.6L continues to get good reviews – quite a few reviews have found the small V8 to be surprisingly powerful:

“Leading the field to 60 mph was the lightest truck with the smallest engine, as the 5,385-pound Tundra hit the mark in 8.62 seconds, while crossing the line after a quarter mile in 16.84 seconds at 84.98 mph…The 4.6L feels great, I am not missing the power of the 5.7L.”

In terms of braking, it was quite a shock read that the 7,500 lbs Ram 2500 Mega Cab had a slightly better 60-0 stopping distance than the 5,400 lbs Tundra.

“Surprisingly, it wasn’t the lightweight Tundra that won the braking honors; it was the heaviest truck in the test, the 7,495-pound Mega Cab that defied known physics to come to a complete stop from 60 mph in only 143.33 feet. The Tundra came close by doing the same in 144.35 feet.”

Dodge’s engineers deserve credit on that one for sure.

Fuel Economy

It’s expected that the Tundra would have the best fuel economy rating when compared to a dedicated off-road machine and much heavier HD trucks, but the fact that the Tundra achieved decent fuel economy despite “aggressive testing” is noteworthy.

“For those of you who need a helping of fuel economy with your pickup, nothing in the test came close to the 15.09 mpg average that the Tundra delivered, despite our incredibly aggressive testing procedures. In fact, the Tundra’s best tank was 17.3 mpg, the highest single tank in the test. The Raptor had the next best tank at 16.32 mpg, but averaged 12.07 mpg in a test in which it was flogged mercilessly.”

Imagine what the Tundra 4.6 will get when it isn’t being flogged mercilessly.

Four Wheeler’s Highs and Lows

The Tundra’s Highs

• 4.6 has power comparable to the 5.7
• Smooth ride
• Fuel economy
• Highest ground clearance in test
• Great price

The Tundra’s Lows

• Drab, dated interior
• Overly sensitive throttle for off-road use
• Lacking “personality” compared to the Power Wagon, Diesel 2500, and F-150 Raptor

If you’re reading carefully, you likely noted that the Tundra has more ground clearance than a new Raptor. All things considered, it’s really not that big of a deal that the Tundra has a little more room underneath than the Raptor…but it might be fun to point that out to the next Raptor owner you see. As for the “personality” comment, we suspect that a more expensive and comparably equipped Tundra with the 5.7 would have been more inspiring. There’s also something to be said for the inspiration that comes with spending $6-$20k dollars less for a truck that handled all tests adquately.

The real controversy of these results, however, is that the SVT F-150 Raptor wasn’t the clear winner. Of all the trucks, the Raptor is the truest off-road machine, yet Four Wheeler knocked it for lacking power. What do you think – did Ford get robbed here, or was the Power Wagon the best truck?

You can read the full comparison here.

Check out this list of available Toyota Tundra shocks

A Toyota Tundra crashed into the showroom at All Star Toyota in Baton Rouge on Saturday morning. Officers said a customer tried to return his truck following a recent recall on the accelerator. According to the Baton Rouge Police Department, the general manager offered to fix the truck and repeatedly offered to give the customer a loaner in the meantime, but the customer declined and left the building. Police reported the man then drove his Toyota into the side of the dealership, causing major damage to the truck and the building. The customer claimed his accelerator became stuck, causing the crash. All Star said the truck was purchased last March [emphasis added] and did not have any records of mechanical problems.

Police added the accelerator was not stuck when they examined the truck after the crash, but they could not find any evidence that the crash was intentional. The driver was not ticketed.

Here’s a picture of the showroom at All Star Toyota:

Tundra crashes into showroom, driver claims "unintended acceleration."

Anyone else’s BS meter going off here? Here’s why this crash looks intentional:

1.The timing is entirely too convenient. According to Toyota, the odds that a vehicle exhibits unintended acceleration are low. Consumer Reports found that claims were around 1 in 20,000. What are the odds that a truck has this problem immediately following a confrontation between the dealership and the customer? Astronomical.

2. How could the truck being going fast enough to do any damage? The fastest a driver could go in a dealership parking lot is what, 15-20 mph? If the accelerator was somehow stuck or caught on the floormat, it’s hard to imagine how this would be anything other than a low-speed crash.

3. Why not steer away from the showroom? I think most drivers would rather hit another car than a building.

4. The driver never once complained of mechanical problems prior to this incident. If you have a problem that’s ongoing, you owe it to yourself, the dealership, and the manufacturer to try and get the problem fixed. If this truck was really that dangerous, the service department should have been given an opportunity to do their job.

5. Who does this guy think he is? It’s one thing if you bought a truck last week and you want to return it now because of this recall. It will never happen, but it’s a fair question to ask if your brand-new pickup was just recalled. However, trying to return a truck after one year of use is ridiculous.

6. Did we mention the timing?

The bottom line is that this guy is a hot-head, and the police who didn’t ticket him deserve a reprimand. The problem is, this won’t be the last time some Toyota driver claims unintended acceleration after causing an accident…and that’s bad news for everyone.

Check out this list of available Toyota Tundra shocks

The Issue:

Beginning a few months ago, many 2010 Tundra owners complained about check engine lights coming on in their brand-new trucks (setting code P0012 or P0022). Based on notes from owners and brief conversations with dealership personnel, we wrongly concluded this issue was caused by oil debris clogging cam position sensors. However, the problem is that Toyota used the wrong spring in the VVT-i gear assembly in some 2010 Tundras (both 4.6L and 5.7L). Because the spring in some Tundras is too stiff, the VVT-i system will “stick” in the wrong mode, setting a check engine light.

When this problem was first discovered on some trucks, Toyota advised dealers that it was an oil contamination issue and that an oil change would fix the problem. However, this is not the case. While changing the oil temporarily solved the issue, at some point these Tundras will need a new VVT-i gear assembly.

Some new 2010 Tundras with check-engine lights and codes P0012 or P0022 most likely need a new VVT-i gear.

The Fix:

Tundra’s produced before a certain date need a new VVT-i gear assembly with the correct spring so that the VVT-i system will function correctly. Replacing the assembly is a repair of low difficulty but does require a moderate amount of time. The timing cover, valve covers, and intake manifold must be removed in order to access the cam gears. According to a Toyota technician we spoke with, this is a labor-intensive yet relatively simple task.

Owners should expect to be without their truck for a couple of days, and should be provided a rental vehicle at no charge while the repair is made. This isn’t an item that requires immediate attention either, so feel free to schedule it around your life (this is not an urgent matter).

Effected Trucks

First, this TSB effects 2010 Tundra and Sequoia models ONLY. In order to determine if your truck is effected, you need the last 8 digits of your VIN number. If the last 8 digits of your VIN number are LOWER than the numbers for your vehicle configuration as listed below, you are advised to schedule an appointment.

4.6L 2010 Tundras

• 2wd 4.6L Regular Cab Tundras with the last 8 lower than AX001114
• 2wd 4.6L DoubleCab and CrewMax Tundras with the last 8 lower than AX011968
• 2wd 4.6L DoubleCab Long Bed Tundras with the last 8 lower than AX001123

• 4wd 4.6L Regular Cab Tundras with the last 8 lower than AX001239
• 4wd 4.6L DoubleCab and CrewMax Tundras with the last 8 lower than AX008508
• 4wd 4.6L DoubleCab Long Bed Tundras with the last 8 lower than AX001181

5.7L 2010 Tundras (non flex-fuel)

• 2wd 5.7L Regular Cab Tundras with the last 8 lower than AX003300
• 2wd 5.7L DoubleCab and CrewMax Tundras with the last 8 lower than AX087077
• 2wd 5.7L DoubleCab Long Bed Tundras with the last 8 lower than AX006744

• 4wd 5.7L Regular Cab Tundras with the last 8 lower than AX004038
• 4wd 5.7L DoubleCab and CrewMax Tundras with the last 8 lower than AX125564
• 4wd 5.7L DoubleCab Long Bed Tundras with the last 8 lower than AX010329

5.7L 2010 Tundras (flex-fuel only)

• 4wd 5.7L Regular Cab Tundras with the last 8 lower than AX004040
• 4wd 5.7L DoubleCab and CrewMax Tundras with the last 8 lower than AX125616
• 4wd 5.7L DoubleCab Long Bed Tundras with the last 8 lower than AX010329

This list is sort of confusing, so be sure to double check your VIN. Also be sure to note the cab type and 2wd/4wd.

This isn’t a problem that requires an immediate fix. Feel free to schedule this repair along with your next service.

Technical Explanation of the Problem

All new Toyota Tundras feature VVT-i – variable intake valve timing. VVT-i is one of the marvels of modern engine design, and systems of this type have been successfully used by every auto manufacturer to extract maximum power and efficiency out of their engines for decades.

The Tundra’s VVT-i system relies upon a cam shift to change valve timing. By shifting the cam back and forth, valve timing can be advanced or retarded in order to maximize performance and efficiency. The cam shift mechanism is activated by a combination of oil pressure, electronic valves, and gear assemblies that are set on springs. Here’s a step-by-step explanation of VVT-i in action:

1. As RPMs increase, oil pressure raises.
2. If the engine computer determines that a timing shift is beneficial, it will open the oil control valves and allow oil to apply pressure to the VVT-i gear assembly.
3. The oil pressure on the gears will cause the cam to shift forwards or backwards, moving from one mode to another.

Here’s a video that kind-of-sort-of explains the cam shift. If anyone has a better clip, please share it in the comments.

Click here to view the embedded video.

When this problem first began to occur, the engine computer reported that the oil control valves were malfunctioning (check code P0012 and/or P0022, corresponding to left or right side oil control valve). For some reason or another, it was assumed that oil contamination was causing a false-positive error, so the recommendation was to simply change out the contaminated oil. Because the system is driven by oil pressure, a fresh batch of oil was sufficient to fix the problem (albeit temporarily). As time went by, however, many trucks with oil changes returned once again with the same problem. Further investigation revealed that the cam gears weren’t activating correctly because the spring behind them was a little too stiff. So, replacing the spring is the fix.

As you can see, this repair has absolutely no impact on the heart of engine. Advancing or retarding the cam timing will not cause a situation where valves can be damaged, etc., so a malfunctioning VVT-i gear can not hurt the engine.

Please share your comments or questions below.

Check out this list of available Toyota Tundra shocks

Edmunds compact truck recommendations are the Nissan Frontier and the Toyota Tacoma

Edmunds Recommended Compact Trucks

The Frontier and the Tacoma are fairly obvious recommendations. Not only are they the best selling models, they also offer the widest range of configurations, the best safety and performance ratings, great reliability, and excellent resale value.

Ford’s Ranger is not recommended by Edmunds, but it’s a decent truck that sells very nicely. Edmunds doesn’t like the Ranger – the interior is much smaller than the Tacoma or the Frontier, the ride and handling aren’t competitive, and it doesn’t offer a lot of features. Frankly, the Ranger is an older design that Ford intends to cancel soon, which is likely the reason that Edmunds doesn’t consider it.

The Chevy Colorado/GMC Canyon and the “Ram” Dakota are the other notable compact truck models on the market. Edmunds panned the Dakota as an expensive truck with a very cheap feel, where as the GM trucks are knocked for subpar fit and finish.

It’s important to note that Edmunds doesn’t give the Dakota or the Colorado/Canyon credit for offering V8 engines. Their rationale seems to be that compact truck buyers don’t need a V8 – if they did, they would opt for a full-size. Considering how expensive a V8 powered compact pickup is, this rationale makes some sense.

Edmunds recommends the Tundra for 2010, knocking off the F150 which was recommended in 2009

Edmunds Recommended Full-Size Trucks

The Ram and the Tundra share Edmunds recommendation for 2010, which is bad news for the F150 (which the Tundra replaced). As far as the Ram is concerned, Edmunds really likes the Ram 1500’s refinement. They cite the Ram’s excellent ride (a result of the Ram’s coil spring rear suspension) and luxurious interior as their favorite features.

As for the Tundra, Edmunds really likes the Tundra’s new 4.6L V8:

The Toyota Tundra finds itself back on our recommended list thanks to a new-for-2010 midgrade 4.6-liter V8 that represents an excellent alternative for those who don’t really need the prodigious power of the top-dog 5.7-liter V8. The Tundra’s large cabins, quality construction, comfortable driving position and massive towing capacity add up to a smart choice

This is high praise for the Tundra, but a bit confusing. First and foremost, the note about “massive towing capacity” doesn’t jive with the praise for the 4.6. The most one can tow with the 4.6L V8 is 9,000 lbs – and that’s only if you buy the 4×2 regular cab with the standard bed. While the 5.7 offers excellent to capacity on all models, other models from GM and Ford are rated to tow more. Despite these inconsistencies, it seems the Edmunds likes the overall value offered by the 2010 Tundra.

Last year, Edmunds liked the F150 because it offered a full range of fancy features as well as excellent towing capability. None of this has changed – the F150 still offers a full range of fancy features and excellent towing, so it’s like that the Tundra knocked off the F150 because of an improved safety rating (which is not mentioned but would explain the change).

Frankly, in our minds, the Tundra should have knocked off the Ram. While the Ram’s refinements are wonderful, it’s an expensive truck that simply doesn’t have the capabilities of trucks from Ford, Toyota, or GM. In any case, when it comes to half-tons, GM, Ram, Ford, Toyota, and Nissan all offer an excellent product.

Related Posts:

• 2009 Tundra vs 2009 Ford F150 Comparison
• 2008 Tundra vs 2009 Dodge Ram Comparison
• 2007 Tundra vs 2007 Sierra/Silverado Comparison

What do you think: Should Edmunds have recommended the F150 instead of the Ram for 2010?

Check out this list of available Toyota Tundra shocks

Toyota requires 0W-20 full synthetic oil on new 4.6L 2010 Tundras

Note – if you’re not sure about the difference between synthetic and “natural” motor oil, check out this post about synthetic oil.

However, while the use of 0W-20 synthetic oil is now required for the 2010 and up 4.6L Tundra, the 10k mile oil change interval recommendation is not for Tundras that are used in such a way as to qualify as “severe duty.” Severe duty trucks will instead need oil changes at 5,000 miles. Here are typical truck uses that Toyota would define as “severe duty”:”

• Towing or hauling on any sort of significant/continuous basis
• Exposure to extreme cold (-10 F or below) or extreme heat (120 F or above)
• Long-duration idling (like police and work vehicles that can idle for hours at a time)
• Use in especially dusty or dirty conditions (off-roading, construction sites, etc.)
• Constant use at very high altitude (above 10k feet)
• Continuous stop-and-go traffic
• Racing, off-roading, or any other fun activity that places a lot of strain on a motor

Looking at the list of items that will qualify as severe duty, it’s hard to imagine that many Tundra owners will get to enjoy 10k mile oil changes. So, we decided to create a little poll just to see what the answer will be:

It’s important to note that Toyota has tried this type of program before. A few years ago, Toyota told owners they could switch from 5,000 mile oil change intervals to 7,500 miles. Not long after this change took place, hundreds of Toyota owners began to complain about engines ruined by oil sludge. While the oil sludge issue was likely a combination of engine design issues and inconsistent maintenance, Toyota can ill afford to make the same mistake twice.

We spoke with a local Toyota dealership service manager about this new 10k mile oil change interval, and one of his main concerns was “What if someone forgets an oil change? It could be 20k miles before we get that bad oil out of the motor.” Great question. Here’s a list of the pros and cons of the 10k mile oil change interval we came up with.

PROS

• 0W-20 synthetic oil should boost fuel economy ever so slightly – 0.4 mpg to 0.7 mpg according to Toyota. In fact, Toyota’s memo to dealers mentions that the increase in fuel economy – and the subsequent fuel savings – should offset the higher cost of synthetic oil.
• Synthetic oil protects best in extreme conditions. Synthetic oil offers the greatest benefits when it’s used in extreme situations – like racing, off-roading, or hauling your camper up over Loveland pass.
• Using half as much engine oil is good for the environment. Synthetic oil is still derived from fossil fuels, so using less means less used oil waste.
• Slightly lower maintenance costs. If you combine the gas mileage savings with the fact that your oil is changed half as often, it should be a little cheaper (provided your truck isn’t considered “severe duty”).

CONS

• Forgetting an oil change could kill a motor. No one knows how a motor will respond to 20k miles with the same oil, but no one should want to find out. If oil is only changed every 10k miles, forgetting or skipping an oil change could be tragic.
• Expensive full synthetic oil is now required for 4.6L Tundra owners. If you use your 4.6L Tundra truck like a truck, your oil change bills have just gone up.
• This will soon apply to all new Tundras. Unless the backlash from owners is severe, Toyota is probably going to require full synthetic on all new Tundras in the very new future.

One final thought: Requiring full synthetic for truck owners is a slippery slope. While it’s great to talk about the fact that full synthetic allows 10k mile oil changes, the fact is most truck owners are going to stick with 5,000 mile changes (some even stick with 3,000). Many mechanics would argue that it’s better for an engine to get normal oil changes every 5k miles than full synthetic every 10k miles, so this policy seems to have an environmental aspect that might not be well thought-out. Perhaps Toyota has decided that slightly better gas mileage and reducing the amount of used oil waste is best, but the concern is that this policy isn’t best for the wallets of the truck’s owners.

What do you think – is Toyota crazy to require full synthetic yet allow 10k mile oil change intervals?

Check out this list of available Toyota Tundra shocks