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Toyota Sienna Service Questions

16 messages,  Last post on Apr 05, 2010 at 8:05 AM

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What is this discussion about? Toyota Sienna, Van

Messages Page 1 of 2

#1 of 16 $125 to "adjust the timing belt" by dejapooh

Aug 07, 2007 (9:27 pm)

we had our 2001 Sienna in for a regular service. The shop owner, who has been incredibly honest in the past, called and asked if we had the timing belt changed at 90,000 miles (necessary since the car now has 120,000). It wasn't in their records. We didn't remember so we told them to go ahead and change it. They called back the next morning and said that it had already been changed, so they adjusted it. They charged us $125 to adjust it... Now, does the timing belt need adjusting or does it auto-adjust? I think he is charging us for the wild goose chase he started. Thoughts or knowledge would be appreciated.
 
Thanks

#2 of 16 Re: $125 to "adjust the timing belt" [dejapooh] by ateixeira

Aug 08, 2007 (7:47 am)

Replying to: dejapooh (Aug 07, 2007 9:27 pm)
I think it's fair, because they went through quite a bit of labor to get there. Take off the timing belt cover, probably replace gaskets, possibly adjust the tension as they said.
 
That covers their labor cost, basically.

#3 of 16 Re: $125 to "adjust the timing belt" [dejapooh] by typesix

Aug 08, 2007 (8:22 am)

Replying to: dejapooh (Aug 07, 2007 9:27 pm)
Yes,it's fair for amount of labor involved to gain access to the timing belts.

#4 of 16 2008 Sienna Maintenance Schedule by bmwshin

Dec 30, 2009 (2:47 pm)

Hello -- I bought a '08 Sienna LE a couple days ago, which is certified and has 47K miles. This is my first Sienna, and I am wondering what the recommended maintenance schedule is. Can someone advise me the best maint. routine in the following areas?
 
Oil & Filter: manual says 5K mi or 6 months -- seems too long/infrequent?
Transmission Fluid: manual doesn't really say, but maybe every year or 12K mi?
Timing belt or chain: Do '08 Sienna's have a timing belt or chain? If timing chain, when should I make sure to inspect it? 100K?
 
Thanks for your help in advance!

#5 of 16 Re: 2008 Sienna Maintenance Schedule [bmwshin] by ateixeira

Jan 02, 2010 (7:55 am)

Replying to: bmwshin (Dec 30, 2009 2:47 pm)
Oil interval is 5k. You have to reset the service indicator light, too. It reminds you, and therefore you will have consistant intervals, so it should be fine. Better than a 3k interval if you forget even once and take 6k miles to change it, for instance.
 
Trans fluid - I'm not sure. I doubt it needs service so frequently, though.
 
Timing chain, definitely. Up to 06 they had belts, 07 and later have chains, thankfully. I think they call for an inspection at some very high mileage number, but I don't recall. That should be in the service manual, though.
 
It's a very good powertrain. Car & Driver did a minivan comparo and said the Sienna had the best powertrain, hands down, no contest.

#6 of 16 Re: 2008 Sienna Maintenance Schedule [ateixeira] by madams1

Jan 04, 2010 (8:12 am)

Replying to: ateixeira (Jan 02, 2010 7:55 am)
My wife and I also just bought a 2008 Sienna LE. I too wondered about the trans fluid. Seems like you just have it checked, maybe every other oil change and do not change unless you meet certain driving conditions. I am used to changing every 30k on my honda CRV. Probably anal on my part, but it is a relatively cheap service on the CRV. Our Sienna has 37k, so I will probably have the trans service done at 60K even if not recommended in the service book.
 
Ateixeira, have you changed out or cleaned your cabin air filter yet? The manual says to clean with forced air every so often and replace if too dirty. Looks like you have to remove the glove box to get to the cabin air filter. Not sure how much the dealer will charge to remove and clean or replace. I did it myself on my CRV as they wanted about 100 bucks to replace. The part was 15.00 and it took about 15 minutes.
 
Thanks for your input!

#7 of 16 Re: 2008 Sienna Maintenance Schedule [madams1] by ateixeira

Jan 04, 2010 (1:08 pm)

Replying to: madams1 (Jan 04, 2010 8:12 am)
I'm at 27k miles and that's probably something I will do at the 30k service, so very soon, basically.

#8 of 16 Re: 2008 Sienna Maintenance Schedule [ateixeira] by bmwshin

Jan 04, 2010 (1:17 pm)

Replying to: ateixeira (Jan 04, 2010 1:08 pm)
Thanks for your replies and helpful insights! So far I've been very pleased with the van, but keeping my eye on things since I've got 3 mos or 3K miles based on the certified warranty (comprehensive one). One thing I'm a little concerned about is the slight tapping/knocking noise from the engine when idle (warm), but this may be normal for Toyota. I've driven a Honda, so it may be a little different.

#9 of 16 Re: 2008 Sienna Maintenance Schedule [bmwshin] by tekkamaki

Jan 04, 2010 (4:36 pm)

Replying to: bmwshin (Jan 04, 2010 1:17 pm)
Thats funny I am impressed how quiet the Sienna engine is. I come from a family of Subaru's - a car that has the constant boxer growl. Great engines though.

#10 of 16 Re: 2008 Sienna Maintenance Schedule [tekkamaki] by ateixeira

Jan 05, 2010 (9:33 am)

Replying to: tekkamaki (Jan 04, 2010 4:36 pm)
V6s tend to be quiet. The timing chain actually makes the 2GR (3.5l in 2007+ Siennas) engine louder than the prior 3MZ (3.3l V6 MY2004-2006), but Toyota added insulation to the firewall and door sills to make up for the extra noise.

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