Replacing dash parts - good idea or noisy problem?

[sjposty17]

I have a KX-R but I bought the 6 stacker bluetooth unit which the dealer fitted prior to delivery. Unfortunately, they had issues fitting it, which left the dash with about 10 marks including 1 significant cut on the top of the dash. All up I think 5 dash pieces need replacing including the whole top of the dash and stereo surrounds.

The parts have arrived from Japan, but now I'm not sure I want to replace them, for fear of problematic noises and squeeks from the new parts.

Any knowledge or experience with this type of issues.

Am I worrying over nothing and the parts will fit fine without any annoying noises?

I just think it's a bit of a gamble really.

Any comments appreciated.

[selyaT]

Dealer fitted accessories are a joke.

It's unbelievable how shoddy the workmanship must have been to have caused so much damage.

Have them carry out the work and if rattles ensue then demand replacement.

Edit: I've taken the interior of my Corolla out several times for stereo etc and it fits back together fine with no rattles

Edited April 13, 2008 by Tayles

[fish475]

My KX-R had the 6 stack upgrade by the dealer and I have rattles between on the plastic joins above the camera screen and the big top part of the dash. But no dash damage as I spoke about it to them prior to the upgrade.

I'm nearing the 10000k service and I've been parking the Kluger outside my garage of a night to see if more dash rattles are there with the cooler climate coming. Answer is a clear yes, like our USA cousins have experience during ther winter.

The US sites have the Toyota part number posted to prevent/fix the dash problems upon the next service. They clearly say that Toyota know about the problem experienced during the cooler months in some of the threads.

Extract from one of them, Quote from USA thread,

Originally Posted by jrosner50

My service dept found and fixed my rattles about 2 weeks ago. I have had no noises what so ever in the two weeks since so I am convinced what they did is the fix. It didn't matter in mine if it was 10, 30 or 50 degrees out, my plastic popping sounds happened on both sides of dash by speakers. My service had removed my dash to determine the noise. I also sent an email to Toyota who contacted me and also had a customer relations manager speak to me about my concerns. Toyota has documented what took place with my HL and they admitted a few weeks later to me in an email follow up I am not the first to contact Toyota. Anyway...here is some info, hope this can help some other folks...Here is what the ticket says: as per tech noise is from dash panel contact at base of firewall. attachment clips, etc R&I dash assembly. Insulate clips at windshield base. Noise kit 08231-00801 installed.

Edited April 14, 2008 by fish475

[kluger200711]

I think you still should have the dash replaced, but just not at the same dealer or do it yourself. I disassembled whole dash myself(without service manual) and put them back without leave any marks. It is obvious that they don't care of your car. btw, the reason I disassemble the dashboard on my 2 month old kluger is to find TWO loosing screws inside dash assembly. When I reported the noise coming behind dash, they just wrap the loosed screw with foam and force it back in, which isn't a proper fix. The screw become loose again and fall inside the dash. If you want something done properly, do it yourself.

[mrbishi]

The quality of workmanship from many dealers not just Toyota is disgusting. There is no pride in their work and I would be embarrased/ashamed if I ran some of those service departments. The service departments would be charging the work they do back to Toyota so its not as if its coming out of their pockets.

What they have done is totally unacceptable and I would write a letter to Toyota head office regardless of whether they replace the damaged parts or not. It should never have happened in the first place. Sometimes the odd accidental damage unfortunately happens and they should tell the customer before they pick the car up, but with so much damage these guys have caused it sounds like they are butchers.

I would not be taking my car back there again if thats an indication of how they care for their customers cars.

[sjposty17]

I have a KX-R but I bought the 6 stacker bluetooth unit which the dealer fitted prior to delivery. Unfortunately, they had issues fitting it, which left the dash with about 10 marks including 1 significant cut on the top of the dash. All up I think 5 dash pieces need replacing including the whole top of the dash and stereo surrounds.

The parts have arrived from Japan, but now I'm not sure I want to replace them, for fear of problematic noises and squeeks from the new parts.

Any knowledge or experience with this type of issues.

Am I worrying over nothing and the parts will fit fine without any annoying noises?

I just think it's a bit of a gamble really.

Any comments appreciated.

I had the dash repaired, well most of it. They replaced the 2 main parts, but didn't replace another 3. I sent an email photo which clearly circled the damage, but that had obviously been ignored.

In the end, I've given it away as a bad joke and will live with the marks, seeing as I have to drive 260km (round trip) and take a day off to get the work done.

However, I am happy to report that I experienced NO rattles or noises on the drive home, other than the sweet purr of the motor as I cruised along the highway. It is truly a delightful vehicle to drive, especially on the open road.