Quote:
Originally Posted by Ed_T
Hi all, new (soon to be) owner here, picking up Tues a.m. Some questions I had been thinking of-
Oil changes: I like to do them generally, since I can use synthetic w/o paying the stealership price. Q: is the oil filter removal a messy affair? Would it be best to puncture the bottom of the can (after loosening it a bit of course) and letting it drain before removing it? 
Tire rotations: I'd like to do them (weather permitting) - is owner resetting of the TPMS possible? Some badges it's "dealer only" $$.  Some badges one can purchase an aftermarket reset tool. More $$.
General questions:
Is this engine timing chain (I hope?) I'm guessing it is because the 'regular' 2.4 is....
Is there a valve lash adjustment as required maintenance? Ah for the good old days of hydraulic self-adjusting....
Sparkplugs probably iridiums..?
How about tranny pan fluid changes - is this a simple drain and refill? I'm guessing not based on Toyota's other models.
I'm guessing also that the engine coolant is probaby long-life (pink) stuff not requiring early change.
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We've had other Toyota's and they've easily been the least problematic for us versus other badges we've owned. We're really hoping that nothing major goes wrong with this technically complicated vehicle - we're getting the 7/100/0 Platinum ext. warranty just in case (thanks all for the pricing threads on that!).
Hoping the paint isn't as sensitive to chipping as so many have commented  ....that thin clearcoat (groan). |
Congratulations on your new car and welcome to the "club".
The only part on your questions that I can answer easily is concerning tire rotations:
If you're talking about just repositioning your tires: There is NO need to worry about resetting the TPMS. It's a pressure sensor inside the tire itself that sends its data (via RF) to the receiver in the car. Moving front-to-back has no impact. Unless you change the tire pressure due to running different settings front/rear, you won't even need to reset the TPMS switch (which is located inside the glove box), and you can do easily.
Now, if you're speaking about changing from one set of tires to another (you have a "normal" set and a "winter" set w/ separate rims & TPMS sensors), then you will need to go to the dealer to get the other set "re-registered" every time you swap them out. (The system will only remember one set at a time.)
Spark Plugs: ARE iridium tipped, replace: 120,000 miles (150,000 in CA, ME, MA, NY, VT).
Engine/Inverter Coolant: 100,000 Miles (again 150,000 in CA, ME, MA, NY, VT).
OK, I lied -- could answer 3 questions.
I hope this info helps.
DIY maint. questions
Two climate control systems, one inside and the other at the tailpipe. 
