CEL - Dealer Charge to Run Code $105 ??

[Joe Duffer]

My wife just returned from the dealer where we bought our '03 V6. The CEL just popped on this morning and she was going in for an oil change anyway, so she had them run a code.

The code is P0135 - O2 sensor ($371.00 to RR) + $105 to run the code.

Is it typical for Toyota to charge $105.00 for a one minute task?

[leakyseals]

Originally Posted by Joe Duffer

My wife just returned from the dealer where we bought our '03 V6. The CEL just popped on this morning and she was going in for an oil change anyway, so she had them run a code.

The code is P0135 - O2 sensor ($371.00 to RR) + $105 to run the code.

Is it typical for Toyota to charge $105.00 for a one minute task?

For the stealership, yes, thats normal. They charge an hour labor. For future reference the code can be run at most autoparts stores like autozone for free. I would be more upset with the price you paid for the O2+labor. They go for about $100, and take 15 mins to install.

[Joe Duffer]

I just got off the phone after calling the dealer to complain about the $105 charge for simply running a code. They said it was not as simple as just running a code... they said several other checks had to be done to pinpoint exactly where the problem was.

I was told by a friend that the code number that appears pinpoints the problem to the exact O2 sensor, and no further testing is required.

Can anyone provide the straight scoop?

Thanks,
Joe

[leakyseals]

You should have come here first. Its too late now. Its what they charge, and how they do it. They don't just pull a code they charge an hours labor, and from what your saying they performed other tests. So the positive side of that is you have no other issues.

[Joe Duffer]

Originally Posted by leakyseals

For the stealership, yes, thats normal. They charge an hour labor. For future reference the code can be run at most autoparts stores like autozone for free. I would be more upset with the price you paid for the O2+labor. They go for about $100, and take 15 mins to install.

Leaky... thanks so much for the reply.

*** The work hasn't been done yet! - I asked my wife to return home so we could discuss other options. That's when I searched and joined this forum.

Where would you direct me to buy the sensor?

I'm pretty handy, but could also use some tips/direction on the RR.

Thanks Again,
Joe

[TOYOPARTSMAN]

Joe, if you are ever looking to buy an OEM part, I do offer members a 30% discount off MSRP. So don't hesitate to contact me if you need an OEM Sensor. Good luck to you and wish you the best.

[leakyseals]

Originally Posted by Joe Duffer

Leaky... thanks so much for the reply.

The work hasn't been done yet! - I asked my wife to return home so we could discuss other options. That's when I search and joined this forum.

Where would you direct me to buy the sensor?

I pretty handy, but could also use some tips/direction on the RR.

Thanks Again,
Joe

Ok...the code tells you which sensor...You want the Denso. Use this chart Don't use a universal, get the exact one. Now buy the Denso at rockauto.com its the cheapest. Don't worry about driving like that for a while till it arrives. will be like a 22mm wrench (I think) . dont be afraid to use vise grips or a plumbers wrench because you will be replacing it. Lube it real good at the exhaust with pblaster, wd40, etc because it will be almost netted on there.

[leakyseals]

Whoah! Gary the parts man arrived on the scene! use him...

[TOYOPARTSMAN]

Use PB Blaster, it is the best stuff and let it penetrate good before trying to remove the sensor. It will probably be rusty so let is set and spray again. You may even want to spray it and let it set overnight. Be careful not to cross thread it either, take your time. I have seen them get stuck and not pretty or cheap when they do.

[AML]

Originally Posted by Joe Duffer

I just got off the phone after calling the dealer to complain about the $105 charge for simply running a code. They said it was not as simple as just running a code... they said several other checks had to be done to pinpoint exactly where the problem was.

I was told by a friend that the code number that appears pinpoints the problem to the exact O2 sensor, and no further testing is required.

Can anyone provide the straight scoop?

Thanks,
Joe

It depends. If you ask to just get the CEL codes read, then yes, that's all they do. If you tell them to diagnose the CEL, that's open to interpretation and sometimes they'll just read the CEL, but I know my dealer, depending on the code, will go in depth and CONFIRM that it's right.

In the case of the O2 sensor, my dealer would do a diagnostics check on other related systems and see if they're running correctly.

For instance, on the Jaguar X-Type, about 80% of the time, a P0420 (cat. convertor issue) code is actually caused by a bad O2 sensor. No idea why it wouldn't just throw a code for the oxygen sensor, but it doesn't.

If I take my Jag to AutoZone, they'll see P0420 and tell me to replace my cat. converter. Take it to the dealer and they'll run tests and see that my oxygen sensor circuits aren't pulling the right voltages and that it's my O2 sensor that's out.

[Joe Duffer]

Oops... My Bad. I'm a rookie here and I've blundered badly!

I'm in the wrong forum.

My wife's vehicle is an '03 Highlander.

Will this make a difference re: part # and/or RR?

Is there an exact part # or sensor that I need to fix the P0135 code?

Sorry,
Joe

*** Maybe the mod could relocate?

[Joe Duffer]

In my embarrassment I neglected to pass along a very hardy "THANK YOU" to all the very helpful replies.

Thanks Guys,
Joe

[leakyseals]

Nah its fine, same engine, different body.. just follow the instructions above.

[Joe Duffer]

Originally Posted by leakyseals

Ok...the code tells you which sensor...You want the Denso. Use this chart Don't use a universal, get the exact one. Now buy the Denso at rockauto.com its the cheapest. Don't worry about driving like that for a while till it arrives. will be like a 22mm wrench (I think) . dont be afraid to use vise grips or a plumbers wrench because you will be replacing it. Lube it real good at the exhaust with pblaster, wd40, etc because it will be almost netted on there.

Thanks again Leaky!

Using the chart listed above and RockAuto I come up with part #2344215 Downstream OE Style (wire length: 19.69) @ $55.79 ea.

Would it be possible for you to confirm?

Cheers,
Joe

[Joe Duffer]