Tail light, abs, brake light ... oh my !

[sarkast1k]

Hi folks,

I am new here, hoping to get some input on a few issues....nothing complicated I'm sure, but still beyond my skill set.

In December I bought a 2009 Toyota Matrix 36kmiles (certified and all that supposedly)....

* We got our first few inches of snow here in Chicago 2 weeks ago...more of a snow/slush/ice mix. It caused quite a bit of slush/ice mix around the wheel well..so I kicked some of it off. Then the next day the tire pressure, abs, and brake light came on. Filled the tires with air and the pressure light went off immediately. The other lights went off for 2 days, and now the abs and brake lights are back on (solid, not flashing). I'm thinking either sensors are dirty, or I or the snow/ice knocked something loose. Any other potential cause/solution? I'm going to check brake fluid level in the morning.

** 2 days after buying the car somehow the drivers side tail light was cracked with a peanut size hole on the clear part of the light. No bulbs broken or anything just the clear cover. Do I need to replace the whole light assembly? or is it an option to replace the clear part only? I'm looking online to buy a replacement, but I'm getting lost in the www of auto parts. Any advice on where to buy the replacement? Hoping I can install it myself.

*** I purchased the Toyota Premium service agreement with the car since it just passed 36k miles, and 2 days ago got a letter in the mail saying my car was not eligible for this plan??? I think they pulled a fast one on me and now I'm concerned taking the car to the dealer will cost me too much in repairs since I have no warranty or potentially no service agreement.

Any constructive advice or input would be much appreciated.

Many thanks

[jmarshall098]

So for the first part of your question, I think that the wheel sensors have gone. Most probably due to moisture from the snow/slush kind of mix as you said. What you can do is that replace the old sensor with a new one.

Secondly for the tail light parts you want you can visit the following link: http://www.theautopartsshop.com/auto...bulb+2009.html
and thirdly the service agreement issue relates between you and your dealer so no one can do anything about it.What you can do is that you can mail to the Toyota head quarters out over there and hope for a positive reply.

[sarkast1k]

thank you Mr. Marshall. I appreciate you quick response.

The tail light bulb is not broken. There is a crack/hole on the exterior clear part of the whole assembly. I probably need to replace the whole light assembly? Would you recommend the same website for this part?

I'm quite surprised that it would be time to change a wheel sensor already considering the dealership had a 150+ point inspection and did quite a bit of work to get it ready for resale.

I purchased a somewhat new car so that I wouldn't have to think about maintenance for at least a little while but 1 month after purchase I'm already diggin into my pockets.

[fishexpo101]

Possible that the wiring to the wheel speed sensor got pulled off as you knocked off the chunk of snow/ice in between the spokes. Just pull the wheels off and give them a good look over - most of the wiring problems/mechanical issues will be caught with such a visual inspection.

As for the tail-lamp - you'll have to replace the whole assembly, as they don't sell the outer "plastic" bit by itself. Prices will vary depending on source of the assemblies. OEM being the most costly to certified or DEPO parts (think body shop and non-OEM parts).

As for the warranty - a "Certified User Toyota car or truck" or TCUV (Toyota Certified Used Vehicle) will have the following (you get this already with the TCUV, nothing else out of pocket):

- 12-month/12,000-mile Comprehensive Warranty (from your car purchase date)
- 7-year/100,000-mile Limited Powertrain Warranty (from initial service date when new)
- 1-year of Roadside Assistance (from your car purchase date)
- 160-Point Quality Assurance Inspection and CARFAX history report

Note that you still have the remaining factory warranty balance for emissions, powertrain warranty is actually better with the TCUV plan, and balance of the comprehensive warranty - depending on mileage and age, one will be better than the other.

This we got from direct experience - as our own 2009 Matrix XRS was a TCUV purchase. Sure it cost a couple hundred dollars more than a non-certiified car at another dealership - but you automatically get the above coverage and "new" car financing plans on a "used" car.

Toyota Certified Vehicle Service Agreement and/or extended warranties are a different beast all together. There are the VSA (Vehicle Service Agreements from Toyota) and there are the third party ones that the dealership peddles. Both generally provide coverage that is above and beyond the standard TCUV coverage. Generally the Toyota Certified VSA have to be purchased at the same time as the vehicle, unless the dealership worked out some kind of deal for you. Many of the dealership premium service plans/warranties have some time limit on them - depending on the premium service plan - there are conditions that much be satisfied - like only on new cars, certain mileage restrictions, etc. Definitely something that you'll need to clear up with the dealership.

[sarkast1k]

Thank you fishexpo101 for your response. I am so happy to see there are some thorough and knowledgeable people in this forum.

I was able to figure out the service agreement issue with Toyota financial services today, and thankfully I do have a service plan. Turns out they accidentally initiated the service agreement for a new car, but this one is used. They also advised me that the abs brake light issue will probably be covered.

I have scheduled service for my car tomorrow, and all looks good from here on out.

Thank you to everyone for your input and taking the time to help me out !

[milkyway]

It happend to me couple of times....
ABS, Brake, VSS, Engine oil light (only when hard brake) were on when it was extreme cold and snow out there. I drove to cash wash with the option of under car wash.
ABS, Brake and VSS are off. I filled up the engine oil , the oil light are ok.

Not sure if it is related to your issues....., but worth to try car wash and check the engine oil before bringing to dealer, try to save some money.

[sarkast1k]

Well, turns out the problem had nothing to do with the snow/ice or sensors.

After 2 days in the shop they replaced both rear assembly hubs and abs harness. It also needed the foot pedal modification. All covered under warranty. I can't believe the dealership didn't have these things fixed and the recall taken care of before I bought the car. Very disappointed in Toyota Libertyville IL, but excellent service at Grossinger Toyota on Fremont in Chicago.