First, awesome forum. Lots of great advice on here, but having a little trouble finding an answer to this issue.
My recently divorced mother is having some trouble with the control unit for GPS/Display on her Avalon. I included a picture above, but it's the bottom slide out closest to the shifter. Basically, the slide mechanism is broken which in my opinion is unacceptable. It doesn't slide open/closed and latch so it's basically stuck open and hanging a little weird. The car is still under warranty from Toyota, but she is getting the major run-around and she just mentioned this to me today since she is completely frustrated and feels like they are taking advantage of her.
Basically, Toyota in Richardson (Texas) won't even dig into it. She's been told the following:
1) It's not a warrantiable issue since the GPS still works. This sounds like complete crap to me, if my window rolls up and stays closed, but doesn't roll down does that mean the window works? No way. I've had similar far less functional issues with Chevy/Ford vehicles in the past including the plastic fading/chipping on stereo buttons which were replaced no questions asked.
2) After some pushing he agreed it could be submitted for warranty repair, but he'd have to submit for replacement of the GPS unit which is a $1200+ repair. This seems excessive b/c the issue is not even the GPS unit, but this control module and even then, it's just the sliding mechanism. He says he will submit it, but sure it will be denied. Basically gave her big song and dance that he would be doing her a huge favor.
3) Last time she was in there he says he can replace the trim piece on front of the GPS for $200. He "doesn't think it will fix it." Somehow he's convinced her this may help and will give them a chance to pull the unit to see what exactly is wrong. This to me is hysterical b/c the problem is so obvious and her paying for this replacement part is completely nonsensical. Worse yet, she gets the impression if they pull it and can't fix it they may not even put it back in.
So...does anyone have any suggestions? To me this is a very small inexpensive part which if Toyota does not sell separate from an entire GPS unit is their problem. The fact that they haven't even gotten into the dash infuriates me.
Saying you can't replace the mechanism b/c To me it's like saying "You should replace the engine b/c the belt broke." I can't find a schematic of this part of car, but does anyone know if this part is sold separately? Any suggestions on dealership? I'd like to go down there and blow some people up b/c she's obviously invested hours of time in this and she is a worryer as well. Recommendations for another N Texas dealer would always be appreciated as well.
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