Toyota Repair: Loss of compression, toyota 4runner 2005, toyota 4runner
QuestionWe have a Toyota 4runner 2005, V8 SR5 model. This past April, we had an exhaust valve go bad and get replaced for $2500. A couple weeks after the fix, multiple idiot lights have come on. The mechanic has put us off saying its the gas we're using or "idiot lights just come on". Finally, 8 months later, they are saying that there's a loss of compression in the engine (all cylinders) and will cost $1500 just to take it apart. They could not give any potential reasons for why there's a loss of compression and implied that taking it apart would be the only way to find out. Could there be a relation between the exhaust valve fix and the loss of compression? And if so, how would we "prove" this to force the mechanic to pay for this new problem? What would happen if we didn't get it fixed?
AnswerThis doesn't sound right, the statement " a loss of compression" is too vague for me, I need to know the compression readings for each cylinder, a complete loss of compression in all cylinders is usually caused by something like a broken timing belt, I don't trust this diagnosis they are giving to you that they have to take everything apart,the fact that they won't give you a reason to do that just doesn't seem professional. Another red flag that pops up is the earlier statement that"idiot lights just pop up" and "it's the gas your'e using" NO, idiot lights(warning lights) don't pop up for no reason and the gas you are using seldom causes this as well. In my opinion if everything was done correctly when they charged you $2500 you wouldn't be having this problem now, didn't they give you at least a one year warranty on parts and labor? You may wan't to consider having another shop or even the toyota dealer check to see what is actually causing this problem or have the current shop be more specific as to what they have found and why they want to take everything apart AND prove to YOU that it was not something they overlooked before or screwed up.
