Holy Crap

I pride myself on being anal about vehicle maintenance...for good reasons. So right before Thanksgiving I take my 2010 Prius in for oil/filter and tire rotation and the Wife's 21014 Corolla S for her first 5,000 mile free maintenance and an early 1st oil/filter change. As always, I checked the levels and tire pressures before leaving the facility.

So fast forward to today...we got home last night from our 400+ mile round trip (both vehicles) unloaded and called it a day. Just moved my car minutes ago so my better half could run around and noticed a puddle of oil under where I was parked. Checked the oil and nothing on the stick. Took 3 quarts and could take another half quart. Called the Dealership that performed the work (not my regular one) and talked with the Service Director to explain. Needless to say the tow truck is on the way.

Bottom line...as I always preach...Do it yourself and double check...triple check others work. I smell a new motor after losing 3+ quarts in 400 miles. In my own defense...for what it's worth...I parked on dirt while visiting out of town, so I never noticed.

Will keep you posted.

 

Did not add oil until explaining the situation and telling him I would, then called back after learning it needed 3 qts. minimum The Director even knew the oil capacity of the 2010 Prius. The tow truck and loaner were quickly offered and directions given for the tow driver not to start it, as a flat bed was being sent. Have purchased 2 vehicles from them recently and I am pretty well known, liked and associated as being a major airline mechanic customer. They know I know what's up.

 

Nope, there is going to be paper all over this one. We all know it's the plug or filter leaking. Even Toyota's lawyers give you 1 quart for 600 miles as acceptable "usage", not 3+ qts. in 400 miles. Tow truck just called inbound, 10 minutes out.

 

As a mechanic it's easy, but I will not speculate anything until we do some face time in the morning. One thing is for sure, no matter how good a motor is built, running down to 1+ quarts in 400+ miles after service 9 days ago caused major damage. At least 406 miles of that alone was interstate travel to and from the folks for the Thanksgiving weekend.

PS - Gave me a Tacoma Prerunner Extended Cab V6 SR5 AWD as a loaner..lots of kissing going on too!

 

No oil "idiot" light illuminated, which may be a good sign..

Cause:_____Oil Filter was loose which caused the 3 qt. drop in 400+ miles.

Resolve:___ Junior Technician has been released (didn't want that to happen), After a spotless clean-up, new oil/filter change with thorough leak check, engine cover/belly pan was replaced do to the sound insulation being oil soaked, 60K/5Y power-train warranty extended 100,000 miles from now to 186,510 miles (was already expired) and free oil/filter changes up to 186,510 miles (every 5,000 miles or whatever I want). Based on engine status monitoring from this moment on - replacement with up to a "new" long block and consumables needed (free of any charge) if engine change is required and all cost paid for by said Dealership...regardless where the work is performed, tow was handled and hell they even handed me 3 qts of oil to replaced what I put in before having it towed there. All matters have been documented, photographed, signed and agreed to.

While I find it unfortunate this occurred, and know all to well that sh-t sometimes happens, I was handled very well and better than expected.

Will keep ya posted as required.

 

Good for me I now have two Toyota Dealership Service Depts. I KNOW will handle me good in this area. FWIW, I was told because of how I handled myself (and my background of course) made the biggest difference on how they handled me. As I have advised others here...be firm, but be polite. These guys put their pants on just like the rest of us.