Programming of Customizable Features Refused By Dealer

Persistence...

 

While I understand that perspective, I find it difficult to believe in practice because Lexus (also owned by Toyota Corp) highly advertises its complimentary Lexus Personalized Settings to customers. Why would Lexus be so willing to do it but not Toyota?

Speaking of which, I got mine changed at the complimentary 1000 mile service today free of charge and with no problems (reverse backup beeps once and key fob to unlock all doors at once).

 

Personally I think the argument that the dealer should not have to adjust features because they do not want to be held liable, should only apply to features that are PROVEN to be safe.

Just because you call a loud annoying (internal) beep a "safety feature" doesn't mean it is. I could sell you a big bag of "magical beans", but that doesn't mean you're gonna get a giant beanstalk...

 

+1

 

Absolutely BS. If that is what your dealership wants, go to the police academy, become cops and issue tickets for a living. You are not the police- Your "job" is customer service -start to service your customers and quit hiding under some supposed lawsuit possibility. For God's sake let's try to be reasonable here.

 

exactly!

 

Your understanding of the law here is mistaken. Assumption of RISK and indemnity don't work at all like you seem to think. A dealer's risk of liability from changing customizable settings is negligible if not nonexistent. This is not a customer asking the dealer to remove the airbags or cut off the seat belts.

 

Had dinner last night with a friend who is a liability lawyer. The subject of Programming of Customizable Features and liability came up and he laughed.

He said show him one case where a dealership has been sued because of this and he would be shocked. The fact that some dealerships make a big deal of this, but will charge the customer to make the changes, points to the fact there is no 'transfer of liability'.

I did a fast internet search this morning and did not find any reference to dealerships being sued over Programming of Customizable Features, or any related issues.

Can someone provide a reference to a dealership actually being sued??? Or is my friend right, and this is hype from the dealerships.

I think the right thing to do is raise this issue with Toyota and have their lawyers render an opinion. My friend is very sure that the Toyota lawyers will say there is no dealership liability for Programming Customizable Features like Toyota states in their manual.

 

I'm not seeing where Toyota says that, in fact it says:
"Your vehicle includes a variety of electronic features that can be personalized to your preferences. Programming these preferences requires specialized equipment and may be performed by an authorized Toyota dealership. [FONT=Arial,Arial][FONT=Arial,Arial]Some function settings are changed simultaneously with other functions being customized. Contact your Toyota dealer for further details."[/FONT][/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Arial][FONT=Arial,Arial]I've seen posters saying dealers told them that, but it seems Toyota, in the manual, sees them as straightforward changes. Is there another mention somewhere in the manual where Toyota says there is liability?
[/FONT][/FONT]

 

Sorry, bad grammar...
Should be:

My friend is very sure that the Toyota lawyers will say there is no dealership liability, and Programming Customizable Features should not be a problem like Toyota states in their manual.

 

Your friend is right. The people who said otherwise are clearly not lawyers and should not be doling out legal advice on forums.

Bottom line: refusal to change the settings because of fear of liability is simply code for "I don't wanna."

 

Had the appointment with the dealership today.
My car now beeps once when backing up. MUCH MUCH BETTER...
My car also now unlocks all doors when I unlock the car.

My new car is now a bit better.

 

Mt View, regular (non-synthetic) 0w20 oil is available at your Wal-Mart store.
I use Castrol GTX in 0w20 for my Honda FiT and Toyota Yaris.

Beng

 

What brand is the non-synthetic 0W-20? At Wally, they carry the Castrol GTX 5W-20. You can get the Syntec in 0W-20 and 5W-20

 

This is the only 0w-20 on the Castrol website.

SAE 0W–20

Castrol SYNTEC 0W-20 is formulated the meet the needs of modern fuel-efficient vehicles including hybrids, where SAE 0W-20 is endorsed by the manufacturer. SYNTEC 0W-20 is a full synthetic oil that helps extend engine life while delivering maximum fuel economy. SYNTEC 0W-20 is suitable for newer Toyota, Honda, Chrysler and Mercury models. Because of its low viscosity, SYNTEC 0W-20 provides excellent protection in low temperatures. API service SM. SYNTEC 0W-20 meets catalyst/emissions system compatibility and all requirements of ILSAC GF-4/GF-3/GF-2.

 

Yes, I've only noticed 0W-xx oils in synthetic or blends, which are almost as expensive as the full synthetic

 

I picked up my new Prius II yesterday and am really excited about it! Before picking it up I did quite a bit of research on the car on this forum. One thing I wanted changed to the car was the reverse beeping. My dealer told me this change was only available on the model V. Is this true??? I believe I have read posts from owners of different models saying they had the beeping changed. Anyone out there with a model II - IV have their reverse beeps changed to "once" instead of repeatedly?

 

It's changeable on all models.

 

I have a model IV and just had the dealer turn the back up beep to 1 beep. Also had them set all doors to unlock when I open the driver door.

Now that it has been a few days, I feel that it is MUCH less distracting having only one back up beep. Before I felt pressured to hurry backing up because of that beeping. Now I take my time and concentrate on backing up. If anything, it is safer than before... (But, that is just my opinion)

 

I agree. Today as I backed into my parking space at work with the windows down I was almost embarrassed in a way... I need to get it changed and have already talked to the dealer about getting it done. I understand the car is new but they should know more about the car than they do. Saying only the model V has the option was just rediculous.