[AJ-got-BHP]

Originally Posted by coolmel

Great going AJ! Always great hearing fellow Etios owners stories. I've the Liva VD. Just a thought, why didnt you switch to synthetic oil post 20000 kms? All the more benefits.

Hey coolmel !!

I would have shifted to a Fully Synthetic Oil post 20,000 Kms had the car been in my Self Drive and where I could feel and experience the benefit in person. However, since the ETIOS is primarily driven by the chauffeur, I thought I might as well stick to the Conventional Mineral Oil itself.

Although I have Shifted to Fully Synthetic in my Ford Figo which is "My Car"

Originally Posted by lamborghini

Hi, such an early replacement is indeed shocking!
As far as I remember, our chauffeur driven Etios & Liva haven't needed such an early brake pad replacement.
The Etios is at 30,000kms and primarily used in the city and still on stock brakes that are doing a stellar job so far even after a few instances of hard braking.

Yeah it is shocking indeed !! See the condition of the rotors. It's in an atrociously rusted condition which is completely unacceptable. Wish that this job done, stays and supports the car for the time being.

[coolmel]

Originally Posted by AJ-got-BHP

Hey coolmel !!

I would have shifted to a Fully Synthetic Oil post 20,000 Kms had the car been in my Self Drive and where I could feel and experience the benefit in person. However, since the ETIOS is primarily driven by the chauffeur, I thought I might as well stick to the Conventional Mineral Oil itself.

Although I have Shifted to Fully Synthetic in my Ford Figo which is "My Car"



Yeah it is shocking indeed !! See the condition of the rotors. It's in an atrociously rusted condition which is completely unacceptable. Wish that this job done, stays and supports the car for the time being.

Cheers AJ! Thanks for the inputs.

[AJ-got-BHP]

16/09/2016 : 30,000 Kms Update : The vehicle was due for a 30,000 Kms Service and thus I sent it to Saini Toyota, Howrah for a Service for performing the following job on my car :

• Washing & Servicing - Periodical
• Engine Oil Change - Periodical
• Oil Filter Change - Periodical
• AC Filter to be Changed - Periodical
• Windshield Washer & Fluid Check – Periodical
• Check Diesel Filter – Either Clean or Replace

Other Problems :

1. Poor Mileage
2. Low Pick Up
3. Both HeadLight Focus to be checked – Seems to be too high
4. All 4 Doors handles & locks – Opens & Closes with difficulty
5. Rattling noise from all 4 Doors & DashBoard – Specially under the AC vents
6. Driver’s Side Window Channel Rubber inverting inside and making noise when rolling down the Power Window

Apart from this a thorough check up of the vehicle was done and some minor issues were also sorted. Sharing the Invoice copy of the Job Performed :





Changing the Air Filter and the Diesel Filter supposedly should resolve the poor mileage and the low pick up issue and thus was voluntarily changed.

The clogged AC Filter :


The clogged Air Filter :


However, I fail to understand the Chargeable Kit from the part of Toyota for deadening the rattles in the car. Should this not been done under warranty as it is a manufacturing defect from the part of the manufacturer ?

The Invoice of Rs.6,557.00 was raised by the dealership where I had to pay only Rs.5,233.00 only after deducting Rs.1,294.00 of which I had received a voucher at the time of the renewal of my Insurance from them. This voucher was actually imposed on them by me and extracted from them Add On : Free Pick Up & Drop !!

The fresh looking engine compartment :


The car now drives and feels as new as ever !! However, there have been certain body damages to the car and I have already given it to Alok Automobiles for body work. Sharing some pictures :

The damaged Bumper with the Engine Guard displaced :


Both fenders damaged :




Need to add some 'SWAG' to the Etios and hope to bring it back in shape with some bling this time.

[amalji]

Originally Posted by AJ-got-BHP

All 4 Doors handles & locks – Opens & Closes with difficulty
Rattling noise from all 4 Doors & DashBoard – Specially under the AC vents

• What was the root cause of the door handles and locks ? And how did they fix it. Never faced such issues till date.
• Rattles on the AC vents was a known issue and Toyota has a rattle fix kit that takes care of it. But, it should have been taken care under warranty. That was how, mine was taken care of by Nippon Toyota.
• What was the root cause for the door rattles ? And how did they fix it ? Again, never faced this issue in 5 years and 1,10,000 kms of ownership.

Originally Posted by AJ-got-BHP

Driver’s Side Window Channel Rubber inverting inside and making noise when rolling down the Power Window

Could you please explain this further ? Any youtube video ?

Originally Posted by AJ-got-BHP

Changing the Air Filter and the Diesel Filter supposedly should resolve the poor mileage and the low pick up issue and thus was voluntarily changed.

I had a similar air filter clog issue during the initial years of ownership ( when I had to drive a lot near the dusty Vellore in Tamil Nadu ).

What Nippon Toyota did was to just shake the filter to remove dust, and then use air compressor to clean it. And it was back to normal.

And, I strongly feel that fuel filter shouldn't have been replaced. Toyota shows a warning light inside the dash, if the fuel filter is clogged. In my case, it happened at 70,000 kms. Even when it happened, the car didn't have any lose in power because the fuel filter will get automatically bypassed, if it is clogged. So, it seems, they did a wrong fix there.

[AJ-got-BHP]

Originally Posted by amalji

What was the root cause of the door handles and locks ? And how did they fix it. Never faced such issues till date.

Ever since I bought the car I have had this issue and this has been reported at every service. I presume what they do is use an Aerosol Lubricant Spray to resolve the problem temporarily.

Originally Posted by amalji

Rattles on the AC vents was a known issue and Toyota has a rattle fix kit that takes care of it. But, it should have been taken care under warranty. That was how, mine was taken care of by Nippon Toyota.

Exactly my point !! When the issue is known to Toyota and they have a 'Kit' for it, why is it not installed in each and every vehicle facing the problem as a protocol and under the standard warranty norms instead of making it chargeable to the customer in the Invoice as "Others-Instrument Panel" is completely not understood by me. Though the amount charged is too petty for any customer to object in order to get rid of the irritant noise.

Originally Posted by amalji

What was the root cause for the door rattles ? And how did they fix it ? Again, never faced this issue in 5 years and 1,10,000 kms of ownership.

Don't know the root cause of the issue here. But, yes the issue was resolved by installing another "kit for it" which has been charged in the Invoice as "Others-Rear Doors".

Originally Posted by amalji

Could you please explain this further ? Any Youtube video ?

When you roll down the driver's side window, the window rolls down taking along with it the flexible rubber which runs across the window channel on the inner side making a squeeking noise. Unfortunately No youtube videos for this. Also, they could not resolve this problem as the respective part was neither available with them not with the Toyota Spare Parts Warehouse in Kolkata.

Originally Posted by amalji

I had a similar air filter clog issue during the initial years of ownership ( when I had to drive a lot near the dusty Vellore in Tamil Nadu ). What Nippon Toyota did was to just shake the filter to remove dust, and then use air compressor to clean it. And it was back to normal.

Refer to the picture that I have shared. It is completely clogged and mere shaking and blowing the filter with compressed air would not have helped. IMHO I think that changing the Air Filter has been beneficial as the Car now definitely gives more response. The pick up issue resolved. Anyways, I am going to shift to the Stock Replacement Air Filter of BMC which I have already called for; once the car is back from the workshop after the body work is done !!

Originally Posted by amalji

And, I strongly feel that fuel filter shouldn't have been replaced. Toyota shows a warning light inside the dash, if the fuel filter is clogged. In my case, it happened at 70,000 kms. Even when it happened, the car didn't have any lose in power because the fuel filter will get automatically bypassed, if it is clogged. So, it seems, they did a wrong fix there.

Do Not know ! According to them the poor mileage should be rectified after the Diesel Filter Replacement. Will have to keep a tab on that before I may comment on the fix performed by them.

[AJ-got-BHP]

28/09/2016 : The Etios is back from the workshop with a refreshed look !! Details of the work done :

1. Both fenders dented & painted
2. Both Bumpers dented and painted
3. The small impact on the front bumper resulted in displacement of the Intercooler - brought back to position
4. Engine Guard repaired & realigned
5. Number Plate enclosures painted Black
6. ORVM's & Front Grill Top Line painted white
7. Front Brake Discs resurfaced

Apart from the above, I finally decided to replace the stock Bridgestone tyres 185/60 R15 with MAXXIS 205/55 R15. A very initial review of the wheel upgrade/ upsize on the Etios :

• The vehicle feels more planted now
• Road grip is phenomenal
• Braking has improved
• Handling has drastically improved around the corners - I do not feel that I am driving the same car before which used to feel vulnerable (i.e.- chances of fishtailing) on sharp turns
• Steering has not become heavy at all
• The stance of the vehicle now has considerably improved

You can refer to the Online Tyre Calculator for the detailed reference of the Upsize. Link : https://tiresize.com/calculator/

Sharing some pictures of the Etios (apparently considered as the dullest looking car on indian roads) after it is now added with some bling and IMHO is looking a bit 'Swag' now :

[AJ-got-BHP]

OCTOBER 2016 : Had a fabulous run with the Etios on my Trip to Rajasthan which clocked around 6,500Kms in 15 Days. I am yet to bring the relevant travelogue up on Team-BHP and shall do that soon. Sharing some pictures :







Our Residence in Navalgarh, Rajasthan :







NOVEMBER 2016 : The Etios met up with a Bad Accident as it was rear ended by a Local Bus within the city premises. The work was performed at Saini Toyota and they took around 6 days to do the needful by replacing the Bumper, the Rear Right Quarter Pannel and the Rear Right Tail Lamp. The Total Cost of Repair was around 36,000.00 rupees out of which I had to shell out only Rs.1,450.00 as the vehicle was covered under the Comprehensive Bumper to Bumper Insurance Policy. What a Savior !! Fantastic Job done by the Saini Guys !!


JANUARY 2017 : Got clicked at the Team-BHP Winter Meet. The only ETIOS in the meet !! Sharing some pictures :

Had a spirited drive with BHPian Amin to the Meet Venue :


Clicking the ETIOS :


Alongside BHPian Samba's Figo - Both these cars have not yet been to Ladakh : (Only if Samba could explain)

P.C.: Samba - Thanks for the Click !!

[Samba]

Originally Posted by AJ-got-BHP

OCTOBER 2016 : Had a fabulous run with the Etios on my Trip to Rajasthan which clocked around 6,500Kms in 15 Days. I am yet to bring the relevant travelogue up on Team-BHP and shall do that soon. Sharing some pictures :

The 205 section tires are giving an awesome stance to your Etios, am sure it will improve the handling further and will make the steering feel better at higher speeds with more improved braking.

Great to know it did the Rajasthan trip with out any fuss. Etios is one reliable car. I can vouch for it.

Sorry to hear about the accident, but good to know the work done was perfect and you are satisfied. 'All's well that ends well'.
Even i have shifted to Saini Toyota for the works in my car. I must say they do a better job than Topsel Toyota.

My Etios has been to the cold dessert of India (Hunder), so this time planning to take it to Rajasthan too. Please put up the travelogue soon, as my Etios will follow the footprints of your Etios hopefully by next months end!

The below pic was clicked by you at Hunder.



Clicked this picture of your Etios a couple of days back at the Team Bhp Kolkata meet. This was clicked while you tried to scare me by zooming in very close to me but still i was not scared ! The proof is the below pic which is not hazy! I have full confidence on your driving skill and the mechanical's of the Etios. No comments on the reaction of Bhpian SouraC seating beside you!

[AJ-got-BHP]

This thread has not been updated since a long time. The vehicle has crossed the 45,000Kms mark and the Service was long overdue. I decided to opt out from sending the vehicle to the Toyota Authorized Dealership and rather sent it to MAD METAL for it's periodical service and some replacements.

Work performed :

1. Service
2. Oil Change - with Shell Helix Ultra 5W40 4L Pack
3. Oil Filter Change
4. BMC Air Filter Cleaned
5. Front Brake Pads replaced
6. Rear Brake Shoe Replaced
7. Front Brake Disc & Rear Brake Disc resurfaced
8. Rear Shock Absorbers replaced - from OEM Monroe
9. Rear Bumper opened, refitted and fixed

Some pictures while the work was being done :




Cost involved : Rs.11,500/= which was value for money and very satisfied with the workmanship of the MAD METAL Workshop.

The Maxxis 205/55 R15 Tyres are holding up very well with no issues so far.

[amalji]

Originally Posted by AJ-got-BHP

[*]Rear Brake Shoe Replaced

Did this really need replacement ! My rear brake shoe is still going strong after 1.25 lakh kms. And I've been pretty aggressive with my braking. Proof - replaced 3 front brake pads by now. I've seen many vehicles which has covered around 2 lakh kms without the need to replace the rear brake shoes.

Originally Posted by AJ-got-BHP

[*]Front Brake Disc & Rear Brake Disc resurfaced

What does "rear brake disc refurfaced" mean? The rear is equipped with drums and not pads.

Originally Posted by AJ-got-BHP

[*]Rear Shock Absorbers replaced - from OEM Monroe

This is too short a life. Did they tell you that the rear shocks need to be replaced ?

Originally Posted by AJ-got-BHP

Cost involved : Rs.11,500/= which was value for money and very satisfied with the workmanship of the MAD METAL Workshop.

Why would you do it outside Toyota ? The service cost would have been cheaper at Toyota and you would have been at peace of mind that genuine Toyota spares are used. And you have given a chance to the dealers to wash their hands of their responsibility in case something bad happens in the future.

[AJ-got-BHP]

Originally Posted by amalji

Did this really need replacement ! My rear brake shoe is still going strong after 1.25 lakh kms. And I've been pretty aggressive with my braking. Proof - replaced 3 front brake pads by now. I've seen many vehicles which has covered around 2 lakh kms without the need to replace the rear brake shoes.

At the time of service it was found that the Brake Shoe had worn out unevenly and thus resorted to changing it.

Originally Posted by amalji

What does "rear brake disc refurfaced" mean? The rear is equipped with drums and not pads.

Typo error The Rear Brake Drums were resurfaced as they had also worn out unevenly.

Originally Posted by amalji

This is too short a life. Did they tell you that the rear shocks need to be replaced ?

There was leakage in the Rear Shock absorbers which had resulted in a perpetual continuous squeeking noise at the rear of the vehicle. Thus it was replaced.

Originally Posted by amalji

Why would you do it outside Toyota ? The service cost would have been cheaper at Toyota and you would have been at peace of mind that genuine Toyota spares are used. And you have given a chance to the dealers to wash their hands of their responsibility in case something bad happens in the future.

Now there are some reasons behind it as mentioned hereunder :

1. The car is out of warranty
2. This is not the first time that the car has been worked upon outside the Toyota Authorized Service Centre
3. I have somehow lost trust on Toyota Service available in Kolkata and I do not find their workmanship up to the mark and to my liking
4. Spare parts is never a concern in Kolkata as there is abundance of Spare Parts available. It is just that one has to know the right source