AboutTed Ritter Expertise I have more than 26 years experience as toyota technician, I will be able to answer most questions related to the toyota product line up to the present year models, I specialize in difficult to diagnose problems but when posting a question please keep in mind that some situations require the used of special test equipment and diagnostic procedures especially as the newer models become more technologically advanced, so without actually having the car on hand I may only be able to try to steer you in the right direction and in some cases may have to refer you to the toyota dealer but at least you will know what you may be dealing with. Please don't hesitate to ask any questions, I will have an answer for you in most cases. When posting a question keep in mind that I reside in the US, although I get questions from all over the world I may not have an answer for models that are not sold in the US, I will do a reasonable search to try to match your model to the US model,please refrain from asking about diesel powered vehicles, I have no information for them. In most cases I will not answer questions about major modifications of OEM components, engine swapping or aftermarket products,please post a question not a statement, please provide enough basic information such as year, model, what engine and if anything has already been done to fix the problem, the more information I get the more I can help without having to ask you more questions.
Experience Toyota technician since 1979,expert in electrical systems,OBD systems,engine repair, driveability problems,EFI systems,ASE certified,Toyota master technician. Certified Hybrid Vehicle technician.
Education/Credentials Toyota master technician, ASE certified in eight catagories, Hybrid vehicle certified.
Question I have a 2003 Rav4 that is due for the 75000-mile service. I call a couple of dealers who identified several items that need to be done. Some of them are not in my service manual. Should I just follow the service manual or should I follow the dealers' advice?
Thank you very much.
Answer Some of the dealers seem to go a little overboard with their own "dealer recommendations" they want to sell you all kinds of flushes and stuff, besides the recommended service in the owner's manual the only thing I would recommend is a complete transmission flush at this mileage and if it's never been done maybe a fuel injection service, if they recommend anything else have them explain to you why it's needed. By the way, don't let them sell you any oil additives or coolant additives etc. A waste of money. Toyota doesn't recommend any of them.
