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Toyota HiLux: Overheating when towing

Congratulations on getting an answer from Toyota regarding the problem with the auto transmission in the HiLux. We sent three letters to Toyota about this and never got a reply. The problem of the transmission overheating is caused by the lock-up clutch in the torque converter not operating as an owner would expect it to. It does not prevent slippage correctly when under load and this causes the oil to overheat. Our dealer was told that this purchase, the family's eighth new Toyota from them, was to be used to tow a medium-sized caravan. Now that the problem is occurring, the dealer says the book explains what to do, but they never pointed to the handbook prior to buying or mentioned any thing about it. I have to suggest that it's in the handbook because they new it was a fault and obviously thought they would get away without a major rework. We will be asking VCAT to decide if this vehicle is unfit for the purpose it was it was designed advertised and sold for.

Reading the handbook should be a "must-do" for new car buyers, even though most of us don't even open it at all until there's a problem. Don't take it for granted that the car you want to buy will do what you want. Tell the dealer what you plan to do with your new car, particularly if you're going to tow with it, and ask if there are any precautions you should take to ensure trouble free operation under those conditions. We would be keen to hear VCAT's determination on your claim.

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