Toyota HiLux Problems

There is nothing to suggest there is a problem with the Triton, but it’s worth checking the owner’s manual to familiarize yourself with any recommendations Mitsubishi makes about towing with the Triton. That way you will minimize the risks of having a problem.

We have passed some on to Toyota for their attention and response, and they have come back to us asking for the details of relevant owners and the dealers they have consulted so their Technical Services Department can deal directly with them in an effort to resolve their complaints. Specifically they would like to contact readers Jim Rogers of Boronia in Victoria and Mick Ryan of Niddrie, also in Victoria. If those two readers contact us at carsguide.com.au, quoting this announcement we will pass their details on to Toyota.

There’s no reason why it couldn’t be fitted, measure the chassis widths first and then work out what you need to do to adapt the old tray to the new vehicle.

13 mm is a long way over the top, but I doubt you would do any damage as a result. Even so I would be asking the dealer why it has been overfilled and to drain a little out so it is back to the high mark on the dipstick.

We have passed a number of these reports on to Toyota for their response and last week we received this comment from a Toyota spokesman: "Toyota acknowledges owners comments regarding the ATM light illuminating when towing heavy loads. We are currently investigating the issue. However, we wish to advise, the ATM light only indicates high oil temperature. Owners who experience this condition should follow the 'Owners Manual' instruction, as well as ensuring airflow to the radiator is not blocked."

It does sound like you have copped a lemon. Go back to the dealer and ask for a meeting to discuss your problems, and ask for a Toyota rep to inspect your car and give you a report on what they are going to do about it. The good thing is that the fact that the warranty has expired doesn’t mean a thing if the vehicle Toyota has sold you is unfit for purpose, and it sounds on the surface as if that is the case. If the approach to Toyota through the dealer fails to arrive a satisfactory resolution consider approaching the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission on 1300 302 502 and enlisting their help.

Under the Australian Consumer Law introduced in January 2011, a consumer can request a refund or a replacement for persistent problems if the car doesn’t do the job it’s supposed to do.

Good advice for anyone suffering the same problem with the Hilux auto. Take it back to the dealer and have the ECU updated, Toyota has obviously found a fix for the problem, and as we have often advised fitting a transmission oil cooler is a wise move if you're doing a lot of towing.

It's something other owners could think about, but it seems to defeat the purpose of buying an auto transmission.

It could be a cracked manifold or a leaking gasket, but either way I would expect that you could hear it. I would expect it to be worse when the engine is hot, so take it for a drive and get it nice and hot and then check it again.

The best tyre to achieve the legal diameter and load rating for your vehicle is a 205/70x15 LT.