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Are you having problems with your Toyota Prado Diesel? Let our team of motoring experts keep you up to date with all of the latest Toyota Prado Diesel issues & faults. We have answered all of the most frequently asked questions relating to problems with the Toyota Prado Diesel.
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If the engine hasn't sustained any damage then I would keep it. But having been warned about the problem I would be very careful about the servicing going forward. The fuel-injector seals are meant to be replaced every 40,000 km service and it's crucial that they are. If they're not fuel can leak into the oil and carbon deposits can develop. The problem is that the carbon can ultimately block the oil pickup in the sump, which is what can cause your engine to seize. If you do decide to keep the Prado have your mechanic check the oil pick-up to make sure there isn't anything that could lead to blockages in the future.
The affected models were built between June 2004 and October 2007, so you should be wary of buying a 2005 model. There shouldn’t be a problem if the car has been serviced correctly and the fuel-injector seals have been changed as they are supposed to be, so check for a service record. If there isn’t one, or you would like to be sure about the car you’re buying have a mechanic drop the sump and inspect the oil pickup for an accumulation of carbon.
It's not unusual for them to have injector issues, which usually shows up by heavy knocking when the engine is cold and is fixed by replacing the injectors. If it only occurs on a slope, however, I would be making sure it isn't an oil pickup problem, and I would have the oil pickup in the sump checked to make sure it isn't partially blocked.
You don't say if it's a diesel or a petrol model, but either way I'd be looking at the injectors and the fuel pump.
No, it's not a coincidence, the faulty injector is likely to have been the cause of the rattle all along. If you still have the records of your previous reports to the dealers about it you could possibly mount a case with Toyota for compensation.
I'd be looking at the fuel system and having the fuel-injectors checked.
We have heard a couple of reports of engine seizures because of a blocked oil pick-up caused by a build-up of carbon as a result of leakage past the fuel-injector seals. Toyota issued a service alert in other countries advising that the fuel injector seals be changed every 45,000 km. If the failure of your engine can be attributed to this same issue then I think you have a claim against Toyota. We are aware of one case when the engine was replaced, even though the seized engine had done more than 200,000 km.
It seems to be a common problem with Toyota diesels, and one that doesn't have a fix. Others I know of have had the injectors replaced, only for the problem to come back a few months later. Go to a diesel engine specialist and get their advice.
It's a common complaint and is related to the injectors Toyota uses. They have been replacing injectors, and that usually fixes the problem in the short term, but the noise comes back once the injectors wear. It's an annoying problem, but it's unlikely to cause anything more serious. If you are concerned about it, take it to a diesel engine specialist.
We've already publicised the issue with the D-4D engine, and have helped one owner get a replacement engine free of charge after his Hilux suffered the same problem as your has. Other owners should consider checking the oil pickup in the sump for a build-up of carbon that could potentially block the pickup and cause a total engine failure. The pickup can be inspected by looking through the oil drain plug, it's easy to do, and could save you a lot of money and heartache.