New to Forum... need some advice

Good Morning and looking forward to learning and gaining insight into maintaining my 2020 TRD Off Road 4Runner. Located up in Northern Michigan. I am not mechanically savvy so please forgive me with potentially stupid questions.
Recently had a "Drive Start Control Malfunction" warning light and experienced a stiff shifting into drive. Just took it into the dealer and have a few questions (no work has been done yet). Here are key issues and questions with my dealer experience:
1. It took almost 2 hours for them to diagnose the issue ($189)
2. Issue is Safety switch needs to be replaced (part needs to be ordered)... cost of part $185 with 3 hours of labor $569 total $754
3. Also recommended changing spark plugs $77 parts and $474 labor (2.5 hours)... i am at 65k miles
4. Also recommended coolant exchange $220

Questions...
1. Sounds like a lot of labor hours... not sure of the process but in getting the switch replaced is there any work that would make replacing the spark plugs easier (reduced labor) or is the work totally independent of each other
2. Should I even have the dealer perform the spark plugs (is $65k right) and coolant exchange

Thank you for any help you can provide.

 

I can't see how the two would be related.

I have read the the neutral safety switch can be difficult to remove. So, that may be a factor in the labor cost.

I believe they come with iridium spark plugs with a 100K mile service life. There's no harm in replacing them early, I guess.

I did my own a few years ago, and there are some extra parts (emissions related, I believe) that have to get removed to access the plugs. If you're reasonably handy, this shouldn't be difficult. There are probably a few YouTube videos of the process that could help you decide. I personally wouldn't pay that much.

The coolant exchange seems reasonably priced, if only for the convenience of not having to dispose of the old coolant. That's just my opinion.

 

Welcome. I'm gonna agree with @Thatbassguy , the 2 are not related. The plugs are not going to affect the shifting into drive, only the running of the engine.
Those labor prices are astronomical! As said, yeah there's stuff in the way, but just bolts removed easily to move.
And there's many vids on the tube of you that show the switch replacement, you might need small hands for that one. Mine definitely are not getting to the side of the engine.

my suggestion, even if you aren't inclined to do the work yourself............Run fast and far from those guys and find another shop.

 

Thanks for the help... I will talk to a local mechanic today to see if they can do it. Probably hold off on the spark plugs.

 

Welcome to the forum, hope you get it handled.

 

Welcome to the forum! And also agree with the Badassguy, he is usually right.

Look, you mentioned you don't have a lot of mechanical skills, neither do I. Maybe this time (if you can stomach) the dealer, I would pay for the most critical scope of work, but not the sparks and fluids. If not, find a local shop that specializes on toyota vehicles. Don't go to just any shop, find a spot that knows how to deal with these units and that maybe the best way going forward. Good luck!
P.S. Send us a picture of two of the rig.

 

welcome

 

Welcome from Arizona!
Did you say $65K?!?!

 

wow, that a lot. $220 to drain the coolant and fill it? Its literally 1 gallon of coolant. You dont need spark plugs. I have a 22 at 75k miles and it runs fine. Ill do mine at 90-100k. Here is the thing. I am not a fan of the dealership doing the work BUT i am a fan of OEM coolant and plugs. Hey if you're near illinois DM me, Ill do the work for you and will teach you how to do it. Spark plugs are easy, drain and fill coolant - super easy.

 

Welcome

 

I was wondering if it was just a drain and fill, or an actual flush. If it's a flush, that seems reasonable. Especially if they dispose of the coolant for you.

 

Sounds like it would be a flush by the price, Surprised they didn't hit em with the brake and fuel injection flush.

 

It’s no secret that I don’t trust stealerships. If you’re too busy or don’t feel comfortable doing DIY work on your own rig, buy the OEM Toyota coolant and take your truck to an Independent Toyota Care business. Spark plugs at 100k miles is fine, heck I changed my plugs on my Tundra at 170k and they looked like new. Welcome to the forum!

 

Welcome from Wisconsin! Dealerships love to prey on people for maintenance. Don't give them the satisfaction, find an independent mechanic who has the knowledge, or is willing to learn about your specific needs. Good luck.

 

Welcome

 

Lots of good thoughts here. My 2017 has only a little more mileage than your truck. I had my local dealer drain & refill my coolant for $120-still a lot of money considering the easy job. There is a drain valve for the radiator and I do not drain the engine block bolts. Getting only 80% new coolant is fine for me.( I am recovering from a back injury so I stopped wrenching for a while.)

Skip the spark plugs till maybe 80,000 miles.

You should read up on the members here writing about "drain and refill" compared to FLUSH. Very usefull technique for power steering fluid and coolant. Also a good way to start doing your own maintenance.