An expensive day on the trip

August 25, 2025 Not so lucky day #13 on the road trip. Morning appointment at Westside Toyota in North Olmstead Ohio. I have been dealing with the worry of a check engine light since day #2 of this trip. I had some diagnostics done along the way but had issues with finding parts when I was only passing through any given town. I had called ahead to this dealer and them to make sure that have the parts that were previously suggested. I was hoping for a quick visit, maybe a $300 bill and be on my way for the remainder of the adventure.

The van still sounded like a jet engine and when I arrived at service I told them about the check engine and the jet engine and waited for their diagnostics. Two hour later I got the bad news.

The check engine was a sensor issue, one that was not diagnosed before and they did not have the part..of course. The kicker was the jet engine noise was the read end of the AWD van ( I was thinking maybe front wheel bearing) The rough estimate was $6000. I was sick. How was I gonna pay for this? How was I gonna continue with my trip? Should I rent a car ? Should I just go home…. so much running thought my head.

I got the van back, went to eat and started making some calls and checking my options. Th easiest and fastest would be to have the dealer fix. Toyota has a part warehouse somewhere close to Cleveland and any parts needed they could be at the dealer at 7am the next day.

The $6k estimate was to replace both the rear differential and the magnetic coupling… The differential replace would be many hours of labor. Another shop that rebuilds drivelines suggested that I may be able to get away with only replacing the coupling would is a easier and cheaper fix. I went back to the dealer and talked with the tech and he was Ok with only doing the coupler and see if that resolved the issue

With the help of the parts department I was able to order the parts myself and save about 25%. We scheduled the work for the next day.

Another night in Avon motel and dinner at Hecks Cafe…. a few drinks were needed