Toyota Tundra Flex Fuel Service Bulletin UPDATE

[@Vlad-ss5pm]

I had mine replaced three months ago and it started acting up again last week. Is there a permanent solution for this? $1,700 in repairs and no solution is a lot

[@danteoftheeast2672]

I have a cold start issue but no codes

[@JohnHoefler]

I had the same start up problem. But I saw a video about the flex fuel tundras having in the winter not because the cold but when the gas in the area change to a winter and/or change the ethanol content. The simple solution I did was after the first sign of the hard start I change my fuel to ethanol free. Since then I haven’t had 1 problem in 2 years. Mine is a 2015 I live in South Dakota where we get really cold but my tundra starts no problem whether parked in the garage or at work in minus degree temps.

[@Vlad-ss5pm]

Forgot to mention which fault codes he had.

[@wat3rdog25]

Thanks man you rock!

[@muletowndumpsters]

I definitely had this issue in January. Got the used 2015 in December. Guess I'll wait til winter to address.

[@user-that1Ron]

TSB’s only apply to vehicles that are affected by the stated issue(s) in the TSB. Sometimes a dealer may apply a TSB on a vehicle that doesn’t have any issues stated but is having related work performed. It’s really up to the tech/service manager/ and possibly the relationship between them and the customer. Knock on wood, my 2017 FF Pro isn’t having these issues and it’s been cold started in temps between -30°F and 110°F. Fires right up and runs great every time.

[@justinwalsh5664]

I have a 2016 tundra ffv have had it in 6 times. The last time for 3 weeks for the service. Still does it. For some reason the computer keeps stacking ethanol readings. Highest was 90 My Toyota service center is horrible. So I’m dreading the call next week. Wish there was a sensor that could just be replaced.

[@crivitzguy5017]

Mark I have an update. My 2016 Tundra Crewmax Limited is currently at the dealership for cold start issue. It is a FFV vehicle but has never had a drop of E85 in the tank. My vehicle has cold start issue but never stored a fault code. The dealer confirmed that the vehicle has the problem described in the two TSBs that have been issued in regard to this problem. The Service Department Advisor informed me that I would be responsible for the charges to make the fix because the vehicle's factory warranty has expired. The truck has almost 22K miles on it, so if course I expressed my dissatisfaction. I left the truck for service yesterday and the Service Advisor called me today to inform me that the would have to order a new fuel pump and would have to perform a flash calibration of the ECM. The good news is that Toyota is covering the entire cost, parts and labor. Apparently, per the Service Advisor, the ECM has an eight year, 80K warranty and since this whole problem involves the combination of the ECM and the fuel pump, the entire repair bill will be covered. As you can imagine, I was shocked to hear this. Please pass this along to your other subscribers. My dealership is in Orland Park, IL. BE WELL!

[@a1axel738]

I just did a fuel pump on a 15 flex fuel tundra with lean codes. the oem fuel pumps are so back ordered i used an aftermarket one. that mofo was $400 over the oe part!!!

[@imthedisturbedone]

How does a person know if their tundra is flex fuel or not? Sales people dont seem to know off the top of their heads. Im looking at getting a used tundra because i dont like the new body style and my tacoma is to small to haul my quad 😂

[@shelly201]

It will say "Flex Fuel" on the truck if it is flex fuel compatible

[@coloradoboo1071]

Hey I have a 2014 Tundra TRD V-8 Max Crew cab 4x4 Flex fuel. I never have nor never will use ethanol. My truck stays outside and Colorado can get cold, no issues, knock on wood!!

[@rccola525]

What would that fault code be or come up as?

[@maconrad111]

Mine was random misfires on cylinders 1,3,5,6. I'm certain this was caused by the extended crank to start. You will also smell very rich exhaust once it starts. Mine has been at the dealership for 4 weeks and they are saying 4-6 weeks for the parts to arrive....at least its covered and they gave me a free rental.

[@fellers608]

My 16 Platinum is definitely experiencing this issue. Does anyone have a link to the service bulletin?

[@maconrad111]

I have a copy of the TSB I can send if you give me an email.

[@maconrad111]

Just checked out your profile and it looks like you're around Pittsburgh. Coincidentally I am too. If you are around the airport, I took mine to Brewer Airport Toyota and they know about the tsb, but its gonna take a while to get it fixed...national backorder.

[@fellers608]

@@maconrad111 I'm in Cranberry area. Stopped in at local dealer and they had no clue. If you can email it, I would certainly appreciate it. [e-mail] thanks!

[@maconrad111]

Sent. If you want any further info, let me know via email.

[@ericb4127]

@@maconrad111 How much did they charge you to fix the issue?

[@Mr86hamstersi]

Wife has been having issues with hers. When we start up in the morning for the past month or so it has a slower start and then smokes for a second or two after. Runs fine after that and no smoke when running besides the start up. But we have no code. Then yesterday she said it cranked for about 5 seconds and it did not start till she cranked it a second time. It started then but a ton of smoke and fuel smell came with it. But like I said no code from the truck itself. Anyone have an idea of what it could be? We are scheduling it with our dealer tomorrow to have it checked out but they never mentioned this service bulletin.

[@nickgoog9187]

Same issue listed in TSB I brought my 2015 FFV in for same thing without any lights or codes. I have an extended warranty (not through Toyota) and they are going to cover the fuel pump/reflash. It’s at the dealer right now, they said they have the fuel pump in stock.

[@Earthcitizen4609]

the flex fuel v6 2010 tundra king cab is it a goo truck to buy

[@Earthcitizen4609]

is the king cab tundra v6 2010 a good truck to buy

[@kennethwise7108]

Are there any advantages to using the flex fuel E85? I have a 2010 Toyota Tundra and have never used it.

[@ericb4127]

I read an article by edmunds the other day the basically stated that ethanol might be cheaper but the gas mileage is also worse.

[@edwardb3018]

It is worse plus have to change oil sooner and less power

[@kennethwise7108]

@@edwardb3018 just learned that my truck isn't e85 compatible due to the demographics. Toyota didn't send it to my area of South central Pennsylvania with that option

[@edwardb3018]

@@kennethwise7108 good deal then you won’t have to worry about the loss of power and fuel mileage

[@kennethwise7108]

@@edwardb3018 yeah, I was shocked to learn that. I called to inquire about the recall to my 2010 and thats what they told me. I thought ALL were dual compatible.

[@johnaustin9174]

Have you thought about getting the truck dyno tuned

[@TundraDude34]

This year 👍🏼

[@johnaustin9174]

Nice

[@ssaircare]

I have a tundra I'm having fuel problems I want to the dealership the dealership had them do all kinds of consertants spent all kinds of money And got nowhere I went from getting 15 to 16 miles to a gallon to 9.5 It is driving me crazy II keep my truck very updated I changed my oil every 5000 miles I clean my air filter every world your every oil change I do all the updated maintenance water pump everything If something's wrong with my truck I go the dealership I buy the part and I fix it I've had 6 or 7 different mechanics look at it When you're driving down the road it almost dies out but then comes back to life It doesn't ever stall it just acts like it's misfiring but there's no mess fire Am I sure it like I said issues depleting I love my truck absolutely love it But this is driving me crazy. Nobody can tell me what's wrong I did the bypass for the startup air pump. Can somebody please help me

[@TheAwesomehonda]

Yes this is typical of TSB’s, your vehicle needs to actually be exhibiting the issue that the TSB’s fixes in order of them to give you this free repair. That’s why it’s best not to sensationalize these TSB’s..... People who have issues need to learn to the dealer or a good independent shop when they have a problem... People who don’t have the issue need to stay home and not worry about it...

[@mikeb6386]

Yes, I have 2018 5.7 flex fuel but starts and runs like it is supposed too. I won't be calling unless I have a starting problem.

[@Robparmelee]

I must have missed it. What are the cold start issues one might see?

[@ericb4127]

I bought my 2013 tundra in February of 2018 was getting horrible gas mileage and cold start issues. I took to my local dealership and they told me bad gas mileage was normal in Winter and the puff of smoke I saw when it started was oil leaking down into the cylinders from sitting overnight...... It took me a week of Googling to find out that I need to disconnect the negative terminal for 30 minutes After that my gas mileage went up by 30%. I am still having the cold start issue it stumbles badly or just plain won't start and then belches out raw gas out of the exhaust. I called the dealership again yesterday and they said there's no recall or no technical service bulletins on this issue..... At this point I am seriously starting to lose faith in toyota.

[@darthtyranus7683]

Had a 2012 Tundra do this I think but OBD2 data constantly read 50 to 70% ethanol so I had to pay 150+ to reset the Flexfuel ECU was worth it I was getting 7mpg at best now after a cleaned MAF and throttle body fully intake cleaned and change I'm getting almost 20mpg so far with top tier gas 87octane

[@Devcom88]

I have been having a couple of rough starts but no fault code on my Flex Fuel 18 now that is getting colder. How long do I have to wait until it triggers the fault code?

[@Jake-lr7bv]

See my comment, there is no fault code unless the issue triggers a different problem.

[@cameronbrewster7348]

Thanks Mark! I'm going to Toyota of Cool Springs in Franklin, TN Saturday for an oil change. I'll ask them if they heard anything about it.

[@troywilliams37064]

Cameron Brewster definitely let us know, I just picked up a 2017 FFV from that same dealership last week.

[@cameronbrewster7348]

@@troywilliams37064 I will buddy 👍

[@Antassium]

@@cameronbrewster7348 any update?

[@jasonpadgett2288]

Thanks for the update. I have a 2017 Flex Fuel 5.7 Tundra and have not received any notices. I suppose I should be on the safe side however and call my local Toyota dealership. Thank again.

[@MrCatfishspurs]

What exactly is the cold start issues?

[@edwardb3018]

What I had experienced was when it got below 40 degrees out. And truck sat overnight It would do an extended Crank, when it starts it would be very jumpy, for about 30 second to a minute. Ruff idle. Sometimes the check engine light would come on with a misfire code.

[@ericb4127]

@@edwardb3018 That's exactly what my 2013 tundra does

[@edwardb3018]

@@ericb4127 hopefully your dealership can get this resolved for you I had to have my fuel pump replaced and computer reprogrammed in late summer all is good