Fortuner Handling: Test vehicles needed for testing at Gerotek

**Dirk** · 2009/04/06, 03:11 PM

Follow up on THIS post.

As you may be aware Carte Blanche is busy with their own investigation to report on the handling issues reported by some pre facelist (2009) Fortuner owners.

The next step in this process will be to do actual testing at Gerotek, but for that to happen test vehicles are required.

Do you want to be involved in this process? Here are some pointers regarding this process.

Pre facelift (2009) Fortuner
You think that it has handling issues
Preferrably 4x4 Fortuner
Vehicle is in Gauteng
You must be prepared to be filmed
The test drivers will be from Gerotek.

Please contact the researchers/reports directly, but also indicate here if you are willing to form part of this step.

Carol Albertyn Christie
Producer: Cartle Blanche
[email protected]

I personally think it is very important now for the affected owners to stand together as get a few affected vehicles tested, the more vehicles that can be tested the greater the result would be.

**Dirk** · 2009/04/06, 05:44 PM

The first owner confirmed a test vehicle. It would be nice to have a few more.

Flip du Preez · 2009/04/06, 07:49 PM

Hi Dirk

Unfortanetly my ex 2008 Fortuner is written off and I bought a 2009 facelift.

I know of people in Gauteng that had previously mishapps with their Fortuners and I would give them your adress for further questions.

Thank you

Flip du Preez

**venterap** · 2009/04/06, 08:10 PM

Dirk, would we "other" people be able to come watch?

**Vincent Molloy** · 2009/04/06, 09:12 PM

Hi Dirk

I have just the vehicle for the job and a few interesting close calls to go with it. 2008 Un-Fortuner 4.0L 4x4. Hope I can be of assistance to those who were less fortunate.

Regadrs

Vinny

**BARNEY** · 2009/04/06, 09:45 PM

Hi Dirk

I gave Carol from Carte Blanche my details and she contacted me for pictures of the damage to my Fortuner.I have recently fitted an airspring kit to my Fortuner hoping this makes a difference ,it didn't break the bank and hopefully it doesn't affect the warranty. I'm going away for the long weekend and should be able to see if this works or not.
It will be interesting to see what the outcome of these tests will be.

Thanks Barney

**Dirk** · 2009/04/06, 10:22 PM

Originally Posted by venterap

Dirk, would we "other" people be able to come watch?

No I think this will be a closed event, but I will find out.

**Jolli Trolli** · 2009/04/07, 07:01 AM

Morning Dirk

I sent an e-mail to Carol confirming my Fortuner will be available for testing.

**RUSSELL** · 2009/04/07, 07:55 AM

Hi All

I have made my vehicle available for testing

Hutin · 2009/04/07, 08:04 AM

Hi Dirk,
I have a 4X2 and put the vehicle on its side last year. reported the incident to Toyota and the Dealers with a delayed response. I then fitted Koni shocks at my expense before they came forward with the upgraded Grabber tyre change. I still have the original shocks. The real test would be with the old shocks as the Koni shocks have made a significant improvement.

Hutin · 2009/04/07, 08:09 AM

Sorry I forgot to mention that I'm willing to participate. Possible get Koni to assist so they can fit the old shocks and do a test with and without to prove a point. The Fortuner is like a jack rabbit with the road surface currigation frequency increases, traction is lost and the tail breaks away. This motion increases when trying to counter the sway.

**Dif** · 2009/04/07, 08:58 AM

My vehicle would have been available for testing. Problem is however that I have fitted the OME suspension and BF tyres. These modifications would maybe give TSA the gap to avoid the problem. They need to be tested in their OEM factory form.

I have my old shocks and springs (which has done 12500km) available to perhaps do a comparison on the day. (perhaps they could measure the difference between the OEM and after market standard shocks made by Monroe and publish that as well)

I will e-mail Carol and let her decide.

Goget'em · 2009/04/07, 11:15 AM

Hi Dirk. My vehicle is available (Standard 2008, 3.0 D-4D, with BFG's, 21,000KM) however I am not prepared to be filmed. Guess that disqualifies me? If not, what about the insurance aspect? When they test drive my vehicle and when the rear end steps out (which I guarantee it will do), damage might occur to the vehicle, if it should hit something or roll, etc. Please advise.

**RiaandL** · 2009/04/08, 04:51 PM

I am happy to participate. I have changes tyres and added air-shocks, but I still have issues when towing my Penta Caravan.

I am in Pretoria

**Engel** · 2009/04/08, 10:20 PM

Please contact Carol if your vehicle is available for testing. It will be pros testing your vehicle. My guess is to direct these questions to Carol about insurance etc etc.

**Jolli Trolli** · 2009/04/09, 07:44 AM

Originally Posted by Jolli Trolli

Morning Dirk

I sent an e-mail to Carol confirming my Fortuner will be available for testing.

My vehicle was declined due to new Grabber tyres fitted and air springs at the back, they are looking for standard vehicles to test.

**wolley** · 2009/04/13, 10:05 PM

Are there any official results from these tests?

FSD Guru · 2009/04/14, 07:57 AM

Hi there KONI will be prepared to assist in any way !!! We may bring a new slant to the problem ( which i still insist is not just the Fortuner ) Steve

**roadhawg** · 2009/04/14, 08:14 AM

Originally Posted by FSD Guru

Hi there KONI will be prepared to assist in any way !!! We may bring a new slant to the problem ( which i still insist is not just the Fortuner ) Steve

Get in there Steve!!

(Oh and where my shocks man!? hehe)

Stu.