What services you need and what you don't

[alanh]

Top engine cleaner is a compound that's supposed to remove carbon from the intake system and pistons. Either it's added through the air intake, or as a gas tank additive. Obviously $180 is way overpriced for this -- get a can of injector cleaner and put it in the tank if you want and save $170.

[jdouge]

After lurking this article for a few years and finally cracking the 60k barrier (2007 TE Prius), I set out today to find a tech for PCV valve replacement and a CVT drain and fill -- basically following galaxee's (much appreciated) recommendations on the valve, and the subsequent research (consensus?) on preventively changing the CVT fluid generously submitted later in this wonderful thread.

The dealership was a joke, as expected: $110 just to look at the car. "But I already know what I want done." Well, we can't give a price until we have the car in here and look at it. So what time would you like to do that? "Um, I'm going to call around." Well, you know, if you have someone that isn't a certified Prius tech work on it, you'll void the warranty. "Um, no. All of the maintenance to this point has been by my regular mechanic or by me. These two items I'd like to have a tech do, though." Okay, when would you like to bring it in. "Thanks, I'm going to call around." Alright, sir . . . CLICK.

I found two independent shops with Prius techs. The first: The Prius doesn't have a PCV valve! "Um, actually it does. I've seen pictures of how to replace it but don't think I can do it myself." Oh, you're right, it's way up under some contraption. Listen, let me save you some money, I've never had anybody do that to a Prius, and if I did it, I wouldn't even know what to charge you. "Okay, how about a CVT drain and fill?" A drain and fill, not a flush? That's $85 fluid and labor. "Okay, thanks."

The second: $140 for the PCV replacement and $115 for the CVT drain and fill, but we use a synthetic fluid, not Toyota's. "Does that fluid meet Toyota's warranty requirements?" Yes, it's a common, non-generic [he used a technical term, not a brand-name here] fluid, and cheaper than the Toyota spec. "Okay, what if I want the Toyota fluid." Hmm, we don't stock or order that. "Okay, let me call you back."

So . . . sorry for the long post, but what now? Certainly no perfect options.

My gut says get the $85 drain-and-fill, and wait until 100k (I have the extended warranty until then, in case the PCV valve does fail, Toyota's on the hook for whatever happens rapidly after that) for the PCV replacement.

Other opinions from others with oodles more knowledge than my gut on this case appreciated!

[Patrick Wong]

I agree with your decision to get the transaxle fluid changed for $85 as long as Toyota ATF WS is used and not some substitute. That fluid costs ~$8 per quart at local dealers here and you need 4 quarts.

I also agree with your decision to put off replacing the PCV valve until 100K miles. When I recently changed my PCV valve on the 2004 at around 70K miles the old one looked good (based upon shaking it, did not appear to have a significant deposit buildup.)

[jayman]

As far as the PCV valve, I'm going to suggest that operation in a warm climate that never sees cold winter temps, especially down to -40, you're really not going to have to worry about the PCV valve that much

Operate the motor in a cold winter climate, there will be a lot of vapor introduced through the PCV valve. That will eventually gum it up. But in a warm climate, I wouldn't worry about it

[jdouge]

I'll take the kind advice and get the CVT fluid changed (with Toyota's spec fluid). The car's never been at (not even in the garage, or parked at a trailhead) or below freezing, much less operated at temperatures that cold. So . . . PCV at 100k it is!

Thanks for the help, folks.

[2009Prius]

Originally Posted by jayman

As far as the PCV valve, I'm going to suggest that operation in a warm climate that never sees cold winter temps, especially down to -40, you're really not going to have to worry about the PCV valve that much

Operate the motor in a cold winter climate, there will be a lot of vapor introduced through the PCV valve. That will eventually gum it up. But in a warm climate, I wouldn't worry about it

How about cold weather but long drives (~20 miles)? Would it still gum up in this case? Thanks!

[jayman]

There will be a lot of vapor in the PCV system, even after a long drive at bitter cold temps. Over the years, various car makers have had various TSB's and recalls, as related to operation in bitter cold temps

What usually happens, the PCV will ice up, the TB will ice up, EGR (Does not apply to Prius) will plug, etc. The fixes have included redesigned PCV valves and tubing, different TB's, different EGR valves, etc.

I always thought manufacturers tested their vehicles in places like Alaska and the North West Territories. I guess not

[bibs]

I'm up for the 40K so this was quite valuable

many thanks

Allan (aka bibs)

[hyo silver]

I just dropped Silver off at the dealer for his 65,000 km service, and one last look by the pros before the warranty's done. I'm giving the local guys another chance - we'll see how they do at following the Prius list instead of the generic one.

[hyo silver]

...Not so good, it turns out. Two days and $400 later, they couldn't find the noise I'd taken it in for, did things I asked them not to, and didn't do things I had specifically requested. The next dealership is further away, but it's worth the inconvenience.