Transmission fluid change

[fgoodyear]

Yes, you need to get it from Toyota. It is ATF WS fluid. No one else even has it. I asked for it at an auto parts store and they looked at me like I had 3 heads!!

[JOS]

Not to be a stick in the mud, but doesn't the maintenance schedule say to change the hybrid transaxle at 100K? <waiting for the wife to get home to thumb thru the owner's manual>.

[Patrick Wong]

Actually, the maintenance schedule is silent about any need to change the transaxle fluid. Hence some owners (including me) have had their used fluid tested, found that it contains substantial aluminum, iron, and silicon content, and on that basis decided it was a good practice to periodically replace the fluid.

See my post #3 above for a couple of links to discussion about the fluid testing.

[JOS]

Being a professional mechanic (aviation), I'm all about following a manufacturer's maintenance schedule. I thought I missed something in the owner's manual and seeing as how our Prius is at 36K, you can imagine why this post peaked my interest, lol.

I think I found my mistake...the Bentley Prius book says to replace the "engine and transaxle/inverter coolant" at 100K. I guess I misread it, lol. But you're right, no reference to replacing the transaxle fluid even in the Bentley book...curious.

[tochatihu]

I know that some Toyota (and independent) shops suggest fluid changes. Does Toyota in any country officially suggest Prius transaxle fluid changes?

I kinda wish they would, and would not view it as an admission of guilt or culpability.

[hc167]

I have about 64K on my prius too. And I would like to change the transmission fluid also. can anyone give me detail information of how to do that?

[Patrick Wong]

Please see my post #2 in the following string. If you have further questions feel free to ask:
http://priuschat.com/forums/care-mai...saxle-oil.html

[hc167]

I found this. I guess this has good instruction.

Spring maintenance

by the way. someone suggest using this.

Red Line Oil: Gear Lubricants

is this good idea to use redline or toyota oil. I know redline make good stuff but I am not sure if this oil can be used in the prius cvt.

[Patrick Wong]

Yes, Hobbit's website page is very interesting. However I do not recommend that you remove the inverter just to gain access to change the transaxle fluid. Toyota ATF WS is the only approved fluid for use in the 2G transaxle; hence any other fluid choice is at your risk.

[hc167]

no, I will not remove the inverter. I just use the pictures to locate the drain plug and the location where I put the fluid in. that is all. but I guess I will at least disable the keyless entry system.