JiffyLube told me this about my MAINT REQUIRED light...

[jayman]

If the Prius is left in Ready - and we have had a few posts already documenting this event - the average high school dropout working at a hole-in-the-wall service place will probably think it is off.

After all, the gas motor isn't running, so it has to be off

Wouldn't matter if SKS is enabled or disabled. If a Prius is left in Ready, it will eventually start the gas engine to keep the traction battery charged.

We've had forum members accidentally leave their Prius in Ready overnight, parked in their garage. So if a Prius owner can make a mistake like leaving the car in Ready, how about a knuckle-dragger?

[cwerdna]

Originally Posted by jayman

If the Prius is left in Ready - and we have had a few posts already documenting this event - the average high school dropout working at a hole-in-the-wall service place will probably think it is off.

After all, the gas motor isn't running, so it has to be off

Long ago, I tried to take my Prius to a local Wheel Works for an oil change. That particular place is actually ok for tire and alignment related work. When I arrived, they told me they won't do oil changes on hybrids and that it was company policy not work on them. Tire/wheel related would be ok though.

I asked why, and he said "they turn on." I replied, "only if you don't properly turn them off first". Didn't matter. I had to go elsewhere.

Fast forward a year or so, and the above policy is no longer in place.

[JimN]

Originally Posted by cwerdna

Long ago, I tried to take my Prius to a local Wheel Works for an oil change. That particular place is actually ok for tire and alignment related work. When I arrived, they told me they won't do oil changes on hybrids and that it was company policy not work on them. Tire/wheel related would be ok though.

I asked why, and he said "they turn on." I replied, "only if you don't properly turn them off first". Didn't matter. I had to go elsewhere.

Fast forward a year or so, and the above policy is no longer in place.

I don't care if the policy changed or not. If the people in the shop are too stupid to work on the car I'm not going back. Wheel Works didn't hire all the idiots. Firestone has its fair share.

[dogfriend]

Originally Posted by JimN

Wheel Works didn't hire all the idiots. Firestone has its fair share.

Idiots are not in short supply. And they breed.

[icarus]

I think all cars should be equipped with Bullshit detectors. Quite frankly I trust almost no one! I have a great independent shop that is honest, and very good, but there are tons of charlatans out there if not out right thieves. My local dealer included.

I will take a simple car to jiffy lube, but never the Prius. I do it my self and I NEVER buy any of the "suggested services" when I do. Such as PCV valves, air filters (unless I know they are scheduled anyway) etc.

These people have figured out how to squeeze a nickel out of every thing,, including whole cloth.

Icarus

[jayman]

Originally Posted by dogfriend

Idiots are not in short supply. And they breed.

That's the huge problem right there. And the solution to the problem, if you stop to think about it

Originally Posted by icarus

I think all cars should be equipped with Bullshit detectors.

If you can figure out how to build such a device, I'd be happy to help out. In the meantime, do what I do to cope with idiots: heavy drinking

[Sparky9292]

Originally Posted by icarus

I will take a simple car to jiffy lube, but never the Prius. I do it my self and I NEVER buy any of the "suggested services" when I do. Such as PCV valves, air filters (unless I know they are scheduled anyway) etc.

These people have figured out how to squeeze a nickel out of every thing,, including whole cloth.

Yeah,

They wanted $35.00 for the air filter -- I got mine off the net for $12.00

[nthach]

Toyota's maintenance light is a odometer-triggered idiot light, unlike the newer Honda and GM system which takes engine workload and driving patterns in account to triggering the light.

[bfealk]

My maintenance required light came on on Sunday. I called the local Toyota dealer and they only charge $25.95 if you schedule the oil change on line and I bet they know how to turn off the maintenance required indicator light.

[icarus]

I wouldn't always count on the dealer to know how to (or to actually do it!) turn off the light. Mine didn't bother! You also can't count on the dealer to not to over fill the crankcase! Mine did! You can't count on the dealer not to strip the drain plug. Mine didn't with mine, but I know it happens.

Point is, the dealer is probably no worse nor no better than your average facility. It has been my experience that the "techs" don't do oil changes,, the car wash high schoolers do. Not too reassuring.

Icarus