How to become Hybrid maintenance and repair shop?

bracket12 · 04-30-2005, 01:24 PM

I just purchased a Prius 3 weeks ago. I have a brother-in-law who currently owns a Repair Shop specializing in Volvos, but handle most other makes as well. He is currently not keen on hybrids, but I am hoping to change his mind if he can see the logic of getting in on the maintenance/repair of these increasing popular vehicles. Can anyone tell me how much $ might be involved in the start-up of servicing them? What special diagnostic equipment might be necessary, etc. I can see a win-win situation here (me- a mechanic I can trust, him- one of the first on the block to advertise services for hybrids). Thanks, Carol

DanMan32 · 04-30-2005, 02:52 PM

The main thing one needs to work on a Prius is the Toyota Hand Held Tool, or at least an equivalent with the Toyota software. You need the tool to get diagnostic data. There's lots of stuff specialized that I don't think there are SAE equivalents. You also need the tool to make adjustments like zero poiint for power steering and VSC and to operate some of the components, such as the brake system and the cooling system. Beyond that, obtaining the repair manual, and understanding how the car works.

04-30-2005, 01:24 PM	#1
bracket12 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Tucson,AZ Posts: 6 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	How to become Hybrid maintenance and repair shop? I just purchased a Prius 3 weeks ago. I have a brother-in-law who currently owns a Repair Shop specializing in Volvos, but handle most other makes as well. He is currently not keen on hybrids, but I am hoping to change his mind if he can see the logic of getting in on the maintenance/repair of these increasing popular vehicles. Can anyone tell me how much $ might be involved in the start-up of servicing them? What special diagnostic equipment might be necessary, etc. I can see a win-win situation here (me- a mechanic I can trust, him- one of the first on the block to advertise services for hybrids). Thanks, Carol

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04-30-2005, 02:52 PM	#2
DanMan32 Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Tampa Bay, FL Posts: 3,775 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts Friends: 0	The main thing one needs to work on a Prius is the Toyota Hand Held Tool, or at least an equivalent with the Toyota software. You need the tool to get diagnostic data. There's lots of stuff specialized that I don't think there are SAE equivalents. You also need the tool to make adjustments like zero poiint for power steering and VSC and to operate some of the components, such as the brake system and the cooling system. Beyond that, obtaining the repair manual, and understanding how the car works.