Oil Change 2010 Prius - do it yourself

[Bill075]

Originally Posted by Mr. Bill

Hello - not sure what you mean by the plug gasket.
Mr. Bill

The oil drain plug has a fiber type of gasket that goes next to the oil pan to seal the plug from leaking.

[esoniat]

That door was not designed to be bent when changing the oil, is is not that flexible and it has a backing material. The change in radius will probably detach that material in spots and the door will probably not return to it's original shape. So unless your talking about very minor distortion at the very edge I would not recommend bending the door.

Originally Posted by john1701a

Since it's flexible and can bend, that's kind of a non-issue.

For me, the first notch on my stands or just using ramps is enough. Photos of both are in the downloadable document on my website.
.

[john1701a]

Originally Posted by esoniat

That door was not designed to be bent when changing the oil, is is not that flexible and it has a backing material.

Yes, I regret using the word "bend". If you have to pull that hard, you need to reconsider lift height. The door has "give" available (since what it's attached to a little moves too). But that's pretty much it. On the lowest setting, that's all that was needed. And since ramps & stands are so cheap with the respect to the change price anyway. My old metal ramps didn't fit and had quite a bit of rust. The new plastic ones ($35.99) were a welcome purchase.
.

[mgb4tim]

Originally Posted by carnut

Why did Toyota choose to use the "old fashioned" paper filter in a canister instead of the standard one piece "can"? I haven't used a paper filter ring since my old Triumph TR7 motor! (which was a pain to change!)

I thought the same thing - I still have my TR7.

[Mr. Bill]

Originally Posted by esoniat

That door was not designed to be bent when changing the oil, is is not that flexible and it has a backing material. The change in radius will probably detach that material in spots and the door will probably not return to it's original shape. So unless your talking about very minor distortion at the very edge I would not recommend bending the door.

Use a bungy cord or a rope to keep the access door / panel out of the way. Either way works fine. I agree with your comments - the panel was stamped out as a assembly and only creased (no hinge), the first oil change you will have to be careful not to over bend the material (plastic).

[Mr. Bill]

Originally Posted by fjpod

I'm havin a hard time believing the price many on here are getting synthetic oil for. In my area (Staten Island, NY), you cannot buy Mobil 1 0w20 for less than $7.00 per quart.

Ouch! Wal-Mart is always the best here in the
Tampa Bay area ....$5.00 / qt typically or less.

Wish I could help!

Bill

[Mr. Bill]

Originally Posted by windstrings

Hey, If no-one has thanked you lately for all the hard work you have done compiling all the prius info... just want to say THANKS!

I"m constantly turning newbies your way to learn thier way around the basics as well as the nitty gritty.... so some of this other makes sense... thanks for your effort! .... you da man!

You're very ..... and thanks for sharing the knowledge pool.

Bill

[DeanFL]

Thanks to all here for the great information.

I have a simple question. Have 4K right now and will have the oil changed within a month - first change. I bought the 0w20 Mobil One and filter - on sale months ago. I am quite handy but haven't changed my own oil for about 5 years. I do have a floor jack and stands. I have 3 different sizes oil filter cap wrenches. Not sure if any are the correct size. Rather not find out with the car up in the air.

Want to make sure the oil change is done properly. The right oil, the right levels, etc. Is it worth the peace of mind for this to do it myself? Or simply bring the stuff to the dealer (and hope) they use my oil. I wouldn't want to be judgemental and stand over them while they pour in my oil... And I really don't care about a tire rotation - can do that myself anytime. Oil change labor cost isn't a big issue, but wouldn't want to get soaked. Approx how much would labor-only be?

I know this may be a personal matter, and since you don't know me a tough one to answer. But would appreciate your views.

[tumbleweed]

Originally Posted by DeanFL

Thanks to all here for the great information.

I have a simple question. Have 4K right now and will have the oil changed within a month - first change. I bought the 0w20 Mobil One and filter - on sale months ago. I am quite handy but haven't changed my own oil for about 5 years. I do have a floor jack and stands. I have 3 different sizes oil filter cap wrenches. Not sure if any are the correct size. Rather not find out with the car up in the air.

Want to make sure the oil change is done properly. The right oil, the right levels, etc. Is it worth the peace of mind for this to do it myself? Or simply bring the stuff to the dealer (and hope) they use my oil. I wouldn't want to be judgemental and stand over them while they pour in my oil... And I really don't care about a tire rotation - can do that myself anytime. Oil change labor cost isn't a big issue, but wouldn't want to get soaked. Approx how much would labor-only be?

I know this may be a personal matter, and since you don't know me a tough one to answer. But would appreciate your views.

Filter wrench is 64 mm (65 will work but is a bit loose) in addition to oil and filter you may want a fiber drain plug washer. Torque values are 27 ft lbs for the drain plug and 18 ft lbs for the filter cap.

If you take it in make sure to tell them you want the left over oil back. It takes 4.4 or 4.3 quarts and if you give them 5 you should be able to tell how much they used. Dealers here (two of them) both charge $18 if you bring your own oil and that includes a filter. Just be sure to make it clear you only want an oil change not a 5000 mile service.

[spiderman]

Originally Posted by DeanFL

I know this may be a personal matter, and since you don't know me a tough one to answer. But would appreciate your views.

You can do it Dean! Just do it over the weekend so if anything goes wrong you got a day or two to work on it (and to log back into PC for feedback). Follow the instructions and take your time. After the first one or two, you may never take it back to the dealer.

I just changed oil in our van recently. It had been to the dealer (not Toyota) this fall for some gasket replacement. They changed the oil at the same time. Get this... not only was the drain plug on so tight (way over spec) I ended up ruining the bolt head trying to get it off but the oil filler cap was loose and just flopping around! Unbelieveable.