ATF fluid changes ARE Required.

The only time I'd do multiple drain/fill in a short period of time is if I done the unspeakable, like started pouring in regular motor oil, for example. Don't as how I know...

A regular automatic transmission can retain upwards of 50% of the fluid when you drain it. But when you drain the Prius transaxle fluid it virtually all drains. Multiple drain/fill is unwarranted. Even with a regular automatic, I'd still just do a single drain/fill, but maybe more frequently.

 

Thanks for all the inputs. I thought it was more like 30 minutes to remove the bottom cover.

 

From car on the slab to raised, levelled and cover off will likely take at least 30 minutes. And I wouldn't rush it. There's a couple of fasteners on the cover that are a bit larger/different. They're on the oil change access flap (which I never use), and have grey colored center pins. You might want to pre-mark them with a white sharpie of some sort. Or pre-number all the fasteners.

 

I'm going to take on changing the transaxle fluid this weekend.

Question: What size tubing will fit into the fill hole? I'm going to use a funnel with attached tubing to fill from above.

Can someone tell me the diameter of the fill bolt? Thanks.

And, if anyone has the part number(s) of the fill plug and drain plug crush washers, I'd like to know that as well.

Edit: I found the information about the diameter of tubing in post #67. No larger than 1/2" OD tubing.

 

If you just walk into a Toyo parts dept and tell them what the washers are for you'll be good. Fwiw, they're two the same, and up here at least p/n is:

90430-18008

Still, I'd just describe it.

 

I replaced my fluid and Inverter coolant last weekend. My Redline D6 was in the car for 30,000 miles on total car mileage of 70,000 miles.
Not even going to bother getting a UOA this time as there was no metal at all on the magnetic catch and the fluid was still
pretty red. Just really thin layer of paste on the magnet. Redline is showing zero metal wear. 70,000 miles on D6 so far with excellent results.

The most wear I have seen on the ATF was when I pulled the original WS at 5,000 miles and then moved over to Redline then. Pretty bad for 5K. Fluid was very dark and big pile of sludge on the magnet. Most of the trans wear happens in the first 5-10K miles.

Will extend my next ATF drain to 50,000 miles.

Replaced Invert fluid with 30K on it also.Your under there already so might as well drop the Inverter fluid too. One bolt. SLLC and half bottle of Redline Water Wetter. Violent agitation in the tank reflecting excellent pump action. Instant 3 mpg gain.

Its so easy and fast to do the Inverter fluid and really good return.

 

I doubt your Redline would have looked any different if it had been the initial fluid, drained at 5000 miles. Also, on page 563 of the Owners Manual there's the statement:

"Using transmission fluid other than Toyota Genuine ATF WS may cause ultimately damage the transmission of your vehicle."

What this says to me:

1. It's likely a good idea to stay with Toyota ATF-WS.
2. It's not a good idea to preach the use of an alternative fluid, without a strong disclaimer.

 

Mendel I would rather stay out of the "which fluid to use" part of this discussion, but if you remember...Toyota "also" does not recommend changing the transmission fluid. Take it for what you will.

 

I'm gonna try to resist also, from here on.

 

Just came back from the Toyota parts dept, AKA Servco in Hawaii. What a rip off, the gaskets, part number 90430-A0003 were $2.85 EACH!

I'm definitely going to try to find an alternative source or use a gasket/washer from another manufacturer. They were priced like they were made from precious metal or something. Taking measurements now. I think I saw some aluminum washers for Honda on Amazon.

SCH-I535

 

Mine were $1.99 each. Still pretty high. Transmission drain plug washers are always pricy in my experience.

And seriously, how steamed do you want to get over a buck or two, with a service you're going to do every two or 3 years?

Hang on, did you storm out without buying??

 

Nah, I bought them, but they look like they take a second to stamp out of the industrial press and should be maybe a dollar. Max.

SCH-I535

 

I know. The oil pan plug washers I see are $0.95, my last bill. I'd drop it. It's because it's a long interval service, not as common. What the market will bear.

If you want some serious abuse, ask the price for some of those plastic push-in fasteners.

 

Yes they were. But they had to be put in a box and shipped to the USA and put on a truck and taken to the dealer. And the dealer has to keep the lights on. So next time just stamp out your own. LOL! Or just reuse the perfectly good washers you just took off.

I have bought two pair and I dont think they are expensive compared to so many other things that Toyota sells. Considering you only use them three or four times before changing vehicles.

YMMV!

 

These are the correct dimensions: 18mm ID x 24mm OD x 2mm thick, but I don't need 25 LOL.

 

25 being the bulk order price? Yeah, I'd just let go. My daughter has a maxim: "choose your battles".

 

Ha, found the same part number, from the same seller for a better price:

 

That's great! Now you can go into competition with the dealer and sell yours for $1.00 each and make a huge profit. Congratulations! Its pure genius!

 

Too bad you didn't use the Sarcasm button.

Don't tempt me, I'm seriously considering buying some copper washers in bulk and offering them up in the Private Sales for $2.50/pair including first class shipping.