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I went all out with maintenance today....but...

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by Prius_Boriqua, Sep 1, 2014.

  1. Prius_Boriqua

    Prius_Boriqua Junior Member

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    Today I took the whole day to do some maintenance on my car. Its a 2011 Prius III. I bought it used with 37200 miles. I checked the cars history and it had been serviced at a dealer about 6 months ago so I decided to wait till 40000 miles to do the oil change. I did the following:
    1. Tire rotation
    2.Engine oil change
    3.Transmission oil change (there no way anyone in their right mind should follow Toyota's recommended transmission oil change interval...)
    4. Inverter coolant change
    5.Engine Coolant change

    My only problem is that I could not figure out how to make senses of of this:
    (b) Loosen the cylinder block drain cock plug.
    HINT:
    The plug is on the back of the generator on the exhaust manifold side.

    and this:

    (d) Connect the hose to the air release valve.
    (e) Loosen the air release valve.
    (f) Add TOYOTA Super Long Life Coolant (SLLC) to the reservoir tank filler opening until coolant overflows
    from the air release valve. Then tighten the air release valve.

    I could not find a drain cock. I did find a bolt under the exhaust manifold passenger side. When I unscrewed it some coolant came out but not much. About 5 inches under it there's another bolt behind a bracket that holds a cable that I could not get loose. I found the air release valve but could not make send of the instructions. All I was able to do was drain the radiator and fill it back up. I drove for 40 miles with multiple stops to check my work (I actually did a good job getting all the air out of the inverter and engine).

    Does anyone have any detailed information on what I missed with the engine coolant flush? Maybe some pics?

    Thanks guys.
     

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  2. Former Member 68813

    Former Member 68813 Senior Member

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    I read the pdf and the hints. Not enough hints for me.
     
  3. dorunron

    dorunron Senior Member

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    I have read the Lisle Funnel that is sold on Amazon is great for refilling the system. Lots of guys are doing what you did on the Gen II's. Patrick Wong wrote up a good article on the drain and refill for the Gen II. But I am sure the Gen III is different. The dealer (stealer) can help you with the bleeding/refill process. It is a really good idea to make certain that all of the air is out of both systems (ICE and Inverter). Otherwise you might get a over heat condition especially during the summer. Also, if the ICE coolant has air pockets, you might have trouble with the heater working properly during the winter.

    Might be a good idea to get some sort of device like a Scan Gage II or a smart phone with Torque on it to check and verify the temps of the coolant when the Prius is in operation and warmed up.

    Preventative maintenance is the best thing anyone can do to their cars. It generally makes them last longer with fewer break downs and or repairs IMO.

    Sorry I can't give you better info than that. I am disabled, and some of the stuff I just can't do anymore. I do believe there is a bleeder screw on the radiator on top that is used to help get air out of the system. On the Gen II, it was plainly labeled. You could see it once you removed the splash guard and used a flash light. It was tucked down in a little hole. The Gen III is a little more crowed under the hood. I haven't investigated yet what it will take to do ours when that time comes. But will probably just pay the dealer to do it for me.

    Best of luck to you and welcome to Prius Chat.
     
  4. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

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  5. jdcollins5

    jdcollins5 Senior Member

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    It is hard to describe the location of the engine drain cock. I do remember that it is next to a bracket that holds a connector cable. Once I found it I knew it was the drain cock. Someone posted a good picture on here but I do not remember the thread name to search.

    I removed the engine drain cock when I replaced the engine coolant. Like you mentioned, very little coolant came out. I do not know that it is worth the effort to locate this drain cock and would not worry if this is not completed.
     
  6. gliderman

    gliderman Active Member

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    What are good temp ranges for the engine coolant and inverter coolant?
     
  7. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    To the OP: personally, I would have no problem doing your items 1 through 3. For items 4 and 5 I'd just hand it over to the dealership. I've done coolant changes in the past, with simple non-hybrid vehicles without all the electronics. But just considering the coolant recycling issues, and the complication of the computer controls, I'd let the pros do it.
     
  8. Prius_Boriqua

    Prius_Boriqua Junior Member

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    Thanks for your replies. I guess what Ill do is flush the radiator 2 more times in 2 month intervals to make sure I flush more of the old stuff out. Do you think its a good idea or a waste of money?

    Also concerning the scanguage. Is there an option to manipulate the Prius so it keeps the thermostat open?

    Thanks for the Lisle Spill-Free Funnel. Ill check it out.
     
  9. gliderman

    gliderman Active Member

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    A waste of money.
     
    chrisj428 likes this.
  10. PriusInParadise

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    To OP: The instructions you reference is for the 2010 Prius. For 2011 and later, the air bleed valve has been eliminated (the fitting still exists, but there is no valve), and the procedure no longer includes draining through the block drain.
    By the way, the replacement interval for the factory fill of SLLC is 100,000 miles, and 50,000 miles thereafter.
    A251110E01.png
     

    Attached Files:

  11. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Here's the inverter coolant change instruction:
     
  12. Prius_Boriqua

    Prius_Boriqua Junior Member

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    Wow that explains it. I have the older instructions. I wasted a good 2 hours trying to find it. When I removed that bolt the amount of coolant that came out was insignificant. I guess I did it right though I know theres still older coolant in there. When it says to put the car in inpection mode that is only acheivable using techstream correct? I tried searching but couldnt find how to do it.

    As far as the replacement interval Im aware its at 100,000 miles but then again so is the transmission oil change recommendation. I know its not the same thing but it gets me happy and assured that Im doing all I can to have a long lasting car. I want to know everything about my car and the best way to get familiar is hands on basic maintanance.

    Once again I appreciate rvryones help. I saved both of the docs.
     
  13. PriusInParadise

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    Inspection mode does not require Techstream.
    Start with the vehicle off.
    Make sure the parking brake is applied.
    If you will be working around the vehicle, it is a good idea to chock the wheels.
    Press the start button twice without depressing the brake pedal. The vehicle will be in Ignition On.
    Fully depress and release the accelerator pedal, twice.
    Depress and hold the brake pedal, shift to neutral. Make sure the shift indicator on the instrument panel shows you are in neutral.
    Fully depress and release the accelerator pedal, twice.
    Press the Park button. Make sure the shift indicator shows that you are in Park.
    Fully depress and release the accelerator pedal, twice.
    Depress and hold the brake pedal, press the start button.
    The vehicle should Ready, and the gas engine should start in a moment.
    There will be a warning and/or message, this is normal.
    The gas engine will continue to run until the vehicle is turned off.
    Turning off the vehicle exits inspection mode.
     
  14. SageBrush

    SageBrush Senior Member

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    If I understand correctly, the instructions to enter inspection mode are to keep the ICE running, but our only goal in an inverter coolant exchange is to run the inverter pump.

    My prior experience with this maintenance item is with the G2 Prius so I hesitate to say the identical is true for the G3, but per Mendel's TIS sheet the pump will run if the the car has been powered on to 'Ready.' This is different than using the techstream, where the car is put in IG-On and the techstream activates the coolant pump.

    Addendum: Inspection mode is for engine coolant exchange, not to be confused with inverter coolant exchange.
     
    #14 SageBrush, Sep 1, 2014
    Last edited: Sep 1, 2014
  15. Prius_Boriqua

    Prius_Boriqua Junior Member

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    I wish I would have created this thread before tackleing the coolant change. It would have saved me countless hours trying to find the bleed valve and block drain as well as waiting for the ICE to kick on every 5 minutes to burp the engine coolant. As far as the Inverter side that was way too easy.


    Thanks buddy. Ill be saving this info.
     
  16. SageBrush

    SageBrush Senior Member

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    No doubt about it, the engine coolant circuit is a big PITA to drain and replace fully.
    Personally, I intend to avoid that particular annoyance again by performing more frequent partial exchanges using a LISLE funnel. No air in, no air to burp out.

    I cannot remember how much time it takes to access the drain plug, but other than that I want this coolant maintenance to add 5 minutes to my yearly DIY service. Five minutes damn it, and not a second more!
     
    #16 SageBrush, Sep 1, 2014
    Last edited: Sep 1, 2014
  17. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    ^ What do you plan on doing? Drain and refill the reservoir? How does the LISLE funnel come into play?
     
  18. SageBrush

    SageBrush Senior Member

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    The LISLE funnel screws on in place of the radiator cap. I don't think the reservoir can be used as the route to fill the system. Having said that -- I don't know why not, since I cannot picture the geometry.
     
    Mendel Leisk likes this.
  19. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    [/QUOTE]
    As far as the replacement interval Im aware its at 100,000 miles but then again so is the transmission oil change recommendation. I know its not the same thing but it gets me happy and assured that Im doing all I can to have a long lasting car. I want to know everything about my car and the best way to get familiar is hands on basic maintanance.

    Once again I appreciate rvryones help. I saved both of the docs.[/QUOTE]

    From the many cars I've maintained, I've learned to follow the manufacturers recommendations on maintenance. Doing them prematurely will not only waste money but can cause problems to your car when done wrong.

    Changing the coolant at 37,000 miles when the factory coolant is rated to go 100,000 miles is wrong. If you are familiar with the system 100%, maybe you can attempt this. However you are finding out how to do this CORRECTLY and if done wrong can cause engine damage prematurely, 63,000 miles prematurely. If you introduce air into the system and the car overheats, this could be a very expensive lesson at only 37,000 miles on your car.

    There's a time to experiment with your car's maintenance...that's usually when the maintenance is actually due.
     
    NoShadowOfDoubt likes this.
  20. Prius_Boriqua

    Prius_Boriqua Junior Member

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    From the many cars I've maintained, I've learned to follow the manufacturers recommendations on maintenance. Doing them prematurely will not only waste money but can cause problems to your car when done wrong.

    Changing the coolant at 37,000 miles when the factory coolant is rated to go 100,000 miles is wrong. If you are familiar with the system 100%, maybe you can attempt this. However you are finding out how to do this CORRECTLY and if done wrong can cause engine damage prematurely, 63,000 miles prematurely. If you introduce air into the system and the car overheats, this could be a very expensive lesson at only 37,000 miles on your car.

    There's a time to experiment with your car's maintenance...that's usually when the maintenance is actually due.[/QUOTE]


    This isnt my first car. Ive done coolant changes to many cars. This just happens to be the first one to mention a bleed valve and engine drain cock. I respect your opinion. That being said do a quick search on the transmission oil change and youll find a lot of info on the state of the oil in just 30,000 miles of use. Its well documented that a new car shows a lot of wear in the break in period. All that engine wear is flushed out in the first oil change (thats why for the Prius its recommended that you do it at 5000 miles as per oil analysis lab results). What about your transmission? Are you going to do the same? Its well documented as well. The oil comes out dark with more metal residue than it should. I say If your keeping your car beyond the warranty period theres no such thing as to much maintanance. Like I said I respect your opinion. I read this somewhere that sometimes scheduled maintanance is the bare minimum to keep stuff working above average untill the warranty phase is over. Is this true? Im not 100% sure. I dont want to find out either so Ill spend a little extra.