New too me 2007 Prius Need Maintenace Advice

Call around to a few locksmiths. One or more of them probably can supply a replacement case (only) for the working FOB and get a second one for about half what a dealer would charge.

If the battery looks at all like it has some age on it, I would put in a new one; cheap insurance.
The charging voltage should be checked at that time.

 

The drop with headlights on is excessive. Plan on a new 12v battery soon.

Do the Transmission fluid drain and refill now and again in 60k miles. It should be about $100 at a dealer with Toyota type WS ATF.

The coolant (both loops - Engine and Inverter} should have been changed at 100k miles (the Inverter coolant MAY have been refreshed when the Injverter pump was replaced, but sometimes not). Change both again in 50k miles. Use only Toyota Super Long Life (pink) AF.

Keep a close eye on oil usage as many Prii start to use oil after 100k miles.

JeffD

 

See this post for a new key fob and programming.

How to Program a New Key Fob for Full SKS Functionality | PriusChat

If it drops to 11.6 under load, I'd replace the 12V.

 

welcome and congrats! i can't add anything to the sage advice listed above.​

 

All sound advice above. Most def get a new 12V.

In the urgent preventative category, I'd add inspect/clean the HV battery fan and replace the cabin air and engine air filter.

If you're looking for other ideas that may not be quite so urgent, you could take a look at this post where I documented what I've done to my used 2008 in the Fall. I was also sending it off with my daughter to school.

Here's a list of tips I covered with her - she wasn't interested in reading about her car, she just wanted the keys.

For the spare key, we went with the cheapo Ovni version (ovnisf Keys - Best Quality Aftermarket Remotes FOBs Keys Clickers) - only $35 and it works.
I used 5w30 synthetic and will shoot for 7K oil changes.

RTFM - Read the Manual
Don't ever lose the key - there is no spare (we've since gotten one)
If you get a (!) light, it means the tires are low
Always check your gear before moving - easy to confuse R and D
Always press the "P" button when parking, then hit the Power button
Don't ever run out of gas - can cause damage to hybrid system
If the dash lights ever go haywire - probably needs a new 12v battery
If the keyfob doesn't open the doors and the Start doesn't work right, probably needs a new 12v battery
Realize that when you are in a parking lot going slowly, people can't hear your car
If towed, don't let them tow it with all four wheels on the ground - front wheels must be up or flat-bed
If you can't see the dash lights when your lights are on, turn up the brightness
If you hear a buzz when listening to the iPod, unplug the power to the iPod
No need to use "B" mode - it's for long downhills only and has no cruise control
If the car won't turn off, try holding the Power button down for 5 seconds
Review the touchscreen functions
Review the keyfob functions
Demonstrate and try the spare tire and jack
Don't block the rear vent
Avoid driving in snow due to light weight and low traction of Prius (no snow tires on ours)
Gas up when you see 2 bars or less - don't run out of gas
Don't try to jump the battery...just call AAA and have it towed home or to the shop.

 

I've read hit-and-miss about Optima. I went with the OEM from Toyota. It was about the same price when I got it on sale, but I'd still probably spend the extra $20-30 for it (uninstalled, of course). Search this site for HV battery fan. There are one or more DIY posts about doing it. It's simple and won't take you more than an hour even if you take your time.

 

ONLY $70 FOR AN OIL CHANGE ????

Where exactly are you located. Maybe WA doesn't stand for Washington state ?

 

I would stick to WS. You can get it at any Toyota dealer and on line.

JeffD

 

^^ +1

I would use WS ATF and DIY...you can get from eBay or Amazon for a bit more if you can't get to a dealer.

There are several DIY posts and videos explaining this activity. It's almost as simple as an oil change. You may need a couple of sockets/socket drives that you may not have already, some vinyl tubing, a funnel, a jack, some ramps and/or jackstands, a drain pan, some waste containers, a torque wrench and some rags.

 

You should have gotten the 12V battery from Toyota, b/c the larger size (7Amp hr more).
Toyota True Start (for SKS) is 45AmpHr, 7 year warranty (0-24 months 100% Toyota pays, 25-48 months 50% proration, 49-84 month 25% proration)
Optima Yellow Top for Prius is 38AmpHr, 3 year straight warranty (no proration).

You should buy a NEW SKS key fob, not used. Otherwise to get used sks fob functioning (sks part that is), dealer needs to reset sks ECU so it will relearn existing and used sks fob. SKS car can learn a used sks fob, but sks functionality of used sks fob wil not work due to ECU needing to be reset. Post #6 explains it all. key replacement questions | PriusChat

 

I would use NOTHING but Toyota ATF-WS transaxle fluid. Something else MAY be ok, but do you want to experiment?

I'd also be inclined to stay with stock battery. 12.4 volt is what ours reads, if the car's sat for 2 or 3 days. Think you'll be ok for a bit, but all considered you should be prepping for a swap. Get a fresh OEM, hook up to a smart charger (low amperage, around 3-4) and let it run till its happy. Clean the cable clamps before installing.

 

Shop around if you can. I was able to find a dealer in ATL that would sell me their battery using the 20% off coupon that they sent in an email flyer. It was supposed to be limited to in-shop services, but the Parts guy let me use it anyway. Took the price down to about $150 before core fee. Of course there are about 10 Toyota dealers in the metro ATL area so competition is tough.

Oh, and I'd still take the advice above and top it off with the charger before installing it.

While you're at the dealer, pick up some SLLC Coolant and some oil plug gaskets for future oil changes.

 

The brand/type of the battery does not matter that much. What's important is to have the battery charged fully before installation and keep it that way during use.
Here is what I recommend ( comes from Electrical Engineer):

1. Charge the battery with trickle-charger or whatever charger you have to 100% before installing . Fully charged gel battery is 12.8+ volt at no load, some time after charge
2. Replace cabin lights and light in trunk and lights at the bottom of doors with LED. This will decrease the drain by 10x when you (or mechanic during the maintenance) leave the door or trunk open for long time when the car is OFF.
3. At least every 3 month check the voltage of the battery and trickle-charge
4. Learn ( and teach every driver) the difference between "Ready" and "Acc" modes. In "Ready" the 12-v battery is charged by inverter even if the gas motor is not running. In "Acc" everything is fed by 12-V battery and its not being charged.
5. Turn the headlights OFF before shutting down the car. Auto-off will turn them off in 30 sec after you turn off the car, but all that time they will be fed by battery.
6. If you have SKS, keep the fob at least 30 ft away from the car when the car is "OFF"
7. Maybe I forgot something?

Thanks,
- Alex