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How soon should you get an oil change after the Maint Reqd light stays on?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Hiro Protagonist, Mar 28, 2011.

  1. Hiro Protagonist

    Hiro Protagonist New Member

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    It seems like a silly question, I know. This is my first Prius so I'm still in the dark about a lot of things. I've put about 5000 miles on it since I picked it up from the dealership (used, so there's about 21,000 miles on it).

    My Maint Reqd light has been blinking for about a week, and meant to take it in this weekend to get an oil change but had no time. This morning on the highway (I commute ~45 miles each way every day) the light comes on and stays on (which makes sense if the dealership reset the maintenance data when I bought it).

    Normally I'd take it in for an oil change this afternoon, but that may not be possible. I know the light illuminates based on a mileage meter and not an engine condition (ie low oil).

    It may be the case that I can't take it in until this weekend. I'm just wondering if it's wise to keep driving it this week knowing I need an oil change and that I'm likely to put ~450 miles on it. I checked my oil this morning and it doesn't seem terribly low.

    Should I top up the oil to keep it humming until the weekend? Should I just drive, since driving it for a week won't be an issue?

    Help! :D
     
    #1 Hiro Protagonist, Mar 28, 2011
  2. GrumpyCabbie

    GrumpyCabbie Senior Member

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    Which particular Prius model do you have (gen1, 2 or 3/2010)? or what year is it?
     
    #2 GrumpyCabbie, Mar 28, 2011
  3. mikewithaprius

    mikewithaprius New Member

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    Like you said it's a mileage thing, not low oil - the light comes on in Gen II at 4500 miles, so it's more a heads-up than a problem light. I'm sure if you go 5500 miles instead of 5000 you should be fine, just go a week and have it changed.
     
    #3 mikewithaprius, Mar 28, 2011
  4. TonyPSchaefer

    TonyPSchaefer Your Friendly Moderator
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    Personally, I just reset it.

    I have gone to a 6-month, 6,000 miles routine using full synthetic oil. So when my light comes on at 4,500 miles, it means nothing to me.
     
    #4 TonyPSchaefer, Mar 28, 2011
  5. Hiro Protagonist

    Hiro Protagonist New Member

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    Sorry, should have clarified. It's a 2008 model.
     
    #5 Hiro Protagonist, Mar 28, 2011
  6. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    It's OK if you change the oil at 5,500 miles. Since the powertrain warranty coverage for the engine requires you to change the oil at 5K miles or 6 month intervals (whichever comes first) I suggest that you not delay that service beyond the coming weekend.
     
    #6 Patrick Wong, Mar 28, 2011
  7. snead_c

    snead_c Jam Ma's Car

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    Just follow Patrick's instructions. You won't ever be wrong. :)
     
    #7 snead_c, Mar 28, 2011
  8. uart

    uart Senior Member

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    It's not a low oil indicator, just a straight mileage thing. But it's always a good idea to check your oil level from time to time. You only need to add oil if it's low on the dipstick.
     
    #8 uart, Mar 28, 2011
  9. avocadoman1

    avocadoman1 Member

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    i have a different take on this.

    after 5,000 miles on my '06, the oil level has not moved from when it was previously filled. additionally, the oil is very, very clean.

    the reason for this is that the Prius engine runs very little vs a conventional car.

    i sometimes go to 7,500 miles. remember..the Gen3 manual now says 10,000 miles between oil changes.

    personally, i believe that Gen2 is fine running standard oil 7,500 miles.
     
    #9 avocadoman1, Mar 28, 2011
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