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question regarding maintenance: trans service/decarbon cleaning/hv cooling fan cleaning

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by cmamoulelis, Oct 8, 2014.

  1. cmamoulelis

    cmamoulelis Junior Member

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    i have a 2010 prius III with 128,000 miles on it and just got an oil change at a toyota dealership.

    when they brought me the car when the oil change was done, the service advisor recommended a decarbon cleaning for 175, HV cooling fan cleaning for 230 and trans service for 130. w

    do i really need these things or is he trying to upsell me on service? my mpg has not dropped, still getting over 50 mpg.
     
  2. frodoz737

    frodoz737 Top Wrench

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    Transmission drain and fill, most definitely, but negotiate the price. If you have pets and/or smoke in the car, battery fan/ducting cleaning likely. Decarbon cleaning, not likely...and be advised the Dealership's version of this usually just means pouring some crap in the fuel tank.
     
    #2 frodoz737, Oct 8, 2014
    Last edited: Oct 8, 2014
    cmamoulelis likes this.
  3. Paradox

    Paradox Prius Enthusiast / Moderator
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    Moved to the maintenance subforum.
     
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    agree with frodoz, tranny service price isn't too bad. not sure why smoking would clog the cooling fan, but either way, that price is way too high. interesting that they brought the car back and tried to upwell you on the way out the door, doesn't seem like the most effective way to do it.
     
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  5. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    Drain and fill was $109 at my dealership, I bet you have recycle laws your dealer has to deal with, $130 is not hiway robbery.

    I like the idea of 30,000 miles, 90,000 miles and then every 90,000 miles; so it is not too soon at 128,000.

    I am skeptical of the other two, unless you have hair or fur-like activity in your car.
     
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  6. frodoz737

    frodoz737 Top Wrench

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    As a smoker myself, I can verify for you all that over time the tars, sticky residue or whatever it is will stick to everything. The grill, ducting, fan and even the big battery will show higher evidence of this over time due to higher airflow. Then the dust, hair, fur and everything else sucked through just sticks to and accumulates at a higher rate. Just FYI, but did mine at 50K and it was needed.
     
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  7. cmamoulelis

    cmamoulelis Junior Member

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    thanks everyone, i guess i will do the trans service.
    wow really?? if it does that to your cars filter what's it doing to your lungs! you have to quit man! go vape if you have to.
     
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  8. SageBrush

    SageBrush Senior Member

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    Pictures are available on Google.
     
  9. frodoz737

    frodoz737 Top Wrench

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    Thanks, but that discussion would be better left to FHoP. ;)