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Transaxle Fluid Change

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by sreese01, Oct 13, 2014.

  1. sreese01

    sreese01 Junior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 13, 2014
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    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Hey forum,

    I've been an anonymous guest for quite some time. I bought a pre-owned 2008 Prius with about 114,000 and recently at 126,000 miles changed the transaxle fluid. Thanks to +Patrick Wong, who convinced me (through reading his replies) to drain and fill it. I'm glad I did, a surprisingly noticeable difference in how its running. The magnetized drain plug, which has a lip, was completely filled to the brim with micro-debri (no large chips or shavings).

    To those who are on the fence and are mechanically, even in the slightest, do it (obviously do your "how to" research beforehand). I will be doing the same every 60,000 miles! Anyone want to try and convince me that 30,000 isn't overly aggressive (my feeling)?

    Happily signed,
    Scott Reese
     
    #1 sreese01, Oct 13, 2014
  2. Mike500

    Mike500 Senior Member

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    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Two
    #2 Mike500, Oct 13, 2014
  3. sreese01

    sreese01 Junior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 13, 2014
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    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Thanks for replying. Good links you provided there!

    Do you notice a difference in the way the car "feels" after a fluid change? Granted, mine probably was never done despite the car being very well maintained --- the car had a copy of the entire service record when I bought it. I sincerely doubt the dealer swapped it out for the previous owner. The service record was hit or miss as far as detail is concerned.
     
    #3 sreese01, Oct 13, 2014
  4. Mike500

    Mike500 Senior Member

    Joined:
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    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Two
    No, not really.

    I just always change transmission or transaxle fluid at 12 k miles.

    I was a good find that it did not have a magnetic drain plug.

    All I know is that all of that metal floating around in the fluid DOES accelerate wear.

    Based on others, who have Gen II Prius models finding a lot of iron and steel caught by the magnet, I made my own with a much stronger neodymium rare earth magnet.

    Thank YOU!
     

    Attached Files:

    #4 Mike500, Oct 13, 2014
  5. Usman Farooq

    Usman Farooq New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 2, 2014
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    Location:
    Lahore,Pakistan
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    I just changed Transmission fluid on my Prius 2007, i noticed that only around 3 L drained out of transmission and 3.5 L was filled. The Toyota Ws 4 L costs $36 here in Pakistan with free Drain and Fill service.
     
    #5 Usman Farooq, Oct 23, 2014
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