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First CVT change @ 30K, 50K, or other?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by 13Plug, Mar 9, 2011.

  1. 13Plug

    13Plug Active Member

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    I browsed through some of the transaxle fluid change threads on here and I'm more confused now than before I started.

    I'm at about 30K miles right now, Toyota says my first CVT fluid change is due at 60K miles.

    Some guys are changing fluid at 30K miles, others at 50K miles, etc. I'm not sure if there is a consensus, but should I change now at 30K miles or maybe split the difference at 45K miles? Or just wait 'til 60K miles like Toyota recommends? Most likely I would just have the dealer do the fluid change.

    Like I said, I browsed through the other thread but my head hurts. Is there a PriusChat recommendation/consensus? Thanks!
     
    #1 13Plug, Mar 9, 2011
  2. seilerts

    seilerts Battery Curmudgeon

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    30K for the first, then every 60K thereafter. Thanks JeffD.
     
    #2 seilerts, Mar 9, 2011
  3. jdenenberg

    jdenenberg EE Professor

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    As seilerts said above, I have done lab testing of my 2004 Prius ATF as I drained and refilled every 60k miles (60, 120, 180). The first test came back with warnings for metallic (FE and AL) and silicon content as well as degraded viscosity ratio (Hot vs, cold). The later testing was significantly cleaner. This is the data that led our group of technically minded Prius owners to suggest an early first ATF refresh (eg 30k miles) is a good idea and then do it every 60k miles thereafter. MY Prius tranny is still doing fine at 193k miles even though I waited till 6ok miles for the first refresh, but When I get around to buying a new one, I'll do it earlier to be good to my car.

    JeffD
     
    #3 jdenenberg, Mar 10, 2011
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