DIY Transmission replacement on a 2002?

It's not much different than a regular front wheel drive car. Dropping the engine + transaxle is easy if you have a lift, but in your garage/driveway on jackstands is a completely different call. One thing you could do is buy it from your friend, change the fluid, and drive it until it dies. They can't be rebuilt economically, so there is no point in pulling it early in order to save components. If you can get the diagnostic trouble code (DTC), we can interpret it.

 

Aaron,

some junk yards can/will do a swap for you for ~6-800$. If not you can probably find a small independent garage who will be glad to do it.

with respect to transmission, what is wrong with it? when it was serviced last?

Toyota requires ATF T-IV.. it is possible they did not put right fluid when it was serviced last. New filter, full flush with right fluid and re-programming could solve the problem.


here is some info on ATF:
http://priuschat.com/forums/generation-1-prius-discussion/95330-atf-question.html
Toyota T-IV = Dexron III ? - Bob Is The Oil Guy


Also the Prius is known to give bad tranny codes when the 12v battery is dying

 

test

 

Do you know why they are saying to replace the transmission? That is really low mileage for a repair like that. I would first question the diagnosis. One, is it wrong. or Two, can it be solved a different way? They may say the way to resolve it is replace the whole thing, when you might be able to fix one part or somehting. They may not offer that option if they are A) shady B) they can't be sure that it would fix the issue and don't want to tell a customer something like "this $500 fix has a 70% chance of fixing the issue or we can replace the tranny for $2,000 and be sure to fix it. It is easier to just say the safe option.

I am not saying it isn't necessary, to be clear, just that it might be worth it to look at other options.

 

There is a very good post in Priuschat on replacing the transmission, with pictures and details. Other possible problems are 12V battery and High Voltage battery. If you are getting this car for nothing, it is worth it. Yes this thread is fine. Search everything you want to know in Priuschat until you are totally familiar with procedures and precautions. Buy a Voltmeter.

 

You can't hurt the rest of car by continuing to drive it with a bad transaxle. There was a story recently on the Gen II side where a user kept having intermittent HV shorts in his trans that went away with a fluid change. It is always worth a try.

There's no easy way to test the HV battery. It can be load tested with a scan tool that is capable of reading out the battery block voltages, but even that has limited value. The other component that could suddenly go bad is the inverter, which is an electronic component that either works perfectly or doesn't work at all. Finally, check to see that the inverter cooling system is working properly.

 

Definitely find the couple of threads here that detail transmission replacement. Chilton does not come close. And learn how to avoid electrocution.

 

You aren't lowballing if you offer $2500.

Art's has a couple good posts on Gen I transaxles:

Prius 1st gen - Replacing an MG2 (electric motor)

Prius 1st gen - Replacing Transaxle

 

I just replaced my transmission on my 03 and it's not an easy job on your drive way I have a shop with lifts and other tools for almost any thing. We removed the unit(engine/transmission)in a very short time. The transmission is very heavy. I think the labor rate called for around 10 hours which we beat. Like someone said look for a small shop with a low hourly rate and you may be better off.
I paid $400.00 for a used transmission. This is just my parts running car so didn't want to spend alot on it.
Good luck

 

Use the contact option and ask about that sticky, it was on replacing the transmission ( only ) and he used a hydraulic floor jack, in winter, 32 degrees F, in a carport. His pictures and description were extremely good. Ask Pat Wong and/or Tony Shroeder. I'll do some more searching and edit this later. :cheer2:

 

:mod::cheer2::welcome::rockon: OK, I finally found it!!!! The thread is a sticky under Gen II Prius Technical Discussion. by dailyphotofix from Big Bear Lake, CA. The thread is called "TRANSAXLE FAILURE " This will give you an idea of what you are in for. Andy

 

I doubt more than a few dozen people in the entire country would be interested and able to swap out the transaxle in their driveway. The car is worth junk value, not $3000. Unless the owner tries to sell it now with the impending failure hidden.

 

For sure it does. I meant before the repair.