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2010 Toyota Prius I, Transaxle/Transmission Fluid Change Help Please...

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by 2010_Prius_I_White, Jun 29, 2013.

  1. 2010_Prius_I_White

    2010_Prius_I_White Junior Member

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    You're most certainly welcome! I love being a part of this community!

    That part actually took about 30mins by itself... there's a certain way you have to take the pins out, but I just half way did it the right way and I plan on buying more pins from the dealer if they sell them. I opted to buy the two aluminum gaskets from them BTW ($1.25 each), and the "Toyota ATF-WS" was $9.66 per qt from my dealer in Vegas.

    By pins, he (I'm guessing) and I are talking about black plastic push snap in type of wanna be screws that hold the underbody plastic protector. When you go under there and look, you'll know what we mean. (Just in case any noobs happen upon this thread)...
     
  2. 2010_Prius_I_White

    2010_Prius_I_White Junior Member

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    Here's a parts / tools / supplies list I've compiled of the things I needed...


    Things Needed For CVT Fluid Change

    Torque Wrench (29ft lbs) - $40
    Jack, 2 stands, 2 Rhino Ramps - $230
    Fluid Transfer Pump (Reddish-orange with pump and in/out tubes) - $20
    10mm Allen Socket - $15 for a set
    4qts Toyota ATF-WS (Automatic Transmission Fluid - World Standard) - $40
    Breaker Bar - $10
    Towels - $5

    Needlenose or Flathead Screwdriver - $5
     
  3. gliderman

    gliderman Active Member

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    I had 12 clips and 6 screws. Screws were on the front. I dont know if all have the screws, I got my bottom cover replaced with TSB because the front of the cover drooped down too low.

    Fluid came out a dark brown. It didnt look too bad for having 70k. I was expecting worse. Sent sample to Blackstone Labs. Should hear back in a couple of weeks.

    70k-transxle.jpg
     
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  4. NutzAboutBolts

    NutzAboutBolts Senior Member

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    My Prius is a 2012 vehicle and it doesn't qualify for the TSB plastic cover underneath :(
    I will be doing this Transmission drain and refill video when it hits 30k in about 3k more miles.
    so expect it!
     
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  5. tach18k

    tach18k Member

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    I just did my oil and AT fluid this weekend. I remove the plastic cover from underneath. One thing I did was cut slots in the front 4 holes so next time I just need to loosen those 4 bolts and slide it out. But then my front edge on that shield is all but worn down and the stand offs are not connected any longer. Too many tire bumpers, high curbs and odd road dips.
     
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  6. 2010_Prius_I_White

    2010_Prius_I_White Junior Member

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    Can we expect to hear back from you? I'd love to hear what they say! o_O
     
  7. gliderman

    gliderman Active Member

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    Sure. When it gets sent I will post it. It is my first tran fluid change so there is no history other than what they have as an average for this fluid.
     
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  8. 2010_Prius_I_White

    2010_Prius_I_White Junior Member

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    Cool. Can't wait.
     
  9. gliderman

    gliderman Active Member

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    Transaxle Fluid Change Analysis - I am glad I changed the fluid. Wish I had done it at 30k.

    [​IMG]
     

    Attached Files:

  10. 2010_Prius_I_White

    2010_Prius_I_White Junior Member

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    WOW! What insane levels of Aluminum! Lifetime oil NOT! Thank God I changed MINE! Whew!
     
  11. gliderman

    gliderman Active Member

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    I cant think of any wear parts that are aluminum. So that must be from the manufacturing process. Imagine all that metal being sloshed around by those motor armatures and pumped through the bearings. I think I would not go more than 20k on a new Prius without changing the transaxle fluid.

    Im going to change it again in another 10k to see what comes out.
     
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  12. 2010_Prius_I_White

    2010_Prius_I_White Junior Member

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    Lol @ going from 30k to 20k.
    Seriously, new Pri owners need to know this stuff.
     
  13. gliderman

    gliderman Active Member

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    I'm getting pretty close to calling it 10k! Then change every 30k.
     
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  14. 2010_Prius_I_White

    2010_Prius_I_White Junior Member

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    Yeah. Too bad it's so expensive to buy that Toyota ATF-WS, or I'm sure people would do it more often
     
  15. gliderman

    gliderman Active Member

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    Considering the price of a transaxle replacement, $40 for fluid replacement is cheap.
     
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  16. KA8

    KA8 Junior Member

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    Very nice!
     
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  17. TheredBull

    TheredBull Junior Member

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    I just changed ATF in my 2011 Prius (34k) based on instruction from PC. I was able to do it by removing the service panel for oil change only ( removed only 3 push pins). The used fluid is a little darker than the new one. Thank you everyone.
     
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  18. Zedhomme

    Zedhomme Member

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  19. Zedhomme

    Zedhomme Member

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    Just followed your thread for he 2010 Prius Transaxle Fluid Change to see how I compared to my 2007 Prius I did not long ago at 125,000 mile. Good info.
    That must have been some rough miles to be that dirty.
    I didn't see you do a couple things that are also important for the ATF change.
    First, I would recommend you change the crush gasket, part 90430-18008, on both plugs, any time you change the fluid, less chance of leaking or stripping threads. Torqueing is always good.
    Second, the drain plug has a magnet on its base. You should clean it every time with a cloth.
    It gives you a good idea how much metal dust has worn off the transaxle parts. Good indicator of good or bad wear.
     
  20. rkalbo

    rkalbo 2024 XLE

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    Where do you put a level ?