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Toyota Prius 2010-2015 Transmission drain and refill

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by NutzAboutBolts, Aug 7, 2013.

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  1. NutzAboutBolts

    NutzAboutBolts Senior Member

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    Hello PriusChat,

    Here's a video of the 3rd Gen. Prius transmission drain and refill, pretty simple to do but time consuming. So here it is!


     
    #1 NutzAboutBolts, Aug 7, 2013
    Last edited: Jun 6, 2015
    torr310, Jer Sand, Merkey and 10 others like this.
  2. Onex Prius

    Onex Prius Junior Member

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    Thanks for a details video!
     
    #2 Onex Prius, Aug 8, 2013
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  3. NutzAboutBolts

    NutzAboutBolts Senior Member

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    no problem! :)
     
    #3 NutzAboutBolts, Aug 8, 2013
  4. GrumpyCabbie

    GrumpyCabbie Senior Member

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    As simple as that? Might give it a go sometime. What was the specs on the transmission fluid you used? I see it was Toyotas own.
     
    #4 GrumpyCabbie, Aug 8, 2013
  5. NutzAboutBolts

    NutzAboutBolts Senior Member

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    we used 5 quarts just so we can pump it till it drained, but its usually 4 quarts and a little extra fluid because the other bottles had remaining fluid in them. The fluid we used was Toyota ATF WS.
     
    #5 NutzAboutBolts, Aug 8, 2013
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  6. MPGnutcase

    MPGnutcase Active Member

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    At what mileage do you do your first change?
     
    #6 MPGnutcase, Aug 8, 2013
  7. NutzAboutBolts

    NutzAboutBolts Senior Member

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    30,000 miles
     
    #7 NutzAboutBolts, Aug 8, 2013
  8. MPGnutcase

    MPGnutcase Active Member

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    K thanks
     
    #8 MPGnutcase, Aug 8, 2013
  9. NutzAboutBolts

    NutzAboutBolts Senior Member

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    no problem.
     
    #9 NutzAboutBolts, Aug 8, 2013
  10. GrGramps

    GrGramps Active Member

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    Nutz, We need to pin a medal on you for that presentation! Well done and a pleasure to watch and listen. As I watched, I thought my biggest problem would be remembering where all of the clips and bolts go when replacing the under body panel.:(

    Could you comment on the oil that you drained? I assume it had around 30K miles on it and it appeared to be relatively clean. I understand the object is to change it before it looks like tar. Also tell us about the pump that you used, as I haven't seen one like that.

    We all appreciate your time and a pat on the back for your cameraman!
     
    #10 GrGramps, Aug 8, 2013
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  11. Bill Norton

    Bill Norton Senior Member

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    A funnel with a extender hose added can be used from above. It's a little simpler, easier and less expensive.
    Also it can be done from the oil change door, you don't have to remove that whole panel.

    I had an oil analysis done on the ATF I drained from a Gen3 with 112K miles. I bought it with 108k.
    It was really bad. To see how bad ATF can get, go to this thread:
    ATF fluid changes ARE Required. | PriusChat

    It's a bit wordy, but just look at the oil analysis reports and the pictures of funnel/hose I used.
    Also at ATF change time is a good time to add a magnetic drain plug. You can buy plugs with the magnet or make your own.
     
    #11 Bill Norton, Aug 8, 2013
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  12. Den49

    Den49 Member

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    Thanks Nutz for the video showing how easy it is to change the trans fluid. It should give confidence to DIYers who were unsure about whether they could do it.
     
    #12 Den49, Aug 8, 2013
  13. NutzAboutBolts

    NutzAboutBolts Senior Member

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    Like Bill Norton said, there's a link to the thread about the oil analysis he's done on it, as for my transmission oil, it was a maroon color when it was drained. As for the pump that we used, it was a mityvac fluid transfer pump P/N 07240, you can google that online and it'll show up. Also like bill has said, you can use the funnel and an extended hose. I've never done this myself but I assume it works since people have been using it.


    Hey Bill, I believe for the 2010 Prius, you don't have to remove the under panel, but for our Prius 2012, the under panel is different maybe, because I checked underneath, and there is no way you can reach the drain and refill plugs without removing the under panel. Just FYI, maybe there's a reason why the 2010 Prius has the under panel recall, who knows, but for the 2012, there is no way I can see to drain and refill without removing it.


    yes this will help tremendously for all the DIYers.
     
    #13 NutzAboutBolts, Aug 8, 2013
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  14. Bill Norton

    Bill Norton Senior Member

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    Look at the pic of the tools I used. There is an 18" , 3/8 drive, extension with a 10mm allen socket on the end.
    I looked and the oil change panel has not changed in size, just in strength with the new/recalled access panel.

    But, by removing the whole shebang, you get to see everything and do a proper inspection of the area.

    Good job on the video!
     
    #14 Bill Norton, Aug 8, 2013
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  15. NutzAboutBolts

    NutzAboutBolts Senior Member

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    well, I gotta give you props for doing it without taking the plastic under panel off. We were having a hard time breaking the drain and refill bolt loose with just a 3" extension and even then, we almost injured ourselves lolz. So whatever works, works right?

    and thanks for watching the video! it was fun doing it, only painful part was the clean up haha...
     
    #15 NutzAboutBolts, Aug 9, 2013
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  16. NutzAboutBolts

    NutzAboutBolts Senior Member

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    woops double post
     
    #16 NutzAboutBolts, Aug 9, 2013
  17. jdcollins5

    jdcollins5 Senior Member

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    Great video. Fence post DIY'ers, it really is that simple.
     
    #17 jdcollins5, Aug 9, 2013
  18. JDB

    JDB Junior Member

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    Awesome video. How long did the entire change take?
     
    #18 JDB, Aug 9, 2013
  19. NutzAboutBolts

    NutzAboutBolts Senior Member

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    thanks! it took us about 1 hour or so.
     
    #19 NutzAboutBolts, Aug 9, 2013
  20. GrumpyCabbie

    GrumpyCabbie Senior Member

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    Somebody should come up with a simple kit for this to sell on ebay (so it's available to international drivers too). Even if they don't provide the oil, just the pump, hoses and instructions.

    I'd buy it.
     
    #20 GrumpyCabbie, Aug 11, 2013
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