Gen II Prius Past 150K -- Big PicturMaintenance Schedule Question

Don't worry about the traction battery until it does start to fail. Even then the car will be driveable for a long time after that. If the transaxle fluid hasn't been replaced, then do it now. I have 187K on mine and I've replaced the transaxle fluid 3 times. It takes exactly 4 qts of WS. Buy it buy the case of 12 and it should run about $6 qt. If you just walk into a local dealer and pay what they ask, they'll charge you $9 / qt.

It takes about 10 minutes to change the fluid and a drain is a complete drain, so don't let anyone talk you into saying you need to pay more for a "flush". A dealer will charge a minimum of 1 hour labor. This is a easy DIY. The only tricky thing is the fill hole is on the front side of the engine. If you get one of those squirt tops that screws into the top of a qt bottle, it's easy. I use a marine pump myself to pump the fluid in.

 

Depending on how long you want to keep the car, you may want to consider a hybrid grid charger for $400. I don't have personal experience with it, but you can read about them here. It would be something I would consider for my 2008 if it was housed at my house - it's at college with my daughter right now.

I'll come back to opine about your other questions...

 

have you done all the required maintenance to date?

 

do you have the recommended services manual that came with your car?

 

I think you've put the answer to your question in your own post.

If you can't afford the investment into a new vehicle at this time? The best answer is of course to keep your current ride.

I think you are wise to look ahead and contemplate the "possibility" that the HV battery could fail, and think about what that might mean, but the truth is as I think you already know, even if that "worst case scenario" develops, a new HV battery is still significantly cheaper than a new or newer used car.

You seem very aware of the issues your vehicle does have. And it seems your really looking for some guidance as how to "refurbish" for the next 5-8 years of use.

I think the biggest "possible" expense that might hit you would obviously be the HV battery if/when it fails. BUT you really don't know how much more time it may or may not have. If you are prepared to absorb that expense? Then I think your set.

Everything else is just getting it done when you can, and when you can afford it.
Hopefully other posters will have more specific advice as to what specific maintenance issues you might want to address.

If in your shoes? I might decide how much I'm willing to invest into refurbishing The Prius, and do so, but simultaneously perhaps start saving a little each month for a down payment on a new vehicle or newer used vehicle. I think with investment into upkeep and repair you can easily get 4-5 more years of use, but eventually on a 11 model year old vehicle and counting, eventually you'll have to put aside emotional attachment, and decide whether you want to drive what will be then nearing a 20 year old vehicle.

 

maybe pick up a good camry until finances improve?

 

tranny fluid, recommended by several here who have had theirs tested, shows signs of metals breakdown, even though toyota says lifetime. but the warranty is what they care about clearing.

 

don't know what an engine flush is, probably wouldn't bother with it. pcv is probably worth it. is the fuel filter accessible, or in the tank?

 

I don't mean to whimp out..but I also know my strengths and weaknesses.

And I just think others might have better specific advice as to those specific maintenance suggestions.

Luckily, in recent years I've been able to afford new or newer vehicles, which means the maintenance I've had to follow has simply been what is recommended as it is recommended. I haven't had an older vehicle in which I have had to play catch up with maintenance or try to figure out what I should have done.



If you have a mechanic/technician you trust, familiar with hybrids, even though the "inspection" list seems daunting, having everything looked at by someone who can give you an honest heads up as to condition is probably a good idea.

The key would be to find a place that is honorable and reputable.

I don't particularly like that it kind of seemed like your dealer was trying to scare you into reacting about your HV battery.
I mean?- On a 11 year old Prius, with the original HV battery, saying the battery "may" be on the way out is a safe statement. It may be. It also may NOT be. If the voltage is fine today, you haven't noticed any reduction in performance, and haven't gotten any codes that you have actually seen?

I'm naturally a bit untrusting of dealerships, just sounds like maybe they were shaking the tree to see how you would react. Would you authorize an immediate replacement? Or would you head for sales and look for a new vehicle?

I think the Hybrid Battery is kind of a binary situation. Either it's still functioning to an acceptable level, or it is not. Telling you it "may" be on the way out? Something I wouldn't of brought up, unless I had proof it WAS on it's way out.

 

[OPINE ON]
The tranny service is not a flush, just a drain/fill. It's very simple provided you have all the tools and supplies with you when you start. I don't think the Owners' Manual has the details there, but there are great posts/videos here on the board that explain it in detail. Loosen the FILL plug before loosening the DRAIN plug just in case your FILL plug is seized. Use only Toyota World ATF. The consensus here is every 60-100K even though Toyota says never. There will be others who do it like Toyota and others who do it every 30K or less.

I thought the fuel filter was in the tank also. Recommend that you change the PCV if you're unsure. Also clean the HV battery fan if you haven't done it...not complex and there are plenty of instructions/videos out there. If your water pump hasn't been replaced, it's probably going to go soon. Might as well plan to do that soon. And when you do that, you should go ahead and do the serpentine belt. Also relatively simple DIY from what I've read. No timing belt - timing chain instead so no worries there.

I wish I could give you advice on the key issue you mentioned, but I'm still learning there. I think there are plenty of posts about that, too. Be careful that you are looking at the right Gen model instructions because not all models function alike.

Those doors could be fixed as well via DIY for less than several hundred. Look for parts on eBay or rockauto. Regarding the speaker...that's not real difficult either, but it might involve dismantling some interior parts and simply putting in the replacement. I THINK the OEM door speakers are riveted (not screwed) in, so you would have do drill out the rivets and replace with screws. Replacements could go from $20-infinity depending on your budget and desire for audio nirvana.

Regarding detailing, there is a WEALTH of information on the Toyota Tacoma Forums - Tacoma World board on the detailing thread. There are product recommendations as well as step-by-step instructions for all of that. It'll keep you up all night reading. Suffice it to say, clay bar is your friend.
[OPINE OFF]

BeatleBob...it's a long and winding road...but we can work it out and you'll get by with a little help from your friends.

 

Check your Prius Manual for complete details.

From what I recall:

ATF - Change out transmission fluid. Search for Patrick Wong's post on ATF fluid changes (also for coolant changes, belt changes, really almost anything, he's covered it)if unsure or priusdiy.com. the site has pictures and great instructions for the procedure also.
Coolant fluid change: both engine and inverter.
inverter water pump change - possible recall issue
engine water pump change - possible recall issue also
clean MAF sensor and throttle body plate
Replace PCV valve
Replace Thermostat and gasket
replace upper and lower coolant hoses
Change spark plugs - usually at 120k but can be done earlier
Replace serpentine belt
Replace brake fluid (every 3 yrs)
Clean HV hybrid fan
Check your small 12v battery for proper charge (usually 4 yr life)
Inflate spare tire to 60 psi
Replace wiper blades
Polish headlights

Regarding your HV battery life, there are certain independent hybrid specialists that claim to be able to extend your HV battery life. I have not had any personal experience regarding this service but would consider what guarantees or services they can offer you if you live in an area where hybrids are popular such as Southern California or other parts of the country.

Also, you may have some luck with your local Toyota Service department in a "goodwill" OEM HV battery replacement particularly if the car was originally registered in a CARB state such as CA where the HV warranty expires at 10 yrs/150k miles. There are multiple stories where the cost was reduced by the local Toyota or by National Toyota as a goodwill and faithful customer sorptive issues. Also, per Consumer Reports, consider looking at local junkyards at lower mileage newer Gen II prius for a HV battery. CR states they run for $300-500 but I cannot personally verify those figures. Then you have to add on installation fees from a independent hybrid mechanic.

Fortunately I bought a Prius that had a brand new HV battery replaced at 100k and i bought it with 101k miles.

 

Don't count on a goodwill gesture. Even if you are in a CARB State w/ the 10yr/150,000mile HV battery warranty.
OP (Original Poster) has a 2004, currently at 152K Miles; he is out by two years and 2,000 miles. All the good will cases I've read about, the owners were only over on one aspect (time or mileage), and by a little, not both time and mileage.

 

Yes...not dumb.