Dealer fighting back on drain and fill transaxle

Yup, if it is $120 it sure beats $3000 to replace the unit.

There are no clutch plates in the HSD, like the ones used in "normal" automatic transmissions. In fact there are no gears that are engaged or disengaged. Power is just re-routed by the MGs rotation being controlled (magnetic fields). So the fluid doesn't end up with "stuff" from the clutch plates and stays clean longer. That being said, it still a "good idea" (tm) to change the fluid on a short schedule. Cheap insurance. The Toyota dealer knows the fluid is "special", as it has to resist highish voltages in the range of 600 to 1000V. It's very important the correct fluid is used.

Just ask again to have them do it. If you have the desire to do it yourself it's relatively easy. You do have to raise the car up enough to get under there and you do have to remove the "undertray". Remove the fill plug -first- as recommended above. Either a hand pump from below or, as most DIYers on this forum do, a funnel with a hose from above to refill. It's basically the same as engine oil. Yup, it -all- never comes out. Who cares? You have enough new fluid to keep it working just fine. In fact, only a very small amount is left inside, perhaps 100-200 ml.

 

THERE IS NOTHING SPECIAL ABOUT WS ATF AS IT RELATES TO OUR TRANSMISSIONS! This fluid is just what Toyota spec'ed years ago (to who-ever really makes it) as "their" standard universal ATF. In fact I would be willing to bet that WS is over-spec'ed for it's application to our transmissions for previously stated comparative reasons given.

I use Toyota "Branded" ATF and oil/filters for my 2 Prii and Corolla only because it's one stop shopping to the parts counter and It's known to work. That does not mean there are not options and that something might work better...I just don't bother with regular commuter cars though as any cost savings/benefits would be minimal and just are not worth the effort. The biggest thing to remember is just change it regularly. All fluids (as it relates here) brake down and loose their properties with usage and time. Same for that so called lifetime DOT3 Prius brake fluid.

 

Besides spec'ing Toyota ATF-WS as the fluid to use in the Prius transaxle, Toyota also includes in the Owner's Manual a strong caution against using anything else, that it could damage the transmission.

 

I used the original fluid the first time & I guess I'm not gonna take a chance the second time.... ;-)
Toyota ATF-WS it is for me//

 

disagree, it still has the diff gears like any other tranny does.

most of that is just a legal disclaimer to prevent people from putting crazy fluids in it like water or antifreeze.
most other ATFs will work fine with the notable exception of ones without calcium additives.

 

Even if that's true, I see no upside to going against their guidance.

 

totally agree.

 

Respectfully...so do I as stated. Just don't want false info out there about WS like...

 

Well, -Toyota- thinks it's "special". I was told some fluids for automatic transmissions will not withstand the voltages present in the Prius HSD. At any rate, in the true sense of the application, the HSD, while "automatic", IS NOT like any other "automatic transmission".

Deviate from the Toyota recommendation AT YOUR OWN RISK.

But we digress!

 

Maybe folks that put in alternate fluids should disclose this when they sell or trade-in?

 

i can understand using mobil one engine oil or something else to save money. i don't get why anyone would use another aft fluid to save a couple bucks every 30,000 miles or whatever.

 

it is a know fact that most manufacturer want you to use there oil and ALWAY warn to not use anting else.......years ago before court denied manufacturer were even not honouring warranty if there lube was not used it is now illegal.......For me this oil have noting special any oil manufacturer who sell WF approved for Toyota Prius should be equal or better. Amsoil have have 2 ATF recommended for prius and the signature version It is what will go in mine next oil change not because it is cheaper but because I convince it is superior.

 

what proof do you have that the amsoil is as good or better than the toyota?

 

None in fact we have no proof of either is better but I have big doubt and I just go with who I trust the most to have a better reputation on fluid , who manufacture oil and only specialize on fluid for living...for me it is enough some will follow stealer I dont.... if there was no known problem with EOM I will follow the pack BUT My main concern here is read many fail on motor oil consumption and transmission fail who use Toyota fluid so we are far from proof this oil is the best. For transmission some have made conclusion changing the oil more frequently than what Toyota recommend in hope it will work but I will take a chance on something else. Amsoil make some of the best fluid on the market their reputation is there there product are not cheap but they are some of the best. So for me if they aprove there ATF to be specifically best for the prius axle and waranty my trans im good

 

there are very few transmission failures. that's why what you're doing doesn't make sense to me.

btw, it's not the stealer, it's toyota. you trust them enough to buy their car?

 

Mmmm I see to much for my taste I think im not the only one cause I also read many people now recommending oil change fro 30-100k where Toyota say for life.

Why I buy it because from all the car available it was what fit my need the best, I buy the car not really the brand. Toyota make good and bad im no brand loyalist I go with my gust and reputation.....honestly my heart was on 2016 volt but they dont make a wagon .....it is my first ever Toyota so far I love it but if I could improve my experience I will be only happier

 

the reason for the fluid change is due to oil analysis, not because there have been a lot of failures. it's more of a proactive maintenance procedure. better safe than sorry.

 

Mmmm i could find a page full but I will stop there I have more than enough

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Toyota does not say you have to use Toyota brand motor oil, they only stipulate oil weight. I happen to use toyota brand motor oil, it's under $6 per liter up here, and has a good reputation. Not that I'm the least bit knowledgable as to what comprises a good oil, lol.

But regarding that Prius transaxle fluid, if Toyota tells me flat out I should be using a particular fluid, I figure that's not my cue to do the opposite.

 

i disagree that this constitutes a failure of the tranny fluid. in fact, i have no idea what this proves. that car parts fail at some point? it certainly doesn't prove that it's a massive prius issue.