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Just went past 200k. What do I need, what don't I need?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by MBurg49, Apr 13, 2016.

  1. MBurg49

    MBurg49 New Member

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    I just rolled past 200,000 miles and as you know the scheduled maintenance guide stops at 150,000. What do I actually need done? All the fluids still look good and the brakes and suspension feel fine. Steering's good. Batteries seem to be fine. I tried to get my regular place to do the trans fluid, but since I wasn't sure when it was last done they wouldn't touch it and the only time I took it to the dealership, it was clear they had no clue how to work on Priuses (they set my tire pressure to 30 all around). The only thing I could think of is maybe new spark plugs? I need to get at least another 100,000 and a few more years out of this guy.
     
  2. fotomoto

    fotomoto Senior Member

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    Other than the initial break-in check, most manuals tell you to continue the mileage/service patterns already specified.

    Are you still on the original '04 hybrid battery in Florida?

    I just did the transaxle fluid change myself, found it even easier than an oil change, and about the same price in parts as an oil change. If you're not a DIY'er, demand the service. I can't believe they would turn down such easy money.
     
  3. MBurg49

    MBurg49 New Member

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    I am on the original battery, but getting worried. It's started sort of stuttering when I go to stop and when the gas engine kicks in the whole car kicks like a mule. That being said, they guys wouldn't do it because, and I "" "Since we don't know when it was last done, changing it could do more harm than good, and we don't want the liability."
     
  4. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    IF (and it does not) the Prius had a torque converter and hydraulic shift points, THEN there can be issues with the new fluid loosening clots that block shifting logic. (like a stroke in the brain) This is a real but overblown problem in 'automatic' transmissions.

    The Prius has no torque converter and no hydraulic shift logic, it never shift gears at all when moving. (There is a pawl that electrically shifts position when you put it in P)
     
    aurelio likes this.
  5. MBurg49

    MBurg49 New Member

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    Right. So I'm assuming it doesn't have the parts that changing the fluid can wreck in an automatic. Correct?
     
  6. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    Correct, no tiny passages to become clogged.

    If it WAS an 'automatic' the valve body might look like this: lots of potential clogs

    [​IMG]

    The Famous Valve Body – The heart of the automatic transmissions hydraulic control system is the valve body. It’s considered the hydraulic control center, it receives pressurized fluid from the main pump operated by the fluid coupling torque converter. Are you having an issue shifting into the last gear? When you try to drive your car does it feel like the emergency brake is on? Is there a delay in engagement when placed into gear? These could be signs of a deteriorating valve body

    The Prius logic is all electronic, not hydraulic, so the ATF WS is 'just' a lubricant and coolant.
     
    #6 JimboPalmer, Apr 13, 2016
    Last edited: Apr 13, 2016
  7. MBurg49

    MBurg49 New Member

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    It's amazing that no one seems to properly understand the components that make up the Prius even after 16+ years of these things being on the road. I can't seem to find anybody that actually knows the car well enough for me to trust them.
     
  8. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    My Toyota dealer only argues about how frequently I want the ATF changed, not how to do it. (I prefer 30,000 miles, 90,000 miles and then every 90,000 miles. They advise every 100,000 miles. Here in MS that costs under $100 at the dealer, other locations will have higher overhead costs)
     
  9. dlenox

    dlenox Junior Member

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    My 2005 Prius just hit 216k miles - unfortunately I just had P0A78 + P0A90 error codes.

    You have not stated what service you actually performed, so here are suggestions:
    replace spark plugs
    replace serpentine belt
    HV battery is good for about 10yrs max, get ready for it.

    Probably others, will let other people chime in.
     
  10. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    The US maintenance chedule format, being event by event, is completely unhelpful if you're trying to gauge intervals, what's done, and how often. I'd suggest to start a spreadsheet, enter miles/times across the top, and services down the left column. Then go through the schedule, page by page, enter the services as you come to them, and put an X at the appropriate miles/time column. You'll quickly see the patterns, and should be able to extrapolate them, as needed.
     
  11. MBurg49

    MBurg49 New Member

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    So I went in got the plugs changed, oil changed, and the radiator flushed and refilled, but here's the question. I can't tell if there's anything in the reservoir behind the radiator. Previously, it had the bright pink coolant that's still in the inverter reservoir and you could see it quite clearly. Now it looks like there's something in there, but I really can't tell. Any suggestions?
     
  12. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    If you can't tell then there is a problem. Check the fluid level in the radiator by removing the cap. The fluid level should be at the very top and the correct pink Toyota Super Long Life Coolant should have been used. Fill the reservoir to the top line using the correct coolant.

    If you find that the correct coolant was not used in the radiator, then that is a problem that should be remedied via drain and refill.
     
  13. MBurg49

    MBurg49 New Member

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    So, they told me what they put in was long life universal equivalent, I was not too thrilled about that. I know the Prius is sensitive, but is it really that sensitive (Yes, I know that's a stupid question but I'm desperate to save money here)? And if yes, what are my options here? Go to the dealer and get it redone?
     
    #13 MBurg49, Apr 15, 2016
    Last edited: Apr 15, 2016
  14. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    Well, that is what happens when you use an independent who does not specialize in Toyota vehicles. If you care, then find out exactly what was put into your car. Then review the spec sheet for that coolant.

    If you decide you don't like that coolant, then you could buy a couple of gallons of SLLC and ask for your mechanic to drain and replace.
     
  15. MBurg49

    MBurg49 New Member

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    Sigh. Guy is supposed to be Toyota Certified Master Mechanic blah bah blah. I've already tried one dealer that burnt me hard, I'm getting to the point of not even wanting to deal with it because even basic maintenance is turning into a money pit. I just need this stupid car to last and I'm racking up 400-500 miles a week.
     
  16. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    The maintenance prescribed for 100K miles and 120K miles should be done. In particular, replace the iridium spark plugs, engine / inverter coolant replacement, engine/cabin air filters replacement, replace transaxle ATF, inspect engine coolant pump for weeping at the pump bearing and replace if necessary, inspect serpentine drive belt, inspect brakes, suspension and exhaust systems, and repair as needed. You may want to replace the inverter coolant pump as a preventive move - rather than wait for it to fail.

    Well, that stupid car has lasted 200K miles and you want it to last another 100K miles so it deserves some attention. It is not a trivial accomplishment for the car to log so many miles.

    If you feel that the basic maintenance is too costly that might motivate you to DIY.
     
  17. MBurg49

    MBurg49 New Member

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    I have been doing DIY as much as possible. I replaced the headlights and ballasts myself. Really if I had the equipment I would be doing all of this myself, I just can't afford to invest that much in extra tools etc. at the moment.