Transaxle fluid substitution?

yes, bring them a quart.

 

it's not likely to be low, ask them if you can return it.

to tell you the truth, i wouldn't trust the local tire store to fumble around with the tranny fill plug.

 

I don't know, see trouble brewing:

1. The transaxle very very likely will not need a top up. The fluid does diminish in the normal course of use, unless there was a leak in a seam or seal. I would just leave it alone. The fill and drain bolts are socket head cap screw, require a male 10 mm hex socket, have specific torque values. It's recommended to replace the washers when the bolt comes off. They'll likely just slam it back on with an air wrench.

The fluid attracts water too: the less you mess with it, the better.

2. There are some very specific gotcha's with Prius brakes; I would strongly recommend not letting a generic tire place near them. The caliper pins have O-rings that can be swelled by the wrong lube, the rear brake caliper piston alignment is very finicky, and if the driver's door is opened while a caliper is off (and the battery is not disconnected) there's a good chance you'll pop out the piston.

I'd strongly recommend you just have them do the tire swap.

 

especially when you have to talk to the kid at the desk, and not the mech.

 

+1

 

[QUOTE=
I asked the counter guy whether they do have the Toyota WS fluid if it needs topping up, and he said "that's up to the mechanic" (or something like that).
RUN RUN RUN FAR AWAY FROM THIS CLOWN!
I just ordered 5 qts for $43 for Original Toyota WS Prius trans fluid. Free shipping.
It's not worth the risk of any other fluid.

 

Wouldn’t recommend a tire store to do engine related work especially on a car that uses a dipstick and twist cap for ATF. Oh wait, this car doesn’t have it.

 

Is this a carry over from the redline d6 thread back while ago? Man that thread was one of my favorites.

 

No need to level, jack front up and just take under panel off. You’ll see the drain and fill bolts then inspect.

 

a stealership isn't necessary, but i would go somewhere with a friendly and knowledgable mechanic.

and i would want her to say, 'i only use products spec'd by the mfg.'

 

don't get me started on polosi

 

At least yours was caused by AI auto correct, hers is not

 

I would skip the transaxle fluid check, think that's mostly Toyota lawyers talking. If there's no visible leakage, it's good.

What I would do is change the fluid, but that's for another thread. Suffice to say you can't really change it too early, a change now would be good. Then leave it, at least 60K, maybe one more.

Also, engine and cabin filters: I would just check their condition, change if needed. It depends a lot on your environment; if you're somewhere in the dust bowl frequent filter changes would be warranted. We're on the west coast, and 8.5 years on (albeit only 80K kms), still on original cabin and engine filters. Engine filter in particular looks almost new.

 

No, it's a reply to the original post.

I use an older jack,after I get it high enough to put the jack stands under it, I lower the jack and put 2x4 on it and raise some more.
Then I go to the back and when I get it high enough, I shove my ramps under the wheels. Then wood on the jack again, and
raise some more and then shove the ramps under the wheels.
It's the HARDEST part of doing anything on the Prius, for me. I don't want to spend $100 for a new jack.

I'll have to do it in just under 4000 miles to do the trans again.