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Official (OEM) Toyota Prius 2016 (Gen 4) oil-change instructions

Discussion in 'Gen 4 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Gokhan, Mar 4, 2016.

  1. Gokhan

    Gokhan Senior Member

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    Bulk oil is sold in 55-gallon drums. It's otherwise the same. TGMO 0W-16 only comes in quart bottles. TGMO 0W-20 is available to the dealers in 55-gallon drums.
     
  2. Gokhan

    Gokhan Senior Member

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    TGMO is more on the quality lines of Mobil Super Synthetic, which is of lower tier to Mobil 1. Nevertheless, TGMO 0W-20 was a different oil than Mobil Super Synthetic, as the additive package was different, but TGMO 0W-16 seemed to be the same as or very similar to Mobil Super Synthetic.

    That's a very good price for TGMO. Dealers usually charge a lot for it here. I've used TGMO a lot in the past and had excellent used-oil analysis reports with it.

    TGMO is a good oil, but Mobil 1 and Mobil 1 Extended Performance are usually upgrades for DIY'ers if they can get them cheaper.
     
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  3. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Up here the 1 litre bottles of Toyota 0W20 were six something CDN last time I checked. Maybe a couple of years back. Still a good buy: nearby Honda dealership was selling comparable Honda litres for $9~10.
     
  4. NewHybridOwner

    NewHybridOwner Active Member

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    How much is a 5-litre jug of Mobil 1 0W-20 up in the frozen North?
     
  5. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    #145 Mendel Leisk, Nov 12, 2020
    Last edited: Nov 12, 2020
  6. Salamander_King

    Salamander_King Senior Member

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    Are oil in Canada bottled in 1 liters not in 1 Qt? 1 liter is 1.06 qt (or 1 qt = 0.95 liters). Close enough, but wondering if they actually put a little bit more in a bottle.

    I could not find a store in the offer list of Mobil promotion that could beat the price at Walmart. Walmart always have the 5Qts jag of Mobil 1 Advanced Fuel Economy 0W-20 at around $25. Yeah, if you can find a store that can beat that price and give you the rebate, that's hard to beat. For my last oil change, I got 6 qts of Pennzoil 0W20 for $36 and got $25 rebate. The final cost of $1.83/qt. For my next oil change, I looked for similar great deal, but could not find one, so I ended up picking up the 12qts bulk bag in a box of Mobil 1 Advanced Fuel Economy 0W-20 for $50 at local Walmart or $4.17/qt. Not as cheap as the last oil, but still better than any retail price of bottled oil and less plastic waste.
     
    #146 Salamander_King, Nov 12, 2020
    Last edited: Nov 12, 2020
  7. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Sometimes it's US quarts, especially big name brand. Of course they don't say 1 quart, instead it's 947 cc or whatever the heck it is. Other times it IS round litres. Toyota products like coolant, windshield washer fluid, and motor oil, are round liters. Brake fluid iirc, was a pint, but labelled something like 475 cc.

    Lots of products are soft converted, margarine for example. Maddening if you're trying to cost compare.
     
  8. Salamander_King

    Salamander_King Senior Member

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    LOL, I thought I was the only one doing the cost/unit base comparison when doing online shopping. Many online shop sites started listing cost/unit right next to the price, but often they use a wrong unit making comparison difficult.

    BTW, while we are on topic of motor oil, are any of those super cheap non-brand synthetic oil any good, or really bad, for today's super efficient cars?
    For example: AmazonBasics Full Synthetic Motor Oil - 0W-20 - 5 Quart
    or: Super Tech Full Synthetic SAE 0W-20 Motor Oil, 5 Quarts
     
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  9. Gokhan

    Gokhan Senior Member

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    Toyota dealers are now offering both the standard TGMO and a Mobil 1 upgrade.

    [​IMG]
     
    #149 Gokhan, Nov 19, 2020
    Last edited: Nov 19, 2020
  10. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace Senior Member

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    Still cheaper to buy Mobil1 from Walmart with an OEM filter and DIY.
     
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  11. Valiant V

    Valiant V Member

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    (hopefully all that above won't show, and I haven't see the answer in reading through 6 pages of thread, so pardon me if I jumped the gun.)

    The link under "Inspect for Oil Leak" as to how to put the vehicle in "Inspection Mode (Maintenance Mode)" isn't live because this is a screen capture.

    How does one do this? (I though sure it would be addressed here...)

    Thanks!
     
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  12. Valiant V

    Valiant V Member

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    Not debating you - but I've been working on cars for 40+ years and always recycling my oil properly.

    Never heard of recycling a spin-on oil filter.

    The auto parts stores (and recycling centers) I've dealt with are very up-front about the used oil - but silent on the used filters.

    I see you posted a California link. Could it be that this is common (likely law) in CA, but unheard of elsewhere?
     
  13. Salamander_King

    Salamander_King Senior Member

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    I have not used the "Inspection Mode (Maintenance Mode)" on my PP. Without having the Toyota manual, I am somewhat speculating, but doing a cursory online search, I found this video. It is for a Gen3, not for Gen4 or PP, but maybe a similar mode does exist on PP to keep the engine running.



    Check this thread: Gen 4 Prius "Maintenance" mode | PriusChat
    It is for Gen4, but it maybe the same procedure for PP? @Elektroingenieur might be able to clarify.
     
    #153 Salamander_King, Jun 4, 2021
    Last edited: Jun 4, 2021
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  14. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Maintenance mode for fourth gen may be explained in the attached. Again, I never bother with this; just ensure replacement filter and drain bolt are torqued. And you’ve added specd amount of oil.

    addendum: looks like attachment is NOT showing maintenance mode. I can look for it, if/when I can access my pc.

    also, spin-on oil filters ARE routinely recycled up here. And it’s not just a case of “hand it over to the recyclers and when no ones looking they dump them”. Well it could be, but there ARE methods to extract the oil from used spin-on filters; they typically shred them and apply pressure. Perhaps other methods too, IIRC steam and centrifugal force?
     

    Attached Files:

  15. Valiant V

    Valiant V Member

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    I don't doubt it...

    When I was in the suburbs of Chicago, households DID recycle - under penalty of fines and/or the "garbage man" refusing to pick up your bins.

    Here - Rural NE Texas - even mentioning "recycling" gets you funny looks and whispers behind your back. I'm sure 90% of the DIY'ers dump their drain oil out in the road or over MY back fence or some other equally earth-unfriendly way.

    But - don't get me started.....
     
  16. Gokhan

    Gokhan Senior Member

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    All the maintenance mode does is to let the ICE idle so that you can check for oil leaks at the oil filter. I never bothered letting the engine idle before I drive off in the 100+ oil changes I performed, and there was never an issue. If you turn it on, don't forget to turn it off before you drive; otherwise, you will damage the transaxle.

    (e) Activating maintenance mode (Not using the Techstream)
    (1) Perform steps (A) through (D) in 60 seconds.
    1. Turn the power switch on (IG). (Step A)
    2. Fully depress the accelerator pedal twice with park (P) selected. (Step B)
    3. Fully depress the accelerator pedal twice with neutral (N) selected. (Step C)
    4. Fully depress the accelerator pedal twice with park (P) selected. (Step D)
    (2) Check that "2WD MAINTENANCE MODE" is displayed on the multi-information display.
    (3) Start the engine by turning the power switch on (READY) while depressing the brake pedal.
    HINT:
    The idle speed in maintenance mode is approximately 1000 rpm with park (P) selected. The engine speed
    increases to 1500 rpm when the accelerator pedal is depressed midway with park (P) selected. When the
    accelerator pedal is depressed more than midway, or when the accelerator pedal is fully depressed, the engine
    speed increases to approximately 2500 rpm.

    (g) Activating certification mode (Not using the Techstream)
    (1) Perform steps (A) through (D) in 60 seconds.
    1. Turn the power switch on (IG). (Step A)
    2. Fully depress the accelerator pedal three times with park (P) selected. (Step B)
    3. Fully depress the accelerator pedal three times with neutral (N) selected. (Step C)
    4. Fully depress the accelerator pedal three times with park (P) selected. (Step D)
    (2) Check that "2WD CERTIFICATION MODE" is displayed on the multi-information display.
    (3) Start the engine by turning the power switch on (READY) while depressing the brake pedal.
    (h) Activating certification mode (Using the Techstream)
    (1) Connect the Techstream to the DLC3.
    (2) Turn the power switch on (IG).
    (3) Turn the Techstream on.
    (4) Enter following menus: Powertrain / Hybrid Control / Utility / Inspection Mode - 2WD for cutting TRAC.

    (i) Deactivating inspection mode
    (1) Turn the power switch off and wait at least 30 seconds. The hybrid system will turn off simultaneously.
    NOTICE:
    If a DTC is set during inspection mode, the master warning light will illuminate and a warning message will
    appear on the multi-information display.
    If the master warning light illuminates and a warning message is displayed on the multi-information display
    during inspection mode, check for DTCs.
    Driving the vehicle without canceling inspection mode may damage the hybrid transaxle.
     
    #156 Gokhan, Jun 4, 2021
    Last edited: Jun 4, 2021
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  17. Valiant V

    Valiant V Member

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    That sounds like a pretty involved process just to get the ICE to start up.

    I guess I could turn on the heat or A/C and accomplish the same thing?

    Just a force of habit when changing oil to start up, check for oil pressure after just a few seconds, check for leaks, check the level, and THEN declare the job complete.

    On a related note, on other vehicles - where possible - I would always put as much new oil into the (spin on) filter as possible to shorten the time that the engine has to run before getting oil pressure. I'm guessing there's really no way of doing this with the cartridge type filter. Then again, it looks as though gravity will do that job for you. Also - no way to even check the oil pressure.....
     
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  18. Gokhan

    Gokhan Senior Member

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    Yeah, the only reason why they have the maintenance mode is so that the engine can idle for certain maintenance operations, smog check, etc., as otherwise, this is not possible with a hybrid and even less possible with a plug-in hybrid like the Prius Prime.

    The consensus on oil forums such as Bob is the Oil Guy is that "priming" an oil filter is unnecessary and doesn't help (no pun intended with regard to Prius Prime).

    The cartridge filter on the Prius was short-lived. I has been replaced with the standard Toyota spin-on oil filter (90915-10003 (China)/90915-YZZN1 (Thailand, superseded 90915-YZZF2)) for a long time now.

    I am sure that there is a low-oil-pressure warning light or message in case something goes wrong.

    Here is the complete info on the maintenance mode:

    INSPECTION MODE PROCEDURE
    INSPECTION MODE
    NOTICE:
    When operating the vehicle in an inspection mode for an operation such as a speedometer test, a DTC may be
    stored. Therefore, if the warning light illuminates, check for DTCs using the Techstream and clear the DTCs.
    HINT:
    If the engine is warmed up and the HV battery is charged, the engine will stop after the vehicle stops. For
    example, if the engine is required to run continuously even after the vehicle stops, such as for an ignition
    timing check, switch to maintenance mode.
    (a) The following table shows the types of inspection mode that are available, their purpose and the control that
    occurs in each mode.
    MODE
    (DISPLAY)
    PURPOSE CONTROL
    2WD
    MAINTENANCE
    MODE
    (2WD for
    measuring
    Exhaust Gas)
    Inspection of ignition timing etc. when performing
    engine maintenance, idle speed exhaust emissions
    testing (CO, HC), etc.
    Tests using a speedometer tester, two-wheel chassis
    dynamometer, etc.
    Keeps the engine
    idling when park
    (P) is selected
    Cancels traction
    control
    2WD
    CERTIFICATION
    MODE
    (2WD for
    cutting TRAC)
    Tests using a speedometer tester, two-wheel chassis
    dynamometer, etc.
    Cancels traction control
    (b) Vehicle conditions
    (1) Before activating inspection mode, turn the air conditioning off, start the hybrid system with park (P)
    selected, and check that the engine stops within several seconds after starting (engine warm up check).
    (2) Activate the appropriate inspection mode and inspect the vehicle:
    TEST ITEM MODE
    1. Vehicle straight traveling test (side slip inspection) Maintenance mode or normal mode
    2. Braking force test Normal mode
    3. Speedometer test Maintenance mode
    4. Exhaust gas test (idling) Maintenance mode
    5. Headlight test Maintenance mode or normal mode
    (3) Cancel inspection mode immediately after completing the inspection.
    NOTICE:
    Driving the vehicle without canceling inspection mode may damage the hybrid transaxle.
    (c) Special notes for speedometer test
    CAUTION:
    Be sure to perform the test in maintenance mode.
    NOTICE:
    Do not perform rapid starting or quick acceleration on a speedometer tester. If rapid starting or quick
    acceleration is performed on a speedometer tester, damage may occur to the hybrid transaxle.
    (1) Depress the accelerator pedal slowly and gradually accelerate the vehicle. Make a measurement.
    (2) After the measurement, use the brakes to gradually decelerate the vehicle.
    (d) Special notes for using a chassis dynamometer
    CAUTION:
    Be sure to perform the inspection in maintenance mode.
    NOTICE:
    Sudden acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle on a chassis dynamometer under minimal load may damage
    the hybrid transaxle.
    (1) Always set an appropriate load before starting the test.
    (e) Activating maintenance mode (Not using the Techstream)
    (1) Perform steps (A) through (D) in 60 seconds.
    1. Turn the power switch on (IG). (Step A)
    2. Fully depress the accelerator pedal twice with park (P) selected. (Step B)
    3. Fully depress the accelerator pedal twice with neutral (N) selected. (Step C)
    4. Fully depress the accelerator pedal twice with park (P) selected. (Step D)
    (2) Check that "2WD MAINTENANCE MODE" is displayed on the multi-information display.
    (3) Start the engine by turning the power switch on (READY) while depressing the brake pedal.
    HINT:
    The idle speed in maintenance mode is approximately 1000 rpm with park (P) selected. The engine speed
    increases to 1500 rpm when the accelerator pedal is depressed midway with park (P) selected. When the
    accelerator pedal is depressed more than midway, or when the accelerator pedal is fully depressed, the engine
    speed increases to approximately 2500 rpm.
    (f) Activating maintenance mode (Using the Techstream)
    (1) Connect the Techstream to the DLC3.
    (2) Turn the power switch on (IG).
    (3) Turn the Techstream on.
    (4) Enter following menus: Powertrain / Hybrid Control / Utility / Inspection Mode - 2WD for measuring
    Exhaust Gas.
    Powertrain > Hybrid Control > Utility
    TESTER DISPLAY
    Inspection Mode
    (5) Check that "2WD MAINTENANCE MODE" is displayed on the multi-information display.
    (6) Start the engine by turning the power switch on (READY) while depressing the brake pedal.
    HINT:
    The idle speed in maintenance mode is approximately 1000 rpm with park (P) selected. The engine speed
    increases to 1500 rpm when the accelerator pedal is depressed midway with park (P) selected. When the
    accelerator pedal is depressed more than midway, or when the accelerator pedal is fully depressed, the engine
    speed increases to approximately 2500 rpm.
    (g) Activating certification mode (Not using the Techstream)
    (1) Perform steps (A) through (D) in 60 seconds.
    1. Turn the power switch on (IG). (Step A)
    2. Fully depress the accelerator pedal three times with park (P) selected. (Step B)
    3. Fully depress the accelerator pedal three times with neutral (N) selected. (Step C)
    4. Fully depress the accelerator pedal three times with park (P) selected. (Step D)
    (2) Check that "2WD CERTIFICATION MODE" is displayed on the multi-information display.
    (3) Start the engine by turning the power switch on (READY) while depressing the brake pedal.
    (h) Activating certification mode (Using the Techstream)
    (1) Connect the Techstream to the DLC3.
    (2) Turn the power switch on (IG).
    (3) Turn the Techstream on.
    (4) Enter following menus: Powertrain / Hybrid Control / Utility / Inspection Mode - 2WD for cutting TRAC.
    Powertrain > Hybrid Control > Utility
    TESTER DISPLAY
    Inspection Mode
    (5) Check that "2WD CERTIFICATION MODE" is displayed on the multi-information display.
    (6) Start the engine by turning the power switch on (READY) while depressing the brake pedal.
    (i) Deactivating inspection mode
    (1) Turn the power switch off and wait at least 30 seconds. The hybrid system will turn off simultaneously.
    NOTICE:
    If a DTC is set during inspection mode, the master warning light will illuminate and a warning message will
    appear on the multi-information display.
    If the master warning light illuminates and a warning message is displayed on the multi-information display
    during inspection mode, check for DTCs.
    Driving the vehicle without canceling inspection mode may damage the hybrid transaxle.
     
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  19. ColoradoBoo

    ColoradoBoo Senior Member

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    Cool thread...I've been doing much of all our car maintenance for about the past 30 years. I just did an oil/filter change on my wife's 2017 Prius today. (Only had 4,000 miles since last year but I change every 10,000 miles or yearly.) Was surprised at how dirty it was looking just after 4,000 miles. The easiest way to remove those 3 screws on the cover is with a 10-mm socket...they are pretty tight. (I've never used a torque wrench...just snug up the bolt/cannister.)
    Oh, a friend of mine is a Master Toyota mechanic and they don't know why, yet, but overfilling a hybrid is very bad...can cause problems. Since it's 4.4 qts (with filter) I add about 4.2 then drive around for a few hours and check it again. Between the two dots is perfect, doesn't need to be up to the top dot.
    Anybody change out their CVT tranny liquid? It's 5-years old so I think it's due. No drain pain or filter to mess with, just a drain plug and a fill plug. (I looked at them from underneath while down there...would have to remove the entire plastic cover for the job but they are the Toyota clips so easy with a small flat-head...and you would want some spares in case you break one...they aren't rugged.)
     
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  20. Gokhan

    Gokhan Senior Member

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    Overfilling the oil sump only causes a problem if it's to the point that the crankshaft makes contact with the oil in the sump, causing foaming due to aeration, which could lead to loss of lubrication and engine damage. I wouldn't underfill. There is no difference between a hybrid and nonhybrid engine in this respect.

    Mobil 1 AFE (Advanced Fuel Economy) 0W-16 and Mobil 1 EP (Extended Performance) 0W-20 are both PAO-based oils, and they are cheaply available at Walmart. Mobil 1 AFE 0W-20 is not mostly PAO-based, but it's also decent.