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TSB on Excessive Oil Consumption for 2ZR-FXE Engine

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by priusplus_fr, Aug 16, 2018.

  1. priusplus_fr

    priusplus_fr Junior Member

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    Interesting post from Toyota Headquarters: 2010-2014 Prius Excessive Oil Consumption on 2ZR-FXE Engine

    Interesting point: the problem comes from the piston and the piston rings (worn rings).

    Does it mean Toyota know about the issue?

    This article "Toyota Prius Problems and Common Complaints" also point out that this problem is also true for other Prius models. Only TSB have been released for 2ZR-FXE engines:

    Here are the two files for diagnosis and repair for excessive oil consumption (replace piston/ piston rings).

    If you have other way to restore/clean piston rings and pistons, let me know.
     

    Attached Files:

  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    yes, thank you! nice that they finally figured it out before the 15's.:rolleyes:
     
  3. priusplus_fr

    priusplus_fr Junior Member

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    The first TSB has been released on November 16, 2016...
     
  4. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    According to TSB-2, the oil consumption criteria is one US quart per 1100~1300 miles.

    upload_2018-8-16_10-42-26.png

    This is much less, slightly less than 50% of the consumption requirement: 1.1 US quart per 600 miles specified in the Owner's Manual.

    upload_2018-8-16_10-43-59.png

    What is a Technical Service Bulletin exactly. I get the impression it's a notice of potential trouble from Toyota, but one that is not "broadcast", not a a recall. Dealership service departments are notified of the issue, but only initiate the actions in the bulletin as a last resort, if pushed, whatever.

    I'm a little incredulous too: can't imagine a dealership taking on a soup-to-nuts engine rebuild. Would they do this, or talk to Toyota, bring in a new engine?
     
    #4 Mendel Leisk, Aug 16, 2018
    Last edited: Aug 16, 2018
  5. priusplus_fr

    priusplus_fr Junior Member

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    Dealerships are asked to only do the repair if under warranty. This warranty is in effect for 60 months or 60,000 miles, whichever occurs first, from the vehicle’s in-service date." But according to some users, this problem might start around 100 000 miles or more.
     
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  6. ITBland

    ITBland Active Member

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    From the Toyota FAQ: What is a Technical Service Bulletin and how is it obtained?
    (but might announce one!)
     
    #6 ITBland, Aug 16, 2018
    Last edited: Aug 16, 2018
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  7. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    pointless really, but they must have their reasons.:rolleyes: usually it's when they have had enough complaints from the dealers about items that aren't always obvious, but are happening frequently under warranty.

    so a customer comes in complaining about oil loss while under warranty, well, here's your tsb. otherwise, it can be a hassle to prove it.
     
  8. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Also TSB are minor, non-safety-related stuff.
    Sometimes they are required, (like our 2002 Camry's TSB for the washer fluid sensor - it was missing a hole in the buoy inside the tank so it won't read the fluid level correctly) so in that case, it was taken care of immediately.
     
  9. alanwagen

    alanwagen Member

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    Sort of weird that some do and some don't burn oil.
    I have done all synthetic changes at the dealer. I have 94k and no problems yet, but does that mean I will with my 2010 Prius?
     
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  10. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    Probably at some point ;).

    But if you check your oil level often, you’ll catch it before it becomes a real problem :).

    A 2 minute job that saves headaches (y).
     
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  11. Grit

    Grit Senior Member

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    Keyword is dealer. If done every 5k and they actually put in the correct oil type, weight and amount you’ll won’t experience it soon.

    Also There’s no guarantee even if you’re up top of engine oil maintenance on any cars.
     
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  12. prince

    prince Junior Member

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    Sorry for bringing this back up but found it in a search. Mine has 145k now, did the oil change at 140k and just started getting the oil low warning flashing every 100 miles or so. Took it to the dealer and the oil was gone, they topped it up and they mentioned this 1300 mile test so started that today. Anyone else have experience with this?
     
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  13. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    The warning is low oil pressure. They probably needed to "top it up" four quarts. Did they say?

    Considering your consumption to be 4 quarts in 5k miles, if you take it back just before 1300 miles, you may qualify.
     
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  14. prince

    prince Junior Member

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    Even so, my car is out of warranty and they won't cover right?
     
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  15. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    I can post the TSB's when I get home. Was it 60k limit, maybe. But considering they want to DO the test, that seems a BIG positive. Maybe Toyo is quietly authorizing more than they say officially? Go through with it for sure.

    Maybe ask them, regarding the warranty?

    Do the occasional full throttle hill climb... :whistle:
     
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  16. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    TSB's:
     

    Attached Files:

  17. Haschwalt

    Haschwalt Member

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    So from what I understand the P/Ns were released in 2014, but Toyota didn't actually install these until the 2015? This suggests that the 2015 should be the Prius to buy no? Usually the last year of a model will have the least amount of flaws given the amount of time to collect data points on that model.
     
  18. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Asking for pistons and piston rings for various years, at McGeorge Toyota Parts website, this is what I got:

    upload_2019-8-3_7-25-17.png

    The pistons were revised in model year 2014, and the rings as well in 2015. The efficacy of the revised parts to reduce oil consumption is still a question?
     
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  19. Preeeus

    Preeeus Member

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    Did you ever get any help from Toyota paying for all the required expensive repairs after failing their test?

    Our vehicle failed Toyota's own test, but Toyota was not willing to help in any way whatsoever.
     
  20. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Their cut-off is 60k miles? Which is pretty bald; the oil consumption usually starts later, say after 100k.
     
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