prius mechanics, hartford, ct

A brake fluid change should be about $100. About the same amount for the transaxle fluid change.

Personally, I'd shy away from DIY brake fluid change, very happy to let the dealership do it. With the Prius system in particular. BUT, let them know up-front: you expect them to test-drive afterward, make dang sure it's all good.

Transaxle fluid change is a trivial job, on par with an oil change. I've done a couple now (DIY). A "flush" is NOT normally needed. Even with a regular automatic it's a waste, unless there's been contamination. Just changing regularly is enough. And with the Prius transaxle 90% plus of the fluid comes out.

 

i don't think you're due for anything yet, but the tranny is a good idea. anyone can do it, see if a local mech will do the labor, bring him the oil and watch him do it. all the best!

 

mendel can answer, i haven't done, but there are threads here as well with step by step.

 

Gen II drain and fill bolts are different, I'm not familiar with them, don't have document for that. I believe at least one of the two is the same, requires a 10 mm Allen Key (hex) type socket. Both fill and drain bolts on gen III are thus, and the torque is 29 lb/ft. It's good practice also to change the washers.

I don't think torque is any more critical than usual, that said, a half-decent mid-range torque wrench is a very good investment. You can find them on sale for $20~30. 3/8" drive torque wrench tend to be better for low to medium torque values. That what I use for regular bolts, and I have a 1/2" drive for lug nuts, that's pretty much all I use it for now.

The differences in drain and/or fill bolt aside: the main points:

1. Use Toyota ATF-WS fluid, 4 quarts or liters should be more than enough.
2. When removing bolts, take out the fill bolt first, just in case you have troubles. A solid, quality breaker bar is always helpful.
3. The new fluid should be added with the car level, so for DIY you need to figure out some (safe) method to do that.
4. The fill hole is way down, the most practical (and simple) method is a hose with extension tube, say 3/8" diameter. I'm a little fuzzy on the I.D. of the fill hole, think it's at least 1/2".
5. Correct fill level is very simple to achieve: just pour in 'till it starts coming back out, with the car level.

I'll attach Gen III instruction, it's very similar. I believe Gen II takes a little less fluid, and of course the bolts are a bit different. Maybe you can find more info on that with a search.

For second gen, see post #2 here by PW:

Changing Transaxle oil | PriusChat