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When doing an engine and inverter coolant change, you use the same coolant?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by blobbybobbybarrelsz, Jun 19, 2018.

  1. blobbybobbybarrelsz

    blobbybobbybarrelsz New Member

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    Well I got my 2011 Toyota Prius oil changed and the dealer wants me to pay $500+ to get both the Inverter and Engine coolant changed. However I feel I'm up to the task for a fraction of the price. Anyway I found the plenty of information about how to change the inverter coolant but not the "Engine Coolant". How do I do the "Engine Coolant" part?

    I found this video on how do the "Engine Coolant" part and he uses the same coolant that he used for the invert coolant. Is this the correct way to do it? I am going to using an aftermarket brand of antifreeze/engine coolant but it's formulation is identical (as far as I can tell) to the more expensive Toyota brand.
     
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  2. tvpierce

    tvpierce Senior Member

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    Yes, it's the same coolant in both the engine and the inverter. I know it's expensive, but it requires changing so infrequently, I just go with the OEM Toyota coolant.
     
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  3. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    #3 JimboPalmer, Jun 20, 2018
    Last edited: Jun 20, 2018
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  4. j12piprius

    j12piprius Junior Member

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    I used the same coolant to change each of them two days ago. The process was quite easy and took a total of 1.5 gallons. I changed the transmission with Valvoline Maxlife, inverter and radiator with Zerex Asian, and the oil with Mobile1 fuel economy 0w-20, all at the same time. The total fluid cost was $75. With mileage at 59,000 miles, the transmission fluid was black and well worth changing.
     
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  5. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    If you haven't already, watch @NutzAboutBolts video, for both engine and inverter coolant circuits:

    Nutz About Bolts Prius Maintenance Videos | PriusChat

    Regarding the fluid to use: you may be ok with what you have, but carefully read the requirements in the Owner's Manual. If you're missing the paper manual you can download pdf format at Toyota Tech Info, Manuals section. Safest is to use what's spec'd in the manual. Here's a screen grab:

    upload_2018-6-20_9-55-15.png

    Also, here's a couple of excerpts from the Repair Manual:
     
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  6. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    The big cost difference is not with the coolant itself.......but with the "backflushing" that the dealer recommends at a HUGE markup.
    That part really doesn't need to be done unless there is some evidence of blockage.

    So....unless you just like the challenge, ask the dealer what they charge to JUST change the coolant. You might be surprised.

    If you do it yourself, use long life coolant and mix with distilled water; NOT tap water and NOT filtered drinking water.
    Easiest thing to do it buy "pre-mixed". A bit more expensive but much easier to deal with.
     
  7. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    The Toyota Super Long Life Coolant comes premixed. If the dealership is following the Repair Manual (attachment above), they will pretty much just drain and fill.
     
  8. TeePeeB

    TeePeeB Junior Member

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    Toyota 272 [2 gallons] Not sure if this is a worthy supplier but it is an excellent deal: Amazon Kaizen-Direct $44.45 with free shipping and no sales tax. Thank you [all]
     
    #8 TeePeeB, Mar 4, 2019
    Last edited: Mar 4, 2019