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Is a Transaxle fluid "flush" possible?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by DGH, Dec 18, 2018.

  1. DGH

    DGH Thread Terminator

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    Went to dealer for transaxle fluid change.
    The bill was higher than previous changes, dealer justified it saying a flush was performed.
    Is a flush vs drain and fill even possible?

    Thanks,

    Dan
     
  2. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    No. It is just drain and fill, no torque converter
     
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  3. audiodave

    audiodave Active Member

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  4. DGH

    DGH Thread Terminator

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    Thanks Jimbo,
    I have trusted this service writer but lately he has been acting odd. This seems to confirm my suspicions.
     
  5. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    Nothing to flush. Just a case with some gears and a couple electric motors. Dealer is apparently a crook.
     
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  6. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    A flush would only be warranted if fluid contamination was suspected. The word "flush" appears maybe a dozen times in the 3rd gen Repair Manual, but invariably in the context of "level", for example: "push the seal in until it is flush with housing".

    In various Honda Shop Manuals I've had, a transmission flush is simply multiple fluid changes, with a drive around the block between changes. Again, it's recommended only if there's possible contamination.
     
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  7. DGH

    DGH Thread Terminator

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    It seems as if the service departments modus operandi has changed and not for the better.
    Thanks to all of you for your input!
     
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  8. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    A new service manager, edicts from the franchise owner, and it can all go to hell.
     
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  9. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    What was the cost, btw? Transaxle drain-and-fill replaces about 90% and is on par with an oil change for difficulty. Should definitely not be over $100; $80 would be a fair price.
     
  10. El Dobro

    El Dobro A Member

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    Sounds like it was a drain wallet, fill pockets.
     
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  11. ILuvMyPriusToo

    ILuvMyPriusToo Senior Member

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    There are times when I don't think some service writers know, or care, which vehicle they are selling services for! :eek:
     
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  12. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    wallet flush
     
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  13. DGH

    DGH Thread Terminator

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    The drain and fill price is 99.00, it used to be in the eighties.
    I will be paying a visit to the stealership to get some answers and money back.
    I did request a "change" on the overnight envelope.
    I will update you on my visit.

    Thanks to all,

    Dan
     
    #13 DGH, Dec 19, 2018
    Last edited: Dec 19, 2018
  14. padroo

    padroo Senior Member

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    It's four quarts of oil. The price really doesn't seem bad. Actually it is easier than an oil change.
     
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  15. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    This doesn't sound bad, for dealership pricing. The last time I bought Toyota ATF WS was a few years ago but I recall the price at that time was $12 per quart. So if the oil cost $48, the labor and miscellaneous charge is $51 which, for dealer service, is a very fair price.
     
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  16. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

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    Probably the dealer never touched it at that price. Dealer labor by me is $140 an hour.
     
  17. Georgina Rudkus

    Georgina Rudkus Senior Member

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    Unfortunately, those who are most likely taken for a ride by the dealer are those individuals making $15-20 an hour in their own jobs and are willing to have a high school educated grease monkey to do it for $120 plus an hour.

    These are the same people who live from paycheck to paycheck and continue to complain about how they can't make ends meet.
     
  18. Fred Norris

    Fred Norris New Member

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    Hi Dan,
    I didn't see it posted or I missed it? How many miles do you have on your Prius? I have a 09' Prius with 125,000 Miles maybe I should be thinking about Trans-axle change?
    Thanks for posting.
    Fred
     
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  19. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    My dealer has done ATF drain and Fill twice for $90 and once for $110.
     
  20. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Four liter of the Toyota ATF WS, plus replacement washers for the fill/drain bolts, is roughly $40 at the parts counter, up here. The washers are ridiculously overpriced, at $3.80 (CDN) apiece, and the liters of fluid $9.14 apiece.

    I think they charge more than an oil change because of slightly higher supply cost (compared to bulk Toyota oil for sure, bottled aftermarket oil not so much), and just because it's unusual.

    The labour is roughly the same I think, especially with a full lift like the dealerships use. For me fussing around with floor jack and safety stands, getting the car raised and roughly level, it's maybe 15 minutes more work. And to fish a hose and funnel through from the top takes a few minutes. Also you want to go slow adding the last liter, until it starts coming back out.

    One thing I've read, for anyone else doing DIY: Toyota recommends not saving opened, partially used bottles of ATF WS, says something about air exposure being bad for it.
     
    #20 Mendel Leisk, Dec 19, 2018
    Last edited: Dec 19, 2018
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