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Dealership recommendations

Discussion in 'Prius c Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by michael.sfo, Nov 17, 2020.

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  1. michael.sfo

    michael.sfo Member

    Joined:
    Oct 15, 2018
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    Location:
    San Francisco
    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius c
    Model:
    Two
    I recently took Boris Badenov (2015 C 2, post-facelift version) in for the 70,000 mile service at the San Francisco Toyota dealership service center.

    In addition to whatever is standard for the 70K service, they also added some sort of conditioner or detergent to the oil system and gas tank. I let them do this, I was not fully awake and hadn't had any coffee yet. It all came out to $253.

    The dealership tech recommended:
    • throttle body and mass air flow cleaning due to carbon buildup $270
    • hybrid cooling system cleaning with filter $209
    • something about the brake fluid being discolored and needing replacement (can't remember cost)
    I declined all of these recommended items. Now I am wondering... should I have gotten them?

    Also, is this detergent in the oil and gas system legit? My fuel economy has dropped by about 4 mpg on my most recent gas tank subsequent to the dealership service.
     
    #1 michael.sfo, Nov 17, 2020
  2. jzchen

    jzchen Newbie!

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    Glad you declined! Hopefully the receipt says what they put in?

    moto g(7) power ?
     
    #2 jzchen, Nov 17, 2020
  3. fotomoto

    fotomoto Senior Member

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    What does your "spidey-sense" tell you? ;)
     
    #3 fotomoto, Nov 17, 2020
  4. dig4dirt

    dig4dirt MoonGlow

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    I wont comment on #1, but more likely a joke
    #2 That $209 charge takes all but 10+ min to DIY
    If you have pets that ride in car, should do frequent, if no pets, then not a big deal but still check it from time to time
    I checked mine after 5 years and 50k miles and pretty much nada (no pets)
    #3 Best to get a full brake fluid flush for less than $200. It is a bit involved for a prius,
    but absolutely can DIY but as far as when needed? 5 years was my first,
    then I plan every 2-3 years (more likely 3 years lol) FULL FLUSH!

     
    #4 dig4dirt, Nov 17, 2020
    michael.sfo likes this.
  5. michael.sfo

    michael.sfo Member

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    Location:
    San Francisco
    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius c
    Model:
    Two
    Thanks. No pets here. Most of my miles are solo or with one carpool passenger, on the freeway, on cruise control between 55 and 65 depending on conditions. That's why I was skeptical about the throttle body. Since the car is 5 years old, I'll do the brake fluid flush at next service. I should do the hybrid filter clean next time I'm at a gas station with a vaccuum.
     
    #5 michael.sfo, Nov 24, 2020
  6. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    Is #2 the ac evaporator and cabin filter or is it the hybrid system cooling system?
     
    #6 rjparker, Nov 24, 2020
  7. michael.sfo

    michael.sfo Member

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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius c
    Model:
    Two
    The latter - hybrid system cooling system.
     
    #7 michael.sfo, Dec 10, 2020
  8. vvillovv

    vvillovv Senior Member

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    Bullwinkle here, has Natasha mentioned me lately? lol

    Why dealers treat hybrids like the other gassers they service is beyond my understanding.
    Do ask what oil additive they recommend. You might also what to ask what oil they use for the change.
    Do you check the oil? Have you ever changed your own oil? Think viscosity....

    You might also want to do a youtube search of Clean the fuel injectors. There's lots of different ways posted there. For sure get the brand of additive the dealer used for the gas....

    Open the (brakes) master cylinder under the hood and look at the fluid. I can't do it from here.

    Is the dealer where you bought your C?
    Might want to contemplate using a different one after refusing some of the recommendations, especially as the C gets nearer the warranty limits.

    An alternative to your dealer service is https://lusciousgarage.com/ at 9th st just off i80 and the 101
    possibly, if open, could also check out DNA Pizza on 11th and say hi to Jamie for me.
     
    #8 vvillovv, Dec 10, 2020
    Last edited: Dec 10, 2020
    michael.sfo likes this.
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