Sudden change in performance

Make sure they didn't overfill the oil, make sure they didn't let air out of your tires(you should keep them at 42/40). They may have put 10w-30 instead of 5w-30 but i don't know how you can check that. A simple oil change really shouldn't effect your mpg's??????

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(paprius4030 @ Jun 20 2007, 01:20 PM) [snapback]465304[/snapback]</div>

Though there's no guarantee it's correct, you can look at your invoice. But too much oil and too little air are the first things that come to my mind too.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(idahohand @ Jun 20 2007, 12:50 PM) [snapback]465285[/snapback]</div>

Check that air! Having worked at a dealer means little. My dealer keeps adjusting the pressure to 32lbs all around! Since my tires are filled with nitrogen, that causes a major pain. I now have them write in big highlighted letters DON'T TOUCH THE TIRES. We have had some conversations about training the staff since 32 all around isn't even what it says on the sticker.

 

I wonder what sort of bulk mystery oil that Iffy Loob used? 10W-30? 10W-40? Only a used oil analysis can answer that question

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(idahohand @ Jun 20 2007, 09:50 AM) [snapback]465285[/snapback]</div>

I got my prius back from the dealership for a 10K oil change and service a couple days ago. First thing: I got no more than about a mile from the dealership when I was overwelmed by the smell of crank case fumes. I pulled over and lifted the hood and noticed that the tech did not put the oil cap back on. I put it on and went right back to the dealership to have them clean up the mess under the hood. Afterwards, on the way home, I noticed that the mileage seemed worse, the battery not charging as much and the engine racing whenever I gave it any gas. I drove it for a couple more days on my normal route to work and back (50 miles) where I normally average from 35 to 38 MPG. Also when I get to work, because of a bit of a downhill stretch just before my work, I have a peaked battery charge. Now, I average about 25 to 27 MPG, my battery is well below peaked and my engine is always racing whenever I need to accelerate, even slowly. On level freeway driving, my battery charge is sitting at 1 or 2 bars when normally it was just under 'green'. I checked the tire pressure and they did drop it down to about 32 lbs. I raised it back up to around 40lbs and my mileage did go up a bit but the battery charge is still low, Mileage around 28 MPG and engine still racing. I called the dealership and I'm going to drop it off hopefully tomorrow. They said they'll test drive it with a computer hooked up.

Thing is, the car was perfect before the 10K oil change and service. I was very happy. Now no sooner I get it out from the dealership for the routine service and it sucks.

Anybody else experience something like this?

If I didn't know better, and maybe I don't, I'd swear they pulled out my battery and put an old one in.
I can get the charge into the green but it takes a lot of nursing it won't stay for long.

I'll follow up when I get the car back. Right now, I'm very bummed.

 

I gotta wonder if there's *anyone* who has ever had a positive
experience at any kind of quickie-lube place. Real bottom of the
barrel from a tech capability standpoint, staffed by people who
are least likely to work toward actually learning something about
hybrids and their quirks. *sigh*
.
_H*

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(pmoreau @ Aug 6 2007, 06:46 PM) [snapback]491547[/snapback]</div>

Something happened.
When you encounter something like this, do an idiot check of everything as follows:
1) Did they put an air filter in...correctly if at all.
2) Check the oil level
3) Check the other fluid levels
4) Check the tire pressures (which you did).
5) Make sure the battery vent is not blocked
6) Listen carefully for any new or different noises

If you get a chance, ask what things are checked as part of the multipoint inspection....and reinspect.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(FL_Prius_Driver @ Aug 6 2007, 07:32 PM) [snapback]491656[/snapback]</div>

I checked the oil level this morning and it's about 4 to 6 inches over the full mark!!!!!! I'm on hold with the service idiots now. I've already put about 75 miles on it by now, most of it at about 50mph. Think there will be damage? So far I have not seen any smoke or oil anywhere...

 

It's sad to have to do this, but *always*, always, always, check the oil level on the dipstick before driving away. Give the shop a fighting chance to get it right by telling them before they start the work that you will do this. And then do it.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(richard schumacher @ Aug 7 2007, 08:10 AM) [snapback]491825[/snapback]</div>

Good words to live by. I just got back from the dealership. Their service manager raised hell in the back... He got their top guy to re-do it and the mgr drove it back out himself and gave me his card with apologies and said the next one is on them. Needles to say, I will be checking everything from now on. So far, it seems to be back to normal.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(pmoreau @ Aug 7 2007, 10:15 AM) [snapback]491798[/snapback]</div>

I'm not a true expert in oil overfilling, so I defer to someone that has handled this first hand. There may be more effect on the oil being very thrashed than any engine effect for only 50 miles.

 

When is everyone gonna learn........you gotta check behind these folks, before you drive away. Overall, oil-change techs are at the bottom of the foodchain when it comes to professionalism, education, personal responsibility, pride, work ethic, sence of responsibility for your car, etc.
This is nothing new.