Need advice for 5000 mile service tomorrow.

I just took my Salsa Red Prius in for the 5000 mile service last night. I don't want to be the one to grip, but I was not impressed with their knowledge of the Prius.

First off, they stuck the fob into the fob holder, so I had to reset my keyless entry (no big deal)

Second, They told me I needed my oil changed every 3,000 miles. Isn't it every 5,000?

Third, My NiMH battery was pretty low since they left my Prius 'running' for the time they did service, and until the time I picked it up.

I'm not really complaining just was surprised with their lack of knowledge. Maybe next time I'll just have my oil changed at Firestone

BTW, My receipt said it took 4 quarts of oil. I'm not sure if that is correct, but that is what they wrote :roll: . I would consult the owners manual if you need to know. BTW, my understanding is you have to get the Nav upgrade before Jan 1st, 2005 if you want to get the upgrade for free. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.

Regards,
Ryan

 

I had my 5k service done about 2 months ago and you are right to check out what needs to be done and what to ask. My 5k service turned into quite a hassle. They overfilled the oil (numerous threads on PriusChat about this issue) and my Prius stopped running 4 days later. After 2 days at the dealership I got the car back. It is running fine now, but I was disappointed with the service. Ask if Master Prius Technicians are doing the work. Before you drive off the lot, check the dipstick! I suggested to Toyota that they take advantage of this built in gauge. 3.5 quarts is about right if you take in your own oil. I wrote a number of letters complaining about the quality of service and I got comped 1 year or 20k service. The Prius is very sensitive to oil overfilling and I suggest you take a look at the dipstick before you drive off. It sure could have saved me a lot of trouble.

 

There's no need to fool with fractional quarts. Take in three unopened quarts of your favorite oil and tell them to use that, no more and no less. As can be deduced from the owner's manual this will fill the system (including filter) to halfway between the ADD and FULL marks, which is perfect. And then check the dipstick before you drive off (after allowing 15 minutes with the car off to allow the oil to settle properly).

Don't let them sell you any "chassis lube" service. There's nothing to lube.

 

See index entries for "maintenance", "oil", and "specifications". Oil capacity is on p. 312. The volume difference between the ADD and FULL marks on the dipstick is on p. 282.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(BitShifter01\";p=\"57931)</div>

Many mechanics still feel it is best to change oil every 3K. Toyota and Consumer Reports don't seem to think that interval is necessary. Doing it every 5K will keep you under warranty, as that is what Toyota tells you to do.

I don't understand your key fob issue. Sticking the fob in the slot doesn't disrupt anything. There is a button at the bottom of the dash to turn off SKS, is that what you mean? Even with it on, you can put the key in the slot. I do that when having someone else drive (Carwash, tech, valet, etc).

I don't know why they have to run the engine so much either. Even for a reprogramming, TIS states to hook up a charger and put the car in Ig-On. You only need to run the engine a minute or two to circulate and check oil.

 

Some of them can be trained. Start by telling the service writer's manager that you will check the oil level after the service, and if it's overfilled they can either fix it immediately or Toyota will hear about it. And then do it. They really hate doing something twice and getting paid once.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(DanMan32\";p=\"58194)</div>

For my first oil change, I kind of split the difference; I took the car to the dealer when it hit around 4k miles.

The service writer told me that they recommend oil changes at 3k intervals but 5k, as per Toyota, was okay. I told the guy to change the oil and rotate the tires.

The first oil change was complimentary at this dealership so I just took the paperwork and left. Later, I noticed that the only thing on the work order was the oil change (no tire rotation). I called and the very same guy told me they didn't rotate the tires because the car only had 4k miles on it, not 5k. :roll:

Anyway, I'm just going to follow Toyota's maintenance guide to the letter from now on. I don't want to have to bring the car in every 3k miles for an oil change and then again for the 5k interval scheduled maintenance.

 

Just got the work done. It is right on the money on the oil level, and it looks like they didn't spill any this time. If they did, they would be paying for a steam cleaning, as I warned them.

Tire pressure is at factory specs. Too lazy right this moment to get them up to 38/36, but my mileage is about 5 MPG lower than I am used to. Then, the weather has gotten colder, probably got winter formula at the pumps. Plus, heating the cabin takes some MPG too.