Mendel Leisk

Still here :)

Fixated on Texada

Sorry: 2015 Prius gen 3

Hi Mendel, hope you are doing well. Another one with the key not detected. All fob batteries fine, car aux battery fine, nothing plugged in aftermarket at all but car still not detecting key. It lock and unlocks with both fobs

Hi Mendel, you’ve always been helpful when I’ve asked you a question. After just over 10 years 8 months and over 160,000 miles, the 12 volt battery on our 2014 Prius has finally failed. So, I’m looking at options. AAA wants $250 for their replacement, Costco wants $180 for theirs (Interstate). Do you recommend either of these or another brand? Thanks for any advice. Cheers, Dave

Hi Mendel. Sorry to bother you. Would you be able to look at my post on leaking brake fluid and offer any advice?

Hi Mendel, On my 2011 Prius I was putting the caliper for front right brakes back on. Lucky me, I stripped the upper steering knuckle bolt of the caliper bracket. I had my wrench set at 101 ft. lbs.; but that doesn't matter now. What are your thoughts? My guess is it is a steering knuckle replacement. Never done that? Thanks, Ken

Mendel, I've been trying to reach out and get a hold of Jack with Nexcell battery project lithium. I've had some serious issues with a V2.5 pack I installed. I pulled it out and put my old stock Toyota NiMH blades back in. I have some crazy photos....

Mendel, I recall that you installed TWO Oil Catch Cans on your prius. I have a 750ml one that I empty every oil change, but as there is still an oil buildup in the intake manifold. I am wondering if you end up getting much out of the second can when you drain it? And you have them mounted to the cross member between the radiators and the engine, right?

Hi Mendel,
Do you know the location of the ECU module that controls the O2 upstream bank 1 sensor on 2012 Prius V?

Hello,
I also have a 2010. She has 235,000 on her. I am hoping for another 100K. I can't help but wonder what a newer Prius might be like in the way of features, handling, reliability and reduction in road noise. If you were to consider a new Prius, what would you choose when viewed through the lens of quality of build, lack of factory issues, etc.? I was thinking somewhere around the 2019?

Thank YOU for comments ! The whoop-whistle was caused by air in the high pressure line. It's GONE, but I am still not happy with my brakes. The fluid level rises 1/2 inch over night and the brake pedal seems soft. I can press it all the way down to where it "hits metal". Car drives fine and Toyota dealer says it is OK. Have U heard all this before [and solved it?]?

Thanks for all your assistance in wheel-bearing replacement advice. I couldn't "crimp/indent" the axle-nut. mark was directly downward and I couldn't get enough force to create an indentation. I was going to drive it to move it. Is the viable or does it always point downwards now? How to crimp it as well? I used a small hammer and screwdriver to no avail. Thank You.

I have a 2010 prius w 130,000m,and a booster pump running every 10 sec. I plan to change the brake booster/actuator.
1. Would you advise me to steer clear of BAM Auto.
2. Can I use techstream and complete bleeding procedures without a scanner?
3. If I go forward w the Techstream plan what dongle and cord would you recommend I buy?
4. At some point I would like to buy a scanner. Do you have a recommendation

Mr. Mendel I installed a new master cylinder because changing the booster pump and accumulator did not prevent the pump from running every 14 seconds. Now the new master cylinder emits a chirp [sort of a whoop sound] most of the time when I touch the brake pedal. Have you run into this problem before ? I think the Toyota dealer should exchange it for me.

Mendel you have helped me in the past with my Prius. I need your help again.
I have 2013 Prius Plug-In with 20k miles on it. after thw replacing thermostat it started gi=ving warning :check hybrid system stop vehicle safe pace" It seems like something happened during the repair caused it. i t was working

Mendel, I've been on here for years and have benefited tremendously from your sage input and generous sharing. Thank you so much for all of your outstanding contributions over these years. Because of you (and others....but I have learned to certainly trust you) I've become quite a decent DYI'er on my 2013 Lexus CT200h.

Wondering if it would help to take the ring off from around the coolant cap, so it doesn't seal? I've read where they say it takes the pressure off the coolant system and gives you more time to avoid damage. You think that's worthwhile?

Hey! I know it's been asked before but there are a million opinions. My 12v battery just died in my 2008 Prius. Do you have any recommendations for a battery or at a minimum can direct me to a specific battery that would work?
Does Walmarts brand Everstart work and are they reliable?

Thank you so much!

I appreciate reading your posts in expectation of inspection and cleaning of the EGR and intact tract. Just to make sure, you are of the opinion that one can remove the two horizontal studs and not replace them after the job is done? Or just the rear one that is so difficult to get at? Thanks.