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Blackstone UOA for WS ATF?

Discussion in 'Gen 4 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Elt31987, Apr 28, 2020.

  1. Elt31987

    Elt31987 Active Member

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    I had a local shop who specializes in Toyota/Lexus drain and refill my Tranny at 60K for 95 bucks total. Well worth it in my opinion since i plan on driving this thing into the ground. Im handy and could certainly do it myself but figured or the 50 bucks or so in labor id have the shop do it again at 120K. But then i got to thinking that i haven't seen a Blackstone report on the WS ATF anywhere. So im guessing i would need 2 of the tests at 30 bucks each, one to evaluate the used ATF and one to compare with the new ATF? If i did the drain and refill myself plus shipped out 2 tests id be around 100 bucks meaning the same as having the shop do it. Opinions?
     
    #1 Elt31987, Apr 28, 2020
  2. Montgomery

    Montgomery Senior Member

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    I make my decisions regarding car repairs around what I can the "Two" option. Can I do it under 2 hours? and/or will it cost under $200? If it is yes to the cost, I do it myself, but, sometimes the cost is so low, I just let the mechanic do it.
    Using this in your scenario I would have them do it for the $95. Just my opinion.
     
    #2 Montgomery, Apr 28, 2020
    Mendel Leisk and Elt31987 like this.
  3. Montgomery

    Montgomery Senior Member

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    I'm at a point in my life where I view time differently than say, 30 years ago. Back then, I would spend all day under the hood having fun!!
     
    #3 Montgomery, Apr 28, 2020
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  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i wouldn't bother. tests have been done and results are similar. smart move changing it out!(y)
     
    #4 bisco, Apr 28, 2020
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  5. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    Smart cus:

    1. For many decades, most cars with automatics have recommend a change. Not as often as the engine oil, but regularly. The prius transaxle may be different, but it's not that different.

    2. As alluded to by @Montgomery, it's an hour or two out of your lfe, $40 if you DIY, $90~100 if you pay someone. not a big deal. Sweating the pros/cons pales when it so simple/cheap.

    3. Most everyone is noting distinctly darker fluid on the first drain, not so much on subsequent drains. Not scientific, but evidence that something is changing over time, especially with the factory installed fluid.
     
    #5 Mendel Leisk, Apr 28, 2020
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  6. Elt31987

    Elt31987 Active Member

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    Private mechanic swap out every 60K it is. Thanks for the opinions
     
    #6 Elt31987, Apr 28, 2020
    pjksr02 and Mendel Leisk like this.
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