Critic's DIY Maintenance Videos

I think it would be pretty sweet. Go for it!

My suggestions:

1) Incorporate a pretty girl assistant
2) Dress her appropriately for the position
3) I had other ideas but promptly forgot them after listing 1) and 2)

 

I'd do just transaxle change and spend more time with the girl.

 

I have been leery of replacing the ICE radiator fluid out of fear of trapped air. I wish I had a TechStream like you.

Have you read Hobbit's monograph on Prius brake fluid ?

Your maintenance (2), (3), (4), (5) seem very early to me. No harm of course, but I doubt any benefit.

(7) is hard, if the accounts some people have posted are close to true. That is the video I'd love to see, but think twice before tackling this job unless you are really confident from past experience.

 

That video may require an adult rating and not be fit for YouTube. :rockon:

 

Depending on the girl it could be very academic!

*walks away singing Van Halen "Hot for Teacher"*

 

I would be interested in the videos, esp if you include the TechStream navigation parts. I just did my oil change at 32k and debated doing the Transaxle but just haven't gotten around to it.

 

PCV valve replacement seems way too early. You could check it (its supposed to rattle if the check valve is working properly) and possibly clean it with solvent, but replacement seems like a waste unless it isn't working.

 

Go for it !! Thanks !

Especially the transaxle fluid change. I got that coming up.

REV

 

If you are going to spend more time with the girls, I would recommend headlight inspection first and then fluid drain with a full flush.

 

And latex!!!

 

Those of you saying it's too early to replace something are missing the point. The Critic is simply doing it for educational purposes and having those videos would be great for DIYers. They're not going to be too X-rated due to the Critic's lack of "gunk" at 30,000 miles but I'm looking forward to seeing the girl.

 

At 30k miles, it is time to replace the engine air filter and cabin air filter.

 

I would be interested in seeing all of the videos. I'm sure other will to for years to come.

 

The video suggestions sound great. I think the PCV valve is covered under the CA Emissions Warranty for 15 years / 150k miles, but details may be helpful for our non-CA members.

Do you have the Mongoose cable?

Jeff

 

These videos would be awesome! We'd absolutely love to see them. Some others to consider:

-- Engine oil change (although there may be a lot of these already)
-- Parking brake adjust
-- Brake pad replacement (I'm not clear whether it takes any special tools to do this on Prius)
-- Sound proofing/rattle fixing a Prius
-- Dash teardown for car stereo install (maybe only applies to Prius II/III)

I noticed in your maintenance log that you didn't try my 80 cent rattle fix, which is to remove the spare tire and the foam beneath it, wrap that styrofoam piece in a piece of felt, then replace the spare tire. As a bonus, line some of the jack tool tray with felt as well. Wrapping the styrofoam beneath the spare tire makes a noticeable difference and is really easy. I'd love to do one of these with you. I can't get a car in my garage but I have a pretty good set of tools.

 

I've done brakes on all my other cars, since 1982, but I'm confused about what's needed with a Prius. That's why I'd love a video.

 

Why? You have a Prius III, it could use a radio upgrade. I've done one on my 2010 Prius II.