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Dipstick reading question & Bonus Walmart Story

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by blizzardprius714, May 5, 2013.

  1. blizzardprius714

    blizzardprius714 Junior Member

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    I'll try to make this short: I took the Prius to Walmart for an oil change (will never do this again), and they told me the filter was too tight and could not change the oil. So I drove it off and heard scratching noises. Turns out they didn't secure the plastic cover underneath the car. Went back and they "fixed it". Drove off and heard it again! This time a bit frustrated, came back again and they seem to correctly secure it.

    During this 3rd time back, the manager told me they had actually put fresh oil in the Prius even though the first guy said they couldn't. Anyhow, I didn't want to stay or argue w/ them any longer so drove home.

    After the car was parked for a good hour, I decided to check the dipstick to see if they did in fact add new oil. Thing is, the oil is so clear, it's hard to tell so i'm attaching a photo and see what you guys think. Did they in fact add new oil? if so, is it enough oil?
     

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    #1 blizzardprius714, May 5, 2013
  2. Stevie

    Stevie Junior Member

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    Looks good to me a third of the way above the minimum mark, as for the panels scratching, why ? must of been hitting/rubbing against something i.e each other, the road or another part of the car, I wonder if they have been damaged ?, may need to get someone else to look at it and A) check they aren't damaged and B) check they have been put back correctly
     
    #2 Stevie, May 5, 2013
  3. The Critic

    The Critic Resident Critic

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    It sounds like Walmart does not have the proper filter cap for removing the cartridge filter. With the proper metal cap, the filter removal should not be a problem.

    I would take it somewhere else for a proper oil change with the 0w20. Dealers are often cheaper than most quick lubes or franchised shops for 0w20 oil changes. Did Walmart fill it with 0w20?
     
    #3 The Critic, May 5, 2013
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    problem at my dealer is that they put in the recommended amount of oil instead of checking it an now it's a half inch above full. i give walmart credit, if that is fresh oil. tough to tell in person, nevermind a photo.
     
    #4 bisco, May 5, 2013
  5. NutzAboutBolts

    NutzAboutBolts Senior Member

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    it looks fresh, seems like they only put in 3-4 quarts of oil.
     
    #5 NutzAboutBolts, May 5, 2013
  6. blizzardprius714

    blizzardprius714 Junior Member

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    Thanks for the replies everyone.

    The manager did say they filled it up w/ 0W20 so i'll take his word for it. Next time i'm bringing it into a Toyota dealership.

    BTW do any of you know if they allow you to bring in your own oil?
     
    #6 blizzardprius714, May 5, 2013
  7. ETC(SS)

    ETC(SS) The OTHER One Percenter.....

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    If not....don't go there.

    There are only TWO ways that I know of to get 0W20 in your Prius:
    1. Put it there yourself.
    2. Take it to a Toyota dealership and watch them put it in.

    Other than that?
    Hey...what can I say?
    Oil looks like oil on the dipstick...
    Times are tough.
    Bulk oil in a drum is less than a buck a quart.


    As an aside...there are also only two ways that I know of that you're guaranteed to get a new filter...;)
     
    #7 ETC(SS), May 5, 2013
  8. NutzAboutBolts

    NutzAboutBolts Senior Member

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    Even though the manager did say they filled it up with 0w-20, how do you know its Synthetic? which is required in the Prius...
     
    #8 NutzAboutBolts, May 6, 2013
  9. adamace1

    adamace1 Senior Member

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    ow20 is synthetic
     
    #9 adamace1, May 6, 2013
    mtbiker53 likes this.
  10. NutzAboutBolts

    NutzAboutBolts Senior Member

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    yes, disregard that lol
     
    #10 NutzAboutBolts, May 6, 2013
  11. adamace1

    adamace1 Senior Member

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    But the real question is did they just put 5w 30 in and tell people that its 0w20
     
    #11 adamace1, May 7, 2013
  12. NutzAboutBolts

    NutzAboutBolts Senior Member

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    Maybe... lolz... you don't really know, thats why I do my own preventive maintenance.
     
    #12 NutzAboutBolts, May 8, 2013
  13. Ridder

    Ridder Member

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    Here, the car has to be serviced per schedule by the dealer, otherwise your warranty is not extended for a year.
     
    #13 Ridder, May 9, 2013
  14. adamace1

    adamace1 Senior Member

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    Thats is not allowed here by law.
     
    #14 adamace1, May 9, 2013
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