Easy transaxle inspection and fluid change...

On a Gen 3 Prius (including the Prius v) it is very simple to inspect the fluid in the transaxle.

It can be done during an oil change when the oil change door is lowered. There is no need to remove the entire under engine cover even if you decide to drain the transaxle. There is a cutout to allow the fluid to drain as shown in this photo.

Both the fill and drain plugs are accessable when the oil drain door is lowered as seen in the following photo. All you need is a 10mm hex bit socket and a 12 inch extension.



Using a small syringe and extension tube, crack open the fill plug and draw out a sample. The syringe can be had on Amazon.

DEPEPE 2pcs 100ml Large Plastic Syringe with 2pcs 47in Handy Plastic Tubing and Luer Connections for Scientific Labs, Measuring, Watering, Refilling, Filtration, Feeding

Here is a comparisson between fluid that needs to be replaced and new,



If your fluid is in good condition, just syringe it back in the fill port and replace the plug. You're done and achieved peace of mind, Otherwise, you can just drain and replace the fluid.

 

We don't have the road debris and detritis problems that you may have. Accordingly, the full undercover does not need to be removed and cleaned regularly.

I even drilled a cutout that allowed me to drain the inverter coolant without removig the undercover.