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"Fuel induction service?"

Discussion in 'Prime Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by dpbsmith4, Apr 12, 2018.

  1. dpbsmith4

    dpbsmith4 Junior Member

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    2016 Prius, a bit over 2 years old, 21000 mile. The free service at the dealer has ended. This is the first major routine service (wheel alignment, cabin filters, etc). The service advisor called me to say the mechanic had recommended the "Fuel Induction Service." (The printout attached to my bill calls it out as "Red, needs immediate attention.") It involved cleaning fuel injectors, etc. He said the mechanic said something was "a little" dirty.

    This service is not spelled out as routine maintenance in the owner's manual. The motor runs smoothly. There are no lights on the dashboard. The car passed the emissions check in inspection a couple of months ago. I can think of nothing out of the ordinary in how we drive it.

    He didn't push.

    Thoughts? How legit is this, and how often might one have it done "just to be sure?"
     
    #1 dpbsmith4, Apr 12, 2018
    Last edited: Apr 12, 2018
  2. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    They're really just fishing for $'s, sad to have to deal with that. If there's other dealerships, maybe give them a try next time, see if they're any better.

    Once in a long while you might clean the throttle body throat, a relatively easy DIY.
     
  3. FuelMiser

    FuelMiser Senior Member

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    This is a complete scam. All they will do is add an overpriced can of fuel injector cleaner to your gas tank!
     
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  4. CraigM

    CraigM Active Member

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    Reminds me of my Plymouth Colt Vista about 20 years ago. The service “advisor” recommended automatic transmission service; it was actually a manual transmission. Wonder what they would have done if I had said to go ahead?
     
  5. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    Time to find a new service center. "New England" is too vague to offer any advice which one.
     
  6. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    I kind of doubt that, that's a bit too bald.

    I think what they typically do is pop the hood and hook up a bottle with a tap and tubing, suspended from the hood latch (like an intravenous drip), then patch it in somewhere (somewhere in the intake manifold, not sure), start the engine, and gradually open the tap introducing "cleaner" into the airflow.

    An impressive amount of smoke pours out of the back, and maybe your catalytic convert loses a "life".

    These observations come from walking by our neighborhood Mr. Lube, watching them in action. I'm not sure how universal that method is, just what I've seen.
     
    #6 Mendel Leisk, Apr 12, 2018
    Last edited: Apr 12, 2018
  7. ILuvMyPriusToo

    ILuvMyPriusToo Senior Member

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    With that one, all they are trying to clean is your wallet! :eek:
     
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  8. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    I would believe the dealer had a valid concern at 150,000 miles.
     
  9. dpbsmith4

    dpbsmith4 Junior Member

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    Many thanks to all who replied.
     
  10. Bperera90

    Bperera90 Junior Member

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    Hello all, so I have a 16 Prius model 2 with 90,000 miles a week an a half ago.Went to the dealership an just feel robbed, got the engine and inverter coolant flushed. The temp gauge flicked on for maybe 2 seconds last night an than turned off so that is new an I have never seen it turn in since I have had the vehicle.

    What I am having trouble accepting right now is that also for the fuel injection and throttle body service done for 125$, complete rip-off. Car would easily get 50mpg, now it’s getting 49mpg an I am not happy at all. My driving pattern is consistent as well.
     
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  11. ETC(SS)

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

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    Excellent!
    You're exactly right!!

    It's not routine maintenance...
    THAT means it's either a repair, or maintenance that's not called for in your warranty and maintenance guide, that most people never bother to read.

    Your dealership is counting on this, and the "something that is a little dirty" is your dealership.

    Sometimes, rarely, non-routine maintenance IS either necessary or prudent.
    One of the most frequent examples of this is transmission fluid replacement - which some people have done on these cars even though it's a 'lifetime" fluid.
    If you drive your car in an extraordinarily dusty environment, and/or or you never bother to replace your engine air filter then one might expect that some things in the throttle body might get a little dirty and require attention but almost never on a car that only has 21,000 miles on it.

    Not only is the service department lying to you, it's not even a very GOOD lie.


    It's time to change dealerships....and if this pattern continues you may want to consider seeing other car makers.

    Good Luck!
     
  12. Salamander_King

    Salamander_King Senior Member

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    If the bill actually says "Fuel Induction Service" not "Fuel Injection Service", then they better be able to explain to you how the fuel is induced in your car. LOL

    I never understood the difference between Fuel Induction Service vs. Fuel Injection Service, but here is an article to read, if you are interested. BTW, I probably would not want either done to my car without symptoms spelled out in the article below.
    Fuel Induction & Injection Service
     
    #12 Salamander_King, Jun 11, 2021
    Last edited: Jun 11, 2021
  13. Salamander_King

    Salamander_King Senior Member

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    Whoops. I just realized that I responded to 3 years old comment by OP.

    The thread was revived due to this comment.
    Yap, you were ripped off. I really would like to know what they really did for $125.