Hybrid Transaxle Fluid Change?

Sure. A lot sooner is even better, just my 2 cents. How much are they asking for this, "flush" sounds a little fishy..., maybe just a terminology thing?

It's dead simple, around $100 would be reasonable, just cus the fluid's a bit more pricey ($9.32 per liter on my last invoice, 4 req'd).

 

suppose it depends on how long you plan to keep it. surprised to hear your dealer recommended something outside the box.

 

There's benifits of changing the transaxle fluid, as right after I change the transaxle fluid in my prius I notice it was overall the car drives smoother (less vibration, less noise), the engine disengaging is less noticeable and under load with EV at 0-5 mph I usually have a gear rotating noise that has diminished. Mpg wise I don't know about that.

The key point is ensuring they you have proper amount of fluid I was short of 0.5 quarts when I did mine and the fluid has thicken up.

I usually follow a universal manual transmission fluid change/service intervals
50k miles 5 yrs

Flushing wise just drain and fill drive it for 6 months 5000 miles a drain and fill again, should 90% clear of the old oil.

 

Regarding to this post, I have drive with my Prius 148.000km and haven't changed the transaxle fluid yet, is it serious if I don't change it soon?

 

Just drain and fill, no "flushing" required.

 

Tidelands, $79.95's a very reasonable price. My before tax cost for fluid and 2 washers was $41.26. Just talk with them, make sure they're not getting creative, using an alternate fluid. It's really very straightforward, the simplest/safest way is to use a funnel and hose extension to put in the new fluid. Preferably one dedicated to use with that fluid only, to avoid contamination.

Christian, as far as Toyota is concerned, the fluid is good for "lifetime". But considering the simplicity and expense, it's well worth doing. I did a change at the 1 year mark, around 15.000 km. It was noticeably darker then. After two more years, around 40,000 km, I did a second change, and the fluid was surprisingly fresh looking.

My take: the first change is most beneficial, should be sooner than later. Subsequent changes can be on a more relaxed interval, say 3~4 years or 50~60k km's.

 

Had mine changed twice at that $79 price. First time early as sort of a flush after manufacture, then a follow up which I intend to do roughly 60k or so. I can't remember the actual number, but on the vehicle maintenance schedule that Tideland and I have in our cars you can set up all the reminders you like in terms of time or mileage to get things like tire rotations, fluid changes etc programmed in and be reminded on the navigation screen when things become due.

Yes, the service is not required, but it makes good sense to have it done to protect the moving parts in there that are subject to wear.

Roland

 

What's with "units", hope they give up on that: someone else mentioned that, the other day, quoting from a bill.

Assuming litres, good price: liters cost me $9.32. And $3.95 per washer, 2 needed.

Funny they're talking about FIVE "units", it'll take around 3.5 liters.

 

If you are about to get a new car instead of the old one - then its not serious. If you want to keep your car for 10 years and another 150 000 km - then I would change the transmission fluid.

- Alex

 

Did you ended changing it?