Maintence Question

I replaced my auxiliary battery (on a 2006 w/ 99k miles) last month because it was testing at 11.9 V with everything off. I figured I didn't want to be stuck needed a jump start somewhere and risk damaging the electronics. I used the elearnaid.com Optima package and it has been working fine.

 

Just in case you missed it, although it is quite long, almost 400
postings, this thread is a very good place to get educated on the
whats and whens of keeping your car running smoothly without
undue expense: :rockon:

http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-...70-what-services-you-need-what-you-don-t.html

 

How much fluid did you replace? Only that's in the reservoir or more? I am curious to hear opinions from experts on this as well.

Yes unfortunately this is how Prius behaves - momentary loss of brake power after a bump. Drive carefully and enjoy the ride!

 

It doesn't hurt to replace the brake fluid in the reservoir, but the effect of doing that is more cosmetic than functional since the fluid in the brake actuator assembly, hydraulic lines and wheel cylinders will not be changed. To fully change the fluid requires opening and closing the solenoids within the brake actuator assembly via the Toyota diagnostic laptop.

 

Three websites that I recommend to DIYers:

techinfo.toyota.com which provides Toyota repair manual info, tech training, and New Car Features manual. This is a subscription website and costs $15 for two-business day access

toyodiy.com which provides parts catalog info. In the past this included exploded illustrated parts diagrams which was extremely useful. Now the info is text-based, nevertheless it remains an excellent resource.

toyotaworld.com which is where I buy my Toyota parts. This is one of a few US Toyota dealers that sell parts ordered via the web for ~25% discount off MSRP.

The thermostat is pretty easy to replace. Drain the engine coolant, remove the hose on the thermostat housing, remove the housing, then remove the thermostat, noting its orientation before removing it. Install a new O-ring gasket on the new thermostat, install the thermostat in the same orientation, reinstall the housing and the hose, refill the engine coolant.

I'm traveling at the moment and don't have access to the repair manual, so I suggest that you refer to the first website above for detailed info, tightening torques, etc.

I haven't had occasion to replace the engine coolant pump yet, but the basic idea is to remove the engine under cover, drain the engine coolant, slightly loosen the hardware holding the coolant pump pulley to the pump, remove the serpentine drive belt, remove the pump, remove the pulley from the pump, clean up the pulley, then reinstall the pulley on the new pump, install the new pump with gasket, install a new serpentine drive belt, refill the coolant.

The hardest part of the above is probably refilling the engine coolant because of air that is hard to get out of the system; I've posted on how to do that.

I do not know what a throttle bottle is, but perhaps you are talking about the throttle body interior and throttle plate. Those parts could use cleaning, given your odometer reading.

 

that little rubber foot on the parking brake keeps coming off.

I used an adhesive (Goop branded) and mine is now staying on.

 

That's one of my favorite products, Goop by Eclectic Corporation.

Sticks to about anything, strong and remains somewhat elastic.

There are many varieties, Automotive Goop is a good match for most automotive uses. The Marine, RV and Household varieties would work too. Most large hardware stores carry it.