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Nervous about coolant change

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by mengoni, Jan 29, 2019.

  1. mengoni

    mengoni Junior Member

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    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    III
    My last car has a major coolant issue and now I'm gun shy.
    I performed a coolant change on both the ICE and the inverter this past weekend.
    I did it according to the nuts about bolts videos and had no problems. (That panel removal and reinstall was the hardest part)
    I didn't see any bubbling in the ICE reservoir though. I ran it for 20 minutes in maintenance mode and didn't see anything. The fan was running. MPG's dropped to 26.3
    I've driven almost 70 miles since,50 of those delivering pizza and the levels are the same as when I put the caps back on.
    My question is, If there was air in the system I would have known by now, right? I've never done a coolant change before and I'm worried I may have messed up somewhere.
     
    #1 mengoni, Jan 29, 2019
  2. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    The heat is warm and coolant level is stable?

    If so, you’re good(y).
     
    #2 Raytheeagle, Jan 29, 2019
    Mendel Leisk and m.wynn like this.
  3. High Mileage

    High Mileage Active Member

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    Mengoni, I would concur with Ray. If your heater works and levels are stable you are good. I have changed the coolant on both loops of mine 2X with no special bleeding or anything.
    Just a suggestion in the future. When I change fluids I capture what came out and match it against what goes back in. On the prius with drains that actually work and allow capture into a drain pan or container it makes it easy.
    Many of the new transmissions out there don't have dipsticks so assuming the vehicle did not have a leak, putting back in what comes out works in my book. In the case of the 3rd Gen prius anyway I feel like its very easy to change fluids.
     
    #3 High Mileage, Jan 31, 2019
    Raytheeagle likes this.
  4. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    @mengoni just curious: did you drain the engine block? There's a spigot 'round back of the engine, kinda hard to get to. Maybe best is from below: you can actually see it, if you remove the underpanel next in line behind the main engine underpanel. This affords you a view of the engine block drain, and easiest access. For next time.

    On the other hand, a few members here have reported getting next to nothing drained when doing this, so just wondering.

    Also, you can get some out of the exhaust coolant heater if you pull off one of it's hoses, someone mentioned here.
     
    #4 Mendel Leisk, Jan 31, 2019
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