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Newbie - where to start?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by bruce_h, Jan 1, 2023.

  1. bruce_h

    bruce_h New Member

    Joined:
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    austin
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
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    N/A
    Hi everyone, I just joined. I've had this 2005 Prius for 4yrs now. It's been a great car. I've replaced the batteries and some other components thru a mechanic. Now I feel like I need to take a more hands on approach. What can you recommend as far as tools to get? And online training and knowledge? Thank you.
     
    #1 bruce_h, Jan 1, 2023
  2. TMR-JWAP

    TMR-JWAP Senior Member

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    Aug 12, 2016
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    Location:
    Columbia, SC
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    Step one is a cheap laptop and Techstream.
     
    #2 TMR-JWAP, Jan 2, 2023
    vvillovv likes this.
  3. alftoy

    alftoy Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 16, 2009
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    Location:
    Saskatchewan, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    Base
    Prius links
    PriusDIY.com: The Toyota Prius DIY Resource
    Spring maintenance

    Note: Gen 3 - 2010-15 Maintenance Videos Some General Similarities
    Nutz About Bolts Prius Maintenance Videos | PriusChat

    Techstream OBDii Scanner
    OBD2 SCANNER FOR AUTO REPAIR | PriusChat

    Gen2 OBD2 app review | PriusChat
     
    #3 alftoy, Jan 2, 2023
    Last edited: Jan 2, 2023
  4. mr_guy_mann

    mr_guy_mann Senior Member

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    Location:
    NJ-USA
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    Youtube- WeberAuto with Prof. John Kelly.

    Get a copy of the factory service manual. There are pdf versions out on the web.

    A decent digital multimeter. I prefer anything made by Fluke.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #4 mr_guy_mann, Jan 2, 2023
  5. highmilesgarage

    highmilesgarage Member

    Joined:
    Jul 28, 2022
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    Location:
    Kansas City
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    start with the basics, the Prius doesn't require a lot of maintenance on your end.
    - start with oil changes, oil filters are cheap in the dealership, buy oil in Walmart. You won't save a lot from doing these but will get you familiar with the car.
    - coolant change on both engine and inverter, this will require more research since doing it correctly is critical. You can replace the inverter coolant using a vacuum tool if no bidirectional or techstream is not available. The engine coolant is also easy to do, a vacuum tool can be used or just do it manually.
    - transmission fluid change, also easy to do.
    - brake pad replacement.

    Go to your nearest Harbor Freight store, you can find a lot of cheap hand tools. Prius uses metric tools, so a metric socket set will do. A techstream software is nice to have to scan for codes if you encounter any but an Autel MaxAP dongle (OBD2 scanner) can almost do the same job for cheap and ease of use.

    Tons of DIY on youtube too.
     
    #5 highmilesgarage, Jan 2, 2023
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