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Prius C transaxle cooling...potential issues?

Discussion in 'Prius c Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by farmecologist, Feb 14, 2018.

  1. farmecologist

    farmecologist Senior Member

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    Hi all,

    I happened upon this weber auto video on the Prius C transaxle :



    One thing that struck me as odd is the fact that the Pruis C transaxle is only cooled via transmission fluid. There is no additional coolant loop as there in on the other models. He seemed a bit concerned in the video that the transaxle fluid looked very dark and 'smelled hot' when he disassembled it.

    Not sure if it is a concern. However, at the very least it seems like changing out the transaxle fluid is even more important on the Prius C. Thoughts?

    Note: I do not own a C. Just thought others might be interested.
     
    #1 farmecologist, Feb 14, 2018
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  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    how many miles on her?

    some experts here recommend regular fluid changes for this very reason. (and oil analysis)

    that being said, most pri make it beyond warranty with the recommended toyota maintenance. (i.e. none)
     
    #2 bisco, Feb 14, 2018
  3. farmecologist

    farmecologist Senior Member

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    No idea how many miles were on Weber Auto's test vehicle when they disassembled it. :D

    First of all...I think most of us here agree that Toyota's "lifetime transaxle fluid" recommendation is BS for all Prius models...right?

    My point is that since the C has even less transaxle cooling going on....it would probably be prudent to change the fluid even more than the other models.
     
    #3 farmecologist, Feb 14, 2018
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  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    If we only knew what was a prudent interval on the lift back. The good news is that failures are few and far between.
     
    #4 bisco, Feb 14, 2018
  5. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    I just can't stress too much over optimum time, when it's cheap/easy to do. My take, an early first change, say at the one year mark. That was by far the darkest appearing fluid, my experience.
     
    #5 Mendel Leisk, Feb 14, 2018
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  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    as good an opinion as anyone's.
     
    #6 bisco, Feb 14, 2018
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