Scheduled Maintenance

The regularly scheduled maintenance for a Prius consists of oil/oil filter changes/tire rotations at 5K mile intervals, and engine/cabin air filter changes at 15K mile intervals. Everything else is just inspections. You may want to have the coolant flushed and replaced, and some recommend changing the fluid in the power-split device; neither can hurt, just costs money. I'm not sure about the Gen 1 Prius, but you need the Toyota scan tool to easily bleed all air from the coolant system on a Gen 2, so a dealer job.

Have the TSBs been performed? Some Gen 1 had to have the HV battery inspected for corrosion, and there may be some other things.

Do a search here for the dealer name you're thinking of taking it too. You may be surprised, good or bad.

 

There are two special service campaigns that would seem relavent. The HV battery resealing (as Bill mentioned) and the crankshaft position sensor replacement.

I would disagree slightly with Bill about the coolants. While both the coolant in both 'loops' is to be changed at 30k mile intervals, there is no flushing as such. The electricals loop is said to be the more difficult to bleed, but my DIY experience was that they both were a bit tricky. Whoever does it, make sure to examine the reservoir for the electricals coolant loop afterwards. While the car is 'ON', that coolant is circulating and the level in the reservoir must be distinctly higher (almost an inch) in the front part of the reservoir (towards the front of the car). This is the clear indication that all air bubbles have been removed. If it is not so, the inverters will not be cooled enough and error codes (or worse) will appear. At your option you may specify the newer Toyota type SLLC coolant which has a 50 or 60k mile change interval. Your original type T IV has a 30 k mile change interval.

Two other tasks to consider. If the tires look (or feel) unevenly worn, a suspension alignment would be appropriate. It is a sensible precaution to have the transmission fluid drained and replaced at this time also. Please pay a bit extra for a new pan gasket, so that the pan can me removed for inspection and cleaning. If there is any more than a small amount of metal chips in it, we need to discuss that further.

As far as "Toyota shop vs other", any competent mechanic who can follow instructions on the service manual pages (and we can help oyu to find them), can manage the coolant bleeding procedures. Am sorry to report that even Toyota shops have gotten that wrong sometimes. Competence is key, and the reservoir level check mentioned above is your way to audit their work.

Every so often, it is good to have the brakes, steering, suspension and CV boots inspected. All that is typical of conventional front wheel drive vehicles.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(tochatihu @ Jul 21 2007, 05:57 AM) [snapback]482715[/snapback]</div>

Good suggestion, but the Type T IV is the ATF, not the coolant, which the OP should change as well (if not done already).

JeffD