Some observations after doing my own oil change on the Prime

A Greener Oil Filter

California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery reported if all of the spin-on filters sold annually in California were recycled, there’d be enough steel to build three large sports stadiums.

“California alone generates 67 million used automotive filters per year,” said Bill McKnight training team leader for MAHLE. “That’s a substantial amount of waste.”

To get the most from used oil filters, some propose a better way to dispose of them is to separate the steel from the rubber and paper components before grinding them up instead of crushing the entire filter. This would reduce the amount of waste going into landfills. Quick lubes and other automotive service facilities could benefit from recycling the entire filter not just the used oil.

“Vehicle manufacturers and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) know this. We’ve collaborated and created a filter application containing no steel called the Eco-Filter,” McKnight said. “An oil filter without metal, only paper, plastic and rubber can be crushed just like conventional spin-on filters, but instead of going to a landfill after, they can be incinerated and used as a fuel source in commercial generators.

 

I really doubt it. Third gen with cartridge style were able to convert to spin-on, but it required an adaptor kit.

Drivers door jamb placard.

I take this as a backward step, too bad. The cartridge reduces junk in the recycle stream.

 

Here's the door jam and under hood emissions placards.

Yes, it's a 2ZR-FXE engine.



Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.

 

I'm not big for regulating everything however I would not be opposed to requiring all manufactures to end the use of spin on filters. What a waste of steel.

Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.

 

Thanks, that eliminates one variable.

Now if we can get others to discover which filter type they have and their build dates.

So far it "appears" that early 2017 Prime builds use cartridge and your November 2017 build has a screw on.

 

Just for fun, I called the local dealer parts department and asked what oil filter they show listed for the 2017 Prius Prime. He said 04152-YZZA6 cartridge. I explained the situation here and he said he could look it up by VIN. I gave him mine and yours from above and still the same result. I then gave him the Denso screw on Toyota P/N 90915-10003 and he said it is an alternate? What the heck? He said it's not a problem for them as they just use whatever they discover on the vehicle at the time of the oil change. He acknowledged it could be a big issue for the DIY customer.

I'm tempted to contact Toyota customer care and see what they say. Could take years and cost thousands of lives.

Instead of calling, I went to My Toyota and then to parts. Both filers are listed for the 2017 Prime.


Prius Prime Parts like oil filter



Toyota Prius Prime Filter s/a, oil. Gen, gcc, usa - 90915YZZF2 - Genuine Toyota Part

 

If you're a DIY'r it's a good idea to do a dry run. My understanding with the 4 th gen, I'd assume Prime included, a small plastic underpanel at the oil pan vicinity can be removed completely by taking out a few screws. Have a preliminary look, see what you've got.

 

It's a good way to check your lift points, where to to put safety stands too. Or ramps, whatever you're doing.

 

@huskers just had his 10K oil change and verified he has the 04152-YZZA6 cartridge. His was built before August.

So far it "appears" that early 2017 Prime builds use cartridge and November 2017 build has a screw on.

 

I wonder if this is applicable to newer fourth gen Prius as well?

 

When I called the parts department, he was also surprised but indicated it was not a biggie for them since they just put back on what kind they take off. I told him good luck trying to tell customers which filter their 2017 Prime takes if they call to buy one.

So is there a 2017.5 version of the Prime to account for this?

 

The last time I went to Ford to buy part the first thing they asked me was the VIN number.

Sounds like Toyota is the same. This kind of thing could make it a nightmare for aftermarket parts suppliers.

 

That's what I tried to impress on them, of course the point was lost on the parts guy.

I'm hoping with enough feedback here we can at least determine when the change was made to help forum members. So far, it appears to be sometime between August and November build dates.

 

All I've see so far is 2017 Primes.

 

If you guys need the cartridge type oil filter, I have some brand new OEM Toyota oil filters for sale.

For Sale - Prius Toyota OEM oil filters | PriusChat

 

I knew of a former mechanic, retired, in Germany
that did this in his home garage. Picks up some extra change.

 

This means that we can buy parts to convert the cartridge to the spin on oil filter since the engine is the same...we can probably do this with the regular Prius as well...

 

I just verified today that my August 2017 built Prime uses the 04152-YZZA6 cartridge type. I was fairly sure it was the cartridge per other's build date info here, but wanted to see for myself. Verified @ 9,989 miles.

 

Same cartridge as well for my March 2017 built Prime