Tranmission Oil Dipstick

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(nitewolfgtr @ Jul 16 2007, 02:17 PM) [snapback]479739[/snapback]</div>

This may help:


I use my finger to reach in the fill plug hole to verify the oil is at the correct level.

For more details, read the rest of the story:
http://hiwaay.net/~bzwilson/prius/pri_T_cold.html

So how many miles on your Prius? When was the transaxle oil last changed?

You might also want to peek at my other transaxle pages:
http://hiwaay.net/~bzwilson/prius/

Bob Wilson

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(nitewolfgtr @ Jul 17 2007, 10:55 AM) [snapback]480250[/snapback]</div>

My data suggests the NHW11, 2001-2003 Prius should have the transaxle oil changed anywhere from 15-30k miles. The one NHW20 sample came back at 60,000 miles right on the numbers for a change. Also, some of us are testing use of Type WS oil in the NHW11, 2001-2003, and the initial data suggests it is no worse than the Type T.

To see some of the data and results:
http://hiwaay.net/~bzwilson/prius/pri_toil.html
http://hiwaay.net/~bzwilson/prius/pri_tt.html
http://hiwaay.net/~bzwilson/prius/pri_T_cold.html

If you don't know when it was last changed, it is due!

You'll need a pan gasket and need to decide between Type T, the OEM oil, or Type WS, the NHW20 oil. In addition to your metric socket set, you'll need ~5 quarts of oil, a long necked funnel (or 2 ft. plastic tubing on a funnel.) Finally, you'll need about two hours and have to decide if you'll send a sample for a $20 oil analysis.

Bob Wilson

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(nitewolfgtr @ Jul 18 2007, 11:28 AM) [snapback]480900[/snapback]</div>

Bob is making suggestions based on laboratory analysis of used ATF. The Classic Prius used a different ATF and ha sleve (vs ball) bearings which may be part of the cause.

There have been a small, but growing number of PSD failures in Classics - usually at high mileage. None of these have been reported in cars that have had their ATF replaced at reasonable intervals. I, for one, would (and do) follow Bob's advice.

JeffD (2004 Prius at 90,500 miles - half way to my second ATF exchange)

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(nitewolfgtr @ Jul 19 2007, 01:44 PM) [snapback]481692[/snapback]</div>

I had mine done by my dealer for $85 including the 4 qts of Type WS ATF so I can't help you.

JeffD

 

the correct level is, when it runs out the fill hole, it's full. This is pretty easy. just pull the fill plug first because if you can't get it out and you've drained it your now without a car. It's pretty well documented on Bob's site.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(nitewolfgtr @ Jul 19 2007, 09:59 PM) [snapback]481962[/snapback]</div>

Use ONLY Toyota Type WS ATF in a gen 2 (2004+) Prius. The motor windings are exposed to the ATF fluid (for cooling) so it must have the proper electrical characteristics. The Gen 1 (2001-2003) used Toyota Type T-IV ATF (less expensive).

JeffD

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(nitewolfgtr @ Jul 19 2007, 06:59 PM) [snapback]481962[/snapback]</div>

Castrol and Amsol both make ATF that is Type T-IV compatiable but here it's more expensive than genuine Toyota T-IV

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(nitewolfgtr @ Jul 19 2007, 10:37 PM) [snapback]482059[/snapback]</div>

that's a pretty difficult to answer question but the OEM does work, that we know for sure, and for me it was cheaper so that's what I used. Make sure that you get a pan gasket and drop the pan and wipe out the inside as much as you can and clean the magnet in the bottom of the pan.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(nitewolfgtr @ Jul 19 2007, 11:32 PM) [snapback]482086[/snapback]</div>

funnel with a hose on it and feed the hose down from the top.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(nitewolfgtr @ Jul 20 2007, 10:43 AM) [snapback]482320[/snapback]</div>

Toyota's WS is apparently synthetic.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(nitewolfgtr @ Jul 20 2007, 12:43 PM) [snapback]482320[/snapback]</div>

I have been testing Amsoil ATF that is a Type T4 alternative. There is no evidence of a significant improvement over Type T4. Only Type WS offers a significant improvement. More about this later.

Bob Wilson

 

I have a leak. Is the only place to get a gasket for an 01 at the dealership or can I get or another one that will fit it somewhere else? I also think it may have a small leak in between the transmission fliud and the inverter coolent it is also tranmission fluid, what do i need to do if this is leaking?