Transaxle Fluid Change

One reason for the mystery regarding the transaxle fluid spec is Toyota's stand, that it NEVER needs changing. But yeah, stick with Toyota ATF-WS.

 

ATF for CVT's ?
toyota seems to use Red fluid ATF WS into Prius cvt's. The part number for 08886-81210, the bottle does not say anywhere that it is for CVT's. However EVERYBODY uses it.




for Vitz Toyota seem to use different fluid, it's called Super CVT:
The Yellow fluid which is pictured below appear to be marked as specifically designed for CVT's (see print on the tin), the part number 08886-81205 - the note on the tin say's

 

this is what mechanic used in someone's Toyota VITZ (attached pict's)

 

This is what I got (attached picture):

 

I just wonder what to say when I see post's like that My new ride [Vitz 2006, Fresh import] - 185489 - Page 4

 

I think the confusion comes from the Prius transmission being called a CVT witch it is not. It is an eCVT and uses entirely different mechanisms to achieve a similar result.
The CVT using a purely mechanical solution.
The Prius using an electrical solution.
Both give thee effect of a continuously variable ratio that a CVT actually gives. The Prius eCVT only has one ratio but more than one drive input or output, enabling the apparent change in ratio.
This is more a kin to slipping the clutch in a manual car pulling away in a high gear, but without the warring component or waste energy.

John (Britprius)

 

If you don't own a Vitz, why does anything need to be said? The Vitz is not a Prius.

 

Conclusion: Red ATF WS will go to my prii.

Ordered alu washer.

Thanks everyone, Britprius, your sense is very correct. The terminology made me to think in such a way.

Patrick and Mendel Leisk, thank you once again.

 

If you have not already seen this have a look at the page below.
Scroll to near the bottom of the page and move the slider buttons for MG2 or the ICE or both. The results are shown on the speedo and rev counters on the left. Hovering your mouse over the gear set will tell you what is connected to what. I think this shows just how brilliantly simple the Prius transmission is.

Toyota Prius - Power Split Device

John (Britprius)

 

The ATF WS is 100% correct as it was confirmed by techs in Toyota HQ in Belgium (couldnt get a definitive answer from Toyota Irl or UK as it doesnt need to be changed / lifetime blah blah blah)

got mine done the week before last and it was a 5 minute job using a pump.

The difference in the colour of the fluids was unbelievable especially as I have only 65k miles done. It was really due to be changed. If I have the car at 100k miles, I will do it again

 

My transmission fluid was also dark in color and had an almost metallic sheen on the surface.

John (Britprius)