TRANSMISSION FLUID CHANGE (?MILES)

My dealer charges $100 for a drain and refill (There is no way or need to do a flush). The group that did lab analysis of used ATF says (as I do as a member of that group) to do an early drain/refill at 30k miles and then repeat every 60k miles thereafter. There are those that say never do it, but I believe in reasonable preventive maintenance.

JeffD

 

Keep reading. There is much more info already posted. I have a late 2008 (12/08 build) with 65k miles. I just bought the WS ATF today so I can do it myself. I may not do it until 100k miles. The manual indicated to CHECK at 100k miles. Many options you'll see as to when to change, and if to change.

Good luck.

 

My personal opinion as a hybrid specialist is that I recommend replacement of the Prius transmission fluid every 30,000 miles. Cost of service is minimal compared to a shorted MG2 winding which usually causes the inverter to fail right behind it. We repair and maintain hybrid vehicles from all over our region. I can say without a doubt that the most common denominator on a failed inverter, battery or MG2 is burned transmission fluid. My personal hybrids get the trans fluid changed frequently. Individuals must decide themselves if there plan is to keep the car long term or do as little maintenance as possible and get rid of the car before the higher mileage causes an expensive failure. Hope this helps. "Mac"​

Last edited by MacsVoltage, 7 minutes ago
Read more: http://priuschat.com/threads/should-i-have-fluids-replaced-at-60k-miles.122274/page-2#ixzz2Lg5uEdzy​

 

I would do it now. It's not a big decision, and it's not hard to do. The fluid (4 qts or liters is enough) will set you back maybe $40, and you should get replacement washers for the drain and fill bolts. Torque for both bolts is 29 ft/lb. The bolts are round head with 10mm hexagon recess.

I'd recommend to completely remove the plastic underpanel, and keep track of which fasteners went where.

The simplest way to get the new fluid in is with a funnel with about 3 foot extension of hose. Proper fluid level is easily achieved by raising the car, and getting it level. When refilling just pour till it starts coming back out. Wait till it's just a slow drip coming out, and that's the correct level.

Do work safe: make absolutely sure the raised car is stable. My extra trick is to alway push a section of tree stump under before I crawl under. It's thicker than me, good insurance

 

I have plenty of tree rounds thicker than me...I think I can even lift a few of them...however, you lost me with the pour until it starts coming out....can you explain in greater detail...please....I am picturing a wave of fluid spreading across the engine compartment (I do have the Chilton manual, but I want to read your method before I check Chilton).

 

Well, you can pour about 3 quarts without concerns. Then slow down on the last bottle, just keep pouring a few oz's at a time. At some point the level will get up to the fill hole and start coming back out. Just let it sit till it levels out, that's basically the spec: zero to 10mm below fill hole opening.

I wouldn't bother with the recheck of level after driving, mentioned in the following attachment. I did, but there was no change, it's just a big hassle raising the car again, finding the tree stump, and so on. As long as you've got the level right at the outset, and the bolts back in secure, it's not changing, ie: it driving doesn't redistribute it, change the level at all.

 

As an addition, there is a note in the Chilton manual saying that if you live in mountainous terrain or tow trailers often, change the ATF at 15,000 mile intervals. This is probably generic boiler plate text in all their manuals, but still warrants attention. I changed mine at 35,000, and was glad of it. I'll check it at 50,000.

 

MacsVoltage, thanks for your comments. Many readers are looking for real guidance in this area. Can you tell us, as a hybrid expert, where you got your hybrid training, hybrid education, and what it takes to become a hybrid expert. Do you have a electronics / battery education? Do you have some sort of hybrid certificate from an accredited school? Clearly there are many non-certified 'mechanics' out there working on cars, as its not rocket science, and do a fine job with most repairs and tune-ups, and they get most of their experience from on the job training. This applies to most all professions; plumbers, electricians, painters, ...

Practical experience is import for sure but your statement tells us all you know better that Toyota. This is why I ask the above questions.

Thanks for your comments.




Scott

 

I have extensive hybrid and electric vehicle training from Automotive Career Development Center (A.C.D.C.) classroom, lab/shop . Check www.fixhybrid.com website as well as Reinvolt's installer page. {Recently David Taylor from Reinvolt and I have disassembled a lithium polymer Sonata Hybrid Battery to study its make up.} Classroom and lab/shop training from CTI, Precision,BG Products, Enhanced Automotive SystemTechnology, I have taken and continue taking online courses. Many more classes that I would have to research to get all of the details. My wife and I own and operate Mac's Service Center in Ashland where we have developed our own in house training obviously with the input from Craig VanBatenburg a world traveled trainer and owner of A.C.D.C. . Our shop owns several hybrids, a Prius, Civic and a Volt and I am a member of Richmonds E.V. Club. I am volunteering to work with a local college on their own Hybrid and Electric Vehicle program. I have 30 years in the automotive industry. I have training from General Motors as well as Ford Motor Company. I am a Certified ASE Master Technician and employ many ASE Master Technicians,. We specialize in HEV,PHEV and EV powered vehicles. I do not claim to know more than Toyota. I am not an engineer. I only offer free advice and real examples of my experience. My shop and or I work on these vehicles every single day. Constant training combined with hands on experience is how experts are made. I have read numerous posts from some long time members and I can see there are quite a number of knowledgeable people here. This site is an amazing asset to the hybrid vehicle owner. I will say that not all recommendations are an exact fit for all areas of the country.Wear patterns based on temperature extremes and driving conditions should be considered. Forgive me for getting off subject.I stay pretty busy and can only check in here from time to time. As the weather warms I wil get back outside more often. I hope this helps answer your questions. "Mac"