Tune-up in preparation for a cross country trip

Look at the maintenance/warranty guide, and have the services for the 90K and 100K mile intervals performed.

Also, have the transaxle ATF and the PCV valve replaced.

 

Patrick gives excellent advice!

http://www.toyota.com/t3Portal/document/omms/07ToyMS_MS0003/pdf/07omsour/2007/07toysmt/71w1smt.pdf

Pages 18 to 20

 

Any mechanic can do the work. Make sure that only Toyota ATF WS is used in the transaxle, 4 US quarts needed.

Also make sure that your tires and wipers are in excellent condition prior to your road trip. Good luck with your trip and relocation.

 

Transaxle fluid change is about $100 at my dealer, about $50 is parts.
Any mechanic will do fine.
Reconditioning a Toyota Prius - Changing the CVT Transmission Fluid | NotPetroleum Blog
PCV replacement how-to with photos | PriusChat

 

If I was doing a cross-country road trip, I would be inclined to carry a spare inverter coolant pump given the number of issues with them. At least if you break down in the middle of nowhere, any mechanic may be able to help you.

Otherwise, Patrick is spot on with his advice, as usual.


iPhone ?

 

I just had the transaxle oil changed last week on my '05 with 105,000 miles. I called around to a number of Toyota dealers to gauge price. One dealer quoted $149, another said I "did not need to do this" because "Prius did not need a lot of maintenance" and a third dealer I called did not even return the call to quote.

Most dealers have online coupons on their websites. 15% coupon at this one dealer and a promotion with duncan donuts $10 card. Final cost for transaxle service was $127.50 (112.68 labor and $37.32 parts -15% coupon). At the same time I had the oil changed (synthetic) and tires rotated. The dealer also did the steering recall.

What I liked most was multipoint inspection sheet that came with the paperwork. A detailed look including brake lining measurements, tire depths and that at some point this spring I should change the engine air filter (I can do this myself as it is easy to do).

This dealer did not try and "up sell" me on other items. All in all a very pleasant experience with my vehicle being washed when picked up.

Good luck on your cross country drive! 1000 miles a day seems like a lot. Too bad you couldn't take a couple of extra days to see the country and drive a bit less per day.

 

Correct. It's a transaxle because it incorporates the differential.

 

Parkway Toyota in Englewood Cliffs

 

It will usually throw a throw a P0A93 code. I believe your car is affected by the most recent inverter pump recall anyway so I would take it in and make sure that the recall is completed before the trip.

 

Check list of recommendations should also include but not limited to these items:
1-air up all tires including spare and inspect jack.
2-bring a portable air compressor/tire inflator.
3-a container with fluids, oil, coolant, washer solvent
4-install new wiper blades as needed
5-check cabin and air filters replace as needed
6-tune up if near or over 100 k
7-fuel system cleaning as needed
8-brake inspection/cleaning of shoes and brake caliper slides as needed
9-cooling system service as needed
10-use compressed air to clean any debris from radiator and condensor and check operation of heater and A/C
Just a quick note of a few often over looked road trip checks in no particular order. I am sure I missed a few but hope this helps and enjoy your trip. "Mac"