Almost 120k with no maintenance. Am I missing anything?

I would recommend this thread to help you decide what to do. Welcome to PC

http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-...70-what-services-you-need-what-you-don-t.html

 

If you haven't already I would have LSC A0N (
Inverter Pump Recall) performed as this would take care of the inverter coolant replacement that is due at 100K, at no charge to you. Engine coolant is also due at 100K miles. I would have the engine coolant pump inspected as there is a very good chance the shaft seal is starting to seep/leak by now. If it is leaking, have that replaced and take a good look at the belt for the coolant pump as it is likely cracked and in need of replacement by now. If the coolant pump isn't leaking I would have a engine cooling system drain and refill performed. At this mileage having the PCV valve replaced wouldn't hurt either. I would also have a transaxle drain and refill (using Toyota WS ATF) performed, I like to do this at least every 60K. Spark plugs are also due 120K. Also wouldn't hurt to do a throttle body cleaning as well as clean the MAF sensor. Oh and a check of the 12v battery wouldn't be a bad idea either. Hope this helps, if I've missed anything I'm sure other will chime in as well.

 

I would suggest that you change the transmission/trans-axle fluid, and then every 60k miles. Not "required" by Toyota, but a good idea aimed towards a long and happy life for your transmission. It's pretty easy to do it yourself and not expensive if you ask a dealer to do it.

I would also suggest that if you do change the fluid, only use the recommended (Toyota WS) fluid since there are also relatively high (~500V) Voltages running around in the transmission and I don't know whether any other transmission fluids are also designed to resist electrical breakdown.

 

You have just caused a certain PC member in florida to have an epilectic fit.

But yes, change the ATF with Toyota WS oem.

OP, this is my list of 120k maintenance I performed last month DIY:
ATF fluid exchange
Engine Oil Change
Serpentine Belt
Inverter Coolant pump, Inverter Coolant fill
Engine and cabin Air filters
Spark Plugs
PCV

Remaining to do:
Clean MAF
Change engine coolant pump (when it starts to leak)

Total materials cost is something around $200, and the use of my two thumbs for a day. Up till now the only maintenance has been engine oil and filter changes twice a year, ATF at 70k miles (a little late,) and air filters. I buy ACEA A1/A5 synthetic oil in volume when it is on sale and have a supply of engine filters making my annual typical maintenance cost about $50.

So daily cost (insurance, maintenance, tyres, fuel) averaged over 18,000 miles/year is now running about 8 cents a mile.

 

WGP, if you don't have Toyota's Scheduled Maintenance Guide see here for the basics:
Toyota Parts and Service

If you don't have the Owner's Manual buy a copy online or from a dealer.

I'd be more worried about the fluid chemically attacking the insulation in the motor/generator, but the conclusion is the same: avoid the possibility by using the correct Toyota fluid.

 

Now go do the MAF! I cleaned mine yesterday and the difference was pretty amazing. Granted, mine was clogged with a soot deposit so large I couldn't even see the 2 wires inside. Now I have to figure out where I purchased my air filters again. They were cheaper to purchase the ones for a different car and trim them down. I just can't remember what car. lol

 

Do you think there is a relationship between the clogged MAF sensor and the use of an incorrect air filter?

I removed and cleaned the MAF sensor on my 2004 for the first time, a couple of months ago (at ~115K miles or thereabouts) but the sensor didn't really need it - the wires were clean and the temp bulb was amber in color.

 

I wouldn't think so because the filter looked identical to the Prius filter except for the corners of the plastic housing. I used a pair of dikes to snip about 1/8th of an inch off the inside corners and it fits perfectly. The material, density and sealing looked exactly the same. I think the problem is going for over a year and a half without changing or cleaning the filter. The filter is FILTHY! I had purchased a bunch all at once and when I ran out of them I got lazy any never reordered. Needless to say I made an order today. lol

The take home message here: Maintain a clean air filter!

 

And how do you know that it seals properly top and bottom all around?

This is a bad case of false economy. Buy the correct filter. They can be pretty cheap online. Even paying full dealer price is far better than letting dirt into the engine.

 

I think you would have to see where I made the cut to clear this up. The cut is made on the bottom side of the filter and after the rubber sealing ring so sealing is not an issue. It's kind of hard to explain. When the rain stops I'll try and get a picture to show you what I mean. At the time I ordered them, air filters were still expensive and I do not even remember why I got the ones for the wrong car. If it was a matter of a few bucks I would have just got the Prius ones. In fact I think it may have been an accident during the ordering process. This was nearly 4yrs ago though so my memory is a bit fuzzy. I bought 6 or so filters at once.

 

Regular oil change and level check is routine "maintenance".
But if you say no repair so far would be more acceptable.

 

Fair to say then that you spent $375 on 120Kmaintenance and $150 on an actual repair?

On your HiHy, is it subject to the inverter failure?

 

Inverter failures are a known problem (by owners, not officially by Toyota) in 2006 Highlander Hybrids, not in other model years.

JeffD

 

No recall yet "known problem (by owners, not officially by Toyota)". The first an owner knows of this problem is that the car slows down and stops on the highway. There seems to be no warning.

See: GreenHybrid - Hybrid Cars

JeffD

 

Seems like your recall would have included the coolant flush. Mine did..