Transaxle Oil Change a BIG NO NO!!???

I agree with this, don't mess with it, at least until the warranty is over.

Maybe Toyota ATF WS is not good for "lifetime", but it should be good at least 80-100k miles.

 

You guys should be as tolerant of others as you expect for yourself. Given that the post was from Canada and the language was ackward, my first assumption is that the native language of the poster may be French. Regardless of whether my assumption is valid, I admire efforts by any member of our Prius community for their contribution to the our discussions.

 

funny, in the UK the service schedule says to change it every 40k...

 

There is no seal on either of the two Prius transaxle drain plugs, or the ATF fill plug for that matter. The only thing that you need to be concerned about is that you remove the correct drain plug. One is for the coolant and the other is for the ATF.

 

Which warranty? What's the time and mileage expiration of that warranty? What's your justification?

Same to you: which warranty? And, you know the bolded part because???

Many here on PC will concur that spending <$150 to change it "early" is a worthy precaution for a multi-thousand dollar part, despite some dealers claiming that it's "lifetime fluid" or doesn't need to be changed until (figures like) 90K miles.

 

Hey, come on. Even those speaking English as a second language know they have to organize their thoughts into sentences.

 

Here is the link for the warranty
Toyota Prius Warranty and Coverage
Powertrain60 months/60,000 miles (whichever comes first) (engine, transmission/transaxle, drive system, seatbelts and airbags).

Toyota, the maker of the car, specifies in the manual only at 90k and 120k to inspect the oil. So it must be reasonable to accept that it will last at least until 80-100k.

Now, you, the owner, with your own money can do whatever you desire, but I only stated the clear listed recommendation from the source.

 

Yes, I know the length of the powertrain warranty. I just wanted clarification as to which one since there are many, w/different lengths and they vary by region too.

Ok, I had mine changed after the 5 year mark. Have you seen the other threads here on Priuschat where people have gotten lab analysis done of their drained fluid at various intervals as well as what their fluid and magnetic drain plug looked like?

I posted what my fluid looked like at http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-...24-changing-transaxle-oil-22.html#post1287277.

 

Another thing to consider: remove or loosen the "fill" plug, before you drain your ATF through your "drain" plug. In case, for some reason, you can't open that "fill" plug, you're still ok. Plus, the ATF will drain better, just like when you open your oil filler cap during an oil drain.