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Tune-up in preparation for a cross country trip

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by DrMetal, Feb 25, 2013.

  1. DrMetal

    DrMetal Junior Member

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    Hello, I own a 2007 Prius, with about 100k on it. Im getting ready to do a cross country move (from DC to San Diego). The drive is about 3K miles, I gotta do it in 3 days, so I'll be averaging nearly 1K/day.

    To date, the only work Ive had done are regular tire changes, oil changes, and replaced the rear battery.

    I was thinking about getting a tune-up before my trip, but Im really not sure what that entails (or what I should be looking for). I could of course take it to the dealer an ask for a tune-up, but Im sure theyd try to give me a lot of unnecessary things and gouge me!

    To that end, if anyone here could suggest what to seek in a tune-up at this point, Id greatly appreciate it. Thanks
     
    #1 DrMetal, Feb 25, 2013
  2. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    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.
     
    #2 Patrick Wong, Feb 25, 2013
    JMD and JimboPalmer like this.
  3. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    #3 JimboPalmer, Feb 25, 2013
  4. DrMetal

    DrMetal Junior Member

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    Is this a job for the dealer, or should a local (certified Toyota) mechanic be able to do it? Any idea what this costs? Thanks for the help!
     
    #4 DrMetal, Feb 25, 2013
  5. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    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.
     
    #5 Patrick Wong, Feb 25, 2013
  6. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    #6 JimboPalmer, Feb 26, 2013
  7. The Critic

    The Critic Resident Critic

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    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 ?
     
    #7 The Critic, Feb 26, 2013
  8. DrMetal

    DrMetal Junior Member

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    If my car did breakdown per the inverter coolant pump, how would I know that that was the issue? Any particular symptoms?

    Thanks for the help everyone, you guys are great!
     
    #8 DrMetal, Feb 26, 2013
  9. N.J.PRIUS

    N.J.PRIUS Member

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    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.
     
    #9 N.J.PRIUS, Feb 26, 2013
  10. DrMetal

    DrMetal Junior Member

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    Great, thanks for the input. Would you mind sharing which dealer, so I can perhaps try to match it with mine?

    Dumb question: what exactly do we mean by "transaxle" fluid? I take this to mean transmission fluid, right?
     
    #10 DrMetal, Feb 26, 2013
  11. css28

    css28 Senior Member

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    Correct. It's a transaxle because it incorporates the differential.
     
    #11 css28, Feb 26, 2013
  12. N.J.PRIUS

    N.J.PRIUS Member

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    Parkway Toyota in Englewood Cliffs
     
    #12 N.J.PRIUS, Feb 26, 2013
  13. The Critic

    The Critic Resident Critic

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    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.
     
    #13 The Critic, Feb 27, 2013
  14. MacsVoltage

    MacsVoltage Junior Member

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    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"
     
    #14 MacsVoltage, Feb 28, 2013
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