Gen III Coolant and ATF change problem-free

$269 for the transaxle fluid change is preposterous, they're either usurious or just ill-informed regarding what's involved. To be fair it could be the latter: since Toyota doesn't include it in the maintenance schedule they could be clueless. Tideland Prius and one other reported in Canada the transaxle fluid change was $79.95.

For easier removal of drain bolts a breaker bar is handy. Basically a wrench with a longer handle.

 

well done!

 

Great work!

 

Hey Bill,

Do you happen to have the PDF for the engine and inverter coolant drain and refill? I happen to have lost mine and searching through the forum was a no-go since I couldn't find the thread with the PDF's in them.

 

Good info...Although I am experienced...I'm always eager to know more.

Knowledge is like having "tools in the tool box."

The more tools you have available; the more likely for success in your endeavor.

 

Thanks Bill! Question, is the inspection mode for the Gen 3 is the same procedure as the Gen 2?

 

Here you go:

I think all the gas pedal pushes and gear shifts are after a single push of the Start button, without foot on brake pedal. Then the start button is pushed a second time WITH foot on brake (normal start). Have I got that right? Haven't tried it myself.

 

Thanks Mendel.

 

Great Information. I have to change my coolant soon in both the ICE and IPM.This post will be very helpful. I was curious about how do you drain the coolant from the exhaust heat exchanger and the lines down to it? They are both lower than the ICE and radiator. Any ideas?

 

Maybe the radiator drain is lower? Or you just don't drain the exhaust heat exchanger? The repair manual says to open the radiator petcock, and remove the engine block drain bolt, nothing else.

 

Thanks Mendel. If it's not mentioned in the repair manual then as you state, it must drain or it is a non issue. I'll look at the heat exchanger when I change the coolant and report back if it has a drain on it.

 

What's the mileage for doing this?

 

10 years or 100,000 miles.

2010 Prius Maintenance Schedule (US) | PriusChat

 

I changed the transaxle fluid and inverter coolant last night. I used the hand pump method to pump the new fluid back in. It was quite messy. I would recommend the funnel with a long hose from the top.I did not see a drain on the exhaust heat exchanger, but there were constant tension spring clamps on the hoses. I suppose the hose could be removed to drain it.

 

Question?

It says "inspect" transaxle fluid pretty much every 30K miles. What does that mean? Check the level? Take a sample? Do you even do a "drain and fill" to replace it entirely?

I presume "inspection" of the inverter/engine coolant is to check it's level.

 

I made that graph of the U.S. schedule purely to summarize the multi page format.

I see no point to checking the transaxle fluid level. I changed mine at 1 year (around 15000 km), then a couple of years later (around 40000 km). The second time seemed overkill.

My take: the check is pointless. If there's nothing leaking, and the level was good to begin with, it won't change.

With coolant I finally broke down and bought a bottle of the toyota pre- mix, topped up the reservoirs. Just do it when the car's pretty much cool. And yeah, that's all to the coolant check I think.

I'm gonna stick with the schedule for coolant change I think. Might let dealership do it; it seems a pain in the @ss with prius.

I'm not averse to DIY coolant change, doing our son's Civic in a week or two. They're fairly simple. Maybe overthinking the Prius coolant change, not really sure right now.

 

I just change my 2011 IV ICE and inverter coolant today at a specialized hybrid garage called "Luscious Garage" in San Francisco, they have it done about 1 hour, they charge $168 labor ( I provide my own Toyota Coolant and return 1/2 gallon un-use). I just don't have the time to do it myself, it's 4 years @ 115K+ miles, I watched them change it...they just drained the inverter and radiator (not engine block).

I have quote from dealer for the ICE and inverter change parts and labor over $350...!!! I have to drop car for a day vs this independence shop did it while I am waiting and able to watched them change it. This garage is so cool and green, paperless and high tech. I definitely recommend this garage for services.