Toyota dealer: "there is no automatic transmission oil change"

yes, and no. toyota calls it 'lifetime fluid, but the 'gearbox' is not sealed.
there are drain and fill plugs, and many here recommend it be done on some sort of regular basis.
you can try and force the issue with the dealer, any local mech can do it, or you can diy.

 

Not Really.
What is true is that Toyota has no scheduled interval to drain and fill the ATF WS in the transaxle.

This leaves the owner (and dealer) making up their own interval. I use 30,000 miles, then 90,000 miles then every 90,000 miles after that. But that is just my opinion, I have no science saying it is better than every 60,000 miles.

This picture shows the drain and fill holes for the ATF in green ( and coolant which you want to avoid, in red) for the Gen 2. My advice is to open the fill hole before the drain.

 

I drain my transmission fluid and refill it every 30000 miles.

Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.

 

It's definitely NOT sealed, that is a "mis-speak" on the part of the service writer or whomever. This is an excerpt from 3rd gen Repair Manual, outlining how to drain and fill. 2nd gen is somewhat similar, except the drain and fill bolts are somewhat different. A competent parts department will be able to sort out the replacement washers needed; it's not do-or-die to replace the washers, but good practice. Stick with Toyota ATF-WS fluid: purchase 4 quarts or liters, it'll take roughly 3.5. Correct level is achieved by refilling with the car raised and level.

 

i guess it is sealed, until you unseal it.

 

Seen that question hundreds of times here. My Autoway dealer does it all the time dump and fill so wierd there's a dealership out there thats not up on this after all these years.
Maybe Prius not as popular in Europe as it is here. Its just like a manual gearbox dump it and fill. Take the fill plug out first. need a long breaker bar because its really socked on super tight from the factory. I have changed mine 3 times already. Same washer. Don't need to make it level just get the front end up high. Takes about 3.8 quarts.

 

'socked on super tight from the factory'. ed, i think they were trying to tell you something.

 

Yeah hope it doesn't come loose.

The VVT oil filter behind a hex head head bolt is worse. That is really on there.

 

You better change it based on the amount of metal and darkening of fluid I found in both of mine bought used at about 141k miles at no later than 100K miles. 90k like mentioned befored sounds optimal. AND DO NOT CHEAP OUT ON THE WS HYBRID SPEC FLUID. WS only without Hybrid following it on universal type marketing companies label DOES NOT MEAN WS Hybrid. They are different. You must have dielectric WS Hybrid fluid. Idumitsu(sp?) Of Japan is the OEM supplier of Toyota's WS Hybrid CV trans fluid. You can look on EBay for best deal.

LG-H918 ?

 

Or just ask for "Toyota ATF WS" at a dealership parts department. I would recommend first drain and fill around 10K, then stretch it.

 

Is that a simple "spin-on" oil filter I see on your v? Can a Gen4 liftback "element" oil filter be changed out, and use a spin-on? Thanks.

 

I think that's a gen 2 pic Jimbo posted.

I'd stick with the stock filter with permanent housing, if it's not giving you problems, and with the right tools it should be fine. After about 12 DIY oil filter changes on our 3rd gen, I've not had any problems with the similar permanent housing oil filter, fwiw.

I think it's commendable what Toyota's done here, reducing the mass and complexity of the disposable portion of the oil filter is good for the environment.

 

Ok, thank you sir.

 

No such product as WS "HYBRID" fluid. WS has no dielectric properties whatsover. WS is used in wide variety of Toyota cars and trucks. Its claim to fame is a very low viscosity trans fluid. Its basicly Dextron 6. I have been using synthetic D6 in my G2 for 10 years.
There are many after market WS products available which will work just fine in a G2 Prius transmission. Maxlife is very popular.

But dielectric doesn't really matter anyway in a G2 prius as the windings are not exposed to the fluid.

 

On the flip side: it is a bit more hassle, fussing with the O-ring, and the permanent housing being plastic, maybe can't take ongoing abuse. And: it's possible to reinstall the housing WITHOUT the filter, and I've caught myself almost doing that at least once.

But, stay on your toes, and keep the impact wrench "pros" away from it, use the right tools and torque properly (18 ft/lb for 3rd gen), it's fine.

 

You are incorrect.

LG-H918 ?

 

The OP has a Gen 2, so I showed where the plugs are on Hobbit's Gen 2. A Gen 3, like my v, has a different set up.

 

No, it's not sealed, but it's not a conventional gearbox. All the electric components have replaced all the clutches but one. A large disk from the gas motor drive that never disengages. It does apparently get dirty eventually and the recommendation is 100,000 miles. I'm dubious about the whole thing. I don't trust the dealers. Bottom line; don't go nuts. But make sure you use ATF-WS. You could also suck some out and just look at it. If it's pink, it's fine. If it's dark grey, then you might want to go for it. I just got a quote of $199.99. That's f****** ridiculous.

 

Indeed. It is a "power splitting device" that is essentially a planetary gear set (much like a differential gear on the axle of a rear wheel drive car) with 2 electric motors attached). It doesn't "shift" gears and as such should have less wear and tear than a traditional tranny.

Count me as a skeptic. Our Nissan Murano with a continuously variable transmission has a 90,000 fluid change interval. I don't see where the Prius should be even that much. Reports of failure of the "eCVT" are rare, even when people have gone 200,000+ without changing the "eCVT" fluid. I respect some people taking the better safe than sorry route, but I don't want to spend the time or the money if it is not needed.

My dealer occasionally recommends unnecessary services (which I politely decline) but never recommends "eCVT" fluid change.