Read somewhere that Prime may have 2 different types of oil filter depending on the production dates? One is the paper filter with reusable enclosure and the other is the generic toyota canister filter. Can anyone confirm this? I have a 2018 Prime.
Take a look? From what I've been reading, you've probably got the metal style, being 2018: IIRC it was somewhere through 2017 model year the change occurred. OTOH, that might only be in the States? Phone a dealership service department too: they should know.
I've read about that in several places. And lots of people here have described it in their own cars. You most likely have the spin on filter in your '18. But I suggest checking the manual to find out specifically which one to buy. Or the people at the parts counter at your dealership should be able to look it up.
I think you might be able to see just looking in through the passenger side wheel well. May be necessary to remove the wheel.
I changed the filter on my 18 Prius about 2 months ago. It had a spin-on filter that appeared to have been installed with a breaker bar and an 800 pound gorilla at the factory. You definitely want to get the following to remove the filter: plus 1/2 in. Drive 27mm Deep Impact Socket Use either a 1/2" ratchet or a 3/8 ratchet with 1/2" adapter that you can also get at Harbor Freight. I like the Harbor Freight socket because it's 6-sided which results in a lot more contact surface area when you use the Motivx tool. Do NOT use the 3/8 socket to loosen the oil filter, you'll probably strip the Motivx cap. Use the 27mm socket on top of the cap instead. The 3/8 drive socket should be used to tighten the oil filter (only!).
If it's anything like the Gen3, I thought the same thing then realized there's a metal clip you have to press in while turning it. I think I ended up breaking it accidentally so I never had to do it again. I'm actually changing my oil in the Prime in a couple days so I'll double check.
That clip does nothing. I've done about 18 oil changes on our 2010 now (every 6 months), and don't even notice it's there any more. It definitely does not hinder the oil filter housing from unscrewing. The only thing putting up resistance is the O-ring, as long as it is in the barrel.
Mine doesn't do anything anymore either. I'm sure it's because we "broke" it. Not really broken, but won't flex where it's supposed to.
I suspect some engineer was concerned about the oil filter housing vibrating loose (yeah good luck), insisted they put in a clip. Mine looks just like that pic, and I'm pretty sure it's as it came from the factory. And it doesn't impede the unscrewing at all. It does take some oomph to get turning, but not due to that clip. In the attachment the clip is ID'd a few times (and one mention to not take it off...), that's about it.
Hm.. didn't notice a clip with the regular spin-on filter. Perhaps the clip is for filter cartridge-style filters?
Checked my 2018 Prime, it's spin-on oil filter. Bought 10 filters before checking, now I have peace of mind that I can use them. BTW, I used RhinoRamps, it already touched a little bit to the bottom of the car when I put it in front of the front wheel, but I can drive on to it. And the jack point is kind of far away from front, not sure if my jack can reach there, didn't try today.
I would bet there was a warranty claim somewhere along the way that drove this "feature". I've never seen this on any other vehicle. Even Class 8 tractors which vibrate quite a bit don't have this.
Tried my floor jack, I can push it in to reach the front jack point, but have very small space left to up down the handle to raise.
Might need a jack with more reach? That's not uncommon. I know with our 3rd gen, using a 3 ton jack, by the time I roll the jack into the rear jacking point, the handle doesn't have much travel. Still with a little patience you get there: every bit it lifts make it a little easier, more room.
IMHO they made that oil filter way too hard to remove. Regarding the paper insert, etc, this might help you: PRIUS OIL CHANGE PITFALLS Other than that, I defer to Mendel. He's my personal Prius hero.
Just changed oil. My 2017 had a Toyota screw on filter. I hate that paper one, I have it on my '10. It's so messy compared to the canisters. I know it's less waste though.
