How to Change Your Transmission Fluid

You’ll get it done in an hour next time, now that you know how.

 

At our SF meet ups, we get 3 people on the task. Got both my engine oil and ATF changed within one hour, we got our own NASCAR pit crew.

 

spec is 3.6 quart, so sounds perfect.

Congrats on the completion!

 

You need a helmet to protect your hair.

Maybe we should have those for next time.

Although ATF-WS hair gel is an interesting look.

 

And used a 3/8" Allen key, not 10 mm.

 

I'm glad you were successful! Stuff like that is a royal pain!
But now you know it's done correctly and will be easier the next time.
It took me just over an hour to change the oil and trans fluid, from jacking up the Prius to
lowering it down and putting everything away. It's pretty easy.
And I wasn't rushing. Depending on how many miles you drive its a once a year or 2 thing to do.

My Snap On 10 mm hex fit perfectly. Mendel used a 3/8 one. I guess it depends on which
brand you use. But if yours is a little loose, you can use the valve grinding compound to tighten it up.
But if you didn't over tighten either plug, they will be easy to remove next time.

 

Yippee!!!

Yeah, I agree with the others. Next time should be about an hour. It takes longer to get the car up on the jack stands than anything else. LOL!

Also, next time, I recommend not plugging the fill hole. You'll know right away when it's full and the only spillage you'll have is what's in the hose. And you can pour faster since the air escapes faster. Just pour in the first 3+ quarts as fast as the hose will take it. Then slow down as you get closer to full. It'll still make a bit of a mess, but not as much.

 

No, I used a 10 mm bit. Using a 3/8" bit, maybe just a funky 3/8" L-shaped Allen key on a cheater pipe, is likely what rounded the drain bolt socket.

3/8" = 9.525 mm

Use a long-handled ratchet wrench too, no drama. And torque to spec: 29 ft/lb.

 

No way!!! I should have brought a wig that time so it would be like a glove, oil gets on the outside and when done, just remove it

 

Okay, I just re-read your post. I miss read it. sorry...

 

If I understood your description correctly, there wasn't any way for you to know when the transaxle was full since the fill hole was closed off. If you guess really well, no problem, but you might guess poorly and have quite a bit come out when you pull out the filler. Or nothing comes out and you have to put it back in and add more. Letting the oil spill out the spill hole tells you right away that it's full.

 

One thing that sends me into a slow burn, just a little venting:

I think Toyota should be obligated to publish basic maintenance instructions, in the Owner's Manual. The engine oil and filter change, and the transaxle fluid change.

Of course, they'd have to acknowledge the need for a transaxle fluid change first I suppose.

And not just the cryptic Repair Manual format instruction: a step-by-step, common sense, complete how-to.

Also, change the 10 mm hex pocket in the fill and drain bolts, to a 3/8" square pocket, so any 3/8" drive ratchet will work, as-is.

 

Whose going to even read the manual? The posts here are proven facts that no one reads it

 

Why would any manufacturer make it easy for anyone other then their people to work on their car?
They would be bitting themselves in the foot.
They ALL want you to come to them for everything. They don't want you to work on your own car.
Or any other mechanic/technician for that matter.
I don't blame them for that. They have invested the time and money into developing their product.
Why would they make it easy for someone else to copy it and/or take advantage of their hard work?

Butttt...... I personally think that the first manufacturer that makes a car that is EASY to work on,
inexpensive to work on, and that's dependable and reliable, and inexpensive, replacement parts
would be prices near to the aftermarket parts, they would sell millions!!!!

So far, the Prius fits some of those things, for me.

 

86 Honda Accord Owner's Manual pics. There's more too, wiper refill replacement (even that's not in the Prius manual), spark plug replacement, fuel filter, air filter. Anyway:

 

It is very quick and easy job if you have a correct tools and car stands for leveling . I did mine in 30 mins and the gearbox now happy with new oil .☺

 

Great upload, detailed instructions for diy. But we’re so busy with smartphones, social media and Netflix that this info would be wasteful on paper because we’ll eventually hire out the service maintenance.