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Coolant System and Hybrid Invertor Coolant Flush

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by twosinks, Oct 23, 2024.

  1. twosinks

    twosinks New Member

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    I took my car to the dealer for an unrelated brake problem and they recommended I swap both types of coolant in my 2013 Prius (189,000) miles. I was hoping you guys could let me know how I can tell if these fluids actually require flushes. Both are still the pinky/ red color and I notice no problems with the A/C or engine... I have recently inherited the prius and was told that the regular coolant was flushed at 100k, and am unsure when the last time the hybrid invertor was flushed. Based on these facts I would be long overdue for a flush, but there are no indicators (which I have seen) that it is required.

    I just want to know if the stealership is trying to grab a pretty penny from me, or if I am actually due. (If I am due how easy is it to do these flushes at home?)

    Thanks!
     
  2. amarino

    amarino Member

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    It's not really a "flush', but more of a drain and refill.

    I guess you can get some sort of acidity / pH tester on Amazon to check the coolant. I have not tried this personally yet:


    Here is a good overview of the drain and refill process for both the engine and inverter. Also his channel is great for other DIY stuff:
     
  3. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk EGR Fanatic

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    In USA, first engine coolant change is 100k miles, and 50k thereafter. Inverter coolant change is 150k miles, 50k thereafter.

    assuming the car’s only had the 100k engine coolant change, at 189k you’re long overdue for both.
     
  4. ASRDogman

    ASRDogman Senior Member

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    As was stated, it is a drain and refill.
    And it's NOT a stealership. They do not steal anything. The customer approves the work.
    Just because it cost more at a dealership doesn't mean they are stealing.
    Independent shops rip people off more often that dealerships.

    You do NOT need to go into maintainence mode. If you fill the engine coolant VERY SLOWLY
    and a cup or 2 at a time, and wait, you're here it draining to the bottom. And if you REALLY
    listen, you can hear the air being pushed out.
    When you pour it slowly and little by little, it allows the coolant to push the air out and not allow it
    to creat air pockets. And you want to fill it to the "B" line. Yes, it will take longer to fill, but you
    won't have issues with overheating, and waste fuel trying to get the air pockets out.

    After filling, start the Prius, and let the engine run until it shuts off. Check for leaks. If nothing
    is leaking, check the level and fill as needed to just above the seam/full line.
    Then drive it around the block, keep the engine running so it will get up to temperature and pressure.
    Then park it and check the level. It will likely be the same level. But wait a few hours, or overnight.
    Then top it off if needed.
    I've done it like this 4 or 5 times and haven't had an issue.
    And it's the way I've been doing for all cars since the mid 80's....

    The inverter drain is fill is simpliar, and quicker. You don't have the air pocket issues.

     
    amarino likes this.