What services you need and what you don't

Re: What services you need and what you don't

I've reference your list many times...thanks!

So now that many 2G Prius are hitting 100K or more, would you consider putting together a list of "highly recommended" services for these older Prius?? Thanks.

 

Since galaxee is no longer very active on PC due to a new job and a household move, I am taking the liberty of responding.

Besides following the scheduled maintenance guide for 100K miles and 120K miles, I would recommend the following, assuming that you are interested in minimizing unscheduled downtime:

- Replace serpentine drive belt
- Replace engine thermostat
- Replace PCV valve
- Replace inverter coolant pump
- Replace front struts and rear shocks
- Replace transaxle ATF fluid at least at 60K mile intervals
- Replace 12V battery at 4-year intervals if you have a snowy winter; otherwise replace at 6-year intervals

I do not recommend replacing the engine coolant pump until it shows signs of failure (i.e., weeping at the shaft seal) because it is easy to see when the weeping starts, hence you'll have some advance notice and can take timely action. This assumes that you periodically check the engine compartment, inspect your engine oil level per the dipstick, check coolant and brake fluid levels, look for fluid leaks, etc.

My post #290 on the 100K mile club shows the maintenance that I performed on my 2004, which now has 107K miles.
http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-prius-main-forum/29373-100-000-mile-club-29.html

 

I have 189,000 miles on my 2004. I change my oil and filter, and I have had the PCV and spark plugs replaced once. I did get a new 12V battery at 150K or so. I've put two sets of Michelin HydroEdge tires on my car. I guess I've been lucky so far, but maybe I should at least get my Prius checked out soon.

I did do the bare minimum recommended services until 100K or so, but I've been letting it ride since then, watching for problems, but finding none lately. I'm on the original brakes too, so I guess I'm just enjoying the low maintenance cost of my car. Am I dooming my Prius to premature failure, or am I being thrifty and saving up for a new Prius?

I'm pretty sure that if I bring my car to my dealership, they will find $1000 of maintenance my car needs. I just want to do what is necessary to get to around 225,000 miles, which should take me about 15 months. Convince me that I should get some parts and fluids replaced this summer.

 

Re: What services you need and what you don't

This string provides plenty of advice about the maintenance that needs to be done at various mileage intervals. The implicit assumption behind the advice is that you want the car to last for an indefinite period of time.

The major reasons for unscheduled vehicle downtime include tire failure and a dead 12V battery. It appears that you are paying attention to those items. The most important preventive maintenance is regular engine oil and oil filter changes, and you are doing that.

It seems that you are trying to identify problems before they cause a failure. It also seems that you have a specific remaining lifetime in mind for your car, and would not be upset if the car has an unscheduled failure due to lack of maintenance (for example, overheating of the engine or inverter due to a clogged system.)

Should that be the case, then there's no problem with you continuing to do what you are doing. I would not waste your time and mine by trying to convince you to do additional maintenance. Good luck.

 

My local Toyota dealer wants $482.41 for this 30K service:
We will perform the following services:
Replace Engine Air Filter
Check and Replace Air Conditioning filter (HEPA)
Inspect Ball Joints & Dust Covers
Inspect Brake Lines & Hoses
Inspect Coolant Condition
Inspect Drive Shaft Boots
Inspect Exhaust Pipes & Mountings
Inspect Fuel FIller Cap Gasket
Inspect Front Differential Oil
Inspect Fuel Tank, Lines, Connections & Hoses
Inspect Radiator Core & Condenser
Inspect Steering Gear, Linkage & Boots
Inspect Transmission Fluid or Oil
Inspect Thickness Measurement & Disc Runout
Oil & Filter Change
Rotate & Balance all 4 Tires
Clean Battery Terminals
Lubricate Locks, Latches, and Hinges
Clean Throttle Body & Adjust Idle
Brake Fluid Change
Clean & Adjust Rear Brakes/Adjust Parking Brake

I purchased the air and cabin air filters from O'Reilly's auto parts for $22.00. I had new tires installed in June so I'm not ready for rotation. Toyota doesn't recommend a brake fluid change at this mileage. Why would the rear brakes need adjusting, don't rear drums adjust themselves when you back up? I never use the parking brake and it feels OK. Most of the inspections are just visual and would take less than 10 minutes to do all on the list.

I notice a lot of dealerships have bays used for only oil changing. They probably have the least paid, least trained technicians running that line so the other work in the list would have to go into the shop where the $100/hr technicians work.

Kelvin

 

Re: What services you need and what you don't

At 30K you might consider converting engine oil to 100% synthetic. Bring your own, pay for a new filter, and have that as your 30K service. Any normal Toyota dealership will perform all those inspections as a normal part of any service visit!
My experience with 100% synthetic oil has been excellent. Toyota European change intervals for rock oil are 10K miles; US rock oils suck canal water. Normal intervals for 100% synthetic oil is 20K miles. That's what I've been using, with no problems whatsoever. There were over 76K miles on my 2007 when I traded it for a different Prius.

 

What is the recommendation on replacing the struts? I have a 2006 with about 80k miles. I haven't had any issues with breaking or rough riding, but the place that changes my oil suggests doing it every 50,000 miles. Am I overdue?

 

At 80K miles it is highly likely that your front struts and rear shocks need replacement. However I would also say that the difference between new and worn suspension parts is subtle while the replacement cost is quite high, potentially $2K+ at many Toyota dealers.

 

Re: What services you need and what you don't

Struts would be covered by your extended warranty. Wait until you need them replaced. It ain't a time thing. You'll feel the need.

Your oil change place seems to be completely ignorant on Prius part life and should not be listened to. One of their buds must have a boat payment due.

 

Re: What services you need and what you don't

I wouldn't go to that shop again, and I would write a letter telling them why. None of the cars I've ever owned needed struts before 100k miles, except the Datsun I had in college and drove 3000 miles across the country with every book and album I owned (the tires rubbed the wheel wells on bumps!!) When businesses do that kind of thing, I go looking for them on Dex Knows and Citysearch. They need to be taught a lesson!

 

Re: What services you need and what you don't

I had a prius first in 2001. Sold that one and bought a 2005. Never had troubles, (except of my own doing, hit a deer), taken it in to dealer for check-ups at every 5000 miles. I've never done any other work to the vehicle, and now the inverter cooling pump is out. I feel like this should not have happened since the dealer was taking care of the car. Moreover, the mechanic is saying there are no pumps in the US, I'll be out of a car for 2 weeks and the pump costs $500.00. I'm 70 years old and don't know if this guy is pulling my leg or what. Frankly, as a Prius believer (one who's taken a lot of heat from conservative friends), I feel betrayed. I feel heads should roll, I'm just not sure whose, the dealer, the mechanic or mine.

 

Re: What services you need and what you don't

From my experience with a Japanese motorcycle and parts: When the dealer told me the part is out of stock, it meant they had to be getting it from Japan. I found out the 2-3 week wait period had to do with cheaping-out on shipping the part to USA. I had the bike 18 months and lost 1.5 months due to 3 slow/cheap shipping methods by the dealer.
After 2 times of that game, I paid to have the part FedExed. I figured the down time using my 15 mpg truck and fuel costs exceeded the freight cost of the parts.

 

Re: What services you need and what you don't

I'm confused. Why is a mechanic saying anything at all about part availability? Are you using a Toyota dealership for repairs?
Is the dealer you are using the only one on Houston?

Push harder for rapid delivery! I'm 77, and that's what I would do.

 

Re: What services you need and what you don't

The inverter coolant pump that came on 2004 - mid year 2006 has a design defect. There is a technical service bulletin, but no recall. Blame Toyota for introducing a bad part and then not keeping enough replacements on hand in their distribution centers. Blame them further for making this a powertrain warranty item rather than a hybrid/emissions warranty item. While it is true that the part itself ($116 msrp) is on national backorder right now, there are many dealers out there that have them. You may have to call around to dealers in your area or order one online from e.g. metrotoyotapartsnow.com.

Don't let the dealer rip you off on the installation. Parts + labor should come in at $400 or less. A competent mechanic should have no problem performing the removal, replacement, and coolant bleed in less than 1 hour. Maybe the dealer quotes the labor guide on the high side but, armed with good information and your history of regular visits for maintenance, you should be able to get the service advisor to knock labor down to less than two hours. If not, go elsewhere. Luscious Garage has a blog post from 2009 where they charge $307 for this job.

 

Re: What services you need and what you don't

So if I did the standard 100K check up and they did change the inverter fluid, and if they did not do it correctly what may be the symptoms of "damaging my car?" I have had it for a week post 100K check-up and right after getting gas, the red brake light came on with associated buzzer, as did the check engine light, triangle, ABS and VSC warning lights. Tried to shut off and turn car back on but wouldn't for about 15 minutes, then started. Lasted another 4-5 miles, happened again but car just shut down. 15 minutes later started and again it occurred about 10 miles later. Got it to Toyota and they diagnosed it as a dead 12V battery and replaced it. Ran fine for a day and it they occurred again (in my driveway luckily) and found the battery was once again dead! They have had it two days without any diagnosis....any thoughts appreciated. Ready to sell and look for an Altima or Insight....I drive 100 miles a day and need a reliable car! Thank you to anyone with thoughts on this!


4. engine and inverter fluid
drain/fill is OK, but NO flushes. it's not even possible on the inverter and the engine is difficult but not impossible, however NOT recommended as it can cause serious damage to the electric water pump and switching valves. you do not need the drain/fill until your car hits 100k. if the coolant is still nice and pink, don't do it then either. again, the coolant is said to go 100k. while you're not going to do any wrong by changing it early, again it is expensive like the trans fluid. possible complications include more tech error- bleeding these systems is a PITA and getting all the air out is hard. an incomplete fill, use of the wrong coolant, can damage your car.

 

Not sure if this has been asked, but, aren't these recommendations for a "Normal" car. Prius has very different wear and tear that doesn't apply to standard maint. Thoughts, or am I wrong?

 

Re: What services you need and what you don't

Given that this is Prius Chat forum and the section of the forum for Generation II, the recommendations are fairly specific to the Prius, its technology, and the particular history of these model years.

 

Re: What services you need and what you don't

I guess you've probably heard that there is now a recall. Toyota will reimburse you for the cost of this repair.

 

Re: What services you need and what you don't

Hi--
Very interesting list of maintenance "dos & don'ts" ... So, I have a question:
In November, we bought our first Prius. So far, so good...that is, no huge problems.... but I'm wondering about frequency of oil changes. Every 3,000 miles? 5,000 miles? Thanks in advance!

 

Re: What services you need and what you don't

The maintenance schedule requires engine oil/filter changes at 5K mile intervals, so while your powertrain warranty remains in effect it would probably be a good idea to observe that requirement.