1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

I don't think I need this, do I????

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by canesfan, Sep 13, 2012.

  1. canesfan

    canesfan Culture shocked...

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2008
    544
    7
    0
    Location:
    Jacksonville, NC
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Went to the dealer Monday for my 60,000 mile service. When all was said and done the guy said I needed a Fuel System Service. The guy told me that you can get carbon buildup on the fuel injectors, blah, blah, blah. I asked him if they had actually seen this while doing my service and he said yes. I told him I would take it under consideration, but couldn't do it at that time. After thinking about it for a while, I'm wondering about a few things...

    Would they actually look at/be able to see the fuel injectors while doing a regular 60,000 mile service to know I need this?

    As a part of every service I have done there, they always use a "fuel system cleaner" (about $6). Shouldn't/Wouldn't that help prevent whatever issue they think I have now?

    On the invoice it says this service is recommended every 15,000 miles. I'm thinking it's a bunch of baloney...
     
    #1 canesfan, Sep 13, 2012
  2. jdcollins5

    jdcollins5 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 30, 2009
    5,131
    1,340
    0
    Location:
    Wilmington, NC
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    III
    You are correct, the Fuel System Service is not needed and is just a dealer upsale. What most have reported on here that may be needed with a car with your mileage is a Throttle Body cleaning. You can get carbon buildup on the Throttle Body. This is a DIY task if you are so inclined. There are instructions on here on how to do this. If not you may want to ask the dealer, or your trusty mechanic, to perform the throttle body cleaning.
     
    #2 jdcollins5, Sep 13, 2012
  3. canesfan

    canesfan Culture shocked...

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2008
    544
    7
    0
    Location:
    Jacksonville, NC
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    This is what my invoice says the service entails:
    "This service cleans fuel injectors, throttle body, plenum, air-intake, intake valves and ports. Removes combustion chamber deposits, reduces emissions. Restores horsepower. Increases fuel economy."

    I'm assuming the throttle body cleaning you mention is different than what is mentioned?
     
    #3 canesfan, Sep 13, 2012
  4. jdcollins5

    jdcollins5 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 30, 2009
    5,131
    1,340
    0
    Location:
    Wilmington, NC
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    III
    The throttle body cleaning is one of the many items listed in the service. Search on here for an article "What services you need and what you do not". It was written by a former Prius tech. Very good article to read and be familiar with in these circumstances.
     
    #4 jdcollins5, Sep 13, 2012
    usnavystgc likes this.
  5. JimN

    JimN Let the games begin!

    Joined:
    Nov 26, 2006
    7,028
    1,116
    0
    Location:
    South Jersey
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    V
    I'm inclined to clean the throttle body when my fuel economy takes a hit. Since Galaxee pointed out a down side this is a case of "if it ain't broke don't fix it."
     
    #5 JimN, Sep 13, 2012
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)