Hi everyone, as I am new to hybrid cars and just bought a used prius 07. Need to know whether there is any difference between transaxle fluid / inverter fluid / radiator fluid or these are the same stuff named as a coolant. Also, advise the purpose n function of trans n inverter fluids in it. Since there is no guidance or support available by ocal authorised Toyota dealers for hybrid cars. Appreciate ur help. Thanks.
First welcome to Prius Chat and your first hybrid. 1. The inverter fluid and radiator (gas engine) fluid are the same. You should use the Toyota SLLC coolant for these. 2. For the transaxle fluid you need to use the Toyota WS-ATF fluid. Since the transaxle houses the electric motors I would only recommend the Toyota fluid. 3. The purpose of the transaxle fluid is basically the same as for typical transmissions. The purpose of the inverter coolant is to cool the inverter/converter electronics. The inverter coolant also goes through the transaxle to help cool the transaxle fluid. I hope this helps. Good luck with your new car. How many hybrids do you see in Pakistan?
Thanks Collins for welcoming me and to ur reply clarifying my concerns. Here in Pakistan prius is becoming popular and people are importing it ch mainly due to its fuel efficiency. Would you like to further clarify about trans fluid, is it automatic gear transmission oil and if so when it is needed to changed. Thanks to bisco for wishing me too!
If it was new, I would advise 30,000 miles and then every 60,000 miles from there on (50,000 km and then every 100,000 km) Since it is an 2007, change it now and then every 60,000 miles (100,000 km) Yes it is Automatic Transmission Fluid, you want Toyota's own ATF WS
It is automatic transmission oil, we generally suggest drain and fill with Toyota WS ATF every 60,000 mi (100,000km). Good luck with your Prius!
As other people have pointed out the ATF is toyota WS ATF do not be tempted to use different fluids as these could affect the insulation of the motor/generators built into the transmission.
Dear all prius lovers, can anyone tell me about timing belt, does prius carries it or not? If so, when it is required to replaced? Thank u in advance..
All Prius have a timing chain, while there is no set time to replace the chain, 300,000 miles might be wise. (500,000 km) The 2007 still has an accessory belt, visual examination is the best indicator for it.
No the Prius does not have a timing belt it uses a chain so no need for replacement. It does have a short belt that drives the water pump (no alternator) this is usually ok for 80,000/100,000 miles.
Hi You'll find the Prius very reliable. The main things to watch for are the 12v battery (in the back under the floor on the right) which will fail slowly and cause the car to give weird error messages in the process. If you've bought the car second hand then you'll probably want to look at getting it replaced sooner than later. It's a small, non standard type and can be quite difficult to source if the Prius isn't supported in your country. Otherwise, just change the oil with the correct 5w30 grade (gen2 Prius) every 16,000 km or less if you prefer. The US market change their oil every 6,000 miles, whereas in the UK it's every 10,000 miles. Oh and make sure you check the tyre pressures and allignment regularly as this can really affect the fuel economy. Enjoy your new car. And post some pictures of it if you're able
One thing more dear at the moment I would like to conform is about its tyre pressure. Normally, the practice is or recommended is 30psi where as I read for prius it should b 40 to 42 psi. Plz advice
For best mpg the higher the tire presssure the better. Check the tire maximum sidewall pressure and be sure to stay at or below this max pressure. Note that the higher pressures also result in a stiffer ride so you may want to experiment to find a happy medium. You also need about 2 psi more in the front tires than the rear due to the higher weight on the front tires. I run mine at 40 psi front and 38 psi rear. My tire max sidewall pressure is 44 psi.
Toyota recommends 35/33 psi front/rear. I prefer using higher tire pressure because that results in better vehicle handling, even tread wear and (incidentally) improved fuel economy. Hence I will use 42/40 or 44/42 psi.
