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

Where to buy ATF?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by almypal26, Jan 5, 2013.

  1. crash0099

    crash0099 Junior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 25, 2011
    28
    0
    0
    Location:
    So. Georgia
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    Hey guys, I have a 2011 Prius and I just started using a new oil which is Schaeffer oil out of St. Louis. Someone ran into the back of my Prius and after I got it fixed the first thing I did was change to this oil. I have a friend that is a rep with them. I have put 2000 miles on it and I am averaging 12% better mileage. I am getting ready to change the CVT oil and see if I can use theirs. Does anyone know if these trannys use a Dexron or Mercon type oil.

    I know a person who delivers mail for a living and they usually went through a tranny on a GMC jimmy every year and a half and it would run hot all the time. The changed to the Schaeffer Synthetic to replace their Dexron and they only change it every 50,000 miles where they did change it every 20,000 miles. They are getting about 5% better milage and the tranny has never run hot. It has been a year and eight months and the tranny is still pulling strong and running cool. I change my own oil. Can I change the oil in the CVT? is my Question and what type of oil does it use.

    I also have an Old jeep that is going to get the Schaeffer oil treatment. I am putting a GM 350 with a 700R4 and transfer case in it as we speak. It is going Synthetic all the way. I use it in the woods and to pull a 16 trailer that I haul stuff with. Thanks for your help guys
     
  2. Bill Norton

    Bill Norton Senior Member

    Joined:
    Dec 15, 2012
    1,914
    635
    0
    Location:
    MONW, Ks.
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Five
    Not to be rude, but why don't you look in your Owner's Manual instead of asking for opinions here?
    You can search for many DIY threads here.

    And, "12% better fuel mileage"! Thems mighty big words,, especially around these parts....
    And, how do you know your 'trannys are running cooler'?

    Good luck, hope you are enjoying your Prius !
     
    xs650 likes this.
  3. xs650

    xs650 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 2, 2010
    4,539
    1,433
    9
    Location:
    Northern California
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Placebo effect.
     
  4. spiderman

    spiderman wretched

    Joined:
    Jul 5, 2009
    7,543
    1,558
    0
    Location:
    Alaska
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    But four out of five mechanics recommend replacing your WS every 50-60K miles.
     
  5. Feri

    Feri Active Member

    Joined:
    Jun 25, 2011
    761
    144
    0
    Location:
    Maldon Victoria Australia
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    III
    I had the dealer change mine at 60,ooo kms (38,000 miles). I've no idea whether it has made any difference. I might have another change done at 160,000(next couple of weeks) if I can afford it.
     
  6. El Dobro

    El Dobro A Member

    Joined:
    Jul 12, 2011
    7,027
    3,241
    1
    Location:
    NJ
    Vehicle:
    Other Electric Vehicle
    Model:
    N/A
    When I bought WS at the dealer, the parts guy said the mechanic told him the fluid doesn't have to be changed 'til 100,000mi.
     
  7. spiderman

    spiderman wretched

    Joined:
    Jul 5, 2009
    7,543
    1,558
    0
    Location:
    Alaska
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Just bought 4 qts of WS ($9.61/qt) and the gaskets ($3.91/unit!!!). Plan to do it when it warms up... it is suppose to snow tomorrow night! Gads.
     
  8. xs650

    xs650 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 2, 2010
    4,539
    1,433
    9
    Location:
    Northern California
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Measure the aluminum washers/gaskets. You should be able to find them at a regular car parts store next time for a lot less. They are called aluminum crush washers and should be under $1.00 ea.
     
    spiderman likes this.
  9. spiderman

    spiderman wretched

    Joined:
    Jul 5, 2009
    7,543
    1,558
    0
    Location:
    Alaska
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Figured I would do everyting OEM the first time around. Most worried about getting everything up in the air and level and stable. Got rhino ramps for the front and plan to jack up the rear and block.