I was wondering about this myself and there are a few threads on here, its very easy to do on your own, I called around and every dealer I called said I didnt need it until over 100,000 miles, well there is only 4 qts in the transmission thats a long haul for that oil. then when I pressed them they wanted $280. to do it. Anyway, I have attached a video I found, its just as easy with ramps and a funnel with a long hose. Some have said that they will change the oil at 5,000 to get the break in stuff out, I'm thinking 30,000 is a safe but thats just me, here is the video if you are interested:
Look at page #4 in this thread covers it all very good write up ATF fluid changes ARE Required. | PriusChat
How to level the car for transmission oil change? I know the car has to be level in order to fill IN the correct amount of fluid and my garage has a bit of grade level but I'm not sure if it has any significance. When I lift the car by front center point with my 2ton jack, I was only able to raise the car by 6.5in. When I use my ramp the car will be up by about 8in. Enclosed it the picture of the underneath are these save jacking points the circle and the X If I put a jack under the circle the crew will be damage I think; the "X" point with wooden block might be better choice
I don't think these screws (drain and fill) are visible from underneath unless you remove the plastic cover. Here is a good picture posted by "rrg" DIY Transmission Fluid Change? | Page 11 | PriusChat From his profile has has 2011 model so I think this would be applicable to our "V" as well. If these screws are sideways the leveling is not mush of an issue.
That's probably the 2nd generation Prius, the 3rd generation Prius, you'll have to remove the whole plastic panel for a clean drain and refill, I'll do this video when I hit 30k or so.
The X-mark is where I put my front safety stands. I put the rear safety stands per the diagram nutzaboutbolts posted above. My main issue was with the extra weight in the front, the shallow arch of my safety stand's cradle and the near knife-edge rocker panel edge bearing on it. Seemed skittish the few times I used those points. I think it's Hobbit posted pics of similar support location on gen 2. It works for me. If your garage is sloping a bit you can adjust the front or rear safety stand heights a bit to fix, or put plywood shims under the jackstands for finer adjustment. Do work safe. I like to push a chunk of tree stump under before getting under myself, thicker than me, makes me feel good
I did it yesterday it took about 45 mins and was very very easy to do. I only opened up the oil change flap. The fluid that came out looked like dr pepper and the new fluid was cherry red in color. I have 26,000 miles.
You can also take off your wheel's and put it on the side of the vehicle where the pinch weld is at. That will work to prevent any accidents from happening.
Yes I put a small level in tbe door frame area. I used ramps and a floor jack to level the rear. Yes I bought clear hose from lowes in the plumbing area. It was about dollars.
Believe it or not the hardest part was breaking the plugs loose. I had to use a breaker bar. They were really tight.
