2010 Toyota Prius I, Transaxle/Transmission Fluid Change Help Please...

I had 12 clips and 6 screws. Screws were on the front. I dont know if all have the screws, I got my bottom cover replaced with TSB because the front of the cover drooped down too low.

Fluid came out a dark brown. It didnt look too bad for having 70k. I was expecting worse. Sent sample to Blackstone Labs. Should hear back in a couple of weeks.

 

My Prius is a 2012 vehicle and it doesn't qualify for the TSB plastic cover underneath
I will be doing this Transmission drain and refill video when it hits 30k in about 3k more miles.
so expect it!

 

I just did my oil and AT fluid this weekend. I remove the plastic cover from underneath. One thing I did was cut slots in the front 4 holes so next time I just need to loosen those 4 bolts and slide it out. But then my front edge on that shield is all but worn down and the stand offs are not connected any longer. Too many tire bumpers, high curbs and odd road dips.

 

Sure. When it gets sent I will post it. It is my first tran fluid change so there is no history other than what they have as an average for this fluid.

 

Transaxle Fluid Change Analysis - I am glad I changed the fluid. Wish I had done it at 30k.

 

I cant think of any wear parts that are aluminum. So that must be from the manufacturing process. Imagine all that metal being sloshed around by those motor armatures and pumped through the bearings. I think I would not go more than 20k on a new Prius without changing the transaxle fluid.

Im going to change it again in another 10k to see what comes out.

 

I'm getting pretty close to calling it 10k! Then change every 30k.

 

Considering the price of a transaxle replacement, $40 for fluid replacement is cheap.

 

Very nice!

 

I just changed ATF in my 2011 Prius (34k) based on instruction from PC. I was able to do it by removing the service panel for oil change only ( removed only 3 push pins). The used fluid is a little darker than the new one. Thank you everyone.

 

Just followed your thread for he 2010 Prius Transaxle Fluid Change to see how I compared to my 2007 Prius I did not long ago at 125,000 mile. Good info.
That must have been some rough miles to be that dirty.
I didn't see you do a couple things that are also important for the ATF change.
First, I would recommend you change the crush gasket, part 90430-18008, on both plugs, any time you change the fluid, less chance of leaking or stripping threads. Torqueing is always good.
Second, the drain plug has a magnet on its base. You should clean it every time with a cloth.
It gives you a good idea how much metal dust has worn off the transaxle parts. Good indicator of good or bad wear.

 

Where do you put a level ?