DIY visual inspection for dummies

The "front differential oil" should be ignored. That is the same as the transaxle ATF.

Regarding the transaxle drain and fill plug washers, you are supposed to replace them each time the plugs are removed. However I think it is safe to reuse them at least once, perhaps more if you want to save the cost of new washers.

The fuel line runs from the fuel tank up to the engine compartment. If you don't smell gasoline fumes I would not worry about that.

Inspect the radiator, engine coolant pump, and hoses for leaks, you would see pinkish or whitish stains. Inspect the air conditioner plumbing for oil leaks. No pressure gauge is required.

The Prius does not have a supercharger so there is no intercooler. Another example of the poor editing of that generic list.

 

Probably steel, but you can hit it with a tool to see if it sounds like metal or plastic.

 

See if a magnet sticks to it.

 

new owner and and found this thread very helpful. I really appreciate the detailed photos. I did have a question on checking the various fluids. Should the levels be checked while the vehicle is cold or at operating temperature? I ask because I have previously owned vehicles were this is a concern the difference would drastically effect the level and could cause false readings I measured on a cold engine.

Thanks.

 

There is very little difference in level between cold vs. operating temperature, so it really doesn't matter.

For a complete engine compartment fluid check, you should remove the large black plastic cover over the radiator for access to the radiator cap. That will enable you to ensure that the radiator fluid is at the top of the radiator neck. The radiator cap should be removed only when cool.

 

How about using some of the spray on truck bed liner stuff? I think you can even get it in colors other than black now.

 

This answered my question re: how to check the transaxle fluid level.

Since it is not the convenient pull-the-dipstick-out-and-see, how often should one stick-the-finger-up-and-see?

If there's no sign of leakage, is it safe to presume the t. fluid will last until the next 30k service?

On a side note: the Toyota parts catalog lists a transaxle filter. BritPrius says there's no such thing and I read not much about it.
Is this correct?

 

The transaxle ATF level should be checked at 30K mile intervals and the transaxle case should be inspected for leakage at that time. Regarding 2G, it is true that there is no filter that can be replaced during normal maintenance.

 

Super.
Thanks Patrick!

 

How come when I would bring my 2007 Prius to the Dunning Toyota dealership in Ann Arbor, MI for regular maintenance intervals they would state that my front brakes had 6mm left, but then when I brought the car to an independent mechanic he said the inside brake pads only had 1-2 mm left, while the outside front brakes were 6mm? The independent mechanic replaced the front brake rotors and front brake pads. This occurred back in June 2014 and my car was at 193,000 miles. I was bringing my car to the Toyota dealership at 180K, 150K, 120K etc. for maintenance.

 

Independent mechanic lied to you, Toyota did check it wrong, or your caliber sliders seized and did use the inside bad between the two.

 

Can't say I really understand what you wrote.

 

Either:

• The independent mechanic lied to you;
• Toyota checked it incorrectly, or;
• Your caliper sliders seized (between the two inspections) and it favored the inside pad, causing uneven wear.

 

That’s exactly what I meant. Is it really written that badly? But to ad to dolj seizing pins can also cause one brake pad to slowly wear even when you’re not pressing brake.

 

I don't know if the rust on my 06' with 59,000 miles needs attention yet or if I shouldn't worry about it...

 

That_Prius_Car.... Unusual, what part of the world do you live in?