Drained and replaced originally at 60K. It came out practically black. Decided 60K was way too long so I did it again at 90K. Came out clear and pink. I figured perhaps it was initial break in material that had made it so dark the first time. So I decided I'd never do it again. But 80K later I was getting antsy and decided maybe I'd better do it after all. Did it yesterday. Came out clear and pink. Looked new. So this time I really am done.......unless maybe I decide to do it again in another 150K
Agreed. It's a cheap and easy maintenance job, and good insurance for your expensive transaxle. You may use your findings to extend the interval somewhat, but I wouldn't want to forgo it altogether. You just got it the wrong way around sorka. Change first at 30k (miles) and then every 60k or even longer. It's always the during the break in that sheds the most wear metal, so the first change is always the most important. I mentioned exactly the same observation when I last changed mine. I changed mine at 60k and again at 120k miles, so exactly the same interval but the second time it was in *much* better condition. If I keep the car long enough to do further changes I'll consider 75 or 80 kmiles for my next interval. And BTW. What's with the multiple identical posts. That's something (annoying) that newbies with under 10 posts usually do. Total waste of transaxle fluid... | PriusChat
I just searched up my recent thread on this topic. The following thread has pictures of my magnetic drain plug at my 1st ATF change at 100,000 km (approx 60k miles) and again at 200,000 km. Same interval but very different results. Second ATF drain at 125000 miles. Much cleaner than first. | PriusChat
Thanks for sharing that. 60K is what is recommended (and what I would do anyway) for my Tacoma and it operates in conditions that are much more severe than a Prius will ever see.
I agree that it is not a waste of your time or fluid but just good preventative maintenance practice. I changed mine at 25k miles and again at 50k. The 25k was extremely dark and the 50k was only slightly better. I plan to change it again at 100k and I would be very happy to see it come out clear and pink like yours. It would tell me that I did the right thing by changing it early when most of the wear and break-in was done. If it does I will just extend the mileage before the next change like uart.
