What services you need and what you don't

Thanks, what is an work hour estimate of:

1. replacing the iridium spark plugs.
2. replacing the engine air filter.
3. replacing serpentine drive belt,
4. replacing PCV valve
5. replacing transaxle ATF.
6. 3 part service.
7. EFI cleaning.

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Don't know what it would take a pro. For an amateur like me...

1. replacing the iridium spark plugs. - 20 min. (unless one or more is seized)
2. replacing the engine air filter. - 10 min.
3. replacing serpentine drive belt - haven't done it, but read it was < 1 hr.
4. replacing PCV valve - 30 min.
5. replacing transaxle ATF - 30 min.
6. 3 part service - not sure what this is
7. EFI cleaning - haven't done it

Some of these can be combined to compress time...example, changing the plugs and air filter (and cleaning the MAF and throttle body) while waiting on the transaxle fluid to drain out.

 

Hey Everyone,

I used to visit PriusChat everyday before and for several years after I bought my 2006 Prius, but haven't been on the site much recently. However, my Prius is now at 90,000 miles and I was wondering what I should have serviced. I have only done oil changes, changed tires, and had the engine water pump replaced once. I also replace the engine air filter and cabin air filter at the specified mileages. I don't think I've done anything else to it, so it may be overdue for some things. I live in LA, so driving conditions are not too harsh.

Please advise. Thank you in advance.

 

Check your Prius Manual for complete details.

From what I recall:

ATF - Change out transmission fluid
Coolant fluid change: both engine and inverter.
inverter water pump change - possible recall issue
clean MAF sensor and throttle body plate
Replace PCV valve
Replace Thermostat and gasket
Change spark plugs - usually at 120k but can be done earlier
Replace serpentine belt
Replace brake fluid (every 3 yrs)
Clean HV hybrid fan
Check your small 12v battery for proper charge (usually 4 yr life)
Inflate spare tire to 60 psi
Replace wiper blades
Polish headlights

 

Thank you! You reminded me...I did replace my battery with an Optima YellowTop in May 2014.

I'll check the manual as well.

 

IMHO the hybrid fan only needs checking/cleaning if you often have furry passengers in the backseat. And as for brakes, I'm more inclined to use the water and copper dipstix for a check rather than change automatically.

 

My 2007 has 155K miles. Other than regular oil & air filter changes, little service has been done except the following: brake fluid @ 134K, new 12v battery @80K, top engine clean @ 71K, alignments with each set new tires, all recall items. After reading this post through, and reviewing the owners manual, I find the following items may need to be done.
spark plugs
coolant changes
transaxle ATF change
PCV valve replace
serpentine belt replace
alignment
brake adjustment

I'm on a super tight budget and wondering if anyone would be willing to help me prioritize these and any missing items. I have recently moved to upstate New York where the weather is bitterly cold. Must drive about 2 miles on a dirt road each day here, and drove about 4 miles on dirt daily for the previous 5 years. Otherwise, driving conditions are pretty normal mix of surface streets and highway. What ever needs to be done will have to be accomplished in stages. Thanks so much for your help!

 

The iridium spark plugs and engine/inverter coolant changes should be done first. The PCV valve is really inexpensive and should be performed at this time.
The serpentine belt and transaxle ATF should be done next.
The other items should be done later. If you don't notice unusual tire wear or brake problems you can defer wheel alignment and brake adjustment.

Given your budget status, I would not have performed the brake fluid change or the engine clean service.

 

Woodstork,
DIY (with a friend in needed) to save a lot of money

The plugs and ATF are about $40 each.

 

Patrick, do you agree with this list? Just curious and wanting a second opinion please. Also, could you prioritize for me too? I am in between jobs right now.

 

The list is reasonable - I would place high priority on replacing the iridium spark plugs, the coolant, and the ATF fluid. I would also replace the serpentine belt and PCV valve, and make sure the 12V battery is in good condition. Especially if you have time on your hands, I suggest that you try to DIY as much as possible.

 

Thank you. Which ones would be DIY for someone who doesn't know much about cars? I replaced the 12V battery myself and have replaced both the engine air filter and cabin air filter several times myself.

Which ones would you suggest a mechanic do?

 

None of us were born knowing how to work on a Prius. There are many posts on the forum (several by me) about how to perform most of the required services.

I suggest you start by doing a really easy job like engine oil/oil filter change. If you enjoy doing that, then do the transaxle ATF change.

If you can do that without causing a problem, then do the iridium spark plugs and PCV valve. Then do the serpentine drive belt.

This all assumes that you have a reasonable way to lift the car, like a hydraulic floor jack, and jack stands to keep the car in the air. It also assumes you will invest in a reasonable set of metric tools. If you try to rely upon the scissors jack provided with the car you will get quickly tired of the process.

The engine coolant change is a bit difficult because a complete change requires draining coolant at the coolant heat recovery canister and running the pump manually to refill the canister. This is a topic that I have posted on. Even some Toyota dealer techs screw up the job, but it can be done by a DIYer who is motivated and can pay attention to detail.

 

Thank you for the comprehensive reply! Cheers.

 

Any man or woman that has worked on mid to basic automotive maintenance and upkeep should be able to do 75% of all recommended mileage maintenance items in Gen II Prius. A good set of tools and access to You Tube. I just changed brakes front and rear, including rotors in front in our new/used 2008 V 120,000k. Took less than an hour. I have a KEY friend who is a mechanic for Toyota. We previously owned a Camry. In between a couple of Belgian Ales we put her up on my 1/2 lift (raises any car 5 ft) He removed all tires, checked fluids and gave his stamp of approval. Really folks, the car is an engineering masterpiece, and you will not find me working on the synergy drive. But if you have done home maintenance on previous cars, do your research and do not be afraid of this one.

Very, Very well put indeed. There is no reason to fear the Prius. Big Smile. - GHF

 

We just purchased the car two weeks ago with 120k miles on it. We knew going in it needed an immediate service. We also knew our kids and/or grandson were going to be in the back seat often while driving across the Mojave Desert.

I'm sure many of you will see us as suckers and wasting money but we just decided to have the dealer do it all simply for the peace of mind. Rather than mess with it since I'm not much of a DIY guy, we figure having the dealer do everything the first time for us is almost like setting up a new car. Except the air filters, which seem like no-brainers even for me, we're having them

Do all the 120k passport inspections
Replace oil and oil filter
Drain and refill transmission fluid
Drain and refill radiator coolant
Drain and refill inverter coolant
New iridium tipped spark plugs
Change brake fluid
New 12v battery (the original is still in the car after 9 years)
NOT change the PCV (the hybrid service tech said he very rarely sees a PCV change needed considering our local weather and driving conditions; he suggested holding off on it for now but didn't rule it out completely)

The hybrid battery was replaced at 90k miles. We figure the car will now be poised to give us the next 100k and beyond, giving me the time to familiarize myself with what I can and am willing to do. I won't have to rush it. We'll consider this service as adding to the purchase price and go forward from there.

 

Sounds like you've got a good approach, using the dealership, going in with your eyes open, and taking care of the simple things yourself.

 

Why did the first battery fail after just 90,000 miles? That's concerning. I'd like to see 200k out of mine.

 

I have no idea. That happened in August of 2011. It was on the CarFax and the dealer confirmed it when I dropped the car off this morning. The previous owner was local and took it to the same dealership. On their computer system the dealer just changed ownership to me so the detailed service history of the car from 5/2008 to 1/2014 can be referred to when I take it in.

 

Thanks!!

I bought a 2007 Prius touring and brought it to my local dealer.

They say:

Replace water pump $526
Electric motor service $229
Inverter Service $229
Coolant flush $179
Air and cabin filter
replace back wiper blade
new tires
spark plugs (soon)

I figured my 'local guy' could do the water pump for cheaper than that, so I had them do the Inverter service. It doesn't say if it's a flush or what. . .just 'service.' What does THAT mean??

I also had them do an oil change and the filters. Got ripped off on the filters too. . .aw well.

What should I have had them do/not do?