Used Prius, a good idea?

'didn't have any oil in it'.

 

That's just silly; never too late. I don't know 2nd gen details; the drain/fill bolt style are a little different, but I believe it's the same Toyota ATF-WS it takes.

 

Yea the 2006 had 30k on it, figured the dealer new where the plugs where. When the service manager said it didn't have oil in the trans, I told him to get some one that knew something about the car. I'm guessing I called him an idiot. I've never been there again. But thinking about it, at that time it wasn't a recommended service item. Then the Prius was a new to design that they didn't know much about.

I'm giving the car to my grand son. I'll make the trans oil change his first project. Anyone know where there are detailed instructions?

 

mendel does. pm him if he doesn't respond.

 

I only have 3rd gen instruction, excerpt from the "repair manual". There's really not much to it though, and 2nd gen is similar in most regards. It's not that hands-on helpful, terse. The main thing: it confirms the thing has drainable fluid, what to use, capacity, correct fluid level, torques. It also makes understated mention of the car needing to be level, during a subsequent level check.

Any, I'll attach what I have for 3rd gen. The main differences I think for 2nd gen: one of the 2nd gen bolts (fill or drain?) is different shape/diameter, the spec. fluid capacity might be a bit different. Regardless if you're DIY or getting a mechanic to do this, I think this will help:

Raise and level the car, safely. Remove fill bolt (best to remove this one first, just in case you encounter problems). Place a drain pan and remove the drain bolt. Install the drain bolt (use fresh washer if possible, with both bolts). Run a funnel with tube extension down to the fill hole (or use a pump from below, but a funnel/hose is very cheap and effective), and add fluid, until it starts coming back out. Install fill bolt.

There's an instruction in the attachement to recheck level after a drive. I wouldn't bother; it's a lot of work. Just work carefully, ensure you've torqued the bolts, and keep an eye on the underside for drips, say after a day or two.

The dealership parts department should be able to get:

Drain and fill bolt washers
Toyota ATF-WS fluid (get 4 quarts or liters, it'll take somewhat over 3)

Toyota ATF-WS fluid was readily available for me when I asked at a Canadian dealership, they sell it in liters up here. It was $9 something per liter. The drain and fill bolt washers were also available, albeit something like $2 apiece. There's a few brave souls using alternate fluids, as far as I can see, there's no upside to this. The Owners Manual strongly cautions against using anything else.

3rd gen drain and fill bolts are identical, require a male, 10mm hex socket, and the torque is 29 fl/lb. Second gen is a bit different, at least one requires a larger diameter regular (female) socket, maybe 24mm? Maybe @Patrick Wong will chime in?

 

2G needs a 24 mm socket to remove the fill plug. 10 mm hex key socket for the drain plug. 29 ft.-lb tightening torque. 4 quarts of ATF WS needed.

 

Does 2nd gen have a magnetic drain plug? None with 3rd.

 

Yes. It has a circular magnet within the plug. I use a paper towel to wipe off the ferrous powdery accumulation.

 

It'll retain its value well. If I were you, bring a mechanic with you for used car inspections.