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How necessary are the Dealer's recommendations

Discussion in 'Gen 4 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by ROBR17, Sep 29, 2018.

  1. ROBR17

    ROBR17 Junior Member

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    Recently at the 30 K maintenance the dealer told me I needed:

    EFI System Cleaner $ 139.05
    Induction Cleaner $ 160.90

    any thoughts?
     
  2. ROBR17

    ROBR17 Junior Member

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    At my 30K maintenance the dealer recommended two things:

    EFI System Cleaner $ 130.00
    Induction Cleaner $ 160.00
     
  3. Starship16

    Starship16 Senior Member

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    RUN! :) He's nuts.

    (Your question should be in the Gen4 forum. Might get more answers.)

     
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  4. Starship16

    Starship16 Senior Member

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    I'm no expert, but I would decline. I've never heard of those two services. And your car is still very new.
    This has come up before. Many think that the mechanic simply pours in a bottle of fuel system cleaner into the gas tank. But they give it a fancy name, and a ridulous price.
     
  5. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    Ah! I see that you did ask the "collective." That dealer is a thief. Where in FL are you and what's the dealer's name? Hand him your Owner's Warranty Information Guide and ask him to show you where those items are listed in the maintenance schedule. Here's the 30,000 mile page from my 2013 and I suspect yours is the same or very similar.
    Screen Shot 2018-09-29 at 10.27.18 AM.png
     
  6. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    As I said in your other thread, dealer is a thief. Stay away. I have never in all my 45+ years of driving had that done. And it's not in the maintenance schedule, at least for 30k miles anyway. I didn't read it all.
     
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  7. RRxing

    RRxing Senior Member

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    If Toyota didn't put it in the maintenance guide, it is not necessary. There are, however, recommended practices (noted throughout Prius Chat) that aren't in the maintenance guide that you may elect to perform. E.G., transaxle fluid changes.

    Typically, any dealer-recommended service is just a money-maker for the dealership.
     
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  8. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk EGR Fanatic

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    The trouble is: some of the dealership recommended services may have merit. Often though, they're suggesting them way too soon. And invariably, way overpriced.

    Also, the descriptions are very vague: just what exactly are they doing? I really doubt they'd be removing the fuel injectors and individually cleaning them for example. And to do that at 30K miles would be absurd. They're likely running a bottle of something through the injector system. Much simpler/cheaper: occasionally add a bottle of fuel injector cleaner when filling up. Research the names, look for one with PolyEtherAmine (PEA) and a good rep.
     
  9. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    look in your o/m for toyota recommended maintenance. 30k = oil and filter, tyres, check/clean/replace air and cabin filters, inspect/lube brake guide pins, and maybe throw in tranny fluid change.

    the 2 services they mentioned are boat payments.
     
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  10. fuzzy1

    fuzzy1 Senior Member

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    You beat me to it.

    Answering the thread title question, these services are necessary for the service advisor to make his next yacht payment.
     
    #10 fuzzy1, Sep 29, 2018
    Last edited: Sep 29, 2018
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  11. alanclarkeau

    alanclarkeau Senior Member

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    The mechanic's lease payment is due on his ... yacht. Just say no. It would be different if it had done 150,000 or 200,000km
     
  12. El Dobro

    El Dobro A Member

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    At least they didn't try to sell you a power steering flush.
     
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  13. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    Or the timing belt is cracking and needs replaced :rolleyes:.

    Might want to ask them next time if they have bought anything expensive recently they need assistance with payments on;).

    I’d find another dealer in Fl to service your needs(y).
     
  14. WilDavis

    WilDavis Senior Member

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    …and don't forget to check the estimate (in ancillaries) for sky-hooks on which to hang the tins of elbow-grease. ;)
     
  15. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    those are important hybrid services, don't pass on them.
     
  16. exstudent

    exstudent Senior Member

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    The service writer needs a down payment for his boat, at your expense.

    EFI System Cleaner = bottle of Fuel Injector cleaner added
    $4.72-$7.18; Pep Boys
    I like Chevron's Techron, and many here do too.

    If you always buy gas from a Top Tier gas station, realistically, you won't need to add any FI cleaner to your car. Why? Top Tier gas has good detergents to keep injectors and valves clean; thus the price compared to non-Top Tire gas. Remember, you get what you pay for.
    TOP TIER™ Gasoline Brands
    However, many of us here still do a treatment periodically.

    Here's a Consumer Reports article that's very compelling for Top Tier gas.
    Study: Top Tier Gasoline Worth the Extra Price - Consumer Reports

    That dealership will add the chemical system they subscribe to. It is NOT the same retail over-the-counter products like Chevron's Techron line; otherwise they could not gouge you.


    Induction Cleaner = Throttle Body cleaner & MAF cleaning
    $3.99 can; Pep Boys
    $7.19 can; Pep Boys
    Some auto parts store sell a discounted two pack of Throttle Body and MAF cleaner; get it if you see it.
    Look at various YouTube for throttle body and MAF cleaning to get an idea of what is required; lots of crazies doing things incorrectly, thus the need to see various videos. Best to reference the factory service manual on the proper procedure.
    Decide for yourself if this is something you can do yourself.

    With the money saved, feel free to send me a Starbucks gift card of any value, and/or buy PriusChat a Beer to help with their operating costs.

    READ THIS. What services you need and what you don't | PriusChat
    Most of it will probably be applicable to your Gen4 Prius, even though this guide pertains to a Gen2 (2004-2009).

    Knowledge is Power. Unscrupulous people/business prey on ignorance with scary words and horrible expensive outcomes, to make you spend unnecessarily.
     
    #16 exstudent, Oct 4, 2018
    Last edited: Oct 4, 2018
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  17. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace 2025 Camry XLE FWD

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    What is induction cleaner? They clean the magnets in MG1 and MG2 ???? :D
     
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  18. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace 2025 Camry XLE FWD

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    Since you have a Gen ; do NOT let them anywhere near your car for the wiring harness recall.
    I am driving 150 miles to my preferred dealer for that inspection.
     
  19. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace 2025 Camry XLE FWD

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    They forgot the very important wallet blinker fluid flush!
     
  20. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk EGR Fanatic

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    This thread is a double posting, and devolving into Fred's House of Pancakes. Time to pull the plug?