New owner. Let's talk maintenance on a 2nd Gen Prius

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Brando714, Jun 8, 2020.

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  1. Brando714

    Brando714 Member

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    So I recently joined this forum because I purchased a 2004 Prius with 175K miles. I had asked about what maintenance I should do since I have no idea of the maintenance history and I had a lot of good deliveries from you guys and I appreciate it. Here is the update on some of the things I took care of but please post your input on what you would also do if this was your vehicle you recently purchased

    Completed the following:
    -Oil Change
    -New Tires
    -Cleaned battery fan
    -Cleaned throttle body
    -Cleaned MAF sensor
    -Replaced engine filter and cabin air filter
    -Replaced serpentine belt
    -Opened the inverter reservoir and confirmed coolant inside are swirling

    About to do:
    -Replace transmission fluid
    -Replace PCV valve
    -Replace spark plugs
    -Flush brake fluid and bleed
    -Replace rear brakes (possibly)
    *I won't mess with the water pump, thermostat or flushing coolant because there are no leaks so I will worry about it when necessary or after I added like 15-20k miles. Don't want to keep spending money on things if they are working fine unless absolutely crucial to do so.
    (I feel the I can't trust the brake system if I have to slam on it in highway speed. My front brakes are at 30-40% but not sure on the rear. I'm hoping the actuator is fine but not really sure how to check. The ABS warning light intermittently comes on, but has not for the past 3 days of driving total of 6 miles.)
     
    #1 Brando714, Jun 8, 2020
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    get tech stream and check for trouble codes

    have you load tested the 12v?

    lube the front caliper slide pins
     
    #2 bisco, Jun 8, 2020
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  3. ETC(SS)

    ETC(SS) The OTHER One Percenter.....

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    If I woke up with a 2004 in my driveway, and I did not have access to the dealership maintenance records, I would do all of the checks outlined HERE:
    https://www.toyota.com/t3Portal/document/omms-s/MSTOYALL04_MS0011/pdf/04w1smt.pdf

    You've already covered or are going to cover the basics.
    The only thing I would do differently is take a good look at the color of the inverter and engine coolants, and consider replacing those.

    Good Luck!!
     
    #3 ETC(SS), Jun 8, 2020
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  4. Brando714

    Brando714 Member

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    Yea I did the secret display mode (hold onto Display button and ON/OFF headlights 3 times) and put the radio, headlights and fan on and it displayed over 13V
     
    #4 Brando714, Jun 8, 2020
  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    not sure how that mode works, but even a brand new fully charged battery will not show over 13v under load.

    i would swing by an auto parts store for a free load test, or at least do a simple one and measure the voltage with everything off, then turn on the headlights and record the voltage every minute for 5 minutes.
     
    #5 bisco, Jun 8, 2020
  6. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    For 2nd gen brake fluid, unless you're conversant with Techstream, I'd let the dealership do it. If you have TS and want to DIY I can post info.

    With brake pad work I'd disconnect 12 volt neg before starting, and when done pump brake pedal several times before reconnecting.

    For transaxle fluid Toyota ATF WS is safe bet, refill till it overflows, with car level. 4 quarts should be sufficient purchase. IIRC torque for both drain and fill bolts is 29 ft/lb.
     
    #6 Mendel Leisk, Jun 8, 2020
  7. Brando714

    Brando714 Member

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    Yea weird cause when I had my multi-meter I checked my GS350's battery and it was at a healthy 12.4V. But for some reason, with the display check I was kinda baffled to see it even get to the 13's. Wish I can find my multi-meter but can't find it in the garage
     
    #7 Brando714, Jun 8, 2020
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  8. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    12.4 is not what I'd call "healthy". You might have caught it on an off-day. Test with an electronic load tester.

    When you're reading 13 something, likely reading the voltage with the car woke up and taking over?
     
    #8 Mendel Leisk, Jun 8, 2020
  9. Brando714

    Brando714 Member

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    ? For a regular 12V battery on a car, the range of good battery is 12.4-12.6V and thats what my GS350 was
     
    #9 Brando714, Jun 8, 2020
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  10. Brando714

    Brando714 Member

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    Yea, coolant looks pink enough to me.
     
    #10 Brando714, Jun 8, 2020
  11. Brando714

    Brando714 Member

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    thanks, I bookmarked the maintenance schedule
     
    #11 Brando714, Jun 8, 2020
  12. Brando714

    Brando714 Member

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    I'm gonna look into lubing the slide pins. May I ask why you specifically mentioned that? Common issue or had that problem personally in your Prius? thanks
     
    #12 Brando714, Jun 8, 2020
  13. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    I would not do anything else to this car until you solve the ABS LIGHT COMING ON. That could very well be a bad actuator leaking pressure. You don't want to spend a ton of money on the car and then realize the actuator is going out and need to spend $500-$2000
     
    #13 JC91006, Jun 9, 2020
  14. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i haven't had a problem, but others have. being in anaheim, it probably isn't a big issue. mostly road salt related.
     
    #14 bisco, Jun 9, 2020
  15. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    I just got into caliper pin lube with our 2010 Prius. Did brake jobs (pad clean up or replacement, lube of contact points) on various Honda's we had, but never thought to touch the pins. The Honda Shop Manual suggests to remove just the bottom bolt and rotate up the caliper, so it didn't occur to me.

    Never had a stuck pin, but when I did recently check a Honda with maybe 220K kms, the pins were getting along, could have used lube sooner.

    The South Main Auto guy does a steady parade of brake jobs (on his YouTube channel). He'll sometimes lube pins, more often he leaves it assembled, and just checks that they're moving freely. He's in up-state New York, sees a lot of the "crusties".

    One thing that'll do them in is if the boot develops a crack or hole: then they'll seize up pretty quick.
     
    #15 Mendel Leisk, Jun 9, 2020
  16. Brando714

    Brando714 Member

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    Oh ok, I'll skip it then
     
    #16 Brando714, Jun 9, 2020
  17. Brando714

    Brando714 Member

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    I'll def take care of it when I do replace my brakes
     
    #17 Brando714, Jun 9, 2020
  18. Prius717

    Prius717 Junior Member

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    Would this manual be the same for 08 Prius?
     
    #18 Prius717, Jun 11, 2020
  19. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    You can download any of the Warranty and Maintenance Booklets at Toyota Tech Info, in the "manuals" section. One thing, they go event-by-event, so virtually impossible to grok the the "patterns". I've done a spreadsheet summary. The Extended versions are just my extrapolation of the official version, which ends at 120K miles IIRC:
     

    Attached Files:

    #19 Mendel Leisk, Jun 11, 2020
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