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2012 Plug-in Prius at 120K: dealer service recs vs what do I REALLY need?

Discussion in 'Gen 1 Prius Plug-in 2012-2015' started by cellistinstaug, Apr 26, 2023.

  1. cellistinstaug

    cellistinstaug New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 26, 2023
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    Location:
    Florida
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Advanced
    Hello and thank you for any guidance. I have a 2012 plug-in prius that just turned over 120k miles. I know when I go into the dealership on Friday they're going to tell me I need all SORTS of things and I don't know how to distinguish between 'let's get the uninformed older woman to buy every service whether the car needs it or not" and "I really need to do this." After reading online, the things that seem to be important to do at this point and that I have not done yet are (1) spark plugs, (2) transaxle fluid and maybe (3) engine coolant/hybrid system coolant." For the last few oil changes, all I've elected to do is to rotate the tires. Can someone who knows what they're talking about please advise me? I appreciate any help in making informed choices here....
     
    #1 cellistinstaug, Apr 26, 2023
    Sari Kay and bisco like this.
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    May 11, 2005
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    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    i think your 3 sound good, but i would check the service interval guide that came with your car to be sure you don't miss anything.
    if you cannot locate it, you can get it online at toyota.com/owners
    maybe add brake fluid if it's not on there.
     
    #2 bisco, Apr 26, 2023
  3. Sari Kay

    Sari Kay New Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Pomona CA 91769
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    2012 Prius Plug in hybrid
    I have been having trouble with the coolant/anti freeze light going on ...3 mechanics I've showed to have not found any leak changed the lid cover of the coolant reservoir and it helped but it still comes on only when driving over 60mph and uphill...lower speeds uphill it does not come on...this light goes off after about a 1 minuet or two when going down the hill...please help...the water boils over the reservoir...did put scanner to reset the memory... it did decrease but still went on once...used 100% pink coolant and some water, any ideas, please help. with gratitude and love in advance for honest ...from a senior on low income
     
    #3 Sari Kay, Nov 13, 2024 at 4:54 PM
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
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    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    hi sari,i think you need to have the trouble codes read by someone with a prius aware scanner.
    you might be better off starting a new thread. let me know if you need help with that.
    all the best!
     
    #4 bisco, Nov 14, 2024 at 10:27 AM
    Mendel Leisk likes this.
  5. Brian1954

    Brian1954 Senior Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    South Central PA, USA
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    III
    You need to replace the engine water pump ASAP! I recommend an OEM pump.

    Do not drive your car at highway speed until the water pump is replaced. You are overheating the engine, which can lead to head gasket problems.

    HybridPit in Buena Park would be a good place to take your car for the water pump replacement. Give them a call and ask for an estimate.
     
    #5 Brian1954, Nov 14, 2024 at 12:52 PM
    Last edited: Nov 14, 2024 at 12:58 PM
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