I"m looking for and would be so appreciative of 1. links to the best advise on how to do the oil change, included which oil to purchase, how to do it, which oil filter to purchase, and whatever else there is that I may need to know. I ask for links, because I know that this has been hammered to death, but my searches just haven't quite produced the best possible link. For example, to say that synthetic oil is the best is good, but what weight? 2. If you are actually in Santa Cruz, where the Prius rules, could you tell me if you have an alternative mechanic other than the actual dealer? Now, before you blast me. I realize that I should have succeeded in finding the best info on this by searching, but I am not all sure that I did. I am just hoping that people that are not annoyed with this question, will supply links, and if they don't actually have said links, perhaps the actual ino? If the question is horribly irritating to you, you could ignore it, right? thanks for anythig that you can do, and bracing myself for the axe.
Don't feel bad about failed searches; the search feature on PC is spotty at best. There used to be a better one, but it fell victim to one of the hacks or reloads. Tom
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(qbee42 @ Jan 14 2007, 10:27 PM) [snapback]375679[/snapback]</div> Thanks, I really neeed that note of ecouragement!
go to www.john1701a.com under the "prius info" heading, check out the oil change link. john has a great how-to over on his site.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(galaxee @ Jan 14 2007, 10:41 PM) [snapback]375686[/snapback]</div> Wow! that was fast! Thanks so much.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jendbbay @ Jan 14 2007, 10:42 PM) [snapback]375687[/snapback]</div> By the way, the link really is comprehesive, beyond my wildest dreams. Thanks again.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jendbbay @ Jan 14 2007, 10:24 PM) [snapback]375678[/snapback]</div> Well, my cat woke me up at 11pm and I'm now wide awake. So I might as well burn off some of this energy. As far as "weight" unless you live in an extreme climate, stick with 5W-30. I'm currently running Mobil 1 0W-20, but we get cold up here. In the past week have dropped to -36 C a few times, currently -30 C. One thing I would suggest is staying away from whatever oil the dealer is using. I've covered this before, so here is the link http://priuschat.com/index.php?showtopic=14829 Wonderful crap oil that was, perhaps that is why Toyota had some sludging issues. I also believe the lack of a desiccant breather system on the tote bin contributed to the dirt and free moisture in the oil. I suggested a proper desiccant breather system which they could have had installed for under $100, but over a year later it still has a 180 degree bend open pipe.
Thanks! The discussion of the lousy dealership oil was one of the things I wanted to reconnect with, but didn't pull up with my searches. Thanks for the other info too.
Oil: Costco 5-30W Mobil 1 Oil Filter: Dealer OEM Filter or Pep Boys Purolator ($5.99 except when on sale) Filter wrench 3/8 socket driven, fits over filter end, $3.99 at Walmart Don't forget to check cabin and engine air filter. You can't see the oil filter without jacking the car. Good luck.
Here's another great tutorial from Tom Stangl, the vfaq man: http://www.vfaq.net/mods/OilChange.html Yes, you CAN see the oil filter without putting the car on ramps--it's a little tight, but that's how I do my changes (I've also got a small head, so YMMV). Of course, if it's on ramps you can also do the other inspections that are shown in the maintenance guide... Also, I use the Toyota filters, since they are very good (and my dealer usually has them on sale). I have been told that the orange Fram filters are pretty bad
