any progress on the DIY oil change guide for 2010?

If you're waiting for one from me, that won't be until sometime in August. The procedure is different and the photos will be a challenge, but driving enough miles to need the change is the biggest part of the wait.
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Why do it yourself when you can take it to your local dealer like I do. It doesn't cost much and they can dispose of the old oil so I don't have to worry about it. I like taking it there because they do an inspection on my vehicle while it is on the rack, they catch anything that is wrong with it that I probably would not. My local dealer SIERRA TOYOTA has always done a great job with my prius.

 

I prefer doing most of the simple stuff (like changing the oil) myself. That way I am visually inspecting the car and can keep a tally on anything unusual - like new signs of an oil or coolant leak. I know I am much more interested in the healthy running of my vehicle than anyone else. I am not bashing mechanics - they simply see dozens of cars a day and one more stain isn't going to ruin their business. If the signs are big enough, they may let you know about it. If not, they don't say anything.

When I notice a stain or such, I start paying attention to it. In this way, I feel more connected to the health of my car. I can begin to predict when I will need to change certain things or begin to worry about something more major.

All-in-all, DIY is more a piece of mind - at least for me. It is a way for me to keep a finger on the pulse of my car. When you consider that it only takes a few minutes and saves me a few $$ to boot, I feel more than aptly justified in doing it myself.

 

Quick question. Does the '10 use a cartridge filter or a contained filter.

 

Cartridge.

 

I did every oil change in my '05 as I plan to on my '10. Everything was easy to get to and the whole job took less than 10 minutes. I can't see paying someone to do a job that doesn't even make me break a sweat.

 

+1 definitely :rockon:

 

Here's a start, someone else can finish if they want.



From the rear


Wayne

 

It's the round black cap in the pic just above and to the right of the oil pan.

Wayne

 

It may be harder than it looks in these pictures. Notice the car is on a lift and the access panel to the oil filter area and drain plug goes below the tire when open.

The car will have to be on ramps or you will have to jack it up, and if you jack it up it has to be level to drain the oil correctly from the pan.

I have read to drain the oil without the car on a lift requires you to remove the whole plate underneath the engine compartment.

 

Doesn't matter if on a lift, ramps or jack stands, three push-pins and it opens.

Wayne

 

Anyone know the torque values? I have heard 18 ft lbs for the filter cap and 24 ft lbs for the drain plug. I know "good mechanics" can do it by feel but I prefer to use a torque wrench.

Thanks for the pictures Wayne.

 

Yes you did, I thought I had seen them somewhere. It's 27 ft lbs for the plug and 18 ft lbs for the filter. Now all I need is a car and I can do the job.