2001 Prius: Could transaxle be bad with so few symptoms?

Discussion in 'Generation 1 Prius Discussion' started by 2001 Prius owner, Jun 16, 2016.

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  1. 2001 Prius owner

    2001 Prius owner New Member

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    2001 Prius
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    Our 2001 Prius has 280,000 miles, drives normally, no check engine lights, mileage is same as usual (51 mpg). We noticed 2 symptoms: 1) less resistance than usual when shifting from park to reverse to neutral, and 2) when in park, that didn't prevent it from rolling. Drove it to the dealership (still drove normally, no hesitation, etc). They say it needs a new transmission. They don't repair transmissions but would put in a remanufactured one from Toyota ($3400 + labor). I asked if it could be the shift cable rather than transmission but they think that the cable must be ok because it still shifts. There were no trouble codes. Is it likely that the transmission is bad with so few symptoms? If so, might it be something that could be repaired at a transmission shop rather than a replacement?
    We would appreciate any advice.
     
    #1 2001 Prius owner, Jun 16, 2016
  2. Pri-Eye

    Pri-Eye Junior Member

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    2001 Prius
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    If the vehicle can roll while in Park, this indicates that the Parking Pawl is broken. The Parking Pawl is a lever in the transmission that prevents the car from rolling while in Park.

    This is Part Numer: 35584-47010. While the Part itself costs less than $20, the labor is rather involved as it would require removing the inverter. This is a repair any competant home mechanic can make, especially with the assistance of the Senior Members here.

    That being said, most people just bear with this and ALWAYS engage the Parking Brake when Parking. Parking Pawls break either from putting the car into Park before it has stopped moving, or just from repeated stress; like you would expect on one that is 280,000mi and 16 years old.

    You can prevent this by never using your Parking Pawl. And, this applies to any vehicle. When you want to Park come to a complete stop. With your foot still on the brake, put the vehicle into Neutral, then apply the Parking Brake. Now you can let off the brake to check that your Parking Brake works by ensuring that your car does not roll. Now step on the Brake and shift into Park. Congrats you've just parked without applying any pressure to your Parking Pawl.

    You might also expect to experience less resistance when shifting it out of Park, since the Pawl used to hold the car still, but is now sitting in the transmission pan. And, I wouldn't worry about getting it out of the transmission pan.

    Basically, learn a new Parking Routine and you'll be fine!
     
    #2 Pri-Eye, Jun 17, 2016
  3. 2001 Prius owner

    2001 Prius owner New Member

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    Thanks so much for this helpful information!!!

     
    #3 2001 Prius owner, Jun 17, 2016
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