$300 for 116k coolant change

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by dex3703, Oct 20, 2016.

Tags:
  1. dex3703

    dex3703 Member

    Joined:
    Oct 26, 2015
    49
    28
    0
    Location:
    Seattle
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    IV
    Hello,

    I wanted to get a sanity check on changing my 2005 Prius coolant. The only place I can find to do it is the dealership, as the independent shops say it takes special equipment they don't have.

    Toyota of Seattle wants $300 to do this work. They are charging me twice, once for the coolant system and again for the inverter.

    The coolant looks okay, maybe a tad orangey than pink looking through the overfill, but has never been changed.

    Is there a way to test the coolant?
    Is $300 what to expect from the dealer?
    Is it worth doing?

    Read the relevant posts here I could find.
    Thanks,
    Derek
     
    #1 dex3703, Oct 20, 2016
  2. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 17, 2010
    57,957
    39,988
    80
    Location:
    Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    Just to verify, it's $300 to do both circuits, not $300 apiece?

    I think second gen is tougher than third gen, more trouble getting air out of the system? $300 for both circuits, for second gen, seems a little steep, but not by much. OTOH, just caution them to test drive, verify they've got the air out, that's what you're paying them for, not just a haphazard job.
     
    #2 Mendel Leisk, Oct 20, 2016
  3. Bluegrassman

    Bluegrassman Active Member

    Joined:
    Sep 8, 2016
    229
    185
    0
    Location:
    US
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    Excellent DIY video by usbseawolf2000

    2006 Prius Inverter Coolant Change:


    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #3 Bluegrassman, Oct 20, 2016
    Mendel Leisk likes this.
  4. PPR Prius

    PPR Prius New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 20, 2016
    1
    0
    0
    Location:
    Columbia, MO
    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    One
    Hello all! I am new to Columbia, MO and need someone that is reliable and trustworthy to work on my 2009 Prius that also won't break the bank. I need a Coolant Temperature Sensor Circuit Stack for Coolant Heat Storage (code P1116). Any recommendations?
     
    #4 PPR Prius, Oct 20, 2016
  5. M in KC

    M in KC Active Member

    Joined:
    Jun 21, 2014
    358
    106
    0
    Location:
    KC, MO
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    $300 for both systems seems reasonable. You will need 3-4 gallons of SLLC, crush gaskets and a couple of hours of labor for sure. As Mendel indicates you are paying for the job to be done right e.g. no air in the system(s). Definately worth doing IMO as all coolants break down over time and behind engine oil and trans fluid is the life blood of these cars.
     
    #5 M in KC, Oct 20, 2016
  6. dex3703

    dex3703 Member

    Joined:
    Oct 26, 2015
    49
    28
    0
    Location:
    Seattle
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    IV
    Thanks everyone! I'm getting the job done tomorrow.

    And yes, $300 for both.
     
    #6 dex3703, Oct 20, 2016
    Last edited: Oct 20, 2016
  7. exstudent

    exstudent Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 11, 2009
    2,214
    904
    0
    Location:
    Torrance, CA
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Why don't you ask for a price break? AAA discount? Military discount? Senior discount? Costco discount (at participating dealers)? Starving student discount? You will likely get 10% off.

    When was the transaxle (think transmission) fluid last drain & filled? Its a simple DRAIN and FILL only. No torque converter. $100 +/- a few dollars is the rate at dealers for parts (fluid & crush easher) and labor.
     
    #7 exstudent, Oct 20, 2016
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)