Changing oil in a Prius sucks

Similar here: I've got a couple of wrenches that are 17" from fulcrum to end of handle, makes it a lot easier.

mmmodem, I'd say it was a combination of factors that caused your filter removal problem. First off, the previous mechanic might have grossly over torqued it (spec is 18 lb/ft). Then maybe your filter socket: could be a bit oversize, say 2.5" instead of 64 mm. This would allow it to shift, lock up more. Finally a regular wrench length: leads to applying jolts of torque to compensate, making it more likely to lock.

 

Very wise.

 

Yep. Factory overtightened. Think of the bright side. Moving forward it'll be easier.
After reading your post, I look forward in changing mine. Not .

LG-H901 ?

 

It's not that hard at all. I do t like the stupid flap, but that's the deal. You roll up the ramps, pop about six clips, drain oil and filter, replace and refill. Not that hard.

 

@Frederickdawg has a 2016 with a dead simple oil change access panel: no hinge, 2 or 3 screws, and it comes right off.

With our 3rd gen I take the entire panel off, wash out the push fasteners, re-install. Quite easy. Two fasteners (at the flap) are slightly larger, you need to take care not to mix them up. But goes quick, no big deal.

 

but you're the guy with the black bun avatar.

 

On any car you have to get a container under the car, open/close the drain bolt and change the filter. That's a given. On a Prius you have to move a stupid plastic flap. That's the whole deal. Now, when it comes to replacing the spark plugs... it's MUCH harder than other cars. But you have that 100,000 mile interval...

 

i may want to try that. driving on the ramps is huge anxiety for me too. prius is the only car that requires ramps to change oil.

 

I used Rhino ramps to raise my vehicle. Another user mentioned anxiety using these so here's what I did: I drove right to the start of the ramps and measured how far the front edge of my wheel was to where it'd make contact with the end edge where they'd have to stop before dropping off the end! I then used that measurement to place a broom stick that far away from my driver's side side view mirror. This gave me the confidence to slowly creep up the ramps and then stop right before touching the stick.

The ramps brought the Prius up high enough to get under and work somewhat comfortably; especially, after I placed painters plastic sheeting underneath which kept me clean and let me slide a bit better underneath on my (completely flat) drive way's concrete. This plastic sheeting, together with the plastic flap having enough bend, allowed me to force open the flap completely out of the way of the drain plug and close it when I was done.

The drain plug and filter were on rediculously tight and I had to use a lot of force to get those off. Be careful not to hit your knuckles once they give! Also, that first oil release comes out in an arch, doesn't just drip straight down, so place your collector pan accordingly. For the filter housing, on my 2012 Prius, my parts dealer saved the day and told me I needed a special filter wrench with some slots cut into the edges. I would just insist they bring you the filter housing for your vehicle to the counter and have them help you find the right wrench that matches it for 100% no-fuss certainty every time.

Make sure you have a couple of funnels for refilling the new and pouring the old oil from the drain container into your transport container. Gloves and rags or paper towels were a must.

I think first time was a bit rough but I can zip through and save some nice change in the long run. Also, high hopes, maybe dealers will start dropping prices once more people do their own oil changes.

 

Ah, and I referenced the Haynes Toyota Prius 2001-12 repair manual along the way.

You alo need to use a flat head screw driver to pry out the cener part of the rivets from the flap, then pull out the center part of the rivets before inserting them back in *and then* tapping the center back in.