Changing the transmission fluid ATF WS

Should be fine

 

How much was it?

FWIW, I looked over the left-over bottle I have (Toyota Canada liter bottle), and there's no date or expiration notice. That said, I've seen a Toyota publication that cautions to only use fluid from freshly opened bottles. In light of that I think I'll just recycle the left-over I have.

 

That applies to BRAKE FLUID, not transmission or engine oil.

 

Sigh...



Sam will be back shortly to explain why the above doesn't mean squat.

 

Like Mansplaining?

 

Well you can do those in conjunction: use it immediately upon opening, and if they're more than 5 years old, don't use. Still, I think the first proviso will do for your situation. Saves chasing after that EBay vendor?

 

Remember, it says it "MAY" absorb moisture, not that it WILL, IF it's left open, which it's not.
It also depends on how long. It take brake fluid 2 years. So if you change your fluid once or twice a year,
it won't/shouldn't be a problem.

 

Well no I won't.
But I will point out how it has no bearing on what you originally said.

Using the right terms is important. When talking about dogs, you can't call them cats.

The documentation you provided says "sealed". It does NOT say "unopened".
Those are not the same thing.

YOU said "freshly opened". And then provided documentation that does NOT say "freshly opened".
It says "sealed".

You can take off the cap, use half of it, put back the cap firmly........and it will still be "sealed".
Understand ??

 

My 2 cents, use it soon,, and recycle any left over.

 

Is the transmission in a Gen 3 Prius not vented in any way? I.e., it is truly sealed, and air pressure builds up in it as it warms up, really? I know it does not have a dipstick.

This is related to the tangent discussed above about water. My understanding is that in almost all automotive fluids other than brake fluid, it's not a yuge deal if a little water is involved, since it will quickly boil off or evaporate at higher temperatures and leave through the vent as water vapor.

 

I've heard some mention of the sound of air moving as the first bolt is removed, never noticed it myself though. I suspect it is air-tight, but not sure.

Fourth gen transaxle fluid change instruction has a new instruction, not present with third gen:


It's a little absurd, considering the very next step is to remove the fill bolt, and start adding fluid. But what is says to to me is some engineer was concerned about protracted air exposure for the fluid, and they added this step to placate him/her.

Full third and fourth gen instructions attached:

 

You answered your own question in post 7. The manufacturer put on the bottle not to use after 5 years. Do you think you will find someone on this forum that is more knowledgeable than Toyota?

 

I would check the ebay listing where you purchased, and if no mention that it says exp date or age, ask for a refund.

Then up to you whether to use or not.
Me personally I would spend the ~$40 and get more that is manuf more recent.

question, my "c" (same eng as Gen2) am I correct it has a vent nipple on the trans?
But is that a one way vent?
Does Gen3 have the same?