Filler/Drain outlets for Transaxleoil

I am motivated to perform DIY maintenance by the sense of accomplishment that results from performing those physical tasks correctly, as well as lack of confidence that I would be treated fairly and honestly by relying upon a third party.

The cost of a transaxle fluid change for normal vehicles usually runs around $200 due to the large qty of fluid required as well as the concept of a "flush" vs. a "drain". Readers of this and related threads should now be well aware that the Prius transaxle fluid drain and refill is simple and inexpensive to perform. However, most dealers base service pricing on precedent established by other vehicles, instead of considering actual parts and labor cost required.

 

Patrick,

I am amazed and in awe by the depth of knowledge and helpfullness of you and everyone here.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

 

Anyone have a dealer refuse to sell you the WS fluid? I just stopped by Power Toyota in Tempe, AZ and the parts guy was adamant that the WS fluid can only be serviced in a shop, so they don't sell it.

 

How could they not stock this? Special order only? Tell them you need it for your ATV or something then see what the response is. Perhaps the guy is trying to get you to let them service the car for a ridiculous fee?

It's disturbing how service centers play games. Again not sure why they wouldn't be pushing product or services (some unnecessary per the scheduled) when auto dealerships are shutting down due to lack of sales.
You would think they would up sell during times like this.

baffles me

b

 

I changed the fluid today using 4 quarts of SuperTech Dexron VI. The plugs came off pretty easily and 4 quarts seemed just right. One thing I didn't see mentioned here is to wipe all the metal particles off the magnet on the back side of the drain plug. Thanks to all on this forum for the helpful procedure and photos!

 

Good reminder. I've noticed a tiny dome of ferrous particles that need to be cleaned off the little drain plug magnet.

Classic owners who remove the transaxle pan will find a much bigger accumulation of ferrous particles on the little rectangular magnet stuck to the pan bottom; frequently that magnet when covered with particles looks like a swollen black garden slug instead of a magnet. This implies that the Classic moving parts are wearing at a faster rate compared to 2G and may also explain why a higher % of Classic transaxles have failed in service.

Suggest you call around to the other Toyota dealers in Phoenix to inquire about availability and price; MSRP is $5.20 per quart. I recall that a local dealer's parts dept clerk also told me that WS has a 100K mile service life and discouraged me from replacing the fluid early.

 

I went to the dealer yesterday to buy the WS and it was $5.20 a quart. On my way out I asked a service advisor what the cost would be for a transaxle drain and fill. At first he said "Do you have an automatic transmission?" and I said "No, a transaxle...it is a CVT..it is a simple 4 quarts of fluid - drain and fill only, no filter, no flush." He then said "Oh. It is 49.95 plus tax" Considering the cost of the fluid without tax is $20.80, that is a very reasonable price. So after I do it this first time to see for myself, I may let them do it in the future so long as the price is correct.

Isn't there some stuff in a tube that a mechanic can use across a bolt to show if it has been tampered with since being marked? Being the skeptic I am, I would want to mark the fill and drain plugs prior to bringing it in for service to see that the plugs would actually have been removed.

 

That dealer has very fair pricing for both parts and service. I agree that $49.95 is a great price for the job and it is reasonable to have the dealer do the job, if the job gets done (and the car is not just sitting in the parking lot, resting quietly for the day). However it is so much fun to DIY that you may decide to continue doing the work yourself regardless of the magnitude of your financial savings.

To verify if the fasteners were removed or not, I guess you could put a dab or two of white paint on the hex of the two drain and fill fasteners, then see if the paint is chipped off or not after service. If chipped, then at minimum someone tapped the paint dab with a screwdriver, and hopefully the work was actually performed.

 

I read somewhere in this thread that you need to replace some washers both for the drain and fill holes. Is this correct? If so what's the toyota part number?
Thanks,
b

 

The part numbers I have are

08886-02305 4 liters WS fluid
90430-18008 Transmission plug gasket (both use the same gasket)

 

Yes, they are aluminum washers, 90430-18008. Inner diameter is 0.75" or 19 mm.

 

At work we use a "torque stripe" paint to mark torqued fasteners to verify if they have been tampered with.

 

I've never replaced an aluminum crush washer and never had a leak, in over 30 oil/transaxle fluid changes in my last 3 cars.

 

Yeah I've re-used washers but really it's chump change. Cheap insurance. $2.00 ain't gonna break the bank.

Might as well do it right.

 

Me neither. Never replaced either oil or trans washer. Never a leak.
Besides there's no washer on the dump hex on the trans only the fill hole. Not much difference in a hex head thread then a bolt head thread is there?

 

Hi Ed,

Not sure why your car does not have an aluminum washer on the transaxle oil drain plug; it should have one.

I replace the washers every other time that I change the fluid, and change the fluid at 30K mile intervals.