Is a Transaxle fluid "flush" possible?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by DGH, Dec 18, 2018.

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  1. DGH

    DGH Thread Terminator

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    Looks like I need to clarify this a bit. Drain and fill is 99.00, with the added "flush" the total was 197.92.
    What do you think they did with the extra four liters of fluid?
     

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    #21 DGH, Dec 19, 2018
  2. DGH

    DGH Thread Terminator

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    Yes, you should have it changed. I did my first change at about 50k as the gurus here explained, it's cheap insurance.
     
    #22 DGH, Dec 19, 2018
  3. DGH

    DGH Thread Terminator

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    It's getting weirder as I go.
    I called two other local dealers, here's what they say.
    Dealer 1) They hook up to a flush machine and pump 12 liters through $250.00
    Dealer 2) Just drain and fill but it's an "elaborate" process. States they have to hook up to computer and monitor temperatures. $300.00

    What the hell is going on?
     
    #23 DGH, Dec 19, 2018
  4. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    You are making some dealer's boat payment. None of that is true.

    $99 is not a bad price, the rest is profit.

    My best advice, never go to either of the other dealers
     
    #24 JimboPalmer, Dec 19, 2018
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  5. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    The only two logical explanations I can think of are either that they think they are dealing with an old fashioned automatic transmission, or that they are liars and thieves. WOW!!
     
    #25 jerrymildred, Dec 19, 2018
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  6. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Witness Leader

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    They probably did two drain and fills, and charged you twice. To add insult to injury: no new washers?

    Likely you're interacting with clueless service writers. See the attachment in my post #9.

    The simplest way out of this morass is to DIY. Still, it's sand-pounding frustrating, the state of professional service.
     
    #26 Mendel Leisk, Dec 19, 2018
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  7. DGH

    DGH Thread Terminator

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    Sorry but I don't see the relevancy of your statement to this thread and hope you are not directing this to the author.
     
    #27 DGH, Dec 19, 2018
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  8. DGH

    DGH Thread Terminator

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    This service was on the 2008 but I assume the process is the same.
    My DIY days are over, maybe I'll get back to it when I retire but for now too busy.

    Thanks!
     
    #28 DGH, Dec 19, 2018
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  9. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Witness Leader

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    Oh, I missed that, forget to look what forum I'm in, lol. But yeah second gen is more or less the same. I believe the drain and fill bolts have a some variation, and the spec qty slightly different, but that's all.

    Yeah, even if you're not going to DIY, it's good to read through the instruction, so you see what a bewildering pile of guff the service writer is emitting.

    I always picture service writers as prime candidates for the "B Ark" (Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy reference).
     
    #29 Mendel Leisk, Dec 19, 2018
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  10. DGH

    DGH Thread Terminator

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    I did read it and agree with you on the guff. Thanks again for the help and advice!
     
    #30 DGH, Dec 19, 2018
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  11. Georgina Rudkus

    Georgina Rudkus Senior Member

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    Feel the guilt?
     
    #31 Georgina Rudkus, Dec 19, 2018
  12. DGH

    DGH Thread Terminator

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    No, but I do feel your arrogance is exceeded only by your ignorance.
    I didn't start this but please let me finish it.

    I pay cash for my transportation and I assume you do the same, brooms don't cost much.

    Go away....Troll.
     
    #32 DGH, Dec 19, 2018
    Last edited: Dec 19, 2018
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  13. Georgina Rudkus

    Georgina Rudkus Senior Member

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    Correct...............Ignored!
     
    #33 Georgina Rudkus, Dec 19, 2018
  14. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    :rolleyes:
     
    #34 bisco, Dec 19, 2018
  15. DGH

    DGH Thread Terminator

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    My loss, goodbye.

    Why anyone puts down the less fortunate escapes me.
    Talk them up, help and try to inspire them.

    After proudly assuming the mantle of Politenessman, sometimes the "hanky of steel" must be wielded via the keyboard.

    Back to the topic we go.

    I called a dealer in a nearby state, they told me it's an expensive thing to do. It takes three hours, they have to hook it up to the computer so they can monitor the temperature, then the car will be able to "accept the fluid". $400.00.

    Rapidly becoming disillusioned with Toyota.
     
    #35 DGH, Dec 19, 2018
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  16. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    Don’t take it out on Toyota ;).

    They made the process easy as well as a trans axle that is simple:).

    Blame the education and willingness of organizations to accept people that don’t care and only “punch the clock”:cool:.

    Finding a good mechanic is a challenge, keeping him is paramount (y).
     
    #36 Raytheeagle, Dec 19, 2018
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  17. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Witness Leader

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    There probably are some conventional Toyota automatic transmissions that require something like that, they don't just pull this out of thin air. But when they attribute this procedure to the Prius transaxle...

    I'm sure if you ran all this by corporate Toyota their response would be that the Prius transaxle fluid is lifetime. :rolleyes:

    Sometimes the shortest distance between two points is just throw in the towel and DIY, or find someone who can help you with it?

    Anyway, your case, with the deed done, you're pretty much set for the duration. The cost is a pisser though... :cautious:
     
    #37 Mendel Leisk, Dec 19, 2018
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  18. DGH

    DGH Thread Terminator

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    Toyota corporate told me drain and fill is their recommendation.

    I understand that some service guys may think that it is your standard transmission but even after I explain the reality to them they are adamant on their pricing.

    When I first bought my 06 the writer, consultant or whatever did not want to do the change. He told me it was a lifetime fluid. Now the same guy has turned it into having to do the flush scam. As I mentioned earlier, attitudes seemed to have changed at the dealership.

    I'm a busy guy but I will stop in and talk to him as soon as I can.

    Thanks a ton to you all for the input!
     
    #38 DGH, Dec 20, 2018
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  19. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Witness Leader

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    Better leave the machete at home :whistle:
     
    #39 Mendel Leisk, Dec 20, 2018
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  20. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    If you want to really do anything about the situation, you keep climbing the hierarchy ladder till you find someone who cares about the reputation of the business that provides their livelihood.

    Or, you go to the parts desk of another dealer and buy the washers and oil, go home, and do it yourself. Other than the hassle of getting the car up and level (easily done in my sloping driveway with just two jack stands), it's easier than changing the engine oil and filter. This job is seriously easy.
     
    #40 jerrymildred, Dec 20, 2018
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