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Just bought an '07. Need high-mileage maintenance tips

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Intimate, Apr 15, 2015.

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  1. Intimate

    Intimate New Member

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    I bought a well-kept '07 from my stepdad for $4k. However, it has 190k miles on it, which 100k+ he did himself. Any tips of maintenance I need to be aware of with such high mileage besides routine checkups? I want to keep this thing running.

    Also, the batteries were replaced last year.
     
    #1 Intimate, Apr 15, 2015
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    welcome and congrats!(y)

    i guess you should start with the complete known maintenance history, then we can go from there.
     
    #2 bisco, Apr 15, 2015
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  3. 2k1Toaster

    2k1Toaster Brand New Prius Batteries

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    Both batteries (HV/traction and 12v/aux)?
     
    #3 2k1Toaster, Apr 15, 2015
  4. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk EGR Fanatic

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    First thought would be the transaxle fluid, to change it. It's not on scheduled maintenance, so very possibly never done. But very worthwhile.
     
    #4 Mendel Leisk, Apr 15, 2015
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  5. Intimate

    Intimate New Member

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    Both batteries have been replaced.

    Still waiting on the word about when it was last changed.
     
    #5 Intimate, Apr 15, 2015
  6. roamerr

    roamerr Member

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    Change transaxle fluid. Belt and hoses will eventually need changing. Also both coolants should be changed if not already.

    Other than that you are good. That generation of Prius can go a long time. Well built in Japan!


    iPhone ?
     
    #6 roamerr, Apr 16, 2015
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  7. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    some here say the e-cvt lube should be replaced, even though toyota doesn't recommend it.
     
    #7 bisco, Apr 16, 2015
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  8. Fishcrab

    Fishcrab Member

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    I would start with changing all spark plugs
    I used the Toyota SK16R11 Iridium plugs
    Change Cabin filter behind glovebox
    Change main engine intake air filter.
    Change coolant for gas engine and inverter or transaxle
    Change transaxle fluid.
    Change PCV valve( hard to get to.
    Keep air pressure in tires checked. I like 42 in front and 40 in rear for best gas mileage.
    Check all hoses
    Change main drive belt for gas engine.

    If you have records and some things have been done, disregard some of this.
    May be other things....
     
    #8 Fishcrab, Apr 16, 2015
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  9. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    great list! ^^^^^ maybe run a bottles of techron thru her. and when you change the belt, change the water pump and thermostat.
     
    #9 bisco, Apr 16, 2015
  10. exstudent

    exstudent Senior Member

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    CHECK the oil level regularly!
    Every gas fill-up, once a week, every other week; ideally after engine has been off for some time and on level ground. Since you are at high mileage, expect to see oil consumption. If you never check your oil level, you will never know it is consuming oil, and will come back here one day saying, "my check oil light comes on intermittently when braking hard or making a turn." TOO LATE. That oil light is actually a low/no oil pressure warning light. Make sure the oil is close to the full mark (top dimple) of the oil dip stick, and NEVER above. Plan on having to replace the catalytic converter sometime in the future if you car is consuming a lot of oil.

    Was the HV battery replaced w/ a genuine NEW Toyota HV battery or a rebuilt/used one from a company like Dorman? A NEW Toyota HV battery will give you the best trouble free service life compared to used/rebuilt HV Batteries.

    The inverter pump seems to have an unofficial service life of 100,000 miles (EASILY), to 150,000 miles.
    Inverter pump life? | PriusChat
    Find out when yours was last replaced, then do some math to figure out when you could possibly expect it to fail.
    1) (Current mileage) - (mileage of last inverter pump replacement) = miles on current inverter pump.
    2) (Pick 150,000 or 100,000 miles) - (miles on current inverter pump) = miles of life left on current inverter pump.
    This is anecedotal evidence, and is not a guarantee of trouble free longevity.

    Some on Prius Chat change out the engine water pump and inverter water pump out as preventative maintenance (say every 100,000 miles), so they know this part won't be a cause of them being stranded somewhere. Others, take a fix when broken approach.

    Tire pressures of 42/40 or 40/38 PSI, seem to be popular here. Using the factory recommendation of 35/33 is too low. Alignment will effect tire wear too.
     
    #10 exstudent, Apr 16, 2015
    Last edited: Apr 18, 2015
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  11. johnjohnchu

    johnjohnchu Active Member

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    Yes indeed. Check oil level on the regular basis is very critical for Prius!

    Probably should also consider to replace the O2 and air/fuel ratio sensors if there is a need to replace the catalytic converter due to internal oil consumption.
     
    #11 johnjohnchu, Apr 17, 2015
  12. Fishcrab

    Fishcrab Member

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    Some inverter pumps were replaced under a past recall, if I'm not mistaken .
     
    #12 Fishcrab, Apr 17, 2015
  13. exstudent

    exstudent Senior Member

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    That is correct. But the question is when: 80,000 miles? 100,000miles? 1250,000miles? 150,000miles?

    As you know, no part last forever. Given the observed longevity of 100,000-150,000miles for the inverter pump, OP may be on borrowed time.
     
    #13 exstudent, Apr 17, 2015
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  14. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    in more ways than one!:eek:
     
    #14 bisco, Apr 17, 2015
  15. Intimate

    Intimate New Member

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    You guys are awesome! I'm going to talk to my stepdad tomorrow and see what's all been done besides the batteries. What hasn't been done will be set into motion immediately!

    Thank you so much! This is truly invaluable information.
     
    #15 Intimate, Apr 17, 2015
  16. Intimate

    Intimate New Member

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    My stepdad just mailed me all the service work he had done to it. When I get it next week, I'll report here on what's been done and what will need to be done.
     
    #16 Intimate, Apr 18, 2015
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  17. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    we'll be waiting.(y)
     
    #17 bisco, Apr 18, 2015
  18. Intimate

    Intimate New Member

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    So, it was my brother who replaced the batteries last year. He's a mechanic, by the way. I also asked him what else he did during the time he did this, and this is what I got as a response. .

    [​IMG]
    He also said he THINKS he changed the spark plugs, but that if he didn't, then they looked good at the time. I'll take a look myself, and if need be, change them out. But since all he did last year on the checkup was replace the batteries and (maybe) spark plugs, then at the time, they were all OK. Probably time for another inspection.

    I should also mention that the vast majority of the 100,000 miles my stepdad put on them was highway mileage. Probably close to no real city driving. He used this to commute to work, which was an hour in both directions 5 days a week. He had this car from 2011 to a few weeks ago.

    So things I am going to do:
    spark plugs
    PCV valve
    change cabin and engine filters. (any recommendations on intake filters?)
    MAYBE transaxle fluid once I get information on when it was last done.

    Essentially, I still have to wait for all the paperwork and receipts to come in the mail for anything else, but at least I know where to start.

    Also, I have never worked on cars before. I don't even know how to change oil... Just how to check the fluids.
     
    #18 Intimate, Apr 18, 2015
  19. Fishcrab

    Fishcrab Member

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    That's a good report, I would maybe wait for more paperwork. But would not hurt to start on things.
    You could look at one plug to get an idea, but someone on here would say check them all. Filters are easy, will be apparent from color if old. I would use Toyota filters, or something close, not a knock off.
    I would recommend looking at threads on here for how to, also utube, plus a good service manual, Haynes manuals give you the basics, but there re much better ones out there. Such as one from dealer, may find it 2nd hand. Could not tell if from above if transaxle fluid was checked or changed. People on here will help you, just ask.
     
    #19 Fishcrab, Apr 18, 2015
  20. Intimate

    Intimate New Member

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    #20 Intimate, Apr 18, 2015
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