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Looking for repair manual and advice for Gen2

Discussion in 'Newbie Forum' started by robodog, Feb 2, 2021.

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  1. robodog

    robodog New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 30, 2021
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    Location:
    Tacoma. wa
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Hey all,
    I have a 2005, basics-only Prius I bought at government auction in 2019—no complaints so far, but it was high mileage when I got it (impeccably maintained though, from what I've been told), and things are coming due. I don't have a ton of experience working on cars, and I'd like to gain more—and I figure a car I don't owe any money on is a good opportunity to start :) The repairs I've done have been replacing my passenger window (and harvesting the part from a scrapyard) when it was busted out, replacing a taillight assembly after crushing mine in the mud, and refinishing the headlights, to give you an idea of my current skillset.

    First, I was wondering if anyone, maybe if you've upgraded to a newer model, has a repair manual to sell, before I go looking online? Also if you have blogs/youtube channels/ other online resources you recommend as trusted sources, I'd appreciate it!

    Second, any basic tool recommendations, and brands? What I know needs to be replaced is the cat and o2 sensor (mine was stolen a few weeks back, although I have some friends helping me with this repair when my parts get in, fingers crossed!), the brake pads, the AC drive belt, the front and rear windshield wipers. I might also be needing to replace the 12v battery; we'll see after I jump it lol. I'd also like to upgrade the stereo, since my current one only has a cd player, no aux in. I've gotten along so far with my basic handyperson toolkit, but I'm guessing I should at least be investing in a ratchet set. Vice grips and a crescent wrench can do a lot though lol!
     
    #1 robodog, Feb 2, 2021
  2. road2cycle

    road2cycle Active Member

    Joined:
    Jan 18, 2021
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    Location:
    Sonoma County, CA
    Vehicle:
    2021 Prius Prime
    Model:
    XLE
    Congrats on your purchase and kudos for wanting to learn how to work on cars. I was in your shoes wanting to learn mechanic skills about seven or eight years ago.

    Besides the ratchet set you mentioned, a breaker bar, torque wrench, floor jack, jack stands, and wheel chocks are useful items to have when working on your vehicle.

    I’m new to the Prius (just got mine two weeks ago) so I’m not sure what exists repair manual wise for the 2005. For my 2005 Pilot I bought the Haynes repair manual which was sufficient until I ended up purchasing a used factory service manual which has been invaluable.
     
    #2 road2cycle, Feb 3, 2021
  3. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 30, 2008
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    Location:
    Indiana, USA
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    IV
    We have a member here, Elektroingenieur, who put together a very complete wiki page about the available service information and where to get it. 2005 is old enough that paper manuals would have been available as well as the online options, as you prefer (for model years after 2011, it's been online-only, no more paper option). All of the options are covered on that wiki page.

    I would second the recommendation for at least one torque wrench. I would also suggest an electrical multimeter. If you haven't used one before, perusing the bookstore shelves for any decent-looking introduction to electrical concepts and troubleshooting would be a good related activity.

    It's impossible to exaggerate how helpful it will be to have a way to get information from the computers in the car. You can find many threads here about that; the approach many find most useful is to combine some old beater Windows laptop they may already have with a J2534 dongle to connect to the car, and Techstream software, which is what Toyota technicians would use, and gives you the information and capabilities available to them.
     
    #3 ChapmanF, Feb 3, 2021
  4. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 3, 2012
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    Location:
    Pacific Northwest, USA
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Greetings... I'm a 1/2 hour south of you and appreciate your list of ways to keep your car going. I've been rebuilding hybrid batteries and working on hybrid cars for a few years now and have lots of spare parts and enjoy helping competent people learn DIY repair skills. Get in touch anytime you have and questions/need help.
     
    #4 PriusCamper, Feb 3, 2021
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  5. robodog

    robodog New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 30, 2021
    4
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    Location:
    Tacoma. wa
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Thank you, that's a generous offer! I may take you up on it at some point :)
     
    #5 robodog, Feb 20, 2021
    PriusCamper likes this.
  6. robodog

    robodog New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 30, 2021
    4
    1
    0
    Location:
    Tacoma. wa
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    thank you for this advice, that's very helpful! I have a multimeter, a way to read the computer DOES sound very helpful!

    Thank you for this list, I appreciate it!
     
    #6 robodog, Feb 20, 2021
    Last edited by a moderator: Feb 20, 2021
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