Transaxle Failure

NHW20 '06 service manual does not state a thickness, or indeed any specifications, for the input damper. The bolt torque is 20 Nm / 204 kgf-cm / 15 ft lb.

The diagnostic seems to be, if you're getting DTC P0A90 (Drive Motor "A" Performance) or P0A0F (Engine Failed To Start) INF code 238, and the engine over-revs in testing or the P0A90 INF code is 241, replace the transmission input damper.

 

What bugs me is engine oil leaks, so while the transaxle is removed I'd consider replacing the rear crankshaft oil seal. OTOH, I haven't seen complaints about engine oil leaks from owners of older Prius with high miles - is this because there aren't any leaks or because the owners are oblivious to said leaks?

 

I have an oil pan gasket leak that I will be fixing soon. It is impossible to be oblivious to it, creates a good size puddle. I'm keeping a close eye on my engine oil level.

 

Sorry to hear about your oil pan gasket leak, but this is a good opportunity for you to add to the collective knowledge base. Note that there are two oil pans.

The sheet steel pan painted black is named # 2 oil pan. This pan is bolted to another oil pan which is an aluminum casting. Is your leak from the seal between #2 oil pan and the aluminum oil pan above; or is the leak from the seal between the aluminum oil pan and the engine block?

When you remove the oil pan could you pls take a few sharp photos of the bottom of the engine and post? I'd like to see what components are visible from that perspective, and their condition.

Looks like there are 9 bolts and 2 nuts holding the #2 oil pan on, and the tightening torque is 80 in.-lb. You'll need the Toyota Genuine Seal Packing Black, Three Bond 1207B or equivalent. The diameter of the sealant bead is 2.5 - 3.5 mm, and the seal needs to dry at least two hours before you refill the engine with oil.

Thanks!

 

Thanks Patrick,

I will have to look closer now because I didn't know there were two oil pans. I am assuming for now that #2 is the problem. The local auto parts store sells a gasket which I was going to use to create the new seal. Do you recommend the Toyota sealant over a premade gasket? I will get pictures for you.

Regards,
Dave

 

Hi Dave,

Well, a pre-cut gasket is not pictured in the repair manual, and I can't say whether it will work better than FIPG or not. Its interesting to hear that such a gasket is available on the aftermarket.

Are you planning to use sealant along with the pre-cut gasket?

 

Federal-Mogul's Complete Automotive Light Duty Catalog - Part Details

Fel-Pro makes a gasket set that includes sealant with the gasket.

 

That's a lot of pipes under the inverter. It is good that you are taking the photos. If you forget what to connect where you can just review the pics.

 

Is it my imagination or does the dust on the top of transaxle seem a little rural? Do you know if this car saw a lot of use in an agricultural or dusty area?

Thanks,
Bob Wilson

 

The top of the transaxle is a complex shape, and *does* tend to
collect a certain amount of crap. Rodents that bring in additional
gifts don't help, either...
.
The hoses under there probably look more complex than the system
really is, but you're also looking at the heater and coolant-storage
stuff for the engine side that just happens to run through there.
I guess we'll see if it all has to come out or not??
.
Question: where do you figure on disposing of the old fluids in
an environmentally-sound fashion? I'm just wondering how most
fixit-folks handle that in their own regions.
.
_H*

 

Nice progress so far, especially considering the adverse weather conditions and your having to do this project outside. I note your use of tape to seal off various disassembled components, an excellent move since you are working outdoors. The really interesting part will be removing the transaxle from the engine.

In Orange County, CA for example, each landfill has a household hazardous materials center where you can drop off unused cleaning fluids, old paint, used auto fluids, batteries, etc. The discount auto parts stores accept used engine oil as well.

Does Boston have similar facilities?

 

Working on cold engines in the Winter is no fun, I give you a lot of credit, nice photos. " A piece of cake", that's good! Be careful.:cheer2: