2011 Prius ATF Drain and Fill

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by calirider, Jun 5, 2015.

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  1. calirider

    calirider ECOmobile

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    This is the second time I have change the ATF. First was at 35k and now at 93k. Looked good to me, not sending it in for analysis or anything.

    Pictures attached is a side by side of new ATF and my used ATF.

    4 quarts came out and 3 3/4 quarts went in.
     

    Attached Files:

    #1 calirider, Jun 5, 2015
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  2. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

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    Thanks for posting the pics. :) I also changed the transaxle fluid at 35k.

    I was planning on changing it next at 100k. Yours looks pretty good at 93k.
     
    #2 xliderider, Jun 5, 2015
  3. calirider

    calirider ECOmobile

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    I had the same idea of 100k but got anxious and just decided to change it now.

    I was surprised at how red it still was but I drive easy and a lot of freeway driving.
     
    #3 calirider, Jun 5, 2015
  4. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

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    I'm curious that you were able to drain 1/4 of a quart more fluid than you got in. Was the car level, or did you raise only the front end?
     
    #4 xliderider, Jun 5, 2015
  5. calirider

    calirider ECOmobile

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    It was level. If my research was right 3.5-4 is normal.
     
    #5 calirider, Jun 5, 2015
  6. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

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    Yep, and fluid level between 0 to 10mm below bottom of fill hole. You're good.
     
    #6 xliderider, Jun 5, 2015
  7. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk MMX GEN III

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    Yup, ours took about 3.5 liters, which are bit bigger. Seems like the first change is the critical one, after that the fluid is more durable.
     
    #7 Mendel Leisk, Jun 5, 2015
  8. A617

    A617 Member

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    Its strange how ATF WS turns from cough syrup red to grape juice purple, usually atf turns from red to brown.
     
    #8 A617, Jun 5, 2015
  9. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

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    The fluid at 35k was brown, don't know where you are seeing purple, unless red plus brown looks purple to you. ;)
     
    #9 xliderider, Jun 5, 2015
  10. calirider

    calirider ECOmobile

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    The pictures on here was my most recent change compared to new oil. And I also think it has more of a purple tint to it than brown.
     
    #10 calirider, Jul 28, 2015
  11. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    I had mine changed last Sept at 96,000km (60,000 miles). The advisor said I was low on ATF but the technicians didn't find any leaks.
     
    #11 Tideland Prius, Jul 28, 2015
  12. calirider

    calirider ECOmobile

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    Was that your first ATF change? Did it come low from the assembly line? If you park in the same spot overnight regularly it's pretty obvious if you have any type of oil leak.
     
    #12 calirider, Jul 28, 2015
  13. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Yes it was my first ATF change. I don't know if it came low from the factory as I didn't check the level when the car was new.

    There was no mark on the parking spot.
     
    #13 Tideland Prius, Jul 28, 2015
  14. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i wonder what constitutes low.
     
    #14 bisco, Jul 28, 2015
  15. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Not sure. I didn't press the issue further since it would be topped off.
     
    #15 Tideland Prius, Jul 28, 2015
  16. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    right. could have been one millimeter, or 10.
     
    #16 bisco, Jul 28, 2015
  17. calirider

    calirider ECOmobile

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    Or it could of been a miscommunication at the dealership. I would highly doubt it came low from the factory and if there were no oil spots in its parking spot I would doubt it was leaking oil also.
     
    #17 calirider, Jul 29, 2015
  18. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Possibly. The advisor told me this. I didn't speak to the technician directly. Like Bisco said, it could be within range but on the low end (or just barely making the minimal required fluid amount).
     
    #18 Tideland Prius, Jul 29, 2015
  19. CR94

    CR94 Senior Member

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    Several months ago, I read somewhere (probably a Priuschat thread) that that's typical of factory fill. Toyota doesn't waste WS by putting in more than needed.

    When I drained mine, about a cupful less came out than the amount needed to refill it up to the fill hole. There were no signs of leaks.
     
    #19 CR94, Jul 29, 2015
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  20. Spindifferent

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    Could you tell us what tools you used for the drain and fill? I'd like to do mine, but don't have tools yet. Please be as specific as possible with brands and model numbers if you have that info.

    Thanks!
     
    #20 Spindifferent, Jul 29, 2015
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