Hello guys I have a 2011 prius. Its nearing the 30,000 miles. I was told by the dealer that the transmission fluid should be changed. I looked in the internet and its really easy to change the transmission oil. I went today to the Toyota dealer and bought 5 quarts of Toyota transmission oil WS and 2 O-Rings. Wondering if I change my oil myself will affect my warranty? They want 160.00 for changing the trans oil, something I think is ridiculous for such a simple task. Its like changing the oil in a scooter. Let me know and thanks in advance guys. Bruno
Thanks for your fast reply,,But will it affect the actual Toyota Warrany? Just don't want that such an easy job will ruin the actual warranty. Thanks again. Bruno
In the U.S., they cannot automatically void the warranty for work performed DIY or by non-Toyota shops. They must specifically show how you screwed it up. The maintenance schedule does not call for changing that fluid now, so they also cannot deny warranty coverage for electing to not change it at this time.
Bruno, you do not let us know where you are. Toyota's warranty will be different in different countries. If you are in the US (please fill in your location in your profile as the answer to every question you ever ask will start "You don't tell us where you are") then the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act makes it the manufacturer's burden to prove you are to blame in a court of law, they can not just decide on their own.
I'm pretty sure the maintenance guide in the owner's manual does not have an interval for transmission fluid change on the prius
Four quarts would do, it'll start coming back out somewhere around 3.5. Get the car raised and level, remove the fill bolt, then the drain. Retorque drain bolt with new washer to 29 lb. Thread funnel with 3' hose extension (3/8" dia or less to be sure to fit). You can pour in 3 quarts with gusto, then slow down on the 4th, pour a bit at a time 'till it starts coming back out. Helps to have an assistant. Then torque fill bolt with new washer, to 29 lb again. I'd suggest to take off the engine underpanel, keep the fasteners sorted, there's two that are a bit bigger, at the oil access flap. The bolts need a 10 mm hex key style socket. $160 from the dealership is kinda steep. People in Canada had it done at a dealership for $79, which is pretty good. Anything under $100 is reasonable, considering it's a bit unusual. I've done ours a couple of times now, DIY, it's not difficult.