Transaxle fluid comparison at 5000 miles (picture)

Discussion in 'Gen 4 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by RoadNoise, Jan 8, 2017.

  1. RoadNoise

    RoadNoise Active Member

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    Actually, 5124 miles. Did not expect it to get this dark so soon. Will repeat at 25K and every 50K thereafter.

    TransaxleFliudCrop.jpg
     
    #1 RoadNoise, Jan 8, 2017
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  2. bbald123

    bbald123 Thermodynamics Law Enforcement

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    #2 bbald123, Jan 9, 2017
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  3. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Maybe. I do know the first change I did, one year mark 15K (kilometers), I felt vindicated: the drain fluid was definitely darker. The second time, at three year mark and maybe 40K, maybe darker? Latest, at 6 years and 65K, looked like new. LIke I've done a protracted flush, and it's pretty much done.
     
    #3 Mendel Leisk, Jan 9, 2017
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  4. jdcollins5

    jdcollins5 Senior Member

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    Same as Mendel, first at 25k was really dark. At 50k some what lighter and at 100k it looked like new.

    So I am not sure that I would agree with bbald123's post.
     
    #4 jdcollins5, Jan 9, 2017
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  5. priusgto

    priusgto Active Member

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    I changed the fluid in my 05 at 70k and it was real dark and when I changed it again at 140k it looked about the same as the OPs with 5k.
     
    #5 priusgto, Jan 9, 2017
  6. RoadNoise

    RoadNoise Active Member

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    The used fluid was certainly serviceable for many more miles. Having had transmission issues with other cars I've owned, I elected to err on the side of caution and flush out break-in/manufacturing debris and grease. Figured it couldn't hurt, but the dealer sure thinks I'm nuts and they may be right.:eek:
     
    #6 RoadNoise, Jan 9, 2017
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  7. royrose

    royrose Senior Member

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    It is refreshing when a dealer recommends not doing extra service!
     
    #7 royrose, Jan 9, 2017
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  8. ETC(SS)

    ETC(SS) The OTHER One Percenter.....

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    #8 ETC(SS), Jan 9, 2017
  9. RoadNoise

    RoadNoise Active Member

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    True that.

    Got so much eye rolling I took it to my mechanic instead :p. Much better choice (and price).
     
    #9 RoadNoise, Jan 9, 2017
  10. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    The fluid and washers are around $45, and for a mechanic with lift it's a trivial service.
     
    #10 Mendel Leisk, Jan 9, 2017
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