Greeting Prius SMEs: Recently found out that oil has been leaking from the oil pressure switch on my Prius 2010 Base model. Took it to the local toyota dealer who provided Pressure Switch replacement estimate of $500. Also suggested may be leaking from timing cover (estimate $3553). This is the inspection video by the dealer: Based on online research it looks like the pressure switch runs around ~$65. And the timing chain cover runs about $165 online. I love my Prius as it has never stranded me and been through lot of good and rough times and would like to continue using for another 4-5 years as it has ~163000 miles now. 1. What are my best options? anything worth DIY for generally savvy with fixing with tools. 2. How bad or urgent is timing chain cover replacement fix? 3. The oil pressure sensor switch replacement cost: Is it reasonable given the labor + part cost in Northern NJ. Also hoping this is the major issue so if fixed I can continue using for short distance commute. Appreciate all the valuable insights!
if the pressure switch leak is significant and bothersome, go ahead and replace it. for the timing cover, it's usually very small and not worth repairing. they all leak
The pressure switch is relatively easy by removing the front passenger wheel and a small plastic access panel in that wheel well. Any shop and most diy'ers could do it in an hour. The only caution is to avoid over tightening the new one. However they usually don't leak. The timing chain cover sealant right next to it does leak. The cover does not have to be replaced but to remove it and reseal is many hours of labor and most of the cost. You have to remove 2/3 of the parts needed to do a head gasket job. Including the timing chain tensioner which opens that can of worms.
1. You need to start seeing other dealers. 2. As mentioned above, the oil pressure switch is probably not leaking - and if it WERE leaking the $500 quote to repair this is the equivalent of a $100 aspirin to ameliorate a hangover - ONLY Analgesics that are dispensed by a health care professional that wind costing $100 is slightly more ethical.....maybe. 3.The quote for $3500 to replace the timing chain cover gasket goes well beyond the theft attempted by them for the $500 oil pressure switch, (a) because the dealership knows this is unnecessary work and they also know or SHOULD know that EVEN IF you had both jobs done at the asking price then they would be doing much of the SAME WORK again in the next 10,000 to 20,000 miles........and heaven help you then because....... It's going to! AGAIN...Your dealership KNOWS or they SHOULD KNOW that you're probably going to be another victim of the dreaded "Prius Death Rattle" - ESPECIALLY if you've been using a dealership to maintain the car. If this is the case? They're either thieves or they're guilty of gross malpractice for recommending a timing chain cover gasket replacement on a 2010 G3 Prius with 160,000 + miles on the clock. I'm just not seeing a third alternative. Advice: 1. Break up with your dealer. Find out what the famous "Prius Death Rattle" is all about. 2. As mentioned above, replace the Oil Sending Unit yourself for about $70 and an hour of your time if this is possible. If you have a leak of any kind then you're already monitoring the patient's blood volume and adding a pint or two as necessary. If an hour of your time is worth more than the $500 quote OR you are not able to do the thing - then buy the part and find a mechanic to replace it for you. 3. Do not worry about the timing chain cover gasket. When your head gasket gets replaced whomever does this service will replace the timing chain cover gasket as well. Good Luck!
I recall first time I heard about the timing chain cover reseal (here), about a decade back, dealership charged $1700 USD.
