Hello so far I have been following the maintenance schedule by the book (which basically turns out to be only oil /filter changes and tire rotations). I am sitting at 36k/3.3 years on my 2010 Prius. When is the recommended transmission fluid changes and all that? My dealer is quoting $520 for a "30k" maintenance. Prius manual is very quiet on most of the fluids. It says only to inspect. This is quite unlike my MDX which spells out exactly at what interval the fluids need to be changed. What is the bare minimum required for this interval? Thanks
Never let your dealer choose your service items, go by the warranty book. I would add the ATF change in the transaxle, it should be well under $150 Check installation of driver’s floor mat Clean cabin air filter (solar power ventilation system only) Inspect and adjust all fluid levels Replace cabin air filter (except solar power ventilation system) Replace engine air filter Replace engine oil and oil filter Rotate tires Inspect the following: __ Automatic transmission fluid __ Ball joints and dust covers __ Brake lines and hoses __ Brake linings/drums and brake pads/discs __ Drive shaft boots __ Engine/Inverter coolant __ Exhaust pipes and mountings __ Front differential oil __ Fuel lines and connections, fuel tank band and fuel tank vapor vent system hoses __ Fuel tank cap gasket __ Radiator, condenser and/or intercooler __ Steering gear box __ Steering linkage and boots Note: Driving in heavy traffic, on dirt roads or in urban, dusty or desert areas may shorten the life of the cabin air filter. Replacement may be needed if you notice reduced air flow from the air conditioner and heater or if the windows fog easily when you use the Fresh mode. Consult your dealer if any of these conditions occur. Additional Maintenance Items for Special Operating Conditions Driving on dirt roads or dusty roads: Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis and body
I've seen in the maintenance schedule and I see above an entry for "Front Differential Oil". Can someone please explain how that differs from the Transaxle fluid change and how to go about changing that oil? I see no entry in PC on a search for "differential". And the Haynes book I have doesn't explain that either. Thanks.
On a front wheel drive front engine vehicle, the differential is part of the transaxle, the "axle" part having the differntial in it. In a transaxle, the automatic transaxle fluid flows through the differntial gear case, as they are integrated into one. Only rear drive and four wheel drive vehicles haveing a mid mounted transmissions have a separate front (for four wheel drive) and a separate rear differential controlled by a four wheel drive transfer case.
Thanks, Mike...that's kinda what I figured so it seems curious that "Front Differential Oil" would be an item on the list. I guess even Toyota makes cut/paste errors.
You're very welcome. In the days of rear wheel drives, most all differentials used 80w90 lubricant. I recall how that stuff would smell to high heaven.
