Took 2010 Prius to dealer for oil change and they asked me if I also wanted them to clean the sensor ($40) around the air conditioner, which would prevent mildew from building up. I said no thanks. Do I need to have this done and, if so, at approximately what milage? (My car has 35,000 miles). Thanks
... something smells funny... this doesn't seem right... what sensor? unless you're having humidity problems or something in the car, then there is a sensor for that... but it's kinda odd to be changing oil and ask if you want a random sensor cleaning on another part of the car. (if it was free, maybe... i would want to know exactly what he's touching 1st)
Nope, do not let them do that. It's more than likely them just wanting more money from you. The only time you should do a service like this is if you actually smell a mildew-ish smell coming from your A/C. There is a product people here on Priuschat recommend to use if you do smell the odor. All you do is put your A/C on fresh intake mode, and spray the compressed liquid into the vents below the windshield. The odor will be gone. You don't need to have the dealer clean the "sensor". Normally, whenever they are asking you if you want to have additional service done - it's not necessary. Cheers! Maybe someone can post that product I was talking about?
Thought he said "Sensor" but I may be have mistaken there. But he wanted to sell me a $40 service to prevent mildew from building up around something having to do with the AC.
He more than likely IS mistaken, don't miss my post above - it was posted probably after you refreshed the thread. No service needed, just a product you spray into the fresh air intake of the vents. Someone here should be able to post it. THIS or THIS Should get the job done. Note: The 1Z Einszett Klima-Cleaner has more reviews than the other, so it may be better.
Very helpful; thanks. Would love to know what that product is. Dealer seems to hustle some service every oil change of late. I always say no and then check out the various services on Prius Chat. Am yet to find one that is necessary!
Anytime, I keep posting right when you reply so be sure to look above as well for the products I listed. Those should work great based on the reviews. However, this service is never NEEDED. It should only be done in my opinion if you experience the smell. Normally, for a Prius all you need to have done is oil changes and tire rotations. Anything else is just junk. Here is a good maintenance schedule you can download that a user here made a while back (I forgot who, or else I'd give credit) File name: 2010 Prius Maintenance Schedule (US).pdf File size: 41.76 KB Scroll down a bit, and then click on "slower download".
Assuming it's this one http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-iii...93946-2010-prius-maintenance-schedule-us.html (There's a spreadsheet version there as well)
Justslappy, This is off topic, but since we are discussing maintenance lists.... One extra maintenance item that could be worthwhile if you are going to keep your car a long tome, or just want to take good care of it, is to change the transmission fluid. If you change it or have it changed, be sure to use the correct fluid (WS). A fair price at a dealer for that operation is approximately $100. If it's much over, they are trying to take you, if it's much under, they probably didn't understand what you wanted done Transmission fluid changes have been covered in various threads and about 30k miles is a reasonable mileage for the first change. The reasons for changing it have been explained based on used oil analysis on the old oil.
