I went in for my 40k (35k miles on HV mode) service this week, and the service rep tried pushing a throttle body service (carbon build up) on me. I politely declined, assuming it was their equivalent of bloatware, but thought I would bring it up here. Is there any basis for a throttle body service that early, or were they just trying to squeeze an extra $84 out of me? Apparently they had listed a wheel alignment and wheel balance as recommended items that I declined back at 30k (I took it elsewhere for 35k), but they waited to bring it up until now.
My dealer "recommended" the same service on my non-hybrid Camry multiple times, which I kept declining. At around 50k, the idle was a little rough, so I accepted the service. I was happy with the results. The idle was nice and smooth, following the service. For a hybrid vehicle, especially a PIP, I wouldn't think the engine is running nearly as much as a conventional ICE vehicle's. So, unless you are experiencing any problems, I am inclined to believe that the dealer is giving you BS.
I did the service myself on my 2010 hatchback. I bought a little kit at WalMart that included a can of throttle body cleaner and MAF sensor cleaner. About $10 if I remember right. I found only a very light coating of carbon/black stuff that wiped off with one finger behind a shop rag wetted with the cleaner. There wasn't nearly enough build-up to cause any idle issues so I second the motion that your dealer's offer was unnecessary, un called-for, and purely selfish. It takes only a few minutes to loosen a few clamps to access the throttle body. You'll be able to pat yourself on the back when you do it yourself, both saving money and stickin' it to the stealership.
Dealer recommendations of this sort is only to make the extra buck for their greedy need. I will wait for this service until necessary of 70k miles
The frustrating thing that I must fast face as an owner of a Prius, is the fact that the Toyota Care 2 year service coverage, is timed to expire exactly when recommended service goes from being basically cheap oil changes and tire rotations to potentially much more expensive services. At 40K, if you're not having rough idle symptoms, I'd easily pass on that service.
My 2003 Prius died at 191,000 miles with the yellow caution sign. It would start for a few seconds and then die. It was towed to the dealer and they did a throttle body service and bingo, good as new. So, if that's any indicator you would need it when you get a ton more miles on it.
My favorite question to ask, after they attempt to rape our wallets is this; "Is it necessary in order to keep my warranty valid?" . . . . and I smirk while I say it. You ask that, and they immediately begin to grasp that you aren't the average ignorant shloemoe. .
