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Hi,
I want to change the transmission fluid, is there a filter? What kind of fluid and quanity?
Joe

Hi Joe, no filter other than a screen on the pump pickup tube. The official fluid for 01-03 is Toyota type T-IV, with their newer WS sometimes used. That choice is not without controversy. Four quarts should be right but have the parts desk person confirm that.

I don't recall all your details, but if this is the first fluid change for this transaxle I'd suggest also purchasing the pan gasket so that the pan can be removed cleaned inspected.

DAS

Thank you,
You have been most helpful.
I am under the impression that the fluid to be used is only Toyota brand?
Joe

Yes. Use only Toyota. The electric motors are exposed to the fluid. Toyota fluid is assumed to be safe for the windings. Other fluids could short things out.

I contacted my canandian dealer. They looked up the maintaniance interval for trans fluird replacement. Said it was 90,000 km. I asked them why it was.t recommended to me in the last 6 mo during my 2 reg. services. They said it doues not appear on the reg. computer scheduled maintainance warnings??!!

My vehicle has 68,000 miles. @005 Trans fluid never yet replaced.

They quoted me $85.00 for the trans oil replacement (drain/replace) and $185 for a suction, clean out cycle and replacement. They said a simple replacement was all the warranty called for but the suction and clean out was recommended by toyota as better?

Why should toyota remommend something as better than what the warranty maintainance calls for? Am I being scammed?

Hi,
I went yesterday to the dealer to pick up oil and gasket, the parts man looked at me with glaring eyes than disappeared for a moment back in the service dept.
He came and stated" You dont have to change the fluid, its not necessary.
The funny part is when I came in I said" I need transmission fluid for my 01 Prius". I never asked for his opinion, the service depts opinion, or advice.
I replied" I am not trying to be argumentative but do you have the fluid, or do you need to order it" or I am not able to get it from you?
He disappeared then into the service dept for 20 minutes, returned and said "I'm sorry we dont service those here, The fluid is type IV and we have that here, I'll have to order the gasket for $9".
I was cordial and said I'll see you Thursday to pick up gasket.
I mentioned I had an old HVBatt core and wanted to turn it in for recycle, his eyes began to glaze over again and stated" I dont know about those, I'll do some checking"
Joe

Yes, do the $85 fluid change and get a sample of the used fluid for lab analysis (I use PdMa labs)

JeffD

Hi,
Changed the Fluid, 4.9 quarts - T-IV Toyota Transmission fluid, changed gasket, cleaned sludge out of pan, reinstalled pan. Could not find filler cap until I removed rock shroud underneath. Filler plug is front and requires and long hosed funnel similiar to filling a manual transmission.
She sounds quieter and feels strong in terms of power delivery to wheel performance. I recommend those with 01-03 Prius to do this. The dealer will probably say you do not have to. Whatever!
Thanks for your help again,
Joe