Prius Transmission Fluid Change (eCVT)

[@TimTVOfficial]

When I had my 2004 Prius, I changed my trans oil for the first time at about 215,000 miles and it was still reasonably good, it was a dark red color with nearly the same viscosity as when it was original, my measuring device showed it as a little broken down, also no debris visually or magnetic, but still good, and instead of using a suction device to refill I ran a flexible clear tube from the top into the side with a funnel connected at the top. I finally scrapped the car when the odometer got up to 299,999 miles and wouldn't go past that (PS: the dash went black every now and then, but fixed when I removed & replaced a capacitor with one that had a higher μF on the unit underneath the "D" gear light, labeled "C1"), even though I'm sure there's a firmware update that could've fixed the frozen mileage problem at 299,999; and amazingly the main hybrid battery was still in good condition and the car averaged almost 62 MPG every day, city & highway combined (usually from the SoCal to Southern Utah and back) considering it was 13 years old when I finally replaced the car in 2017 with a 2017 Prius Prime. The only problem it was having was the engine started idling rough after 290,000 miles whenever the car started up cold and it got an intermittent misfire trouble code. The spark plugs were changed with Denso brand at 100,000 miles and never again, my (synthetic 5W-30) oil changes were every 10-15,000 miles with a little top-off every now-&-then, and the K&N air filter that was only cleaned, not replaced, the coolant was changed twice in its entire lifespan, and had only 2 tire changes with regular balances and rotations, the Eco tires of course. In Southern California I still managed to sell it for $2,500 with all those miles. It's a good car if you take care of it.

[@MotordyneG35]

Exactly the comment I was looking for. I bought a 2nd generation with 175k miles as a beater for uber and I know changing auto transmission with high mileage can risky if the transmission is on it's way out. I still think it is worth the risk and to change it. The prius has longer service intervals with the electric motors so I am confidant after the change, no issues. Super easy, just like my manual gear box on my G. Thanks man!

[@MotordyneG35]

Just changed it with Amsoil Full Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid, no issues what so ever.

[@MotordyneG35]

The prius is a bullet proof tank. 5k miles later, bulletproof tank at 205,000 mikes

[@nordicpride9708]

Motordyne G35 It’s like your manual gear box because that’s essentially what it is! It’s a planetary gear set which has a chain and is electronically controlled. Changing the fluid is ONLY beneficial. New fluid will only improve things lubrication wise. And the gen 2 Prius is a tank. Things are truly solid. Built in Japan 🇯🇵

[@devanwheeler3426]

The guy in the video kind of doesn't know what he's talking about, the only thing that really generates any sort of heat in a prius transmission is the wet clutch. It's essentially just 2 electric motors sandwitched between a planetary gearset, there's no friction belt. Probably why you can get away with 200k miles on the same fluid.

[@pauldickenson3110]

I use a fluid pump ( last one purchased at Oreilly's) it screws on top of any gallon washer fluid jug, holds 4qts, works very well, cheap price, I've only bought two in 25yrs. tip put a small hole in top of the jug so it can breathe.

[@genxchas]

No lifting car?

[@XroorX]

Thank you for the video. On my Prius, I do an “infinity change.” I remove a quart of old fluid, and then add/top off with only WS fluid. I repeat the process 3x until the existing fluid visually looks like fresh WS fluid. In my experience, removing 100% of the fluid in one step, forces the existing gunk to dissolve in the fresh fluid to clog the internals. I do this every 20k miles. Million mile corollas in Asia employ this technique.

[@MidAtlanticTV]

Interesting.

[@nordicpride9708]

Enough to make a lubrication engineer cringe. You are diluting the old fluid and replenishing additives in the oil. HOWEVER, you are not removing a great deal of wear particles that will be left in suspension. And before you retort defending this absurd approach to servicing a transmission, get a ISO cleanliness report on the fluid in the transmission currently. Then drain the entire capacity and retest after this batch matches the mileage of the old sample. The second sample will show much lower wear numbers. And just so you know, the second generation Prius CVT doesn’t have any electric motors submerged in transmission fluid so you don’t HAVE to use WS ATF. There are countless suitable alternative low viscosity fluids available. WS isn’t some special hybrid fluid. It was designed for wet clutch traditional Aisin transmissions if you want to know the facts. Last time I checked the Prius has a planetary based Cvt with a chain. Nothing special. I have one and use Valvoline Maxlife ATF. It’s approved by Valvoline. They happen to know a lot more about oil than Toyota.

[@MidAtlanticTV]

@@nordicpride9708 All good points!

[@1480miller]

this trans does not have clutches therefore this fluid only lubricates it therefore does not break down or burn however it does get dirty which is a big no no when 500 volt electric motors are involved (they could short) and this transmission generates far less heat then a conventional transmission this is due to the dedicated inverter cooling system (separate from the engine cooling system) that also cools the motors and therefore the transmission toyota recommends changing the fluid at 100k miles and the fluid is usually still pretty clean at that time this car in the video either didn't have its fluid changed in a very long time or an internal component was breaking down

[@MrImarcus]

I think you will find there is a number of clutches in this unit...

[@bucki58]

The guy on the video is a master mechanic.

[@alext9067]

The guy just said the fluid had clutch material in it? Does it have clutches or not? Does it have a torque converter?

[@marsflee3815]

(A tumbleweed just pass-by)

[@derekcarson7976]

It does not have clutches. It has a planetary gear set. No changing gears means no need for clutch packs. There is also not torque converter. It utilizes two electric motors and weber automotive has a KZbin channel and their professor did an exceptional job dissecting and explaining this ecvt unit and how it works.

[@NMValleyTech]

Ok, here goes. I own a 2008 Toyota Prius,(series 2). I have done a lot of Exhaustive Research and talked to Product Specialists,Certified Toyota Hybrid Techs,Toyota Service Experts, Electrical & Mechanical Engineers until Both of us are BLUE in the Face, and have come across the following, FACTS!!! 1, The Series 2 Toyota Prius does not have a CVT like honda,(BELT), it has a E(electronically) C(controled) V(varible) T(transmission). The electronics/motor/alternators contained with in this transmission create the variable aspect of this transmission. These things conjoined with a excellent Planetary gear system make this a mechanically simple a reliable way of getting the power to the wheels. 2, The Stator coil windings ARE,(all tho some what shielded), exposed to the transmission fluid! BUT, they are NOT affected by it, because of very extensive insulation and shielding. All ATF / Dextron, motor oil can be mildly semi conductive in the right circumstances & conditions. Don't be too concerned by this because many & various motorcycle alternators have had their stators totally showered with very hot motor oil since the 1970's. Manufacturers have for a long time have figured out how to keep stators from shorting out in this situation . Sure, I know with the Prius we are talking about 200~300 volts and much higher amperage than a 12~14 volt motorcycle charging setup. BUT, the principal in protecting the stator windings is still the same. NO WORRIES, ok. 3, That cute little magnet in the drain plug of this transmission maybe ok, but. Think for a minuet. If you were a very small metal particle would you go to that wimpy little magnet in the drain plug OR would you find your way to the HUGE Magnets on the motor rotors! This is considered to be true,yet Don't be to concerned here either. The high RPM of these rotors tend to fling off most, if not all, of this metallic debris if anything gets temporally attached to it. The magnet in the drain plug does serve it's purpose, but not to the extent that you think it does in these type of transmissions. Seeing metallic residu is normal with any transmission oil/fluid change, and the Prius is no different with what comes out than any other transmission. 4, It is NOT necessary to pre-heat the replacement Transmission oil before adding it into the transmission when changing this oil/fluid. This idea is just for anal nitpickers that think it will male a difference. IT Really won't make that much of a difference! The spec for the design of the transmission case allows for a variance of +/- 8 mm from the lower edge of the inspection/refill hole. This is a normal range for the (hot),expansion & (cold),contraction of the level for transmission fluid within this case. Just SLOWLY add the fluid until you start to see it come out the hole, then stop. Then wait a minuet for the fluid/oil level to stabilize, then recheck it with the tip of your finger just to be sure. NOW, there is one thing that I can highly recommend when changing transmission fluid in ANY vehicle is to have the vehicle "Level" !! This can be verified & done with a simple carpenters level on a open door sill. You don't check you engine oil level when you are on a slope! So you must make sure that you're (Prius), vehicle is level when adding & checking the level of fluid in the transmission. HOW, you get it level and keep it level is your Karma &/or problem, but it must be done if you are going to do it accurately 5, It should NOT be necessary, {all be it Toyota's opinion to differ}, to use the expensive Toyota ATF WS transmission fluid when doing a transmission oil/fluid change in a Series 2, 2004~2009 Toyota Prius. WHAT!!!! Blamelessly YOU SAY!!! Well. I can PROVE IT!! When the series 2 Prius came out in 2004 it had Fluid just like DEXTRON IV in it to begin with, why?!? Because that was what was generally available to the automotive industry at that time. AND whats more! The design of this transmission has not changed much if any, during the time it was marketed,(2004~2009 ) Also, The Toyota ATF WS fluid (full synthetic), wasn't made/available until the 2007 model year. I verified this to be true with a (reluctant)Toyota corporate product specialist. So using a very good Fully synthetic AFT like Valvoline Max-life will do just fine. BUT, just to double check, I also called and talked with a Valvoline product specialist at Ashland Oil Co. and, was assured that the Valvoline Max-life () ATF has been approved to be a completely compatible replacement transmission fluid to the expensive Toyota ATF WS. This was verified with a 100k mileage test conducted by Valvoline and a independent test lab to be true. This test was carried out and the product compatibly list was updated in late 2012 and shown in the 2013 Valvoline product list and at this point is more than suitable replacement transmission fluid for the Toyota series 2 Prius. Also there is another product manufactured by Red Line. Their Red Line C-6, full synthetic ATF has been used by many and was found to give excelent performance in the Toyota Prius transmission. Red Line makes a good product yet the price of this product is only slightly comparable with Toyota's ATF WS. So there isn't a big price break between these two products. Only availability will be a deciding factor here. Also, there are alot of rumors/info. surrounding a lab test report that found higher than normal copper content in old transmission fluid from a Prius. This test was done on a original series ONE Prius, NOT a series 2 Prius. And there is to my knowledge, no conciseness of why this it so. CU - Copper is a normal element left over in the waist oil change of just about anyone's transmission,( sacrificial soft metals gets worn off first ). But it will not & does not envolve the copper in the stator windings, WHY, See previous point 2 in this discussion. IF this did happen in a Prius transmission you would have other MAJOR problems not related to the non-sense rumor that transmission fluid would melt the insulation on the stator windings. If transmission fluid melts insulation off of electrical wiring then ALL Modern electrically controlled transmission would have,(in one way or another), this problem. 6, There is no filter in this transmission for the Prius series 2, no pan to drop, just a drain plug and a fill/inspection hole/plug. The best preventive maintenance that can be done with this transmission it to change it OFTEN!! I really don't care what some people think is a good interval,(mileage / time/ color), but doing it is the MOST important thing. SO DO IT!!!! All transmission oil/fluid are affected by time & mileage and to say it doesn't need to be changed is total complete ridiculousness!!! I know that this raises a lot of eyebrows, (good & bad), on the so to speak mysteries regarding Toyota E-CVT transmission oil/fluid change. I hope this clears up a lot of misconceptions and puts a lot of peoples minds at ease. BUT, HEY Don't take my word for it! Go and do the research like I did. And after a few weeks of prowling the internet & calling dozens of people you will come to the same FACTS & conclusions that I have. There will always be people that will find a reason to make other people worry about just about anything & everything. These people get the illusion of power over your thoughts & opinions and makes them feel important, that's their Karma, but you don't have to believe in them or be subjected to their influence, if you don't want to be. Use good old common sense! Please take everything you read &/or see on the internet with a grain of salt. I can't help what people think of me or what I have tried to convey here. BUT, I can do one thing very well, and that is I can tell you the facts as they have been presented to me. Please enjoy your Prius and drive safely.

[@FierceProtocol]

So then why does my ATF WS bottles all have the year 2002 on them?

[@dcmirk]

Fierce Protocol Because you exist within a distorted space-time. Welcome to our space-time where ATF WS wasnt put on market until 2007. You should post a picture so Dave Tallman can go fact checking for us.

[@gimmeshelter6931]

Excellent research and writeup David. Very useful. I am planning to do a transmission fluid drain and refill on my 2007 Prius with 150K miles on it. Will use the Valvoline MaxLife fluid that meets the Toyota WS standard...at less than half the cost of WS (thanks Walmart!). Thanks for posting!

[@snipershrimp]

David Tallman i

[@roscoeelcocko1863]

Damn

[@MotordyneG35]

2007 with 200k and I just changed it with Amsoil Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid. Runs like a champ.

[@MidAtlanticTV]

I would have used the special Toyota fluid.

[@MotordyneG35]

@@MidAtlanticTV ...Nothing special about ATF WS, Toyota is not an oil manufacture. They rebuy and re-label it. The prius is my beater I just picked, up been long time user of Amsoil in all my gearboxes with plenty of videos on my channel to back it up. Service intervals are 2x as long.

[@MidAtlanticTV]

@@MotordyneG35 Good luck!

[@hedgehogthesonic3181]

@@MotordyneG35 How is your Prius doing to this day?

[@maxboya]

@@hedgehogthesonic3181probably doesn’t have it anymore. ECVT crapped out lol

[@sirkoes187]

60k miles is the recommendation of a certified Lexus technician off the record. Lol.

[@kaidenarian1638]

Instablaster

[@Navitas2003]

Thank you for this video. I am going to be attempting this today, I do not have a lift but I've got resources. I just want to make sure I did it right the first time. You've been extremely helpful

[@otyguyz2000]

Thanks for the insight. Will do it myself next time.

[@dimosk7389]

"SENIOR MASTER CERTIFIED TECHNICIAN" thats a big title there hehe sounds like admiral general aladeen lol

[@dimosk7389]

***** it was a joke ofc, and, yeah, he looks like he knows what he is doing.

[@brucehelppie6119]

lol...

[@anthonyllara]

This video is well done, I like the additional commentary and back and forth you guys role played. Very good stuff.

[@carlhawkins4184]

How about cleaning off magnetic drain plug before re installation/ also warming up the transmission before draining

[@joeianniello]

Outstanding video. Thank you. How many miles were on the old fluid.

[@sherifmohsen1974]

Clutch material? You might wanna look into the Toyota eCVT and see how it works.

[@IBMara]

Thank you for the information. I would have liked a better view of where these components are in the car. A view from further away so one could get their bearings might have been nice. Thank you again.

[@robertofreitas759]

Excellent ! I went at Toyota dealer and they said to me that kind of transmission does not requires fluid change. Thanks for video my Prius mileage now is 247.000. I know is late. I head on the video we are supposed to change the fluid every 30.000 . Great video.

[@robertofreitas759]

Thanks again!!!! very nice video.

[@rock-oz7eg]

Every 30-50k if you're mainly city driving. Otherwise 80-110k if you're mainly driving on the highway

[@doesntmatter816]

I've been told at the dealer the same thing when I asked them about my 2011 Prius that has little bit over 50k... they said it's gonna cost $180 if I want them to do it. I bought 4qt of fluid and changed it myself.

[@dcabana1]

The dealer in my town ,I’ll Perot,near Montréal,wanted $300 to change my trans oil.Doing it myself!

[@notime6199]

Pls do u later change urs and hope everything work perfect cos my also is on 250,000 and am think of changing it but am afraid, pls help me if to change it or leave it that way

[@CANTORPASION]

You are a superman , thank you , video is very clean , i give you 10 stars .

[@MidAtlanticTV]

Thanks!

[@robertortega32]

Thanks for the great video I just serviced my trans today 07 Prius has 220k Miles and it runs like new I service the trans every 50K miles and oil changes done every month

[@robertortega32]

Craig Shipp Yes it's the original battery no issues what's so ever But if it goes out it's about 1K for a rebuilt one

[@ricky302v8]

220K in 10 years is less than 2K a month and you're changing the oil for that! smh! more money than sense.

[@lostheartmega5388]

Yup I was confused as to which one was the coolant plug accidentally put my brake fluid down the yellow coolant reservoir have to change that out thanks alot 👍🙌

[@usmcwo3]

Great Video. As I am news to prius maintenance this was very helpful.

[@moondoddler]

I have an 05 transmission went. Im certain the garage NEVER changed my fluid. 134,000 miles. Terrible 😢 Great video thank you for sharing ❤

[@MidAtlanticTV]

You're welcome. Yep, it's always a good idea to keep clean fluids in a vehicle. I change my oil every 5,000 miles and all other fluids every 50,000 miles.

[@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD]

there's no "clutch material" in an eCVT. The fluid is just acting as gear oil.

[@ore83]

How many miles were on the old fluid?

[@LankyProgressTV]

Great video mate! Helped! And great production! Very good b roll!

[@MrImarcus]

Great video Todd. I wish you were my local garage!

[@aliffizzuddin4138]

Begging your kindness is it the same ecvt fluid for the toyota camry hybrid?🙏

[@MidAtlanticTV]

Check with Toyota to make sure.

[@jabflstc]

For a 2004 Prius, Toyota specifically recommends ATF fluid P/N #00028ATFWS. No substitutes. However around 2010 the ATF fluid change to P/N #0888602505 CVTFE and was given a CVT designation. Evolution of fluids occurs with the evolution of automobile advancements. I verified to see if this latter fluid was now recommended for an older Prius, it is not.

[@electriciandallastx9182]

Thanks for the thoughts you have shared here.

[@psychiatry-is-eugenics]

0:25 constant variable what did rocket j squirrel say about military intelligence ?

[@taxiridefun]

Why didnt you drop trans pan clean out the screen, all the gunk, clean the magnet, put new o ring, new pan gasket? I have 2002 prius with 71, 400 miles. Records dont indicate transmission service. Trans fluid looks dirty. Should pan be dropped to do listed service? Ie: clean screen, clean magnet etc? Thank you for this great video.

[@MidAtlanticTV]

I would just change the fluid and then keep an eye on it.

[@jorvega123]

I just purchased 2007 Prius with 174k should I change the fluid or leave it alone??

[@MidAtlanticTV]

I would change it. I would change all the fluids. Especially the coolant.

[@jorvega123]

Thanks

[@FEETLE]

Very important vid...maybe there is a way to install a auxiliary cooler to stabilize the temperature...and also look for a synthetic solution and a bigger radiator to prevent inverter burnout

[@jacyborreaux919]

Toyota says it's a life fluid! I was getting a jerky motion when I went from D to R and from R to D. Replaced the fluid, it's all normal now! Life fluid my arse!

[@TheLordofdrift]

Sounds like irish lol

[@duken4evr]

No such thing as "life fluid". Change it every 50K and a modern eCVT should last forever.

[@edwinbab705]

My Prius 2013 has 125k Mike's should I change transmission fliud

[@MidAtlanticTV]

I would but be sue to use the correct fluid!

[@spoilater]

WS is not a eCVT fluid WS stands fot world standard for toyota. eCVT fluid for toyota is TC.

[@46doch]

The right fluid is cvt TC or the new FE

[@downtowndrewbrown7129]

My manual states atf ws

[@nordicpride9708]

Toyota has always recommended WS (world standard) low viscosity ATF for this transmission. If you understood the design, you would realize why they chose such an ordinary transmission fluid. It’s not sorcery people....

[@seanpop2886]

Every time he says "constantly," I have to mentally correct him... "Continuously Variable Transmission!!!"

[@WiSeNhEiMeR-1369]

Thanks, COOP ...

[@God_is_Justice]

Tod is a very serious guy, isn't he...

[@fasteddie9475]

Excellent video, thanks!

[@MidAtlanticTV]

Thanks for watching!

[@nelsonpun]

can you run a rubber hose down from the top of the engine bay to refill?

[@MidAtlanticTV]

Sure.

[@94SexyStang]

yes, i did.

[@SwedishHunter77]

I have Sienna 2021/XLE.So, why in the heck should we use ATF transmission fluid instead of CVT fluid inside eCVT transmission. Very confusing😢😢😢

[@PaoloTroni]

Very good video. Thank you!

[@luxbrite]

Appreciate the video!!!

[@aomanchutube]

Prius CVT is no CVT at all! It doesn't have a metal chain! The rest, I was ok with until the guy said "clutch material" there's no clutch in there is there? Isn't the little motor directly attached to the engine? With no clutch?

[@bauuau18]

Yeah. You are correct. NO clutch

[@jefftd202]

I love my Prius but Toyota did not design the fluid changes to be very easy to do. I started changing my own oil because that way I know it's been done correctly. The last two changes I had a feeling they did not change the oil filter. When I changed it the oil filter looked like it was very old and full of gunk. There is no way to prove that they did not change the oil filter but I had to get a breaker bar to get the cover off. They could have damaged my engine but I can't prove it.

[@findvoltage]

yip, same here. But its not toyotas fault, its the greedy money grabing at the dealer. Toyota should at least have a web page or even a Facebook page to hear horror stories that go on. i have a few codes come up ATM that require major work and am going to do it at home o the garage floor rather than take it to a dealership to rob me while i let them. Im just not that type of guy, if someone wants to mess with me, well, im in!.

[@marsflee3815]

That's a good call. (I wouldn't trust the either) I do, however, change my filter every other oil change. That's because my Prius already has 80,000 miles on it. The engine should be well adjusted. Newer engines produce a lot of metal particles that the filter catches. Once the engine gets a lot of miles on it, the oil filters should last a bit longer between oil changes.

[@jurgitavaliukiene2025]

Jeff Donaldson 7

[@pauldickenson3110]

Awesome video, great info.

[@NoneMechanic101]

Thank you. You have been a blessing.

[@BELHORIZON31]

My prius gen 2 got 360.000 km and i never replaced the transmission fluid!

[@MidAtlanticTV]

lucky!

[@romansten9]

great video. I'd be interested in seeing a fluid sample after the change. Say at 1000, 5000, 10,000 and 25,000 miles.. It would be interesting to see when it becomes black. (on average) If the fluid becomes black rather quickly, then being black wouldn't be an important observation.

[@romansten9]

Craig Shipp That wasn't my question at all. I am already prepared to change my fluids at proper intervals. But you made a real point of showing the fluid colors in tubes and claimed that this translates into fluid breakdown and clutch material. You were really overthinking things in the video. I'm only asking what data supports the idea that fluid color is directly correlated with bad fluid. Would be nice to know. Maybe it gets black within the first 5000 miles.

[@Kalyla]

Muchas gracias por compartir 😇 !

[@stevet6676]

Very helpful video, thank you!

[@kumara5492]

I watched your video on how to change transmission fluid on my Prius V with 190,000 miles. After completing the process of filling and pulling the hose from the fill hole I accidentally slipped the plastic sticker that was sticking at the end of the hose into the transmission( I did not remove the home depot prize tag sticker at the end of the hose thinking it can hold the hose in place at fill hole) . My concern is , will this plastic sticker cause any damage to the transmission if left inside. Or do I have to take that sticker out by draining the fluid again and ( if I am lucky ) I might see that sticker at the drain hole. My car is still in the garage and I did not want to start until I get that sticker out ( if that's really required). I am thinking of running the old transmission fluid that I took out , to run it down the fill hole again simulating the process of flushing or what other fluid can I use to force it into fill hole and make that sticker get near the drain hole. If the water was not destructive to the transmission, I would have put water hose into fill hole and try to push the sticker near to the drain hole. Any suggestions is greatly appreciated. I subscribed and Thank you.

[@MidAtlanticTV]

I would try to get it out. There really is no telling what damage it could do.

[@condor5635]

Why doesn't fluid temperature and measurement come into play like my 2016 Highlander? Filling to the fill plug level and calling it a day regardless of temperature is so much easier than the complicated BS needed to fill mine. Must be the CVT that makes it different. Great video

[@duken4evr]

No torque converter in play. An eCVT is a comparatively simple collection of planetary gears and only holds 4 quarts. Much easier to service one of these and a conventional transmission with it's far greater capacity and large oil pan. The filter is not serviceable on eCVTs though, but it is pretty much just a simple metal screen. If one does not wait to 200K miles to do this service, a clogged screen should not be an issue.

[@rondhole]

YOu can use flex hose and fill it from top of the engine not using this complicated tool.

[@michaelgiebler4967]

what size hose?

[@techguy3507]

Michael Giebler One that goes into the fill hole and has a funnel at the top.

[@benharrison8975]

Did my wife’s in the driveway

[@justinw1765]

What's the point of that? Since you have to get under the car to open the drain hole, might as well just use a cheap oil pump to pump it in from below, rather than getting out, going back under, etc. As soon as it's drained, put the plug back on, pump it in, put the other, fill, plug on, and you're good to go.

[@rondhole]

@@justinw1765 Yes, I agree, it is not expensive from Amazon less than $15. But Toyota WS indeed turns to darker colour from heat cycle but it does not mean the fluid is already bad. In most cases, it still has some hundreds of miles of life left even after 100k miles. The transmission in hybrid is just like differential, all gears, no clutch materials or belts. Yes, I changed it every 100k miles for my own ego and what Dealer recommended. It always black but still flow and has similar consistency than the new one. It even smells the same, no burn smell.

[@ErickMartinSucre]

Thank you for this video! 8-)

[@mohamadsweed4987]

Hello my Toyota Prius 2007 My car has walked 330000 km Can I exchange gear oil or will it cause problems and is there a filter inside the gear that needs to be changed Thank you

[@MikeYoungRealEstate]

Thanks so much for this video! Great info

[@olographics]

I recently bought a 2007 prius with 152K miles, I was thinking on doing the fluid change and ordered all the needed materials but I really don't know what to do anymore because a lot of people are telling me that if the fluid has never been replaced when I change it I will damage my transmission, another bunch of people said that is a good thing to change it. Any real advice? Thank you.

[@MidAtlanticTV]

Change it if you're planning on keeping it for a while.

[@olographics]

@@MidAtlanticTV thank you for your response!

[@MidAtlanticTV]

@@olographics anytime!

[@olographics]

car was bought 3 months ago and it has been working fine, and yes, I want to keep it for as long as I can, you being a mechanic saying that is good to change it gives me peace of mind because my friends (that are not mechanics of course) tell me that my transmission will completely be ruined in a few months if I do it. Thank you again.

[@MidAtlanticTV]

@@olographics That's an old wives tale. The fact is if the transmission is damaged already there is nothing you can do. If it's not damaged changing the fluid will extend the life. Just be sure to use the correct Toyota fluid!

[@qb6025]

Time codes in description better work in comments 5:16

[@jamalnasir2846]

Which year Prius you are changing you are not mentioned

[@MidAtlanticTV]

2004

[@NMValleyTech]

To finally respond to a couple of comments. First, Fierce Protocol, ( Don't ask me why there is a 2002 date on your bottle, go ask Toyota, I wouldn't make any sense to me either) UNLESS! It was a misprint! Stranger things have happened. And Second, Thanks but No thanks, Shane, I have no plans to warn up my time machine and go back to 2002 to find out any more details on this subject.

[@car77777]

yeah but even if you drain and refill with new fluid, as soon as you drive it for a few miles, the fluid will look dirty again just like if you never changed it. Remember all the gunk inside the transmission will mix with the new fluid.

[@axmed711]

i have 2014 prius v 339k miles i bought it new never change the transmission or cvt oil yet (runs good for uber ) and not even planing to change it what you think

[@_Wobblier]

Change it.

[@Toyeboy89]

At this point I wouldn't

[@rondhole]

Actually the WS fluid is way more stable and can last at least 100k miles. You do not need to flush. Just drain and refill every 100k miles is more than enough.

[@jafsietrade3780]

Why would you not mention the size tools being used to remove drain bolts if you are doing a video on how to change fluids?

[@MidAtlanticTV]

The point of this video is to inform folks that they should have this service done. Not show them how to do it. For most it's best to have a professional take care of this sort of service. www.craigshipp.com/downloads

[@mdjenk]

10mm hex. Get the gasket from your dealer and make sure fill plug opens first before opening drain plug. Hope this helps.

[@amazoidal]

It's not a CVT at all. It's a Power Split Device. Easy to change with a jack. Fill from the top. Get rid of the WS ATF. It's not synthetic and foru members have had Blackstone Labs test it. BAD! Change every 30k. Or junk the WS and put in a superior ATF, Group 4/5. That's REDLINE D6. Available on Amazon. All 3 of my Prii have had D6 for years. I change every 50k. Remember, the Power Split Device has no filter. You need a big allen socket, a 24mm socket, and a funnel with clear tubing. Take off the panel above the radiator and you can put a funnel/tube straight down into the fill hole. You can also remove the top of the inverter and there is a fill plug there.

[@Rvand4]

How you think - is it good alternative to WS? Valvoline MaxLife High Mileage DEX/MERC Automatic Transmission Fluid

[@randpratt9681]

Redline D6

[@attilakhan4606]

What about 2019 new model Toyota Corolla e-Cvt is the same or different ? Because someone says these cars do not have a transmission inside actually is a different system etc ? Which is correct information guys ?

[@MidAtlanticTV]

Good question. I'm still running my 2004!

[@TesIaEvents2023]

On some sites they claim you have to purchase new bolts/gaskets. In your experience, can you use the existing bolts/gaskets or do you recommend purchasing new ones? Also, it looks like an Allen wrench can take those off, can you use one?

[@jackbrady86]

Do you still run the same risk with a CVT transmission that you do with a normal automatic transmission where if you don't change it at the proper interval and then change it, you could end up destroying the transmission?

[@angelisone]

Yes, it can hurt the transmission. If it's over 10 years or 150K+, we have customers sign the paper.

[@jackbrady86]

@@angelisone damn, I should've changed mine by now

[@angelisone]

@@jackbrady86 ATG & I would say, if it's your car. Change it 80K, 140K, 200K, then sell it. We can surly hear people saying follow the directions in the manual. But, surely over 90% of dealerships & shops DO NOT use Distilled Water when changing coolant. They just use regular tap water. And the manual stated uses distilled water & mix with antifreeze. Don't be fooled buying "Pre-mixed Antifreeze". If one can't mix 50/50, then he shouldn't do it at all. Take it to the shop & get nailed. You are paying for water & paying 1/2 of antifreeze FYI: After 209K the car will have many problems What a joke, $300.00 for two headlight bulbs & out of the door be $550+. Rear light out, you got to replace the whole light panel assy. Hybrid battery goes out 9 to 14 years at $5,100.00 Lower control arms Inner & outer tie rods Caliber & ballast failures Water leaks

[@94SexyStang]

You WON'T destroy the trans.....mine made it to 200k original fluid! The trans started "bucking" and started slipping on the highway....changed the fluid, gone!

[@angelisone]

@@94SexyStang Client came back and thank us to sell the car "As Is". Because we were honest. New owner now has transmission & hybrid battery problems.

[@greatogbuagu1370]

What are the symptoms of low transimision fluid in this 2010 prius. My 2012 prius does not show energy distribution when driving. It only display my tyres moving in energy monitor screen. How the energy is distributed is not shown. Could it be low transmission fluid?

[@michaeld954]

will bad trans fluid case the trans to fail jerk and shift improperly would it be as simple as having it changed and trans works again

[@mikebourque2507]

I have a 2004 prius with 335000 km (approx 220000 miles) and as far as i know it hasnt been changed, ive been told by several garages that at that mileage it may harm it more than do it any good if it has new fluids,?? i dont think this is right but you could confirm that for me? also i have a slow leak in the seal, is there a way i can check the level of it

[@VoiceAlertTexas]

it's not a regular transmission..........only gears.......

[@bobrainy5324]

I have one Prius at 180,000 miles, and one at 113,000 miles. Neither one has had their transmission fluid changed. Is it too late to change the transmission fluid now? I’ve heard it’s bad change after so many miles.thank you.

[@MidAtlanticTV]

I would change it!

[@raulito5000]

Bob rainy , so have you changed it? if so has it had any problem at all or runs just the same . I'm just wondering if I should my 2011 had 100,000 so I'm considering.

[@VoiceAlertTexas]

Change them........mine was jet black.......................

[@bobrainy5324]

@@raulito5000 I have never had a problem with with the transmissions yet and I have not change the fluids yet. I want to get at least 300,000 miles out of these cars. I have never heard of the transmission going out on a prius. I wonder if this even needs done.

[@user-ve1db8lm2b]

Hello, I have doubts regarding the interval for the oil change in the CVT gearbox of a hybrid TOYOTA PRIUS+1.8 VVT-I HSD ECO. How often do you think it's advisable to change it? Best regards

[@MidAtlanticTV]

60k or 100k at least.

[@DHandyFamily]

I have a 2005 model and notice it has a pan underneath. Does it have a filter in there just like any other automatic transmission? Is there a certain way to change the trans fluid compared to other automatics? Thank you

[@googruben]

Very very helpful. I have a 180k 08 prius and need to change the fluid. What tools do i need aside from the lift. Thanks

[@tobysarsi6864]

10mm hex socket from Harbor Freight (cheap) or Advance Auto or AutoZone or any good auto parts retailer. Also, need clear vinyl hose that will fit your funnel if filling from the top, like another KZbin video shows, or you can use transfer pump.

[@chiccoperez9718]

toby sarsi the fill up plug in this video is different what size?

[@benbrecht5973]

Good video , thanks

[@normfromga]

Thank you for your great video. I have a 2008 Prius, and have decided to have it changed at its 60k check-up. I would not have thought of not doing it myself, but the need to elevate it at all four sides in order to make sure its level, and using a pump, or finagling a long hose and funnel, seems to make more sense to find someone better equipped who will do this pretty easy job at a reasonable price. You didn't mention checking a magnetic plug for wear metal. Does it really have one?

[@VoiceAlertTexas]

Jack up the passenger side. Remove drain plug.....lower car.....let drain....reinstall drain plug use long hose with funnel on top.....pour in 4 quarts and let it overfill into drain pan

[@quaternion-pi]

@@VoiceAlertTexas Good solution. The real irritating problem is removing and reinstalling all those push pins and bolts holding the plastic panel covering the underside of the Prius - doable, but not fun in a cramped space.

[@NoneMechanic101]

Thank you

[@axlrad1586]

thank you so much awesome mechanic

[@NoShadowOfDoubt1]

thanks for the quick reply..

[@daniel.gorini]

Great, thanks!

[@NoShadowOfDoubt1]

So there is no indication on how much fluid to pump back in, just the overflow as a sign?

[@VoiceAlertTexas]

YES

[@driftsmoke877]

How many miles on each serive I have a 2002 prius thanks for this video. Thumbs up everyone

[@driftsmoke877]

Thank you

[@NMValleyTech]

Oh yess, One more Thing!! I have just discovered a very interesting picture. If you look very closely at the Cut Away Picture provided by Toyota, of a Series 2 Prius engine and transmission. Yes it is easy to find it on the internet. You will see that the metal of the case casting where it was cut & then colored yellow to show, the position of the cut, and in this way to view the inner workings of this transmission. I can see that there are main support bearings that look like they would block the flow of oil/fluid from getting to either one of electric Motor/Alternator assemblies. And, one can assume that no oil/fluid would get to the Electrical motor/alternator assemblies if these bearings were properly sealed. If the picture provided by Toyota is a accurate representation of a cut away view of a Series 2 engine & transmission, I really don't see, & it really doesn't look like it should, have any oil/fluid in there at all!!! But I have been assured by mechanics that have taken these transmissions apart, that yes the transmission oil does get in there. All-tho, I can't imagine it would be very much. Maybe this is a byproduct of some sort of bearing seal failure that allowed the oil/fluid to get it there. Hummmmm, It this point I can only take their word for it. But of course like I said in my previous post take everything with a grain of salt & search for the truth & the facts!!

[@DHandyFamily]

Yes I seen that but thought it was a manual shift. Mine looks like a regular transmission pan.

[@SoloEcho]

useful information.

[@SANMIAOChannel]

location of Drain and refill is different on those cars, yours is 2005, the 2010 up is different location.

[@TWARDOWSKY.]

Do you have change this oil in e-cvt in RAV4 Hybrid 2019? I thought I do not need to change the oil in this gearbox that it is maintenance free?

[@MidAtlanticTV]

As long as you are not planning on keeping the car a long time you will be ok. Just trade every few years and it will be fine. For me I keep my Toyotas forever so I keep all the fluids in great shape.

[@TWARDOWSKY.]

@@MidAtlanticTV i plan to keep toyota long, but if this is only needed every 5 years ist ok.

[@termite22912]

You didn’t say how many miles that had on the oil change? Also it would be clever to install a magnetic drain plug I wonder why they don’t use that ???

[@MidAtlanticTV]

It was about 80k miles.

[@sherazali6739]

Hello...just want to know if the its a CVT transmission than why ATF WS fluid was used...thnx

[@MidAtlanticTV]

I use special fluid from Toyota that's for the CVT.

[@waelalabrouni2669]

good job

[@aakashd.shrestha4915]

Its the same process for 2009 too ??

[@vel1hunnid707]

how OFTEN should u change it????

[@georgedoan]

2007 camry hybrid...what is the filler plug on the wheel well side of the ecvt do? my mechanic fill aft with that filler hole....

[@biglion6494]

I did asked tyota dealership if i ever have to change oil transmission on my tyota prius hibrid 2009 1.8 I was told it last forever, so you don't have to change it it's life time oil. In this point I am littel bit confused?

[@MidAtlanticTV]

They also want to sell you a new car every few years. I keep all the fluids in my car clean.

[@gregoriomiranda8376]

thank you for the Video, I went to the dealer and they say that the oil needs to be place on a special machine to warm it up at certain temperature before to put in to the transmission, is that true? or they just say it to make money. thank you very much.

[@CalifornianOnEEurope]

BS. In fact. I would suggest you avoid the DYNAMIC fluid flush. It can damage older transmissions. DO STATIC fluid change like this one in this video. The dealer is trying to fleece you - or trying to have you help them pay off their flush machines leases!

[@normfromga]

On my 2008, on my first change, I took it to an independent garage, and they did it according to the Chilton manual, which is like what was shown in the video. And they used the official WS fluid I got from Amazon. For the second change, I went to an oil change franchise, and they insisted that they had to go by some updated factory requirements, which used specialized equipment (possibly using heat), and yet they insisted that their proprietary ATF met the WS specs. I let them do the work, and though I didn't have any problems with the CVT, the process was sure a heck of a lot more expensive!

[@bradfordjhart]

is there a synthetic fluid that would work?

[@WhiteGravey]

wouldn't it be easier to use a funnel with a hose from the top of the car?

[@WhiteGravey]

***** how is pumping oil up through that pump easier than pouring it down a funnel? he said he had to do it at least 8 times seems kind of overkill and an easy way to charge more when all he has to do is lower the car stick a hose+funnel in the transmission and pour 4 quarts in.

[@VoiceAlertTexas]

I use a 3' hose and a funnel from the top...way easier.....especialy if you don't have a lift