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The Toyota Prius, with its "Hybrid Synergy Drive" is a revolutionary vehicle and deserves a mechanic who understands how its systems work and what ailments commonly befall them. I have worked on Priuses for 15+ years and I know them inside and out. Priuses have special issues and there are special techniques for their maintenance and repair that are unlike other vehicles.
Prius Services (in addition to normal auto repair services)
Check-engine light (CEL), "Check Hybrid System", and Red Triangle of Death warnings diagnostics
Hybrid Battery testing, cleaning, replacement, repair
ABS system diagnosis and repair
Engine and inverter cooling system maintenance and repair
Head gasket repair
Battery Health Visualizer (Dr. Prius logfile charter)
Priuses are Unique
Priuses are Unique
Prius DTC "codes" can be misleading and unfamiliar mechanics may end up replacing the wrong parts. For example, a Hybrid battery issue will often cause the "ABS" warning light to illuminate. Yet the problem has nothing to with the brakes! Here are some of the common Prius gotchas.
Gen3, (2010-2015 Priuses), suffer from a higher than normal rate of Head Gasket failures. The Prius C did not use the same engine and avoided the issue.
The Prius has no "transmission" in the normal sense. It has a Power Sharing Device and the fluid rarely requires changing.
There are two separate cooling systems for the engine and Hybrid electronics. Each have their own pumps and valves. Coolant should be changed in both every 50,000 miles after the first 100,000 miles.
Priuses whose engine oil aren't changed regularly (every 5,000 miles) can develop sticking piston rings and excessive oil burning that can be mitigated performing a "Piston Soak" procedure.
The Hybrid battery is made up of 28 modules and can often be tested and repaired for hundreds of dollars rather than replaced for thousands. Beware "rebuilt" hybrid battery packs. There's no such thing.
2004 to 2015 suffer from Brake/ABS system failures and can be expensive to fix, especially given that only OEM Toyota parts should be installed. Used ABS parts often fail prematurely.
2004 to 2009 suffer from leaking body seams around the rear hatch that can lead to costly and dangerous water infiltration into the 12v and hybrid batteries.
Failing to properly deactivate the brake pump before working on Prius brakes can lead to extra labor and parts costs.
Gen 3, 2010-2015, benefit from preventative maintenance and cleaning of the EGR and intake manifold systems.
2010 and newer Priuses benefit from proactive replacement of the engine water pump at 100,000 miles to avoid cooling system degradation and early head gasket failures.
There are wonderful online communities of Prius owners helping each other such as Priuschat.com and on Facebook, Prius DIY and How-To
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