🔧 Transaxle Fluid - Fluid Change

This service replaces the Toyota ATF WS in your Prius transaxle. The hybrid transaxle uses a drain-and-fill service, and the fluid level is set by overflow at the level check plug.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 1-2 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Make sure the car is fully powered off before working under it.
• Use jack stands on solid ground. Never rely on a jack alone.
• The transaxle and fluid may be hot if the car was recently driven.
• Do not service the orange high-voltage cables or hybrid inverter wiring.
• Keep dirt out of the fill and drain openings.
• Battery disconnect is not required for this job.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 3/8-inch drive ratchet
• 10mm socket
• 24mm socket
• Torque wrench
• Fluid pump or hand pump
• Drain pan
• Jack
• Jack stands
• Wheel chocks
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• Shop towels
• Funnel with hose

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Toyota ATF WS fluid - Qty: 4 quarts
• Drain plug gasket - Qty: 1
• Fill plug gasket - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and engage the parking brake.
• Let the car cool if it was recently driven.
• Raise the front of the car and support it evenly with jack stands.
• Keep the car as level as possible when checking the fluid level.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Raise and secure the vehicle

• Use the jack to lift the front of the car at the correct lift points.
• Place jack stands under the front support points and lower the car onto them.
• Install wheel chocks at the rear wheels.
• Keep the car level for correct fluid setting.

Step 2: Remove the undercover

• Use the 10mm socket to remove the fasteners holding the lower engine undercover.
• Set the panel and fasteners aside in order.

Step 3: Remove the fill plug first

• Use the 24mm socket to loosen and remove the transaxle fill plug.
• This confirms you can refill it before draining it.

Step 4: Drain the old fluid

• Place the drain pan under the transaxle drain plug.
• Use the 24mm socket to remove the drain plug and let the fluid drain completely.
• Replace the drain plug gasket with a new one.
• Torque to 49 Nm (36 ft-lbs) on the drain plug.

Step 5: Refill the transaxle

• Use the fluid pump to pump Toyota ATF WS into the fill hole.
• Keep filling until fluid just begins to run back out of the fill opening.
• Wait a minute, then add a little more until it drips steadily.
• Install a new fill plug gasket.
• Torque to 49 Nm (36 ft-lbs) on the fill plug.
• Fill slowly to avoid overfilling.

Step 6: Reinstall the undercover

• Reinstall the lower undercover using the 10mm socket.
• Make sure all clips and fasteners are seated correctly.

Step 7: Lower the car and inspect

• Lower the car off the jack stands.
• Start the car and check for leaks around both plugs.
• Take a short test drive, then recheck for seepage.

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✅ After Repair

• Verify there are no fluid leaks after the test drive.
• Recheck the drain and fill plugs for seepage after the car sits.
• If the old fluid was dark or metallic, shorten the next service interval.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $180-$320 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $55-$110 (parts only)

You Save: $125-$210 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1-2 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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