Assumption: this is the Prius c hybrid transaxle drain-and-fill service using Toyota ATF WS.

🔧 Transaxle Fluid - Drain & Fill

The Prius c uses a hybrid transaxle, not a traditional automatic transmission. A drain-and-fill replaces the old ATF WS fluid and helps protect the electric motor/transaxle bearings and gears.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• The hybrid system can start automatically. Keep the vehicle fully OFF while under it.
• Let the exhaust and transaxle cool before starting. Hot fluid can burn you.
• Use jack stands on a level surface. Never rely on the jack alone.
• Keep hands clear of orange high-voltage cables. Do not disconnect HV components.
• A battery disconnect is not required for this service.
• Use only Toyota ATF WS or exact equivalent fluid.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 10mm socket
• 14mm socket
• Torque wrench
• Drain pan
• Fluid pump or hand pump
• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands
• Wheel chocks
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• Shop towels
• Funnel and hose
• Ratcheting wrench

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• CVT / transaxle fluid, Toyota ATF WS - Qty: 4 quarts
• Transmission drain plug gasket - Qty: 1
• Transmission fill plug gasket - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on a level surface and set the parking brake.
• Chock the rear wheels.
• Warm the vehicle with a short drive if you want faster draining, then shut it off.
• Raise the front and support it evenly on jack stands so the vehicle stays level.
• Remove the engine under cover if equipped.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove the under cover

• Use the 10mm socket to remove the underbody fasteners and take off the front under cover.
• Set the panel and fasteners aside in order.

Step 2: Loosen the fill plug first

• Use the 14mm socket to crack loose the transaxle fill plug before draining.
• This makes sure you can refill it later. Never drain first if the fill plug is stuck.

Step 3: Drain the old fluid

• Place the drain pan under the transaxle drain plug.
• Use the 14mm socket to remove the drain plug and let the fluid drain fully.
• Remove the old gasket from the drain plug.
• Torque to 49 Nm (36 ft-lbs) when reinstalling later.

Step 4: Reinstall the drain plug

• Install a new drain plug gasket.
• Thread the drain plug in by hand first, then tighten with the 14mm socket and torque wrench.
• Torque to 49 Nm (36 ft-lbs).

Step 5: Fill with new fluid

• Use the fluid pump and funnel and hose to add Toyota ATF WS through the fill hole.
• Fill until fluid just begins to dribble back out of the fill opening with the vehicle level.
• Install a new fill plug gasket.
• Thread the fill plug in by hand, then tighten with the 14mm socket and torque wrench.
• Torque to 49 Nm (36 ft-lbs).

Step 6: Reinstall the under cover

• Reinstall the under cover using the 10mm socket.
• Make sure all clips and bolts are seated correctly.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the vehicle and check under the transaxle for leaks.
• Drive gently and recheck fluid leaks after the test drive.
• If you have a scan tool, verify transaxle temperature only if you did a temperature-based fill procedure.
• Dispose of used fluid properly at a recycling center.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

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

DIY Cost: $45-$90 (parts only)

You Save: $135-$230 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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