Prius Transmission additive?

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QuOk

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Would it be advisable to add a moly additive to this transaxle?
It's basically just a manual transmission (CVT).
Has planetary gear system and no clutches.
Something to lube the gears and be compatible with the electric motors in the transmission.Unless the magnets would attract the moly.Also would have to be ok to use with Toyota T-IV oil.
 
Moly would be a friction modifier of sorts and that could mess with the friction needed to keep things from slipping when they are not supposed to. Using only the specified fluid in there is a much safer bet and it will provide adequate wear protection. More slippery is not a good thing in an automatic gearbox.
 
Ok,Sounds like no additives is the way to go.
Thanks for the advice!
 
Don't put additives in it. CVT specific fluid has the friction modification necessary for the correct traction coefficients.

Moly will only interfere with friction modification. Moly is good for engines and differentials, but never for transmissions, whether automatic or manual.
 
I don't trust transmission additives, doesn't matter what brand they are. had a auto trans in a honda that was slipping a little from 2nd to 3rd, added some additive that was supposed to be good (i forget the name), about a week later the only gears i had were 2nd and reverse. i don't think the additive killed it but it definitely accelerated the wear.
 
The Prius is a e-CVT, the 2 electric motors along with the planetary gearset does the same function as a belt-based CVT.

I'd stick with ONLY ATF WS on those, since the oil does make contact with the motors.
 
Last edited:
Originally Posted By: The Critic
Considering how complex that thing is, I wouldn't mess with it.


It's one of the least complex things that I've ever seen as an engineer (in a mechanical sense).

What do you base your statement on ?
 
In the USA, 2003 and earlier Prii use Toyota IV ATF in the transaxle, for 2004 - 2009 models it's Toyota WS ATF. The 2010 is the next redesign and it's not yet out in the USA (close though) and I do not know what fluid is specified for the transaxle.

I would stay away from additives in the Prius transaxle. A cautionary tail - in the 2003 and earlier Prii some people have tried various ATF's including Amsoil ATF. Upon analysis it was found that there was a very high copper load in the oil with the Amsoil. It appears that there is some issues with the Prius transaxle's yellow metal and Amsoil ATF in this generation Prius. This would not have been found out unless an analysis was done.

For 2004 - 2009 Prii some people have had success using Redline D6 instead of Toyota WS. But as far as additives, I would stay away from them for the Prius.

Rumple
 
I changed out the fluid today,Used T-IV oil from Toyota.
Oil looked ok,still red and not burnt.Was about 30k on oil.
136,000 miles and still runs like new.
Battery pack was replaced 2 years ago.
 
Originally Posted By: Shannow
Originally Posted By: The Critic
Considering how complex that thing is, I wouldn't mess with it.


It's one of the least complex things that I've ever seen as an engineer (in a mechanical sense).

What do you base your statement on ?

Well, the electronic control system. Considering how the engine has a different engine braking system than most vehicles and how it also stops and starts the engine constantly, could this affect the transmission? I could be wrong.
 
Originally Posted By: The Critic
Originally Posted By: Shannow
Originally Posted By: The Critic
Considering how complex that thing is, I wouldn't mess with it.


It's one of the least complex things that I've ever seen as an engineer (in a mechanical sense).

What do you base your statement on ?

Well, the electronic control system. Considering how the engine has a different engine braking system than most vehicles and how it also stops and starts the engine constantly, could this affect the transmission? I could be wrong.


I would definitely recommend against putting additives in the electronic control system.
grin2.gif


Critic, The Prius transmission is neither a CVT nor complicated. All the complication is outside the transmission. Take a look at this.
http://www.cleangreencar.co.nz/page/prius-transmission
 
Originally Posted By: XS650
Originally Posted By: The Critic
Originally Posted By: Shannow
Originally Posted By: The Critic
Considering how complex that thing is, I wouldn't mess with it.


It's one of the least complex things that I've ever seen as an engineer (in a mechanical sense).

What do you base your statement on ?

Well, the electronic control system. Considering how the engine has a different engine braking system than most vehicles and how it also stops and starts the engine constantly, could this affect the transmission? I could be wrong.


I would definitely recommend against putting additives in the electronic control system.
grin2.gif


Critic, The Prius transmission is neither a CVT nor complicated. All the complication is outside the transmission. Take a look at this.
http://www.cleangreencar.co.nz/page/prius-transmission

Thanks, that was a good read.
 
Originally Posted By: QuOk

Battery pack was replaced 2 years ago.


Off topic, but how much did that cost you? Was it replaced under warranty? How did you know the battery pack was dead?
 
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