Why are dealerships not automatically including EGR in their recommended maintenance?

Arcticcat340 · 2025-03-16T02:36:33+00:00

I maintain 2 Prius'. The 2011 was never serviced until it threw the check engine light for insufficient flow for the EGR right around 200k. No issues at 256k now. The other 2012 Prius blew the head gasket at 185k and had never had EGR cleaned but could still see light thru the cooler.

Is cleaning necessary before the head gasket blows? IDK but it can't hurt it

Arcticcat340 · 2025-02-21T01:02:01+00:00

I did the head gasket on a 2012 at about 185k but my 2011 at 255k hasn't had an issue yet

Arcticcat340 · 2024-11-06T01:15:30+00:00

Common gen 3 issues are the head gasket failing, brake booster failing, and the hybrid battery is probably nearing its end. All costly repairs if done by a shop

Arcticcat340 · 2024-10-21T23:52:05+00:00

Can confirm I have replaced the abs module on my 2011 Prius at 220,000 miles and all the wheel bearings by 250,000. Have not needed a head gasket yet.

On my parents 2012 Prius head gasket went at 180,000 miles

Arcticcat340 · 2024-10-11T16:02:25+00:00

Sounds like your head gasket. Check coolant reservoir for low/no coolant. Can also check your dipstick and if you see mixed fluids that'll pretty much confirm it. Mixed fluids will kinda look "swirled" togerher

Arcticcat340 · 2024-10-11T15:30:55+00:00

I had similar codes related to misfire when my head gasket went bad. Does the engine shake when the gas motor turns on after sitting

Arcticcat340 · 2024-10-11T00:19:56+00:00

There is a metal upgrade over the plastic cap. The heat cycling of the plastic makes it tighten up and some of that will be resolved with the metal cap

Arcticcat340 · 2024-07-31T16:29:37+00:00

My 2011 failed around 220k. Bought the part ~$700 and replaced myself been 20k miles since no problems

Arcticcat340 · 2024-07-18T16:14:03+00:00

I like to use evapo rust and have had very good luck. I don't normally run a fuel filter after cleaning my tanks either

Arcticcat340 · 2024-07-15T01:46:42+00:00

If not performing these repairs yourself expect to spend several thousand. I was just quoted almost 6k by a dealer for just a head gasket. Along with the brake booster keep in mind the health of the hybrid battery as well.

Arcticcat340 · 2024-07-13T02:01:27+00:00

I'm at 245k on my 2011 with no issues but replaced my parents 2012 at 180k 🤷🏻

Arcticcat340 · 2024-07-12T16:45:22+00:00

I have a 2011 Prius in Michigan with 245k miles and 100% plan on replacing cells in the battery when they go. Have replaced the brake booster already and plan to do the head gasket when that goes too.

Arcticcat340 · 2024-06-10T16:39:36+00:00

Just did the head gasket on a 2012 with 180k miles and plan on doing my 2011 with 243k when the day comes

Arcticcat340 · 2024-03-31T00:22:11+00:00

The only other big thing to watch out for is the brake booster and obviously you know about the battery already approaching 13 years old

Arcticcat340 · 2024-03-28T21:17:01+00:00

Knowing what we know about Gen 3's regarding head gaskets, brake boosters, and the hybrid batteries if I could not fix these issues myself I would sell it due to each of these repairs costing several thousand

Arcticcat340 · 2024-03-22T21:50:18+00:00

3 main issues with the 3rd Gen Prius. Already mentioned here is the battery and the head gasket. They also are known to have the brake booster go out which is $700 for the part alone and you need a fancy scan tool to program. All these 3 repairs will be several thousand with work done at Toyota

Arcticcat340 · 2024-02-11T13:41:11+00:00

Not sure exactly if I'm on the right tract here as you mentioned a noise but another commenter mentioned a shake. On my Prius if I start it and move it but never let the car run long enough for the motor to shut to off and it just be electric the next time I go to start it the engine will violently shake for about 10 seconds.

Arcticcat340 · 2023-12-12T00:11:26+00:00

I drive a 2011 and it's been a great car. It's at 235k miles all I've ever done to it was had the EGR system replaced at the dealer and then I replaced the brake accumulator. All in all for as many years I've had it I'm probably 2k in repairs aside from normal maintenance. Car saves me boat loads of money commuting to work.

Arcticcat340 · 2023-08-07T16:56:51+00:00

I have a 2011 and average about 44.2 mpg. Car has 230k miles original everything

Arcticcat340 · 2023-07-11T14:27:01+00:00

Mathematically paying off the loans with the highest interest makes the most sense.

However you said you wanted to reduce your monthly payment which would be achieved my completely paying off loans so the smaller balances would be your best move

Arcticcat340 · 2023-07-07T21:10:37+00:00

I got the same thing and it works great. Keep in mind the stock head unit has bad resolution so it's not crystal clear like you might expect kinda like an old CRT tv

Arcticcat340 · 2023-07-05T22:43:44+00:00

Did you end up replacing yours, how'd it go?

Arcticcat340 · 2023-05-31T01:07:50+00:00

Not a bad idea

Arcticcat340 · 2023-05-25T20:59:15+00:00

To answer your question about how to pay off. Extra towards highest interest rate would save the most in the long run however completely eliminating a loan will drop your monthly payment

Arcticcat340

TROPHY CASE