2010 Prius Oil Change

[msirach]

Our sales lady called a few minutes ago. She said the service manager got the staff together to tell them to warn their customers to NOT use Mobil 1. The sheet specifically named Mobil 1. The only details that she read said that Toyo synthetic 0-20w had special additives that Mobil 1 did not. I told her I use Amsoil 0-20w in all our vehicles and she said that Mobil 1 was the only brand listed. She did say that if Toyota 0-20w synthetic wasn't available, petroleum 5-20w (no brand specified) could be used but it must be changed back at the next interval.
I asked her if it was a TSB and she said it was just a "can I" question and answer sheet.
What's up with this? Can anyone find any specifi details. I am 134 miles from our dealer or I would stop by and get a copy of the sheet.

Wayne: Any details on this? It is a really sketchy sounding warning as it specified Mobil One.

It was for most models but NOT including the Highlander and Tacoma.

[msantos]

Hi Mike;

I heard that too from my Toyota dealer and it is very similar to what Honda has claimed in the past except Honda was only referring to the first oil change.

It appears that their 0W20 is also not fully synthetic but just a blend that is formulated specifically to better "bake" the engine for the first 5K.

Cheers;

[msirach]

I just called the Mobil 1 tech line and they had not heard about this. He said they would "look into it."

[psyshack]

Sounds to me like Exxon/Mobil just had a falling out with Yota.

[xcel]

Hi Jeff:

___They never had an "in" with Toyota to begin with... This is the first year Toyota is actively authorizing 0W-20...

___Mike, I have an E-mail in. I wish I had known about this yesterday as there was an individual from Toyota's tech College at the Lexus HS 250h short lead that may have been able to answer that very question.

___Good Luck

___Wayne

[xcel]

Hi Mike:

___As usual, Toyota got back to me in record time... Unfortunately, the ranking senior Product Communications Specialist for Toyota USA did not find a single prohibitive statement regarding Mobil1 0W-20 for the Prius-III.

I did not find a TSB or release not recommending Mobil1 0W-20 to be used in the 2010 Toyota Prius.

Here's the recommendation from the 2010 Prius Owner's Manual.

Engine oil selection

“Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” is used in your Toyota vehicle. Use Toyota approved “Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or equivalent to satisfy the following grade and viscosity.

Oil grade: ILSAC multigrade engine oil Recommended viscosity: SAE 0W-20 SAE 0W-20 is the best choice for good fuel economy and good starting in cold weather. If SAE 0W-20 is not available, SAE 5W-20 may be used. However, it must be replaced with SAE 0W-20 at the next oil change. The 0W portion of the oil viscosity rating indicates the characteristic of the oil which allows cold startability.

Oils with a lower value before the W allow for easier starting of the engine in cold weather. The 20 in 0W-20 indicates the oil viscosity when the oil is at its operating temperature. An oil with a higher viscosity may be better suited if the vehicle is operated at high speeds, or under extreme load conditions.

I am going to dig around some more. If I find anything, I will forward it to you.

Bill Kwong
Product Communications Specialist

___If there is a TSB out there, Bill will find it. I suspect your dealership is pulling a fast one and will charge you more for their “Toyota” 0W-20 but that remains to be seen.

___Good Luck

___Wayne

[msirach]

The service manager dug up the info today and read it to me on the phone.
This came from: Jeff Noise,Technical Service and training Manager for the Chicago Region.

[psyshack]

None of this sounds right.

[bomber991]

I don't have a clue, but I know on the subaru forums everyone says to stay away from Mobil 1. They say it'll give you spun bearings, whatever that means.

[Tomjones76]

Originally Posted by msirach

The service manager dug up the info today and read it to me on the phone.
This came from: Jeff Noise,Technical Service and training Manager for the Chicago Region.

Is Jeff Noise the source of this document, or did he merely cite it?