Scotty I have a 2017 awd hybrid xle and 160,000 miles on it, the differential fluid has never been changed what should I do? , been doing all other maintenance on time...also can I change engine oil brand from Toyota to something else or keep it toyota?
which car model please?
Yeah, whatever is back there
Toyota seems to call it a "Power Split Device"
https://mag.toyota.co.uk/how-does-toyota-hybrid-work/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFVd_fCiO88
Thanks for the info. I believe the power split device refers to the front axles. Because it is splitting power between the ICE engine and the electric motor to drive the axles.
The rear axles is different. Because it is exclusively an electric motor. It is not (directly) connected to the ICE at all. It just runs on electricity.
Although not engineered this way, the AWD RAV4 hybrid could theoretically be a RWD EV if you take the ICE engine and front electric motors away.
I actually think Toyota was clever in designing the RAV4 hybrid AWD. It allows them to put their electric motors to the test, and allows them to practice building electric components at scale. While also not killing its bread and butter for ICE for the last 40 years, and hybrid for the last 20 years.
I stand corrected. This describes the front drive system.
Maybe a person more versed can correct me if I am wrong.
Technically speaking, I don’t think the “rear differential” in the RAV4 Hybrid XLE is a differential. Because it generates its own power with the electric motor. Rather than transfer power from the engine or front electric motor. Granted, it might act as as a differential. TBH, I don’t know what to call it, so I’ll still call it a rear differential.
Anyhow, that is besides the point. There is no recommended interval changes for the “rear differential” fluid from the owners manual, UNLESS, you are towing or putting the car under heavy load.
With that said, I believe most folks on this forum and many mechanics I’ve run into do recommend to change the rear differential fluid. But the intervals may vary. I’ve heard every 50-60,000 miles. To every 100-120,000 miles. I’m curious to hear what the folks in the forum say.
I recommend going with the Toyota fluid, unless you know what you are doing and can find a comprable and compatible fluid. Using the Toyota fluid just takes the guess work out of it, but using a third party fluid can save you $$$.
Yes I have been confused about this too. Is it a transfer case or rear differential but I do know it takes the same oil as the transmission. I will stick to the Toyota oils.
Another question I don't have both right its just one of them right? Thanks so much for answering..
Yeah, whatever is back there in the hybrid is just one thing TMK. It’s not a transfer case, because all the power comes from the electric motor. It’s not a differential because it’s just an electric motor. Whatever that thing is called, it’s just one thing.
The RAV-4 and Highlander hybrid rear have an independent electric rear drive axle. Model Q211-2FM Motor Generator Rear (MGR)..
It's a 67 hp electric motor coupled to the rear axle through a geared reduction countershaft, and a differential + final drive gear set. It's actually a fairly simple device. 3 shafts. No electronics in it at all.It is filled with the Toyota world standard (WS) oil which helps to cool an lubricate. There are 3 plugs: a fill plug, drain plug, and check plug.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KuR0cihFAvQ