2003 TOYOTA PRIUS spark plugs

149
103.INFORMATION BEFORE DRIVING
YOUR TOYOTA
Information before driving your TOYOTA
Breakin period150
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . .
Fuel 150
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel pump shutoff system m 152. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operation in foreign countries 152
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Threeway catalytic converter Toyota HC adsorber and catalyst system 153
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine exhaust cautions 154
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
Facts about engine oil consumption 155
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Iridiumtipped spark plugs 156
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake system 156
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . .
Brake pad wear limit indicators 160
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Luggage stowage precautions 160
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Your Toyota’s identification 161
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Theft prevention labels 162
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. .
Suspension and chassis 162
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
Types of tires 162
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . . .
SECTION 3

156
For detailed information on oil level check,
see “Checking the engine oil level” on
page 214 in Section 82.
Your engine is fitted with iridiumtipped
spark plugs.
NOTICE
Use only iridiumtipped spark plugs
and do not adjust gaps for your en-
gine performance and smooth drivabil-
ity.
REGENERATIVE BRAKE
When the brake is applied, the electric
motor used as a generator converts kinet-
ic energy into electric energy.
The regenerative brake works in the fol-
lowing operations.1. When the accelerator pedal is re- leased, the reduced speed equal to en-
gine braking in a gasolinefueled ve-
hicle is obtained in accordance with the
running mode position of the selector
lever.
2. When the brake pedal is depressed with the selector lever in “D” or “B”,
the regenerative brake works.
112.Iridiumtipped spark plugs 113.Brake system

208
If you perform maintenance by yourself,
be sure to follow the correct procedure
given in this Section.
You should be aware that improper or in-
complete servicing may result in operating
problems.
Performing doityourself maintenance
during the warranty period may affect your
warranty coverage. Read the separate
Toyota Warranty statement for details and
suggestions.
This Section gives instructions only for
those items that are relatively easy for an
owner to perform. As explained in Section
7, there are still a number of items that
must be done by a qualified technician
with special tools.
For information on tools and parts for do
ityourself maintenance, see ”Parts and
tools” on page 211 in this Section.
Utmost care should be taken when work-
ing on your vehicle to prevent accidental
injury. Here are a few precautions that
you should be especially careful to ob-
serve:CAUTION
When the hybrid system is on, keep
hands, clothing, and tools away
from the moving fan and engine
drive belts. (Removing rings,
watches, and ties is advisable.)
Right after driving, the engine
compartment—the engine, radiator,
exhaust manifold and spark plug
boots, etc.—will be hot. So be care-
ful not to touch them. Oil, fluids
and spark plugs may also be hot.
If the hybrid system is hot, do not
remove the radiator cap or loosen
the drain plugs to prevent burning
yourself.
Do not smoke, cause sparks or al-
low open flames around fuel or the
batteries. Their fumes are flam-
mable.
When the hybrid system is operat-
ing with the “READY” light on, the
engine is automatically started in
some case. When you inspect the
engine compartment, be sure to
turn the ignition switch to “OFF”
position.
Do not get under your vehicle with
just the body jack supporting it. Al-
ways use automotive jack stands or
other solid supports.
Be sure that the ignition is off if
you work near the electric cooling
fans or radiator grille. With the
ignition on, the electric cooling fans
will automatically start to run if the
engine coolant temperature is high
and/or the air conditioning is on.
Use eye protection whenever you
work on or under your vehicle
where you may be exposed to fly-
ing or falling material, fluid spray,
etc.
Be extremely cautious when work-
ing on the batteries. It contains poi-
sonous and corrosive sulfuric acid
or strong alkali.
Warning: Battery posts, terminals and
related accessories contain lead and
lead compounds, chemicals known to
the State of California to cause can-
cer and reproductive harm. Wash
hands after handling.
Doityourself service
precautions151.

209
Used engine oil contains potentially
harmful contaminants which may
cause skin disorders such as in-
flammation or skin cancer, so care
should be taken to avoid prolonged
and repeated contact with it. To re-
move used engine oil from your
skin, wash thoroughly with soap
and water.
Do not leave used oil within the
reach of children.
Dispose of used oil and filter only
in a safe and acceptable manner.
Do not dispose of used oil and fil-
ter in household trash, in sewers or
onto the ground. Call your dealer
for information concerning recycling
or disposal.
Take care when filling the brake
fluid reservoir because brake fluid
can harm your eyes and damage
painted surfaces. If fluid gets in
your eyes, flush your eyes with
clean water immediately. If you still
feel uncomfortable with your eyes,
go to the doctor.
NOTICE
Remember that batteries and igni-
tion cable carry high currents or
voltages. Be careful of accidentally
causing a short circuit.
 Add only demineralized or distilled
water to fill the radiator. And if you
spill some of the coolant, be sure
to wash it off with water to prevent
it from damaging the parts or paint.
 Do not allow dirt or anything else
to fall through the spark plug holes.
 Do not pry the outer electrode of
spark plug against the center elec-
trode.
 Use only spark plugs of the speci-
fied type. Using other types will
cause engine damage, loss of per-
formance or radio noise.
 If you spill the fluid, be sure to
wash it off with water to prevent it
from damaging the parts or paint.
 Do not drive with the air cleaner
filter removed, or excessive engine
wear could result. Also backfiring
could cause a fire in the engine
compartment.
Be careful not to scratch the glass
surface with the wiper frame.
 When closing the hood, check to
see that you have not forgotten any
tools, rags, etc.