2008 TOYOTA PRIUS coolant

373
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
Radiator and condenser
Check the radiator and condenser and clear any foreign objects.
If either of the above parts are extremely dirty or you are not sure of
their condition, have your vehicl e checked by your Toyota dealer.
Brake fluid
■ Checking fluid level
The brake fluid level should be
between the “MAX” and “MIN”
lines on the tank.
Make sure to check the fluid type and prepare the necessary items.
■ Adding fluid
CAUTION
■When the engine is hot
Do not remove the radiator cap. The cooling system may be under pressure
and may spray hot coolant if the cap is removed, causing burns or other inju-
ries.
Fluid typeFMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703 brake fluid
ItemsClean funnel

5
When trouble arises
423
5-1. Essential information
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
If you think something is wrong
If you notice any of the following symptoms, your vehicle probably
needs adjustment or repair. Contact your Toyota dealer as soon as
possible.
■ Visible symptoms
●Fluid leaks under the vehicle
(Water dripping from the air cond itioning after use is normal.)
● Flat-looking tires or uneven tire wear
● Engine coolant temperature displa y indicates that the temper-
ature is higher than normal. ( P. 146)
■ Audible symptoms
●Changes in exhaust sound
● Excessive tire squeal when cornering
● Strange noises related to the suspension system
● Pinging or other noises related to the hybrid system
■ Operational symptoms
●Engine missing, stumbling or running rough
● Appreciable loss of power
● Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when braking
● Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when driving on a level road
● Loss of brake effectiveness, s pongy feeling, pedal almost
touches the floor

430 5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
*1:This warning light is displayed on the touch screen.
*2:Open door warning buzzer:

(U.S.A.)
Engine oil replacement
reminder light
Illuminates for about 3 sec-
onds and then flasher for
about 15 seconds:
Engine oil is scheduled to
be changed. Check and the engine oil,
and change if necessary.
Comes on and remains:
Engine oil should be
changed. Check and change the
engine oil.

*1
Hybrid battery warning
light
The hybrid battery voltage
drops when the transmis-
sion is left in “N” position. Push the “P” position
switch.
The hybrid battery is dis-
charged. If this light comes on with
the “READY” light on in this
case, have the system
checked by your Toyota
dealer.
High coolant temperature
warning light Indicates high engine cool-
ant temperature P. 456
Master warning light A buzzer sounds and the
warning light comes on
and flashes to indicate that
the master warning system
has detected a malfunc-
tion. Take appropriate action in
accordance with the mes-
sage displayed on the multi-
information display.
Warning lightWarning light/DetailsCorrection procedure

456
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
If your vehicle overheats
Correction proceduresStop the vehicle in a safe place and turn off the automatic air
conditioning system.
Check to see if steam is coming out from under the hood.
If you see steam: Stop the engine and carefully lift the hood.
If you do not see steam: Leave the engine running and carefully lift the hood.
Remove the engine compartment cover. ( P. 365)
Check to see if the cooling fan is operating.
If the fan is operating: Wait until the engine coolant temperature gauge begins to
fall and then stop the engine.
If the fan is not operating: Stop the hybrid system immediately and call your local Toy-
ota dealer.
After the hybrid system has
cooled down sufficiently, check
the coolant level and inspect the
radiator core (radiator) for any
leaks.
The following may indicate that your vehicle is overheating:
The high engine coolant temperature warning light comes on:
The engine may be overheating.
Follow the correction procedure as described blow.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4
ITY52P018
STEP5

5
When trouble arises
457
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
Add coolant if required.
Water can be used in an emer-
gency measure if coolant is
unavailable. (
P. 467)
Have the vehicle checked at your nearest Toyota dealer as soon as
possible.
ITY52P019
STEP6
■Overheating
In the following situations, your vehicle may be overheating.
● High coolant temperature warning light is displayed on the touch screen.
● Steam is coming from under the hood.
CAUTION
■To prevent an accident or injury when inspecting under the hood of
your vehicle
● Keep hands and clothing away from the fan and engine drive belt while the
engine is running.
● Do not loosen the radiator cap while the engine and radiator are hot.
Serious injury, such as burns, may result from hot coolant and steam
released under pressure.

458 5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
NOTICE
■When adding engine coolant
Wait until the hybrid system has cooled down before adding engine/power
control unit coolant.
When adding coolant, do so slowly. Adding cool coolant to a hot engine too
quickly can cause damage to the hybrid system.

467
6-1. Specifications
6
Vehicle specifications
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
Cooling system
Ignition system
Capacity
Gasoline engine
Power control unit
9.0 qt. (8.6 L, 7.5 lmp.qt.)
2.9 qt. (2.7 L, 2.4 lmp.qt.)
Coolant typeUse either of the following:
• “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant”
• Similar high-quality ethylene glycol-based non-silicate, non-amine, non-nitrite, and non-borate
coolant with long-life organic acid technology
Do not use plain water alone.
Spark plug
Make DENSO NGK SK16R11
IFR5A11
Gap
0.043 in. (1.1 mm)
NOTICE
■Iridium-tipped spark plugs
Use only iridium-tipped spark plugs. Do not adjust gap when tuning engine.

481
6-1. Specifications
6
Vehicle specifications
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
Warning: The temperature grades for this tire are established for a
tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded.
Excessive speed, underinflation, or
excessive loading, either sepa-
rately or in combination, can caus e heat buildup and possible tire fail-
ure.
Glossary of tire terminology
Tire related termMeaning
Cold tire inflation
pressure Tire pressure when the vehicle has been
parked for three hours or more, or has not
been driven more than 1 mile or 1.5 km under
that condition
Maximum inflation
pressure The maximum cold inflated
pressure to which a
tire may be inflated, s hown on the sidewall of
the tire
Recommended
inflation pressure Cold tire inflation pressure recommended by a
manufacturer.
Accessory weight The combined weight (in excess of those stan-
dard items which may be replaced) of trans-
mission, power steering, power brakes, power
windows, power seats, radio and heater, to the
extent that these items
are available as factory-
installed equipment (whether installed or not)
Curb weight The weight of a motor vehicle with standard
equipment, including the maximum capacity of
fuel, oil and coolant, and if so equipped, air
conditioning and additional weight optional
engine
Maximum loaded
vehicle weight The sum of:
(a) Curb weight
(b) Accessory weight
(c) Vehicle capacity weight
(d) Production options weight
Normal occupant
weight 150 lb. (68 kg) times the number of occupants
specified in the second column of Table 1
* that
follows