2009 TOYOTA CAMRY HYBRID Owners Manual

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
■
If the coolant level drops within a short time after replenishing
Visually check the radiator, hoses, coolant reservoir caps, radiator cap, drain
cock and water pump.
If you cannot find a leak, have your Toyota dealer test the cap and check for
leaks in the cooling system.
■ Coolant selection
Only use “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” or similar high quality ethylene
glycol based non-silicate, non-amine, non-nitrite, and non-borate coolant
with long-life hybrid organic acid technology.
U.S.A.: Toyota Super Long Life Coolant is a mixture of 50% coolant and 50% deionized water. (Enabled: -31 °F [-35° C])
Canada: Toyota Super Long Life Coolant is a mixture of 55% coolant and 45% deionized water. (Enabled: -44 °F [-42° C])
For more details about coolant, contact your Toyota dealer.
CAUTION
■ When the hybrid system is hot
Do not remove the coolant reservoir cap.
The cooling system may be under pressure and may spray hot coolant if the
cap is removed, causing burns or other injuries.
NOTICE
■When adding coolant
Coolant is neither plain water nor straight antifreeze. The correct mixture of
water and antifreeze must be used to provide proper lubrication, corrosion
protection and cooling. Be sure to read the antifreeze or coolant label.
■ If you spill coolant
Be sure to wash it off with water to prevent damage to parts or paint.

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Radiators and condenserCheck the radiators and condenser and remove any foreign objects.
If any of the above parts are extremely dirty or you are not sure of
their condition, have your vehicle 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.
If the level is low, take your vehi-
cle to a Toyota dealer as soon as
possible. Do not drive your vehi-
cle if the red brake system warn-
ing light is on. Call a Toyota
dealer for assistance.
CAUTION
■The radiators and condenser may be hot after driving
Do not touch the radiators or condenser, as they may be hot and may be
burned.
CAUTION
■ When filling the reservoir
Take care because brake fluid can harm your hands or eyes and damage
painted surfaces.
If fluid gets in your eyes, flush your eyes with clean water immediately.
If you still experience discomfort, see a doctor.

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Maintenance and care
Washer fluid
Add washer fluid in the following
situations.
●Any washer does not work.
● The warning message
appears on the multi-informa-
tion display.
NOTICE
■If the fluid level is low or high
It is normal for the brake fluid level to go down slightly as the brake pads
wear or when the fluid level in the accumulator is high.
If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, it may indicate a serious problem.
CAUTION
■When refilling the washer fluid
Do not refill the washer fluid when the hybrid system is hot or operating, as
the washer fluid contains alcohol and may catch fire if spilled on the hybrid
system etc.
NOTICE
■Do not use any fluid other than washer fluid
Do not use soapy water or engine antifreeze instead of washer fluid.
Doing so may cause streaking on the vehicle’s painted surfaces.
■ Diluting washer fluid
Dilute washer fluid with water as necessary.
Refer to the freezing temperatures listed on the washer fluid tank.

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
12-volt battery
■Location
The 12-volt battery is located
in the right-hand side of the
luggage compartment.
■ Removing the 12-volt battery cover
Remove the 12-volt battery
cover.
■ Exterior
Make sure that the 12-volt battery terminals are not corroded
and that there are no loose c onnections, cracks, or loose
clamps.
Terminals
Hold-down clamp

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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Maintenance and care
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Before recharging
When recharging, the 12-volt battery produces hydrogen gas which is flam-
mable and explosive. Therefore, observe the following before recharging:
●If recharging with the 12-volt battery installed on the vehicle, be sure\
to
disconnect the ground cable.
● Make sure the power switch on the charger is off when connecting and
disconnecting the charger cables to the 12-volt battery.
■ After recharging/reconnect ing the 12-volt battery
In some cases, the hybrid system may not start. Follow one or both of the
following procedures:
● After opening and closing the driver’s door, wait 10 seconds then attempt
to start the hybrid system. (If the system does not start first time, repeat
the procedure.)
● With the shift lever in P and the “POWER” switch OFF, open and close
the driver’s door, then attempt to start the hybrid system.
If the system will not start even after multiple attempts at both methods, con-
tact your Toyota dealer.

302 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
CAUTION
■Chemicals in the 12-volt battery
The 12-volt battery contains poisonous and corrosive sulfuric acid and may
produce hydrogen gas which is flammable and explosive. To reduce the risk
of death or serious injury, take the following precautions while working on or
near the 12-volt battery:
●Do not cause sparks by touching the 12-volt battery terminals with tools.
● Do not smoke or light a match near the 12-volt battery.
● Avoid contact with eyes, skin and clothes.
● Never inhale or swallow electrolyte.
● Wear protective safety glasses when working near the 12-volt battery.
● Keep children away from the 12-volt battery.
■ Where to safely charge the 12-volt battery
Always charge the 12-volt battery in an open area. Do not charge the 12-volt
battery in a garage or closed room where there is not sufficient ventilation.
■ How to recharge the 12-volt battery
Only perform a slow charge (5 A or less). The 12-volt battery may explode if
charged at a quicker rate.
■ Emergency measures regarding electrolyte
●If electrolyte gets in your eyes
Flush your eyes with clean water for at least 15 minutes and get immedi-
ate medical attention. If possible, continue to apply water with a sponge or
cloth while traveling to the nearest medical facility.
● If electrolyte gets on your skin
Wash the affected area thoroughly. If you feel pain or burning, get medical
attention immediately.
● If electrolyte gets on your clothes
It can soak through clothing on to your skin. Immediately take off the cloth-
ing and follow the procedure above if necessary.
● If you accidentally swallow electrolyte
Drink a large quantity of water or milk. Follow with milk of magnesia,
beaten raw egg or vegetable oil. Get emergency medical attention immedi-
ately.

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Maintenance and care
CAUTION
■
When replacing the 12-volt battery
Use a 12-volt battery designed for the CAMRY HYBRID. Failure to do so
may cause gas (hydrogen) to enter the passenger compartment, causing a
fire or explosion.
For replacement of the 12-volt battery, contact your Toyota dealer.
NOTICE
■When recharging the 12-volt battery
Never recharge the 12-volt battery while the hybrid system is operating.
Also, be sure all accessories are turned off.

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Tires
Replace or rotate tires in accordance with maintenance sched-
ules and treadwear.
■Checking tires
New tread
Treadwear indicator
Worn tread
The location of treadwear
indicators is shown by the
“TWI” or “ ” marks, etc.,
molded on the sidewall of
each tire.
Check spare tire condition
and inflation pressure if not
rotated.
■Tire rotation
Rotate the tires in the order
shown.
To equalize tire wear and
extend tire life, Toyota recom-
mends that tire rotation is
carried out at the same inter-
val as tire inspection.
■The tire pressure warning system
Your Toyota is equipped with a ti re pressure warning system that
uses tire pressure warning valves and transmitters to detect low
tire inflation pressure before serious problems arise. (→P. 351)
The compact spare tire is not equipped with a tire pressure warn-
ing valve and transmitter.
Front