2009 TOYOTA PRIUS Owners Manual

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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 touch the radiator or condenser, as they may be hot and you may be
burned.
Fluid typeFMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703 brake fluid
ItemsClean funnel

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■Brake fluid can absorb moisture from the air
Excess moisture in the fluid can cause a dangerous loss of braking effi-
ciency. Use only newly opened brake fluid.
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.
NOTICE
■If the fluid level is low
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.

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12 volt battery
■ Location
The 12 volt battery is located in
the right-hand side of luggage
compartment.
■ 12 volt battery exterior
Make sure that the 12 volt battery terminals are not corroded and that
there are no loose connections, cracks, or loose clamps.
Te r m i n a l s
Hold-down clamp

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■Before recharging
When recharging, the 12 volt battery produces hydrogen gas which is flam-
mable and explosive. Therefore, 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/reconnecting 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 engine. (If the system does not start first time, repeat the pro-
cedure.)
● With the shift lever in “P” and the “POWER” switch in the OFF mode,
open and close any 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.

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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 safety 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 (3.5 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 a burning sensation,
seek 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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Washer fluidIf any washer does not work, the
washer tank may be empty. Add
washer fluid.
NOTICE
■When recharging th e 12 volt battery
Never recharge the 12 volt battery while the hybrid system is operating.
Also, be sure all accessories are turned off.
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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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.
Do not fail to initialize the tire
pressure warning system
after tire rotation.
■The tire pressure warning system
Your Toyota is equipped with a tire pressure warning system that
uses tire pressure warning valves and transmitters to detect low
tire inflation pressure before serious problems arise. (P. 426)
The compact spare tire is not equipped with a tire pressure
warning valve and transmitter.
Front

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Installing tire pressure warning valves and transmittersWhen replacing tires or wheels, tire pressure warning valves and
transmitters must also be installed.
When new tire pressure warning valves and transmitters are
installed, new tire pressure warn ing valve and transmitter ID codes
must be registered in the tire pr essure warning computer and tire
pressure warning system must be initialized. Have tire pressure
warning valve and transmitter ID codes registered by Toyota dealer.
(  P. 378)
Initializing the tire pressure warning system
■ The tire pressure warning system must be initialized in the fol-
lowing circumstances:
●When rotating the tires on vehicles differing with front and rear
tire inflation pressures.
● When changing the tire inflation pressure by changing traveling
speed or load weight, etc.
● When changing the tire size.
When the tire pressure warning system is initialized, the current
tire inflation pressure is set as the pressure benchmark.