2010 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID Owners Manual

441
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
Power control unit coolant reservoir
Reservoir cap
“FULL”
“LOW”
If the level is on or below the
“LOW” line, add coolant up to the
“FULL” line.
■If the coolant level drops within a short time after replenishing
Visually check the radiator, hoses, coolant reservoir cap, drain cock and
water pump.
If you cannot find a leak, have your Toyota dealer pressure 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.

442 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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 stra ight 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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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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Maintenance and care
Radiator and condenser
Check the radiators 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.
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
■When the hybrid system is hot
Do not touch the radiators or condenser as they may be hot and may cause
burns.
■ When the electric cooling fan is operating
Do not touch the engine compartment.
The electric cooling fan may keep rotating for about 3 minutes after the
“POWER” switch is OFF.
With the “POWER” switch in ON mode, the electric cooling fan may automat-
ically start to run if the air conditioning is on and/or the coolant temperature
is high. Be sure the “POWER” switch is OFF when working near the electric
cooling fan or radiator grille.

444 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
12-volt battery■ Exterior
Make sure that the 12-volt battery terminals are not corroded and
that there are no loose connecti ons, cracks, or loose clamps.
Te r m i n a l s
Hold-down clamp
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 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 pro\
blem.

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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Maintenance and care
■
Checking 12-volt battery fluid
Check that the level is between
“UPPER LEVEL” and “LOWER
LEVEL”.
“UPPER LEVEL”
“LOWER LEVEL”
If the fluid level is at or below
“LOWER LEVEL”, add distilled
water.
■Adding distilled water
Low
O. K.
Remove the vent plug.
Add distilled water.
If the “UPPER LEVEL” line cannot be seen, check the fluid level by
looking directly at the cell.
Put the vent plug back on and close securely.
■ 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.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3

446 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
■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 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.
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 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 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.

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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Maintenance and care
CAUTION
■
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. Get emergency medical attention
immediately.
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.
■ When adding distilled water
Avoid overfilling. Water spilled during battery recharging may cause corro-
sion.

448 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Washer fluidAdd washer fluid in the following
situations.
●Any washer does not work.
● The warning message
appears on the multi-informa-
tion display. ( P. 5 1 1 )
CAUTION
■When adding the washer fluid
Do not add the washer fluid when the engine is hot or running, as the washer
fluid contains alcohol and may catch fire if spilled on the engine 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.