2010 TOYOTA PRIUS brake fluid

39
1-1. Hybrid system
1
Before driving
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
CAUTION
■
Road accident cautions
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of injury.
● Pull your vehicle off the road, push the “P” position switch, apply the park-
ing brake and turn the hybrid system off.
● Do not touch the high voltage parts, cables and connectors.
● If electric wires are exposed inside or outside your vehicle, an electric
shock may occur. Never touch exposed electric wires.
● If a fluid leak occurs, do not touch it as it may be strong alkaline electrolyte
from the hybrid battery (traction battery). If it comes into contact with your
skin or eyes, wash it off immediately with a large amount of water or if pos-
sible, boric acid solution. Seek immediate medical attention.
● If a fire occurs in the hybrid vehicle, leave the vehicle as soon as possible.
Never use a fire extinguisher that is not meant for electric fires. Using even
a small amount of water may be dangerous.
● If your vehicle needs to be towed, do so with the front wheels raised. If the
wheels with the electric motor (traction motor) are on the ground when
towing, the motor may continue to generate electricity. This may cause an
electricity leakage leading to a fire. (
P. 487)

153
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
■
Environmentally friendly driving
Environmentally friendly driving can be ac hieved by driving with the Hybrid
System Indicator. ( P. 192)
■ Brake actuator
The brake actuator uses brake fluid pressurized by the pump to power-assist
the brakes. If the brake actuator fails during driving, the brake system warn-
ing light comes on and the buzzer sounds continuously. In this case, the
brakes may not work properly. If they do not work well, depress the brake
pedal firmly. If the brake system warning light comes on, immediately stop
your vehicle and contact your Toyota dealer.
In the following conditions, you may hear a sound in the engine compart-
ment. This is not a malfunction.
● The driver’s door is opened with the hybrid system turned off.
● The brake pedal is depressed with the hybrid system turned off.
● After the hybrid system is turned on.
● The brake pedal is depressed repeatedly with the hybrid system turned
on.
● After the hybrid system is turned off.
The brake pedal may be hard to depress or the brake pedal stroke may be
short before turning the hybrid system on. This is not a malfunction.
■ When braking the vehicle
When applying brakes, you may hear a sound coming from the motor gener-
ator.
However, this does not indicate any trouble.

161
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
NOTICE
■
If you get a flat tire while driving
A flat or damaged tire may cause the following situations. Hold the steering
wheel firmly and gradually press the brake pedal to slow down the vehicle.
● It may be difficult to control your vehicle.
● The vehicle will make abnormal sounds.
● The vehicle will behave abnormally.
Replace a flat tire with a new one. ( P. 527)
■ When encountering flooded roads
Do not drive on a road that has flooded after heavy rain etc. Doing so may
cause the following serious damage to the vehicle.
● Engine stalling
● Short in electrical components
● Engine damage caused by water immersion
In the event that you drive on a flooded road and the vehicle is flooded, be
sure to have your Toyota dealer check the following.
● Brake function
● Changes in quantity and quality of oil and fluid used for the engine, hybrid
system, transmission, etc.
● Lubricant condition for the bearings and suspension joints (where possi-
ble) and the function of all joints, bearings, etc.

412
4-2. Maintenance
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
General maintenance
Engine compartment
Luggage compartment
ItemsCheck points
Brake fluid • At the correct level? (P. 432)
Engine/power control unit coolant • At the correct level? ( P. 430)
Engine oil • At the correct level? (P. 426)
Exhaust system • No fumes or strange sounds?
Radiator/condenser/hoses • Not blocked with foreign matter?

( P. 432)
Washer fluid • At the correct level? (P. 434)
ItemsCheck points
12 volt battery • Maintenance-free ( P. 436)
Listed below are the general maintenance items that should be per-
formed at the intervals specified in the “Scheduled Maintenance
Guide” or “Owner’s Manual Supple ment”. It is recommended that
any problem you notice should be brought to the attention of your
Toyota dealer or qualified service shop for advice.
Listed below are the general maintenance items that should be per-
formed at the intervals specified in the “Owner’s Warranty Informa-
tion”. It is recommended that an y problem you notice should be
brought to the attention of your Toyota dealer or qualified service
shop for advice.

417
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
ItemsParts and tools
Brake fluid level (
P. 432)
• FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE
J1703 brake fluid
• Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding brake fluid)
Engine oil level ( P. 426)
• “Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or
equivalent
• Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding engine oil)
Fuses (P. 462)• Fuse with same amperage rating
as original
Radiator and condenser (P. 432)
Tire inflation pressure ( P. 451)• Tire pressure gauge
• Compressed air source
Washer fluid (P. 434)
• Water or washer fluid containing
antifreeze (for winter use)
• Funnel (used only for adding washer fluid)

425
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
Engine compar tment
■12 volt battery
 P. 436
Engine coolant reservoir 
(  P. 430)
Engine oil level dipstick 
(  P. 426)
Engine oil filler cap 
(  P. 427)
Power control unit coolant
reservoir ( P. 430)Brake fluid reservoir 
(  P. 432)
Fuse box ( P. 462)
Radiator ( P. 432)
Condenser ( P. 432)
Electric cooling fans
Washer fluid tank 
( P. 434)

432 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
Radiator and condenserCheck the radiator and condenser and clear any foreign objects. 
If either of the above parts are extr emely 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.
CAUTION
■When the hybrid system is hot
Do not touch the radiator or condenser, as they may be hot and may cause
burns.
ITO43P151

433
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
■
Adding fluid
Push the tab in and lift the cover
off.
Make sure to check the fluid type and prepare the necessary items.
ITO43P152
Fluid typeFMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703 brake fluid
ItemsClean funnel
■ 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.