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2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
Winter driving tips
Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before driving
the vehicle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a manner appropri-
ate to the prevailing weather conditions.
■ Pre-winter preparations
●Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside tem-
peratures.
• Engine oil
• Engine/power control unit coolant
• Washer fluid
● Have a service technician inspect the level and specific grav-
ity of 12 volt battery electrolyte.
● Have the vehicle fitted with four snow tires or purchase a set
of tire chains for the front tires.
Ensure that all tires are the same size and brand, and that chains
match the size of the tires.
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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.
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416
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Do-it-yourself ser vice precautions
If you perform maintenance yourself, be sure to follow the correct
procedure given in these sections.
ItemsParts and tools
12 volt battery condition (P. 436)• Grease
• Conventional wrench
(for terminal clamp bolts)
Engine/power control unit coolant
level
(P. 430)
• “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.
For the U.S.A.:
“Toyota Super Long Life Cool-
ant” is pre-mixed with 50 % cool-
ant and 50 % deionized water.
For Canada:
“Toyota Super Long Life Cool-
ant” is pre-mixed with 55 % cool-
ant and 45 % deionized water.
• Funnel (used only for adding cool- ant)
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418 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
CAUTION
The engine compartment contains many mechanisms and fluids that may
move suddenly, become hot, or become electrically energized. To avoid death
or serious injury observe the following precautions.
■When working on the engine compartment
● Keep hands, clothing, and tools away from the moving fan.
● Be careful not to touch the engine, power control unit, radiator, exhaust
manifold, etc. right after driving as they may be hot. Oil and other fluids
may also be hot.
● Do not leave anything that may burn easily, such as paper or rags, in the
engine compartment.
● Do not smoke, cause sparks or expose an open flame to fuel. Fuel fumes
are flammable.
● Never touch, disassemble, remove or replace the high voltage parts,
cables and their connectors. It can cause severe burns or electric shock
that may result in death or serious injury.
● When the hybrid system is operating with the “READY” indicator on, the
engine may suddenly start in some cases. When you inspect the engine
compartment, be sure to turn off the hybrid system.
■ When working near the electric cooling fan or radiator grille
Be sure 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. ( P. 432)
■ Safety glasses
Wear safety glasses to prevent flying or falling material, fluid spray, etc. from
getting in the eyes.
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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)
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430 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
Engine/power control unit coolantThe coolant level is satisfactory if it is between the “FULL” and “LOW”
lines on the reservoir when the hybrid system is cold.
Engine coolant reservoir Reservoir cap
“FULL”
“LOW”
If the level is on or below the
“LOW” line, add coolant up to the
“FULL” line.
Power control unit coolant reservoirReservoir cap
Full
Low
If the level is on or below the “L”
line, add coolant up to the “F” line.
ITO43P111
■If the coolant level drops within a short time after replenishing
Visually check the radiator, hoses, reservoir cap, radiator 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.
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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
■
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 engine 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 the coolant
Coolant is neither plain water not straight antifreeze. The correct mixture of
water and anti freeze 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 it damage to parts or paint.
Page 474 of 616
474 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
Replacing light bulbs■ Headlight low beams (halogen bulbs)
For the right side only:
Remove the bolt and unclip the
engine coolant reservoir hose.
Then lift up the air cleaner inlet
duct.
Turn the bulb base counterclock-
wise.
STEP1
ITO43P162
STEP2