2010 TOYOTA PRIUS Owners Manual

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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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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Engine oilWith the engine at operating temperature and turned off, check the oil
level on the dipstick.
■ Checking the engine oil
Park the vehicle on level ground. After turning off the hybrid
system, wait more than 5 minutes for the oil to drain back into
the bottom of the engine.
Hold a rag under the end and
pull the dipstick out.
Wipe the dipstick clean.
Reinsert the dipstick fully.
Holding a rag under the end, pull the dipstick out and check
the oil level.
Wipe the dipstick and reinsert it fully. Low
Full
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4
STEP5
STEP6
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Maintenance and care
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■
Adding engine oil
If the oil level is below or near
the low level mark, add engine
oil of the same type as already in
the engine.
Make sure to check the oil type and prepare the items needed before
adding oil.
Remove the oil filler cap.
Add engine oil slowly, checking the dipstick.
Install the filler cap, turning it clockwise.
Engine oil selectionP. 560
Oil quantity
(Low  Full) 1.6 qt. (1.5 L, 1.3 Imp. qt.)
Items Clean funnel
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3

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■Engine oil consumption
● The amount of engine oil consumed depends on the oil viscosity, the
quality of the oil and the way the vehicle is driven.
● More oil is consumed under driving conditions such as high speeds, fre-
quent acceleration and deceleration.
● A new engine consumes more oil.
● When judging the amount of oil consumption, keep in mind that the oil
may have become diluted, making it difficult to judge the true level accu-
rately.
● Oil consumption: Max. 1.1 qt./600 miles, 0.9 Imp. qt./600 miles (1.0 L per
1000 km).
● If the vehicle consumes more than 1.1 qt. (1.0 L, 0.9 Imp.qt.) every 600
miles (1000 km), contact your Toyota dealer.
■ After changing the engine oil (U.S.A. only)
The oil change system should be rese t. Perform the following steps:
Turn the “POWER” switch OFF with the trip meter A shown.
Turn the “POWER” switch ON with the MPH or km/h button 
( P. 183) held down.
Keep pressing the button until the odometer indicates “000000” and
the multi-information display indicates that the reset is complete.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3

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Maintenance and care
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CAUTION
■
Used engine oil
● Used engine oil contains potentially harmful contaminants which may
cause skin disorders such as inflammation or skin cancer, so care should
be taken to avoid prolonged and repeated contact. To remove used engine
oil from your skin, wash thoroughly with soap and water.
● Dispose of used oil and filters only in a safe and acceptable manner. Do
not dispose of used oil and filters in household trash, in sewers or onto the
ground. 
Call your Toyota dealer, service station or auto parts store for information
concerning recycling or disposal.
● Do not leave used engine oil within the reach of children.
NOTICE
■To prevent serious engine damage
Check the oil level on regular basis.
■ When replacing the engine oil
● Be careful not to spill engine oil on the vehicle components.
● Avoid overfilling, or the engine could be damaged.
● Check the oil level on the dipstick every time you refill the vehicle.
● Be sure the engine oil filler cap is properly retightened.

430 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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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.
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■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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Maintenance and care
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■
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.

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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.
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