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.
■
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.

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Washer fluidOpen the lid.
Check the washer fluid level on
the level gauge.“NORMAL”
“LOW”
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 pro\
blem.
STEP1
ITO43P176
STEP2

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If the washer fluid level is at
“LOW”, add washer fluid.
ITO43P177
STEP3
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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12 volt batter y
■Location
The 12 volt battery is located
in the right-hand side of lug-
gage compartment.
■ Removing the 12 volt battery cover
Open the center auxiliary box. ( P. 385)
Remove the center auxiliary box. ( P. 526)
Remove the 12 volt battery
cover.
Remove the 12 volt battery
maintenance cover.
STEP1
STEP2
ITO43P184
STEP3
STEP4

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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.
■ 12 volt battery exterior
Make sure that the 12 volt battery terminals are not corroded
and that there are no loose c onnections, cracks, or loose
clamps.
Terminals
Hold-down clamp

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■After recharging/reconnecting the 12 volt battery
● Unlocking the doors using the smart key system may not be possible
immediately after disconnecting the 12 volt battery. If this happens, use
the wireless remote control or the mechanical key to lock/unlock the
doors.
● Start the hybrid system with the “POWER” switch in ACCESSORY mode.
The hybrid system may not start with the “POWER” switch turned OFF.
However, the hybrid system will operate normally from the second
attempt.
● The “POWER” switch mode is recorded by the vehicle. If the battery is
reconnected, the vehicle will return the “POWER” switch mode to the sta-
tus it was in before the battery was disconnected. Make sure to turn off
the power before disconnect the battery. Take extra care when connect-
ing the battery if the “POWER” switch mode prior to discharge is
unknown.
If the system will not start even after multiple attempts, contact 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 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.

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CAUTION
■
Where to safely 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 (4.2 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. Get emergency medical attention
immediately.

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CAUTION
■When disconnecting the 12 volt battery
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.
Do not disconnect the negative (-) termi-
nal on the body side as shown. The dis-
connected negative (-) terminal may
touch the positive (+) terminal, which may
cause a short and result in death or seri-
ous injury.