2010 TOYOTA PRIUS check oil

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.

405
4-1. Maintenance and care
4
Maintenance and care
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
■
Automatic car washes
● Before washing the vehicle, do the following.
• Fold the mirrors back.
• Remove the antenna.
● Brushes used in automatic car washes may scratch the vehicle surface
and harm your vehicle’s paint.
■ High pressure automatic car washes
● Do not allow the nozzles of the car wash to come within close proximity
of the windows.
● Before car wash, check that the fuel filler door on your vehicle is closed
properly.
■ Aluminum wheels
Remove any dirt immediately by using a neutral detergent. Do not use hard
brushes or abrasive cleaners. Do not use strong or harsh chemical cleaners.
Use the same mild detergent and wax as used on the paint.
■ Bumpers and side moldings
Do not scrub with abrasive cleaners.
■ To prevent paint deterioratio n and corrosion on the body
● Wash the vehicle immediately in the following cases:
• After driving near the sea coast
• After driving on salted roads
• If you see coal tar or tree sap on the paint surface
• If you see dead insects or insect droppings on the paint
• After driving in an area contaminated with soot, oily smoke, mine dust,
iron powder or chemical substances
• If the vehicle becomes heavily soiled in dust or mud
• If liquids such as benzine and gasoline are spilled on the paint surface
● If the paint is chipped or scratched, have it repaired immediately.

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.

426 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
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
ITO43P108

427
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
■
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

429
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
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.

512 5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
Follow the correction procedures.After taking the specified steps to correct the suspected problem,
check that the warning message turns off.
Warning messageDetailsCorrection procedure
(U.S.A. only) Indicates that the engine oil is
scheduled to be changed.
A buzzer also sounds.
Check the engine
oil, and change if
necessary.
Comes on approximately 4500
miles (7200 km) after the
engine oil is changed. (The
indicator will not work properly
unless the oil maintenance
data has been reset).
(U.S.A. only) Indicates that the engine oil
should be changed.
A buzzer also sounds.
Check and change
the engine oil.
Comes on approximately 5000
miles (8000 km) after the
engine oil is changed (and the
oil maintenance data has been
reset).

603
Alphabetical index
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
Driver’s seat belt reminder

light ........................................ 499
Driving
Break-in tips ......................... 151
Correct posture..................... 111
Procedures ........................... 150
Winter driving tips ................. 261
Electric Power Steering .......... 245
Electronic key Replacing battery ................. 460
When the electronic key 
battery is discharged .......... 541
Emergency flashers ............... 486
Emergency, in case of
If a warning buzzer 
sounds ............................... 496
If a warning light turns on ..... 496
If a warning message 
is displayed ........................ 508
If the electronic key does not 
operate properly ................. 541
If the hybrid system will not 
start .................................... 538
If the 12 volt battery is 
discharged ........................ 543
If you have a flat tire ............ 524
If you lose your keys............. 540
If you think something is 
wrong ................................. 493
If your vehicle becomes 
stuck................................... 553
If your vehicle needs to be 
towed ................................. 487
If your vehicle overheats ...... 548 Engine
Compartment ........................425
Hood......................................420
How to start the hybrid 
system ................................162
If the hybrid system will 
not start ...............................538
Ignition switch........................162
Overheating...........................548
“POWER” switch ...................162
Engine oil Capacity ................................560
Checking ...............................426
Preparing and checking 
before winter .......................261
Engine/power control unit coolant Capacity ................................562
Checking ...............................430
Preparing and checking 
before winter .......................261
Engine oil maintenance 
data .........................................428
Enhanced VSC (Vehicle 
Stability Control)....................245
EPS ............................................245
Event data recorder .................494
Floor mats.................................384
Fluid Brake .....................................432
Washer ..................................434
Fog lights Replacing light bulbs .............472
Switch....................................209
Wattage .................................567
Front passenger occupant 
classification system ............126
Front passenger’s seat belt 
reminder light.........................499
Front seats Adjustment ..............................78
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