2012 TOYOTA HILUX battery

473 4-2. Maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
HILUX_EE (OM0K132E)
CAUTION
If your vehicle is not properly maintained
Improper maintenance could result in serious damage to the vehicle and
possible serious injury or death.
Handling of the battery
Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead com-
pounds which are known to cause brain damage. Wash your hands after
handling. (P. 489)

474
HILUX_EE (OM0K132E)
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Do-it-yourself ser vice precautions
If you perform maintenance by yourself, be sure to follow the correct
procedure as given in these sections.
ItemsParts and tools
Battery condition (P. 489)
•Warm water
• Baking soda
• Grease
• Conventional wrench
(for terminal clamp bolts)
• Distilled water
Engine coolant level (P. 486)
• “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant”
or a similar high quality ethylene
glycol-based non-silicate, non-
amine, non-nitrite and non-borate
coolant with long-life hybrid
organic acid technology
“Toyota Super Long Life Cool-
ant” is pre-mixed with 50% cool-
ant and 50% deionized water.
• Funnel (used only for adding cool-
ant)
Engine oil level (P. 482)
• “Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or
equivalent
• Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding
engine oil)

476 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
HILUX_EE (OM0K132E)
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 and engine
drive belt.
Be careful not to touch the engine, 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 and rags, in the
engine compartment.
Do not smoke, cause sparks or expose an open flame to fuel or the bat-
tery. Fuel and battery fumes are flammable.
Be extremely cautious when working on the battery. It contains poisonous
and corrosive sulfuric acid.
Take care because brake fluid can harm your hands or eyes and damage
painted surfaces. If fluid gets on your hands or in your eyes, flush the
affected area with clean water immediately.
If you still experience discomfort, consult a doctor.
Safety glasses
Wear safety glasses to prevent flying or falling material, fluid spray, etc. from
getting in your eyes.

480
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
HILUX_EE (OM0K132E)
Engine compartment
Left-hand drive vehicles
Battery (if equipped)
(P. 489)
Engine coolant reservoir
(P. 486)
Intercooler (P. 488)
Engine oil filler cap
(P. 483)Engine oil level dipstick
(P. 482)
Fuel filter (P. 495, 587)
Fuse box (P. 509)
Battery (P. 489)
Washer fluid tank (P. 493)
Condenser (P. 488)
Radiator (P. 488)

481 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
HILUX_EE (OM0K132E)
Right-hand drive vehicles
Engine coolant reservoir
(P. 486)
Intercooler (P. 488)
Engine oil filler cap
(P. 483)
Engine oil level dipstick
(P. 482)
Fuel filter (P. 495, 587)Battery (if equipped)
(P. 489)
Fuse box (P. 509)
Battery (P. 489)
Washer fluid tank (P. 493)
Condenser (P. 488)
Radiator (P. 488)

489 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
HILUX_EE (OM0K132E)
Battery
Check the battery as follows.
Caution symbols
The meanings of each caution symbol on the top of the battery are as
follows:
Battery exterior
Make sure that the battery terminals are not corroded and that
there are no loose connections, cracks, or loose clamps.
Terminals
Hold-down clamp
No smoking, no
naked flames, no
sparks
Battery acid
Shield eyesNote operating
instructions
Keep away from chil-
drenExplosive gas

490 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
HILUX_EE (OM0K132E)Checking battery fluid
Check that the level is between
the upper and lower lines.
Upper line
Lower line
If the fluid level is at or below the
lower line, add distilled water.
Adding distilled water
Remove the vent plug.
Add distilled water.
If the upper line cannot be seen, check the fluid level by looking
directly at the cell.
Put the vent plug back on and close it securely.
Low O.K.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3

491 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
HILUX_EE (OM0K132E)
Before recharging
When recharging, the battery produces hydrogen gas which is flammable
and explosive. Therefore, observe the following before recharging:
If recharging with the battery installed on the vehicle, be sure to discon-
nect the ground cable.
Make sure the power switch on the charger is off when connecting and
disconnecting the charger cables to the battery.
CAUTION
Chemicals in the battery
Batteries contain 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
battery:
Do not cause sparks by touching the battery terminals with tools.
Do not smoke or light a match near the battery.
Avoid contact with eyes, skin and clothes.
Never inhale or swallow electrolyte.
Wear protective safety glasses when working near the battery.
Keep children away from the battery.
Where to safely charge the battery
Always charge the battery in an open area. Do not charge the battery in a
garage or closed room where there is insufficient ventilation.