2012 TOYOTA PRIUS Do it yourself

426 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Radiator and condenserCheck the radiator and condenser and clear away any foreign
objects.
If either of the above parts is extr emely dirty or you are not sure of
their condition, have your vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer.
NOTICE
■When adding coolant
Coolant is neither plain water nor stra ight antifreeze. The correct mixture of
water and antifreeze 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 from damaging parts or paint.
CAUTION
■When the hybrid system is hot
Do not touch the radiator or condenser as they may be hot and cause seri-
ous injuries, such as burns.

427
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
Brake fluid
■ Checking fluid level
The brake fluid level should be
between the “MAX” and “MIN”
lines on the tank.
■ Adding fluid
Push the tab in and lift the cover
off.
Make sure to check the fluid type and prepare the necessary item.
ITO43P151
ITO43P152
Fluid type FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703 brake fluid
Items Clean funnel

428 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
■Brake fluid can absorb moisture from the air
Excess moisture in the brake fluid can cause a dangerous loss of braking
efficiency. Use only newly opened brake fluid.
CAUTION
■When filling the reservoir
Take care as brake fluid can harm your hands and 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, see a doctor.
NOTICE
■If the fluid level is low or high
It is normal for the brake fluid level to go down slightly as the brake pads
wear out or when the fluid level in the accumulator is high.
If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, there may be a serious proble\
m.

429
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
Washer fluid
Open the lid.
Check the washer fluid level on
the level gauge.“NORMAL”
“LOW”
If the washer fluid level is at
“LOW”, add washer fluid.
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3

430 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
CAUTION
■When adding washer fluid
Do not add washer fluid when the hybrid system is hot or operating as
washer fluid contains alcohol and may catch fire if spilled on the engine 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 label of the washer fluid bot-
tle.

431
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
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 deck board. ( P. 374)
Remove the center auxiliary box. ( P. 376)
Remove the side deck board
and 12-volt battery cover.
Remove the 12-volt battery
maintenance cover.
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3
STEP 4

432 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
■Before recharging
When recharging, the 12-volt battery produces hydrogen gas which is flam-
mable and explosive. Therefore, observe the following precautions 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.
■ 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

433
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
■
After recharging/reconnecting the 12-volt battery
●Unlocking the doors using the smart key system may not be possible
immediately after reconnecting 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 12-volt bat-
tery is reconnected, the vehicle will return the “POWER” switch mode to
the status it was in before the 12-volt battery was disconnected. Make
sure to turn off the power before disconnect the 12-volt battery. Take
extra care when connecting the 12-volt battery if the “POWER” switch
mode prior to discharge is unknown.
● Restart the hybrid system, depress the brake pedal, and confirm that it is
possible to shift into each shift position.
If the system will not start even after multiple attempts at all methods above,
contact your Toyota dealer.