2012 TOYOTA PRIUS Temperature

345
3-1. Using the air conditioning system
and defogger
3
Interior features
CAUTION
■Precautions for the Remote Air Conditioning System
●Do not use the system if people are in the vehicle.
• Even when the system is in use, the internal temperature may still
reach a high level due to features such as the automatic shut-off. Chil-
dren and pets left inside the vehicle may suffer heatstroke or dehydra-
tion, or could result in death or serious injury.
• The wipers can be operated during system operation. Children or pets left inside the vehicle may mistakenly operate these and cause an acci-
dent.
● Depending on the surrounding environment, signals from the wireless
switch may transmit further than expected. Pay appropriate attention to
the vehicle’s surroundings and use the switch only when necessary.
● Turn the wipers off. If the Remote Air Conditioning System operates while
the wiper switch is in the on position, the wipers may operate and objects
may get caught in the wiper blades.
● Do not operate the if the hood is open. The air conditioning may
operate unintentionally and objects may be drawn into the electrical cool-
ing fan.
NOTICE
■To prevent the hybrid battery (tractio n battery) from being discharged
through incorrect operation
Use the only when necessary.

357
3
Interior features
3-4. Using the storage features
List of storage features
CAUTION
■Items that should not be left in the storage spaces
Do not leave glasses, lighters or spray cans in the storage spaces, as this
may cause the following when cabin temperature becomes high:
● Glasses may be deformed by heat or cracked if they come into contact
with other stored items.
● Lighters or spray cans may explode. If they come into contact with other
stored items, the lighter may catch fire or the spray can may release gas,
causing a fire hazard.
Bottle holders
Auxiliary boxes
Glove boxes
Cup holders
Console box

366
3-5. Other interior features
Outside temperature display
■Operating conditions
The “POWER” switch is in ON mode.
■ Display
In the following situations, the correct outside temperature may not be dis-
played, or the display may take longer than normal to change.
●When stopped, or driving at low speeds (less than 16 mph [25 km/h])
● When the outside temperature has changed suddenly (at the entrance/
exit of a garage, tunnel, etc.)
■ When -- is displayed
The system may be malfunctioning. Take your vehicle to your Toyota dealer.
The displayed temperature ranges fr om -22 °F (-30 °C) up to 122 °F
(50 °C).

370 3-5. Other interior features
CAUTION
■Burns
●Use caution when seating the following persons in a seat with the seat
heater on to avoid the possibility of burns:
• Babies, small children, the elderly, the sick and the physically chal-
lenged
• Persons with sensitive skin
• Persons who are fatigued
• Persons who have taken alcohol or drugs that induce sleep (sleeping drugs, cold remedies, etc.)
● Do not cover the seat with anything when using the seat heater.
Using the seat heater with a blanket or cushion increases the temperature
of the seat and may lead to overheating.
● Do not use the seat heater more than necessary. Doing so may cause
minor burns or overheating.
NOTICE
■To prevent seat heater damage
Do not put heavy objects that have an uneven surface on the seat and do
not stick sharp objects (needles, nails, etc.) into the seat.
■ To prevent 12-volt battery discharge
Turn the seat heaters off when the hybrid system is off.

420 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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 warming up the engine
and turning off the hybrid system, wait more than 5 minutes
for the oil to drain back into the bottom of the engine.
Holding a rag under the end, 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
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3
STEP 4
STEP 5
STEP 6
ITO43P108

425
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
■
Coolant selection
Only use “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.
U.S.A.: “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 50% cool- ant and 50% deionized water. (Minimum temperature: -31 F
[-35 C])
Canada: “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 55% cool- ant and 45% deionized water. (Minimum temperature: -44 F
[-42 C])
For more details about coolant, contact your Toyota dealer.
■ If the coolant level drops within a short time of replenishing
Visually check the radiator, hoses, engine/power control unit coolant reser-
voir caps, drain cock and water pump.
If you cannot find a leak, have your Toyota dealer test the cap and check for
leaks in the cooling system.
CAUTION
■When the hybrid system is hot
Do not remove the engine/power control unit coolant reservoir caps.
The cooling system may be under pressure and may spray hot coolant if the
cap is removed, causing serious injuries, such as burns.

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.

494 5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
Stop the vehicle immediately.The following warning indicates the possibility of damage to the vehi-
cle that may lead to an accident. Immediately stop the vehicle in a
safe place and contact your Toyota dealer.
Warning lightWarning light/Details
Charging system warning light Indicates a malfunction in the vehicle’s charging system
High coolant temperature warning light Indicates that the coolant temperature is too high
Changes from a flashing to a solid light when the engine
coolant temperature increases.