2012 TOYOTA PRIUS check oil

191
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
NOTICE
■
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 engine oil, transmission fluid for the
hybrid system, etc.
● Lubricant condition for the bearings and suspension joints (where possi-
ble), and the function of all joints, bearings, etc.
If the P position control system is damaged by flooding, it may not be possi-
ble to shift the shift position to P, or from P to other positions. When the shift
position cannot be changed from P to any other position, the front wheels
will lock, and you will be unable to tow the vehicle with the front wheels on
the ground, as the front wheels may be locked. In this case, transport the
vehicle with both front wheels or all four wheels lifted.

396
4-1. Maintenance and care
Cleaning and protecting the vehicle exterior
■Automatic car washes
●Fold the mirrors and remove the antenna before washing the vehicle.
Start washing from the front of the vehicle. Make sure to re-install the
antenna and extend the mirrors before driving.
● Brushes used in automatic car washes may scratch the vehicle surface
and harm your vehicle’s paint.
● Roof antenna, rear spoiler may not be washable in some automatic car
washes. There may also be an increased risk of damage to vehicle.
■ High pressure car washes
●Do not allow the nozzles of the car wash to come within close proximity
of the windows.
● Before using the car wash, check that the fuel filler door on your vehicle
is closed properly.
Perform the following to protect the vehicle and maintain it in prime
condition:
● Working from top to bottom, liber ally apply water to the vehicle
body, wheel wells and underside of the vehicle to remove any
dirt and dust.
● Wash the vehicle body using a sponge or soft cloth, such as a
chamois.
● For hard-to-remove marks, use car wash soap and rinse thor-
oughly with water.
● Wipe away any water.
● Wax the vehicle when the waterproof coating deteriorates.
If water does not bead on a clean surface, apply wax when the vehicle
body is cool.

405
4-2. Maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
General maintenance
Engine compartment
ItemsCheck points
Brake fluid Is the brake fluid at the correct
level? (
P. 427)
Engine/power control unit coolant Is the engine/power control unit
coolant at the correct level?
(P. 424)
Engine oil Is the engine oil at the correct
level?
(P. 420)
Exhaust system There should not be any fumes or
strange sounds.
Radiator/condenser The radiator and condenser
should be free from foreign
objects. (
P. 426)
Washer fluid Is there sufficient washer fluid?
(P. 429)
Listed below are the general maintenance items that should be per-
formed at the intervals specified in the “Owner’s Warranty Informa-
tion Booklet” or “Owner’s Manual Supplement/Scheduled
Maintenance Guide”. It is recomme nded that any problem you notice
should be brought to the attention of your Toyota dealer or qualified
service shop for advice.

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

421
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
■
Adding engine oil
If the oil level is below or near
the low level mark, add engine
oil of the same type as that
already in the engine.
Make sure to check the oil type and prepare the items needed before
adding oil.
Remove the oil filler cap by turning it counterclockwise.
Add engine oil slowly, checking the dipstick.
Install the oil filler cap by turning it clockwise.
Engine oil selectionP. 564
Oil quantity
(Low  Full) 1.6 qt. (1.5 L, 1.3 Imp.qt.)
Items Clean funnel
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3

423
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
CAUTION
■
Used engine oil
●Used engine oil contains potentially harmful contaminants which may
cause skin disorders such as inflammation and 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 a 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 tightened.

563
6-1. Specifications
6
Vehicle specifications
Electric motor (Traction motor)
Hybrid battery (traction battery)
Lubrication system
*: The engine oil capacity is a reference quantity to be used when changing the
engine oil. Warm up the engine and turn off the hybrid system, wait more
than 5 minutes, and check the oil level on the dipstick.
Ty p ePermanent magnet motor
Maximum output 60 kW
Maximum torque 153 ft•lbf (207 N•m, 21.1 kgf•m)
Ty p eNickel-Metal hydride battery
Voltage 7.2 V/module
Capacity6.5 Ah (3HR)
Quantity 28 modules
Overall voltage 201.6 V
Oil capacity
(Drain and refill 
reference
*)
With filter
Without filter
4.4 qt. (4.2 L, 3.7 Imp.qt.)
4.1 qt. (3.9 L, 3.4 Imp.qt.)

621
Alphabetical index
Eco drive mode switch ........... 204
Electric power steering........... 296
Electronic key
If the electronic key does not operate properly ................. 541
Replacing battery ................. 454
Emergency, in case of If a warning buzzer
sounds ............................... 493
If a warning light turns on ..... 493
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 ............ 523
If you lose your keys............. 540
If you think something is wrong ................................. 492
If your vehicle becomes stuck................................... 554
If your vehicle has to be
stopped in an
emergency ......................... 556
If your vehicle needs to be
towed ................................. 485
If your vehicle overheats ...... 549
Emergency flashers
Switch ................................... 484 Engine
Accessory mode....................194
Compartment ........................419
Hood......................................413
How to start the hybrid
system ................................192
Identification number .............561
If the hybrid system will not start .....................................538
Ignition switch........................192
Overheating...........................549
“POWER” switch ...................192
Engine coolant Capacity ................................566
Checking ...............................424
Preparing and checking before winter .......................317
Engine/power control unit coolantCapacity ................................566
Checking ...............................424
Preparing and checking before winter .......................317
Engine oil Capacity ................................563
Checking ...............................420
Preparing and checking before winter .......................317
Enhanced VSC .........................296
EPS ............................................296
EV drive mode switch ..............199
Event data recorder ...................25E