2012 TOYOTA PRIUS PLUS check engine

244 2-2. Instrument cluster
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)As shown below, the driving conditions of the vehicle can be con-
firmed by checking the status of the indicator.
*1: The images are examples only, and may vary slightly from actual condi-
tions.
*2: The displayed status is intended as a guide, and may differ from the
actual status.
*3: The gasoline engine will automatically stop and restart under various
conditions.
Hybrid System Indicator statusDisplay*1
Charge area:
Shows regenerative charging.
*2 (P. 39)
Eco area:
Shows that the vehicle is driven in Eco-friendly.
Hybrid Eco area:
Shows that gasoline engine power is not being
used very often.
*3
Power area:
Shows that the driving power is more than the
upper limit of Eco driving (during full power driv-
ing etc.).

247 2-2. Instrument cluster
2
When driving
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
Engine speed
On hybrid vehicles, engine speed is precisely controlled in order to help
improve fuel efficiency and reduce exhaust emissions etc.
There are times when the engine speed that is displayed may differ even
when vehicle operation and driving conditions are the same.
Brightness of the instrument cluster light
If the headlight switch is turned to ON while the surrounding area is dark, the
instrument cluster lights will dim.
When disconnecting and reconnecting 12-volt battery terminals
The average fuel consumption and cruising range will be reset.
NOTICE
To prevent damage to the engine and its components
The engine may be overheating if the high coolant temperature warning light
comes on or flashes. In this case, immediately stop the vehicle in a safe
place, and check the engine after it has cooled completely. (P. 528)
The trip information display at low temperatures
Allow the interior of the vehicle to warm up before using the liquid crystal
information display. At extremely low temperatures, the information display
monitor may respond slowly, and display changes may be delayed.

4Maintenance and care
381
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
4-1. Maintenance and care
Cleaning and protecting
the vehicle exterior ......... 382
Cleaning and protecting
the vehicle interior .......... 387
4-2. Maintenance
Maintenance
requirements................... 390
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Do-it-yourself service
precautions ..................... 393
Hood ................................. 397
Positioning a floor jack ...... 400
Engine compartment......... 403
12-volt battery ................... 413
Tires .................................. 419
Tire inflation pressure ....... 422
Wheels .............................. 425
Air conditioning filter ......... 427
Electronic key battery ....... 430
Checking and replacing
fuses ............................... 433
Light bulbs ........................ 445

391 4-2. Maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
Where to go for service?
In order to maintain your vehicle in the best possible condition, Toyota rec-
ommends that all repairs and service operations be carried out by autho-
rized Toyota dealers or repairers or other duly qualified and equipped
professionals. For repairs and services covered by your warranty, please
visit an authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, who will use genuine Toyota
parts in repairing any difficulties you may encounter. There can also be
advantages in utilizing authorized Toyota dealers or repairers for non-war-
ranty repairs and services, as members of the Toyota network will be able to
expertly assist you with any difficulties you may encounter.
Your Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped
professional will perform all of the scheduled maintenance on your vehicle
reliably and economically due to their experience with Toyota vehicles.
Does your vehicle need repair?
Be on the alert for changes in performance and sounds, and visual tip-offs
that indicate service is needed. Some important clues are:
Engine missing, stumbling or pinging
Appreciable loss of power
Strange engine noises
A fluid leak under the vehicle (However, water dripping from the air condi-
tioning system after use is normal.)
Change in exhaust sound (This may indicate a dangerous carbon mon-
oxide leak. Drive with the windows open and have the exhaust system
checked immediately.)

404 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
Engine oil
With 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.
Flat dipstick: Reinsert the dipstick fully.
Non-flat dipstick: Reinsert the
dipstick fully with its protruding
areas ( in the illustration)
pointing towards the engine.
Holding a rag under the end, pull the dipstick out and check
the oil level.
Wipe the dipstick and reinsert it fully.
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3
STEP 4
STEP 4
STEP 5
STEP 6

406 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)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. 544
Oil quantity
(Low  Full)1.5 L (1.6 qt., 1.3 Imp.qt.)
Items Clean funnel
Engine oil consumption
A certain amount of engine oil will be consumed while driving. In the follow-
ing situations, oil consumption may increase, and engine oil may need to be
refilled in between oil maintenance intervals.
When the engine is new, for example directly after purchasing the vehicle
or after replacing the engine
If low quality oil or oil of an inappropriate viscosity is used
When driving at high engine speeds or with a heavy load, or when driving
while accelerating or decelerating frequently
When leaving the engine idling for a long time, or when driving frequently
through heavy traffic
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3

407 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
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 any authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly
qualified and equipped professional, 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.

409 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
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.
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 50% coolant and 50%
deionized water. (Minimum temperature: -35 C [-31 F])
For more details about coolant, contact any authorized Toyota dealer or
repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional.
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 any authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or
another duly qualified and equipped professional 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.