2012 TOYOTA PRIUS PLUS service

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.)

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.

429 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
Checking interval
Inspect and replace the air conditioning filter according to the maintenance
schedule. In dusty areas or areas with heavy traffic flow, early replacement
may be required. (For scheduled maintenance information, please refer to
the “Toyota Service Booklet” or “Toyota Warranty Booklet”.)
If air flow from the vents decreases dramatically
The filter may be clogged. Check the filter and replace if necessary.
NOTICE
To prevent damage to the system
When using the air conditioning system, make sure that a filter is always
installed.

5
461
5-1. Essential information
When trouble arises
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
If your vehicle needs to be towed
Before towing
The following may indicate a problem with your hybrid transmission.
Contact any authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly
qualified and equipped professional before towing.
The hybrid system is operating but the vehicle will not move.
The vehicle makes an abnormal sound.
If there is a malfunction in the P position control system, the smart
entry & start system or the immobilizer system, or if the 12-volt bat-
tery is discharged, the vehicle cannot be towed with the front wheels
on the ground, as the front wheels may be locked. In this case, trans-
port the vehicle with both front wheels or all four wheels lifted.
If towing is necessary, we recommend having your vehicle towed by
any authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified
and equipped professional or a commercial towing service, using a
lift-type truck or flat bed truck.
Use a safety chain system for all towing, and abide by all state/pro-
vincial and local laws.

546 6-1. Specifications
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
Oil viscosity (0W-20 is explained here as an example):
• The 0W in 0W-20 indicates the characteristic of the oil which allows
cold startability. Oils with a lower value before the W allow for easier
starting of the engine in cold weather.
• The 20 in 0W-20 indicates the viscosity characteristic of the oil when
the oil is at high temperature. An oil with a higher viscosity (one with a
higher value) may be better suited if the vehicle is operated at high
speeds, or under extreme load conditions.
How to read oil container labels:
Either or both API registered marks are added to some oil containers
to help you select the proper oil you should use.
API Service Symbol
Top portion: The oil quality desig-
nation by API (American Petro-
leum Institute) (SN)
Center portion: The SAE viscosity
grade (SAE 0W-20)
Lower portion:
“Resource-conserving” means
that the oil has fuel saving and
environmental protection capabili-
ties.
ILSAC Certification Mark
The ILSAC (International Lubri-
cant Standardization and
Approval Committee) certification
Mark is displayed on the front of
the container.

570 Alphabetical index
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
Service reminder
indicators .............................. 248
Shift lever
Transmission......................... 224
Side airbags ............................. 158
Side mirrors
Adjusting and folding............. 133
Smart entry & start system
Antenna location ..................... 67
Entry functions ........................ 64
Starting the hybrid system .... 214
Spare tire
Inflation pressure .................. 550
Storage location .................... 482
Spark plug ................................ 547
Specifications .......................... 540
Speedometer ............................ 236
Steering wheel
Adjustment ............................ 130
Audio switches
*
Storage feature ........................ 351
Stuck
If your vehicle becomes
stuck ................................... 534
Sun visors ................................ 362
Sunshade
Panoramic roof...................... 369
Rear doors ............................ 373Switch
Audio remote control
switches
*
Cruise control switch............. 275
Driving mode select
switch ................................. 226
Eco drive mode switch .......... 226
Emergency flasher switch ..... 460
EV drive mode switch ........... 221
Fog light switch ..................... 266
Hazard light switch................ 460
Headlight cleaner switch ....... 274
Ignition switch ....................... 214
Light switches ....................... 261
Panoramic roof shades
switch ................................. 369
Power door lock switch ........... 94
“POWER” switch ................... 214
Power window switch............ 135
Pre-crash braking off
switch ................................. 308
Talk switch
*
Telephone switch*
Window lock switch............... 135
Wipers and washer
switch ................................. 268