2012 TOYOTA PRIUS PLUS maintenance

407 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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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.

408 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
Coolant
The coolant level is satisfactory if it is between the full (“FULL” or “F”)
and low (“LOW” or “L”) lines on the reservoir when the hybrid system
is cold.
Engine coolant reservoir
Reservoir cap
“FULL” line
“LOW” line
If the level is on or below the
“LOW” line, add coolant up to the
“FULL” line. (P. 547)
Power control unit coolant reservoir
Reservoir cap
“F” line
“L” line
If the level is on or below the “L”
line, add coolant up to the “F” line.
(P. 547)

409 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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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.

410 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
Radiator and condenser
Check the radiator and condenser and clear away any foreign
objects.
If either of the above parts is extremely dirty or you are not sure of
their condition, have your vehicle inspected by any authorized Toyota
dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped profes-
sional.
NOTICE
When adding coolant
Coolant is neither plain water nor straight 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.

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Maintenance and care
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
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

412 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
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.

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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Maintenance and care
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
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
Remove the center and right side deck boards. (P. 377)
Remove the center auxiliary box. (P. 378)
Remove the right side auxil-
iary box.
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3

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Exterior
Make sure that the 12-volt battery terminals are not corroded
and that there are no loose connections, cracks, or loose
clamps.
Terminals
Hold-down clamp
Caution symbol
The meanings of each caution symbol on the top of the battery
are as follows:
No smoking, no naked
flames, no sparksBattery acid
Shield eyesNote operating
instructions
Keep away from childrenExplosive gas