2012 TOYOTA PRIUS PLUS Owners Manual

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Maintenance and care
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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.

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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
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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

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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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Maintenance and care
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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

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Maintenance and care
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Before recharging
When recharging, the 12-volt battery produces hydrogen gas which is flam-
mable and explosive. Therefore, observe the following precautions before
recharging:
If recharging with the 12-volt battery installed on the vehicle, be sure to
disconnect the ground cable.
Make sure the power switch on the charger is off when connecting and
disconnecting the charger cables to the 12-volt battery.
After recharging/reconnecting the 12-volt battery
Unlocking the doors using the smart entry & start system may not be
possible immediately after reconnecting the 12-volt battery. If this hap-
pens, use the wireless remote control or the mechanical key to lock/
unlock the doors.
Start the hybrid system with the “POWER” switch in ACCESSORY mode.
The hybrid system may not start with the “POWER” switch turned off.
However, the hybrid system will operate normally from the second
attempt.
The “POWER” switch mode is recorded by the vehicle. If the 12-volt bat-
tery is reconnected, the vehicle will return the “POWER” switch mode to
the status it was in before the 12-volt battery was disconnected. Make
sure to turn off the power before disconnect the 12-volt battery. Take
extra care when connecting the 12-volt battery if the “POWER” switch
mode prior to discharge is unknown.
Restart the hybrid system, depress the brake pedal, and confirm that it is
possible to shift into each shift position.
If the system will not start even after multiple attempts at all methods above,
contact any authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified
and equipped professional.

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CAUTION
Chemicals in the 12-volt battery
The 12-volt battery contains poisonous and corrosive sulfuric acid and may
produce hydrogen gas which is flammable and explosive. To reduce the risk
of death or serious injury, take the following precautions while working on or
near the 12-volt battery:
Do not cause sparks by touching the 12-volt battery terminals with tools.
Do not smoke or light a match near the 12-volt battery.
Avoid contact with eyes, skin and clothes.
Never inhale or swallow electrolyte.
Wear protective safety glasses when working near the 12-volt battery.
Keep children away from the 12-volt battery.
Where to safely charge the 12-volt battery
Always charge the 12-volt battery in an open area. Do not charge the 12-volt
battery in a garage or closed room where there is insufficient ventilation.
How to recharge the 12-volt battery
Only perform a slow charge
*. The 12-volt battery may explode if charged at
a quicker rate.
*: 4 A or less on vehicles without alarm and a navigation system.
5 A or less on vehicles with alarm or a navigation system.