2012 TOYOTA PRIUS V coolant

207
2-2. Instrument cluster
PRIUS v_U (OM47784U)
2
When driving
■
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 panel light
If the headlight switch is turned to ON while the surrounding area is dark, the
instrument panel lights will dim.
■ When disconnecting and reconnect ing 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. 487)
■ The trip information disp lay 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.

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2-5. Driving information
PRIUS v_U (OM47784U)
2
When driving
Winter driving tips
Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before driving
the vehicle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a manner appropri-
ate to the prevailing weather conditions.
■ Pre-winter preparations
●Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside tem-
peratures.
• Engine oil
• Engine/power control unit coolant
• Washer fluid
● Have the vehicle fitted with four snow tires or purchase a set
of tire chains for the front tires.
Ensure that all tires are the same size and brand, and that chains
match the size of the tires.
■Before driving the vehicle
Perform the following according to the driving conditions:
●Do not try to forcibly open a window or move a wiper that is
frozen. Pour warm water over the frozen area to melt the ice.
Wipe away the water immediately to prevent it from freezing.
● To ensure proper operation of th e climate control system fan,
remove any snow that has accumulated on the air inlet vents
in front of the windshield.
● Remove any ice that has accumu lated on the vehicle chassis.
● Periodically check for and remove any excess ice or snow
that may have accumulated in the wheel well or on the
brakes.

358
4-2. Maintenance
PRIUS v_U (OM47784U)
General maintenance
Engine compartment
ItemsCheck points
Brake fluid Is the brake fluid at the correct
level? (
P. 380)
Engine/power control unit coolant Is the engine/power control unit
coolant at the correct level?
(P. 377)
Engine oil Is the engine oil at the correct
level?
(P. 373)
Exhaust system There should not be any fumes or
strange sounds.
Radiator/condenser The radiator and condenser
should be free from foreign
objects. (
P. 379)
Washer fluid Is there sufficient washer fluid?
(P. 382)
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 recommended that any problem you notice
should be brought to the attention of your Toyota dealer or qualified
service shop for advice.

363
PRIUS v_U (OM47784U)
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Maintenance and care
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Do-it-yourself ser vice precautions
If you perform maintenance by yourself, be sure to follow the correct
procedure as given in these sections.
ItemsParts and tools
12-volt battery condition (P. 384)• Grease
• Conventional wrench
(for terminal clamp bolts)
Brake fluid level ( P. 380)
• FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE
J1703 brake fluid
• Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding brake fluid)
Engine/power control unit coolant
level ( P. 377)
• “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
For the U.S.A.:
“Toyota Super Long Life Cool-
ant” is pre-mixed with 50% cool-
ant and 50% deionized water.
For Canada:
“Toyota Super Long Life Cool-
ant” is pre-mixed with 55% cool-
ant and 45% deionized water.
• Funnel (used only for adding cool- ant)

365
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
PRIUS v_U (OM47784U)
4
Maintenance and care
CAUTION
The engine compartment contains many mechanisms and fluids that may
move suddenly, become hot, or become electrically energized. To avoid death
or serious injury, observe the following precautions.
■
When working on the engine compartment
● Make sure that the indicator on the “POWER” switch and the “READY”
indicator are both off.
● Keep hands, clothing and tools away from the moving fan.
● Be careful not to touch the engine, power control unit, radiator, exhaust
manifold, etc. right after driving as they may be hot. Oil and other fluids
may also be hot.
● Do not leave anything that may burn easily, such as paper and rags, in the
engine compartment.
● Do not smoke, cause sparks or expose an open flame to fuel. Fuel fumes
are flammable.
■ When working near the electric c ooling fans or radiator grille
Be sure the “POWER” switch is off.
With the “POWER” switch in ON mode, the electric cooling fans may auto-
matically start to run if the air conditioning is on and/or the coolant tempera-
ture is high. ( P. 379)
■ Safety glasses
Wear safety glasses to prevent flying or falling material, fluid spray, etc. from
getting in your eyes.
NOTICE
■If you remove the air cleaner filter
Driving with the air cleaner filter removed may cause excessive engine wear
due to dirt in the air. Also, a backfire could cause a fire in the engine com-
partment.

372
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
PRIUS v_U (OM47784U)
Engine compar tment
■12-volt battery
 P. 384
Engine coolant reservoir
( P. 377)
Engine oil level dipstick ( P. 373)
Engine oil filler cap ( P. 373)
Power control unit coolant
reservoir ( P. 377)Brake fluid reservoir
( P. 380)
Fuse box ( P. 410)
Radiator ( P. 379)
Condenser ( P. 379)
Electric cooling fans
Washer fluid tank ( P. 382)

377
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
PRIUS v_U (OM47784U)
4
Maintenance and care
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. 501)
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. 501)

378 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
PRIUS v_U (OM47784U)
■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.
U.S.A.: “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 50% cool- ant and 50% deionized water. (Minimum temperature: -31 F
[-35 C])
Canada: “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 55% cool- ant and 45% deionized water. (Minimum temperature: -44 F
[-42 C])
For more details about coolant, contact your Toyota dealer.
■ 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 your Toyota dealer 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.