2012 TOYOTA RAV4 EV coolant

32
1-1. EV system
EV (Electric Vehicle) system precautions
The illustration is an example for explanation purposes only and may
vary from the actual vehicle.
Cabin coolant heater
High voltage cables (orange)
Air conditioning compressor
DC/DC converter
Service plug Charging port
Traction battery
Charger
Electric motor (traction
motor)
Please do not attempt to disassemble or service the EV system, as it
contains high voltage (nearly 400 V), as well as parts that become
extremely hot when the EV system is operating. Obey the caution
labels attached to the vehicle.

268
2-5. Driving information
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.
• Motor coolant
• Heater coolant
• Traction battery coolant
• Washer fluid
● Have a service technician inspec t the condition of the 12-volt
battery.
● 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.
● Do not try to forcibly open the charging port cap if it is frozen.
Melt the ice using a hair dryer, immediately and thoroughly
wiping away any moisture.
● 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.
● Check for and remove any excess ice or snow that may have
accumulated on the exterior li ghts, vehicle's roof, chassis,
around the tires or on the brakes.

342
4-2. Maintenance
General maintenance
Motor compartment
ItemsCheck points
12-volt battery Check the connections.
(P. 362)
Brake fluid Is the brake fluid at the correct
level? (
P. 361)
Motor/traction battery coolant Is the coolant at the correct level?
(P. 357)
Heater coolant Is the coolant at the correct level?
(P. 359)
Condenser/radiators The condenser and radiators
should be free from foreign
objects. (
P. 360)
Washer fluid Is there sufficient washer fluid?
(P. 365)
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.

346
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Do-it-yourself ser vice precautions
If you perform maintenance yourself, be sure to follow the correct
procedures as given in these sections.
ItemsParts and tools
12-volt battery condition( P. 362) • Grease
• Conventional wrench
(for terminal clamp bolts)
Brake fluid level ( P. 361)• FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE
J1703 brake fluid
• Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding brake fluid)
Motor/traction battery coolant
level ( P. 357)• “Zerex G 48” or “Glysantin G 48”
only
The dilution ratio for both “Zerex
G 48” and “Glysantin G 48” is
50% coolant and 50% deionized
water.
• Funnel (used only for adding motor/traction battery coolant)
Heater coolant level ( P. 359)• “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant”
or 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 pre-mixed with 50%
coolant and 50% deionized
water.
• Funnel (used only for adding heater coolant)

348 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
CAUTION
The motor 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 motor 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 fans.
● Be careful not to touch the motor, power control unit, radiator, heater, etc.
right after driving as they may be hot. Coolant and other fluids may also be
hot.
● Do not leave anything that may burn easily, such as paper and rags, in the
motor compartment.
● Do not smoke, cause sparks or expose an open flame to the 12-volt bat-
tery. 12-volt battery fumes are flammable.
● Be extremely cautious when working on the 12-volt battery. It contains poi-
sonous and corrosive sulfuric acid.
● Take care because brake fluid can harm your hands or eyes and damage
painted surfaces.
If fluid gets on your hands or in your eyes, flush the affected area with
clean water immediately.
If you still experience discomfort, see a doctor.
● Never touch, disassemble, remove or replace the high voltage parts,
cables and their connectors. It can cause severe burns or electric shock
that may result in death or serious injury.
■ 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. 360)
■ Safety glasses
Wear safety glasses to prevent flying or falling material, fluid spray, etc. from
getting in the eyes.

355
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
Motor compartment
Fuse boxes (P. 385)
Motor coolant reservoir ( P. 357)
12-volt battery ( P. 362)
Brake fluid reservoir ( P. 361)
Heater coolant reservoir ( P. 359)Traction battery coolant
reservoir ( P. 357)
Radiators ( P. 360)
Condenser ( P. 360)
Electric cooling fans
Washer fluid tank ( P. 365)

357
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
Motor/traction battery coolant
Motor coolant reservoir
The coolant level is satisfactory if it is between the “FULL” and “LOW”
lines on the reservoir when the EV system is cold.
Reservoir cap
“FULL”
“LOW”
If the level is on or below the
“LOW” line, add coolant up to the
“FULL” line. (P. 485)
Traction battery coolant reservoir
The coolant level is sati sfactory if it is between the “F” and “L” lines on
the reservoir when the EV system is cold.
Reservoir cap
“F”
“L”
If the level is on or below the “L”
line, add coolant up to the “F” line.
(P. 485)

358 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
■Coolant selection
Only use “Zerex G 48” or “Glysantin G 48”.
“Zerex G 48” and “Glysantin G 48” are blue in color.
Reference:
The dilution ratio for both “Zerex G 48” and “Glysantin G 48” is 50% cool-
ant and 50% deionized water. (Minimum temperature: approximately -32 F
[-36 C])
For more details about motor/traction battery coolant, contact your Toyota
dealer.
■ If the coolant level drops within a short time after replenishing
Visually check the radiator, hoses, motor/traction battery coolant reservoir
cap, 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 EV system is hot
Do not remove the coolant reservoir cap.
The cooling system may be under pressure and may spray hot coolant if the
cap is removed, causing serious injuries, such as burns.
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, corro-
sion protection and cooling. Be sure to read the antifreeze or coolant label.
● Do not add heater coolant to the motor or traction battery coolant reser-
voirs. Doing so will negatively affect the coolant’s performance and cause
the cooling system to malfunction.
■ If you spill coolant
Be sure to wash it off with water to prevent damage to parts or paint.