2012 TOYOTA RAV4 EV battery

352 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Using the jack standsBefore lowering the vehicle onto jack stands, check that the jack
stands will not contact the traction battery or undercover.
■ Positioning a Jack stand
Front
Undercover
Traction
battery

354 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
CAUTION
■Tire jack usage
■ When using jack stands
●Do not use a tire jack because its arms
may interfere with the traction battery in
the vehicle underbody.
● Forcibly using a tire jack may damage
the traction battery or cause the vehicle
to fall off the jack, resulting in death or
serious injury.
Inside
When lowering the vehicle onto jack
stands, do not let the jack stands contact
the traction battery or undercover. Doing
so may damage the vehicle underbody.
Working on the vehicle while a jack stand
is contacting the traction battery is partic-
ularly dangerous because it may not only
damage the traction battery, but the vehi-
cle may fall, causing an accident that
results in death or serious injury.
Inside

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.

360 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Condenser and radiatorsCheck the condenser and radiator s, and clear away any foreign
objects.
If either of the above parts are ex tremely dirty or you are not sure of
their condition, have your vehicl e checked by your Toyota dealer.
NOTICE
■When adding heater coolant
●Coolant is neither plain water nor straight antifreeze. The correct mixture
of water and antifreeze must be used to provide proper lubrication and
corrosion protection. Be sure to read the antifreeze or coolant label.
● Do not add motor or traction battery coolant to the heater coolant reser-
voir. Doing so will negatively affect the coolant’s performance and cause
the heater system to malfunction.
■ If you spill coolant
Be sure to wash it off with water to prevent damage to parts or paint.
CAUTION
■When the EV system is hot
Do not touch the condenser or radiators as they may be hot and cause seri-
ous injuries, such as burns.

362 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
12-volt batteryCheck the 12-volt battery as follows:
■ 12-volt battery exterior
Make sure that the 12-volt battery terminals are not corroded and
that there are no loose connecti ons, cracks, or loose clamps.
Te r m i n a l s
Hold-down clamp
NOTICE
■If the fluid level is low or high
It is normal for the brake fluid level to go down slightly as the brake pads
wear or when the fluid level in the accumulator is high.
If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, there may be a serious proble\
m.
■Before recharging the 12-volt battery
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.

363
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
■
After recharging/reconnecting the 12-volt battery
●Unlocking the doors using the smart key system may not be possible
immediately after reconnecting the 12-volt battery. If this happens, use
the wireless remote control or the mechanical key to lock/unlock the
doors.
● Start the EV system with the “POWER” switch in ACCESSORY mode.
The EV system may not start with the “POWER” switch turned off. How-
ever, the EV 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 the “POWER” switch off before disconnecting the 12-volt bat-
tery. Take extra care when connecting the 12-volt battery if the “POWER”
switch mode prior to discharge is unknown.
● When the 12-volt battery is reconnected, start the EV system, depress
the brake pedal, and confirm that it is possible to shift into each shift posi-
tion.
If the system will not start even after multiple attempts, contact your Toyota
dealer.
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.