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5837-2. Maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
Vehicle exterior
ItemsCheck points
Doors• Do the doors operate smoothly?
Engine hood• Does the engine hood lock system work prop-erly?
Fluid leaks• There should not be any signs of fluid leakageafter the vehicle has been parked.
Tires
• Is the tire inflation pressure correct?
• The tires should not be damaged or exces-sively worn.
• Have the tires been rotated according to the
maintenance schedule?
• The wheel nuts should not be loose.
Windshield wipers/
rear window wiper
• The wiper blades should not show any signs
of cracking, splitting, wear, contamination or
deformation.
• The wiper blades should clear the windshield/
rear window without streaking or skipping.
WARNING
■If the hybrid system is operating
Turn the hybrid system off and ensure that there is adequate ventilation
before performing maintenance checks.
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7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Tire inflation
pressure
(P. 615)• Tire pressure gauge
• Compressed air source
Washer fluid
(P. 603)• Water or washer fluid containing antifreeze (for win-
ter use)
• Funnel (used only for adding water or washer fluid)
WARNING
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” indica-
tor 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 cooling fans or radiator grille
Be sure the power switch is off.
With the power switch in ON mode, t he electric cooling fans may automati-
cally start to run if the air conditioning is on and/or the coolant temperature
is high. ( P. 597)
■ Safety glasses
Wear safety glasses to prevent flying or falling material, fluid spray, etc.
from getting in your eyes.
ItemsParts and tools
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PRIUS_OM_OM47A29U_(U)
5897-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
WARNING
■When closing the hood
■ Pre-driving check
Check that the hood is fully closed and locked.
If the hood is not locked properly, it may open while the vehicle is in motion
and cause an accident, which may result in death or serious injury.
■ After installing the support rod into the slot
Make sure the rod supports the hood securely from falling down on to your
head or body.
NOTICE
■When closing the hood
Be sure to return the support rod to its clip before closing the hood. Closing
the hood without returning the support rod properly could cause the hood to
bend.
When closing the hood, take extra care
to prevent your fingers etc. from being
caught.
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7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
WARNING
■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 your Toyota dealer, 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.
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7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
■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% coolant and 50% deion-
ized water. (Minimum temperature: -31 F [-35 C])
Canada:
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 55% coolant and 45% deion-
ized 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 reservoir
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.
WARNING
■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.
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.
Page 597 of 800
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5977-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
Check the radiator and condenser and clear away any foreign objects.
If either of the above parts is ex tremely dirty or you are not sure of
their condition, have yo ur vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer.
Radiator and condenser
WARNING
■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.
■ When the electric cooling fans are operating
Do not touch the engine compartment.
With the power switch in ON mode, t he electric cooling fans may automati-
cally start to run if the air conditioning is on and/or the coolant temperature
is high. Be sure the power switch is off when working near the electric cool-
ing fans or radiator grille.
Page 599 of 800
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5997-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
WARNING
■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 ventila-
tion.
■ How to recharge th e 12-volt battery
Only perform a slow charge (5 A or less). The 12-volt battery may explode if
charged at a quicker rate.
■ Emergency measures regarding electrolyte
●If electrolyte gets in your eyes
Flush your eyes with clean water for at least 15 minutes and get immedi-
ate medical attention. If possible, continue to apply water with a sponge or
cloth while traveling to the nearest medical facility.
● If electrolyte gets on your skin
Wash the affected area thoroughly. If you feel pain or burning, get medical
attention immediately.
● If electrolyte gets on your clothes
It can soak through clothing on to your skin. Immediately take off the cloth-
ing and follow the procedure above if necessary.
● If you accidentally swallow electrolyte
Drink a large quantity of water or milk. Get emergency medical attention
immediately.
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7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
WARNING
■When disconnecting th e 12-volt battery
Do not disconnect the negative (-) terminal on the body side. The discon-
nected negative (-) terminal may touch the positive (+) terminal, which may
cause a short and result in death or serious injury.
NOTICE
■ When recharging the 12-volt battery
Never recharge the 12-volt battery while the hybrid system is operating.
Also, be sure all accessories are turned off.
