Page 429 of 596
4297-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
PRIUS c_U (OM52J11U)■
Exterior
Make sure that the 12-volt battery terminals are not corroded and
that there are no loose connecti
ons, cracks, or loose clamps.
Terminals
Hold-down clamp
■Installing the 12-volt battery cover Install the 12-volt battery
cover.Guides
Clips
Check if the clips and guides
on the back of the cover are
engaging properly if the cover
cannot be installed.
Install the 2 clips.Push out the center part of
the clips
Insert the clips
Push in the center part of
the clips
■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 dis-
connect 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.
1
2
1
1
2
2
1
2
3
Page 430 of 596

4307-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
PRIUS c_U (OM52J11U)■
When disconnecting the 12- volt battery terminals
Always disconnect the negative (-) terminal first.
■ After recharging/reconnecting the 12-vo lt battery (vehicles with a smart
key system)
● Unlocking the doors using the smart key system may not be possible imme-
diately after reconnecting the 12-volt battery. If this happens, use the wire-
less 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. How-
ever, the hybrid system will operat e normally from the second attempt.
● The “POWER” switch mode is recorded by the vehicle. If the 12-volt battery
is reconnected, the vehicle will return the “POWER” switch mode to the sta-
tus 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 dis-
charge is unknown.
If the system will not start even after multiple attempts, contact your Toyota
dealer.
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.
Page 431 of 596

4317-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
PRIUS c_U (OM52J11U)
WARNING
■When disconnecting the 12- volt battery terminals
Always disconnect the negative (-) terminal first. If the positive (+) terminal
is disconnected first and touches a surrounding metal surface it may cause
sparks resulting in a fire or it may result in an electric shock, death or seri-
ous injury.
■ How to recharge th e 12-volt battery
Only perform a slow charge (3.5 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.
■ When replacing the 12-volt battery
Use a 12-volt battery designed for this vehicle. Failure to do so may cause
gas (hydrogen) to enter the passenger compartment, causing a fire or
explosion.
For replacement of the 12-volt battery, contact your Toyota dealer.
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.
Page 478 of 596

4788-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS c_U (OM52J11U)
Warning lightWarning light/Details/Actions
Charging system warning lightIndicates a malfunction in the vehicle's charging system
→ Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and con-
tact your Toyota dealer.
(U.S.A.)
(Canada)
Malfunction indicator lamp Indicates a malfunction in:
• The hybrid system;
• The electronic engine control system; or
• The electronic throttle control system
→ Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer
immediately.
SRS warning light
Indicates a malfunction in:
• The SRS airbag system;
• The front passenger occupant classification system; or
• The seat belt pretensioner system
→ Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer
immediately.
(U.S.A.)
(Canada)
ABS warning light Indicates a malfunction in:
• The ABS; or
• The brake assist system
→ Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer
immediately.
Electric power steering system warning light (warning
buzzer)
Indicates a malfunction in the EPS (Electric Power Steer-
ing) system
→ Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer
immediately.
(U.S.A.)
(Canada)Parking brake warning light (warning buzzer)*2
Indicates that the parking brake is engaged
→ Release the parking brake.
Page 521 of 596

5218-2. Steps to take in an emergency
8
When trouble arises
PRIUS c_U (OM52J11U)
■Starting the hybrid system when the 12-volt battery is discharged
The hybrid system cannot be started by push-starting.
■ To prevent 12-volt battery discharge
●Turn off the headlights and the audio system while the hybrid system is off.
● Turn off any unnecessary electrical components when the vehicle is running
at a low speed for an extended period, such as in heavy traffic.
■ Precautions when the 12-volt battery is discharged (vehicles with a
smart key system)
●In some cases, it may not be possible to unlock the doors using the smart
key system immediately after the 12-volt battery has been disconnected and
reconnected. Use the wireless remote control or the mechanical key to lock
or unlock the doors.
● The hybrid system may not start on the first attempt after the 12-volt battery
has recharged but will start normally after the second attempt. This is not a
malfunction.
● The “POWER” switch mode is memorized by the vehicle. When the 12-volt
battery is reconnected, the system will return to the mode it was in before
the 12-volt battery was discharged. Before disconnecting the 12-volt battery,
turn the “POWER” switch off.
If the “POWER” switch was in ACCESSORY or ON mode before the 12-volt
battery was discharged, the audio system and/or air conditioning system
may operate when the 12-volt battery is reconnected.
■ Charging the 12-volt battery
The electricity stored in the 12-volt battery will discharge gradually even when
the vehicle is not in use, due to natural discharge and the draining effects of
certain electrical appliances. If the vehicle is left for a long time, the 12-volt
battery may discharge, and the hybrid system may be unable to start. (The
12-volt battery recharges automatically while the hybrid system is operating.)
Page 522 of 596

5228-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS c_U (OM52J11U)
WARNING
■Avoiding 12-volt battery fires or explosions
Observe the following precautions to prevent accidentally igniting the flam-
mable gas that may be emitted from the 12-volt battery:
● Make sure each jumper cable is connected to the correct terminal and that
it is not unintentionally in contact with anything other than the intended ter-
minal.
● Do not allow the other end of the jumper cable connected to the “+” termi-
nal to come into contact with any other parts or metal surfaces in the area,
such as brackets or unpainted metal.
● Do not allow the + and - clamps of the jumper cables to come into contact
with each other.
● Do not smoke, use matches, cigarette lighters or allow open flame near
the 12-volt battery.
■ After recharging the 12-volt battery
Have the 12-volt battery inspected at your Toyota dealer as soon as possi-
ble.
If the 12-volt battery is deteriorating, continued use may cause the 12-volt
battery to emit a malodorous gas, which may be detrimental to the health of
passengers.
■ When replacing the 12-volt battery
→ P. 431
■ 12-volt battery precautions
The 12-volt battery contains poisonous and corrosive acidic electrolyte,
while related parts contain lead and lead compounds. Observe the following
precautions when handling the 12-volt battery:
● When working with the 12-volt battery, always wear safety glasses and
take care not to allow any battery fluids (acid) to come into contact with
skin, clothing or the vehicle body.
● Do not lean over the 12-volt battery.
● In the event that battery fluid comes into contact with the skin or eyes,
immediately wash the affected area with water and seek medical attention.
Place a wet sponge or cloth over the affected area until medical attention
can be received.
● Always wash your hands after handling the battery support, terminals, an\
d
other battery-related parts.
● Do not allow children near the 12-volt battery.
Page 523 of 596
5238-2. Steps to take in an emergency
8
When trouble arises
PRIUS c_U (OM52J11U)
NOTICE
■When handling jumper cables
When connecting the jumper cables, ensure that they do not become entan-
gled in the cooling fan or belt.
■ Exclusive jump starting terminal
The exclusive jump starting terminal is to be used when charging the 12-volt
battery from another vehicle in an emergency. It cannot be used to jump
start another vehicle.
Page 537 of 596
5379-1. Specifications
9
Vehicle specifications
PRIUS c_U (OM52J11U)
Ignition system
Spark plug
Make
GapDENSO FK16R-A8
0.03 in. (0.8 mm)
NOTICE
■
Iridium-tipped spark plugs
Use only iridium-tipped spark plugs. Do not adjust the spark plug gap.
Electrical system
12-volt battery
Open voltage at
68° F (20 °C): 12.5 V or over Fully charged
11 . 0
⎯ 12.5 V Half charged
Under 11.0 V Discharged
(Voltage checked 20 minutes after the hybrid sys-
tem and all the lights are turned off)
Charging rates 3.5 A or less
(Recharge within 10 hours)