Page 569 of 744

5697-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47A89E_(EE)
7
Maintenance and care
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 any authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly
qualified and equipped professional, 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.
Page 570 of 744
5707-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47A89E_(EE)
The coolant level is satisfactory if it is between the “FULL” and “LOW”
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. 688)
■Power control unit 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. 688)
Coolant
1
2
3
1
2
3
Page 571 of 744

5717-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47A89E_(EE)
7
Maintenance and care
■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.
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 50% coolant and 50% deion-
ized water. (Minimum temperature: -35 C [-31F])
For more details about coolant, contact any authorized Toyota dealer or
repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional.
■ 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 any authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or
another duly qualified and equipped professional, 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 572 of 744
5727-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47A89E_(EE)
Check the radiator and condenser and clear away any foreign objects.
If either of the above parts is extremely dirty or you are not sure of
their condition, have your vehicle inspected by any authorized Toyota
dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped profes-
sional.
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, the 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 573 of 744
5737-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47A89E_(EE)
7
Maintenance and care
Check the 12-volt battery as follows.
■Caution symbols
The meanings of each caution symbol on the top of the 12-volt bat-
tery are as follows:
■12-volt battery exterior
Make sure that the 12-volt battery terminals are not corroded and
that there are no loose connections, cracks, or loose clamps.
Terminals
12-volt battery
No smoking, no naked
flames, no sparksBattery acid
Shield eyesNote operating
instructions
Keep away from
childrenExplosive gas
Page 574 of 744
5747-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47A89E_(EE)■
Checking battery fluid
Check that the level is between the upper and lower lines.
Upper line
Lower line
If the fluid level is at or below
the lower line, add distilled
water.
■Adding distilled water
Remove the vent plug.
Add distilled water.
If the upper line cannot be seen,
check the fluid level by looking
directly at the cell.
Put the vent plug back on and close it securely.
1
2
1
LOWO.K.2
3
Page 575 of 744

5757-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47A89E_(EE)
7
Maintenance and care
■When opening the cover of the positive (+) battery terminal
■ Before recharging
When recharging, the 12-volt battery produces hydrogen gas which is flam-
mable and explosive. Therefore, obser ve 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 dis-
connecting the charger cables to the 12-volt battery.
■ After recharging/reconnecting the 12-volt battery
● Unlocking the doors using the smart entry & start system may not be possi-
ble 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 hybrid system with the power switch in ACCESSORY mode. The
hybrid system may not start with the power switch turned off. However, the
hybrid system will operate 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 status 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 con-
necting the 12-volt battery if the power switch mode prior to discharge is
unknown.
If the system will not start even after multiple attempts at all methods above,
contact any authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and
equipped professional.
While pushing the portion shown in the
illustration from both sides, lift the end of
the cover up.
Page 576 of 744

5767-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47A89E_(EE)
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.
■ 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.