Page 422 of 607

420
PRIUS v_OM_OM47B78U_(U)
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.
“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 423 of 607
PRIUS v_OM_OM47B78U_(U)
4217-3. 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 extremely dirty or you are not sure of
their condition, have your 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, the electric cooling fans may automati-
cally start to run if the air conditioni ng 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 424 of 607
422
PRIUS v_OM_OM47B78U_(U)
7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
■Checking fluid level
The brake fluid level should be
between the “MAX” and “MIN”
lines on the tank.
■Adding fluidSlide and lift up the rubber
strip to partly remove it as
shown.
Disconnect the claws and
remove the service cover.
Brake fluid
1
2
Page 425 of 607
PRIUS v_OM_OM47B78U_(U)
4237-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
Remove the reservoir cap.
Add brake fluid slowly while checking the fluid level.
Make sure to check the fluid type and prepare the necessary item.
■ Brake fluid can absorb moisture from the air
Excess moisture in the brake fluid can cause a dangerous loss of braking effi-
ciency. Use only newly opened brake fluid.
3
4
Fluid type SAE J1703 or FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE J1704
or FMVSS No.116 DOT 4 brake fluid
ItemsClean funnel
Page 426 of 607
424
PRIUS v_OM_OM47B78U_(U)
7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
WARNING
■When filling the reservoir
Take care as brake fluid can harm your hands and 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.
NOTICE
■If the brake fluid level is low or high
It is normal for the brake fluid level to go down slightly as the brake pads
wear out or when the fluid level in the accumulator is high.
If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, there may be a serious problem.
Page 427 of 607
PRIUS v_OM_OM47B78U_(U)
4257-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
Open the lid.
Check the washer fluid level on
the level gauge.“NORMAL”
“LOW”
If the washer fluid level is at
“LOW”, add washer fluid.
Washer fluid
1
2
1
2
3
Page 428 of 607
426
PRIUS v_OM_OM47B78U_(U)
7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
WARNING
■When adding washer fluid
Do not add washer fluid when the hybrid system is hot or operating as
washer fluid contains alcohol and may catch fire if spilled on the engine etc.
NOTICE
■Do not use any fluid other than washer fluid
Do not use soapy water or engine antifreeze instead of washer fluid.
Doing so may cause streaking on the vehicle’s painted surfaces, as well as
damaging the pump leading to problems of the washer fluid not spraying.
■ Diluting washer fluid
Dilute washer fluid with water as necessary.
Refer to the freezing temperatures listed on the label of the washer fluid bot-
tle.
Page 429 of 607
427
PRIUS v_OM_OM47B78U_(U)
7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
12-volt battery
The 12-volt battery is located in
the right-hand side of luggage
compartment.Open the center and right side deck boards. ( P. 377)
Remove the center auxiliary box. ( P. 509)
Remove the right side auxiliary
box.
Location
Removing the 12-volt battery maintenance cover
1
2
3