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PRIUS v_OM_OM47B78U_(U)
7-1. Maintenance and care
NOTICE
■To prevent paint deterioration and corrosion on the body and compo-
nents (aluminum wheels etc.)
●Wash the vehicle immediately in the following cases:
• After driving near the sea coast
• After driving on salted roads
• If coal tar or tree sap is present on the paint surface
• If dead insects, insect droppings or bird droppings are present on the
paint surface
• After driving in an area contaminated with soot, oily smoke, mine dust, iron powder or chemical substances
• If the vehicle becomes heavily soiled with dust or mud
• If liquids such as benzene and gasoline are spilled on the paint surface
● If the paint is chipped or scratched, have it repaired immediately.
● To prevent the wheels from corroding, remove any dirt and store in a place
with low humidity when storing the wheels.
■ Cleaning the exterior lights
●Wash carefully. Do not use organic substances or scrub with a hard brush.
This may damage the surfaces of the lights.
● Do not apply wax to the surfaces of the lights.
Wax may cause damage to the lenses.
■ Antenna installation and removal precautions
●Before driving, ensure that the antenna is installed.
● When the antenna is removed, such as before entering an automatic car
wash, make sure to store it in a suitable place so as not to lose it. Also,
before driving, make sure to reinstal l the antenna in its original position.
■ When using a high pressure car wash
Do not bring the nozzle tip close to boots (rubber or resin manufactured
cover), connectors or the following parts. The parts may be damaged if they
come into contact with high-pressure water.
●Traction related parts
● Steering parts
● Suspension parts
● Brake parts
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PRIUS v_OM_OM47B78U_(U)
7-2. Maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
General maintenance
Listed below are the general maintenance items that should be
performed at the intervals specified in the “Owner’s Warranty
Information Booklet” or “Owner’s Manual Supplement/Sched-
uled Maintenance Guide”. It is recommended that any problem
you notice should be brought to the attention of your Toyota
dealer or qualified service shop for advice.
Engine compartment
ItemsCheck points
Brake fluidIs the brake fluid at the correct level? (P. 422)
Engine/power control
unit coolantIs the engine/power control unit coolant at the
correct level? (P. 419)
Engine oilIs the engine oil at the correct level? (P. 415)
Exhaust systemThere should not be any fumes or strange
sounds.
Radiator/condenserThe radiator and condenser should be free from
foreign objects. ( P. 421)
Washer fluidIs there sufficient washer fluid? (P. 425)
Luggage compartment
ItemsCheck points
12-volt batteryCheck the connections. (P. 427)
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PRIUS v_OM_OM47B78U_(U)
7-2. Maintenance
Vehicle interior
ItemsCheck points
Accelerator pedal• The accelerator pedal should move smoothly(without uneven pedal effort or catching).
Hybrid transmission
“Park” mechanism• When parked on a slope and the shift position
is in P, is the vehicle securely stopped?
Brake pedal
• Does the brake pedal move smoothly?
• Does the brake pedal have appropriate clear-ance from the floor? ( P. 542)
• Does the brake pedal have the correct amount of free play? ( P. 542)
Brakes
• The vehicle should not pull to one side when
the brakes are applied.
• The brakes should work effectively.
• The brake pedal should not feel spongy.
• The brake pedal should not get too close to the floor when the brakes are applied.
Head restraints• Do the head restraints move smoothly andlock securely?
Indicators/buzzers• Do the indicators and buzzers function prop-erly?
Lights• Do all the lights come on?
Parking brake
• Does the parking brake pedal movesmoothly?
• When parked on a slope and the parking brake is on, is the vehicle securely stopped?
Seat belts• Do the seat belts operate smoothly?
• The seat belts should not be damaged.
Seats• Do the seat controls operate properly?
Steering wheel
• Does the steering wheel rotate smoothly?
• Does the steering wheel have the correct
amount of free play?
• There should not be any strange sounds com- ing from the steering wheel.
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PRIUS v_OM_OM47B78U_(U)
7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
Do-it-yourself service precautions
If you perform maintenance by yourself, be sure to follow the
correct procedure as given in these sections.
ItemsParts and tools
12-volt battery
condition
(P. 427)• Grease
• Conventional wrench (for terminal clamp bolts)
Brake fluid level
(P. 422)
• SAE J1703 or FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE J1704
or FMVSS No.116 DOT 4 brake fluid
• Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding brake fluid)
Engine/power
control unit cool-
ant level
(P. 419)
• “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 pre-mixed with
55% coolant and 45% deionized water.
• Funnel (used only for adding coolant)
Engine oil level
(P. 415)
• “Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or equivalent
• Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding engine oil)
Fuses ( P. 451)• Fuse with same amperage rating as original
Light bulbs
(P. 454)
• Bulb with same number and wattage rating as origi-
nal
• Phillips-head screwdriver• Flathead screwdriver
• Wrench
Radiator and con-
denser ( P. 421)
Tire inflation
pressure
( P. 440)
• Tire pressure gauge• Compressed air source
Washer fluid
(P. 425)• Water or washer fluid containing antifreeze (for win-
ter use)
• Funnel (used only for adding water or washer fluid)
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PRIUS v_OM_OM47B78U_(U)
7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
Engine compartment
■12-volt battery
P. 427
Engine coolant reservoir
(P. 419)
Engine oil level dipstick (P. 415)
Engine oil filler cap ( P. 417)
Power control unit coolant
reservoir ( P. 419) Brake fluid reservoir
(P. 422)
Fuse box ( P. 451)
Radiator ( P. 421)
Condenser ( P. 421)
Electric cooling fans
Washer fluid tank ( P. 425)1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
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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
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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
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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.