4047-1. Maintenance and care
PRIUS c_U
Start the hybrid system and check that “MAINTENANCE
REQUIRED FOR TRACTION BATTERY COOLING PARTS SEE
OWNER’S MANUAL” is no longer displayed on the multi-infor-
mation display.
It may take approximately 20 minu tes for the warning message to
disappear after the hybrid syste m is started. If the warning mes-
sage does not disappear even th ough the filter has been cleaned,
have the vehicle inspect ed by your Toyota dealer.
■Caring for leather areas
Toyota recommends cleaning the interior of the vehicle at least twice a year to
maintain the quality of the vehicle's interior.
■ Shampooing the carpets
There are several commercial foaming-type cleaners available. U se a sponge
or brush to apply the foam. Rub in overlapping circles. Do not use water.
Wipe dirty surfaces and let them dry. Excellent results are obt ained by keep-
ing the carpet as dry as possible.
■ Air intake vent maintenance
●If the vehicle is driven with the air intake vent clogged, the hybrid battery
(traction battery) may overheat and the fuel consumption may in crease.
● Depending on the conditions under which the vehicle is used, th e air intake
vent may need to be cleaned more regularly.
■ Seat belts
Clean with mild soap and lukewarm water using a cloth or sponge . Also
check the belts periodically for excessive wear, fraying or cut s.
■ Cleaning the air intake vent filter
●Improper handling of the air intake vent cover and filter may result in dam-
age to them. If you have any concerns about cleaning the filter , contact your
Toyota dealer.
● If the vehicle is driven with the air intake vent filter clogged, the hybrid bat-
tery (traction battery) may overheat and the fuel consumption m ay increase.
● Depending on the conditions under which the vehicle is used, th e air intake
vent filter may need to be cleaned more regularly.
6
4057-1. Maintenance and care
7
Maintenance and care
PRIUS c_U■
If “MAINTENANCE REQUIRED FO R TRACTION BATTERY COOLING
PARTS SEE OWNER’S MANUAL” is displayed on the multi-information
display
● It is possible the air intake vent or filter is clogged due to accumulated dust.
Clean the air intake vent and filter, referring to the cleaning method.
● When continuously driven in this state, the hybrid battery (traction battery)
may overheat, which may lead to the driving distance by the ele ctric motor
getting shorter, the fuel consumption worsening, and causing da mage.
Clean the air intake vent periodically to prevent dust, etc., f rom collecting in
the air intake vent or filter.
● If the massage in the multi-information display does not turn off, even if the
air intake vent is cleaned, have the vehicle inspected at your Toyota dealer.
WARNING
■Water in the vehicle
● Do not splash or spill liquid in the vehicle, such as on the floor, in the
hybrid battery (traction battery) air vents, and in the luggage compartment.
Doing so may cause the hybrid battery, electrical components, etc. to mal-
function or catch fire.
● Do not get any of the SRS components or wiring in the vehicle i nterior wet.
( P. 41)
An electrical malfunction may cause the airbags to deploy or no t function
properly, resulting in death or serious injury.
■ Cleaning the interior (esp ecially instrument panel)
Do not use polish wax or polish cleaner. The instrument panel m ay reflect
off the windshield, obstructing the driver's view and leading t o an accident,
resulting in death or serious injury.
■ When cleaning the hybrid batte ry (traction battery) air intake vent/filter
● Do not use water or other liquids to clean the air intake vent/ filter. If water
is applied to the hybrid battery (traction battery) or other co mponents, a
malfunction or fire may occur.
● When the air intake vent cover, located below the rear seat cus hion on the
left side is to be removed, make sure to turn the power switch off to stop
the hybrid system.
4097-2. Maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
PRIUS c_U
WARNING
■If your vehicle is no t properly maintained
Improper maintenance could result in serious damage to the vehi cle and
possible serious injury or death.
■ Handling of the 12-volt battery
● Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and a wide variety of automobile
components contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to
cause cancer and birth defects and other reproductive harm. Wor k in a
well ventilated area.
● Oils, fuels and fluids contained in vehicles as well as waste produced by
component wear contain or emit chemicals known to the State of Califor-
nia to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive har m. Avoid
exposure and wash any affected area immediately.
● 12-volt battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and
lead compounds which are known to cause brain damage. Wash your
hands after handling. ( P. 429)
4137-2. Maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
PRIUS c_U
The OBD system determines that a problem exists somewhere in the
emission control system. Your vehicle may not pass the I/M test and
may need to be repaired. Contact your Toyota dealer to service the
vehicle.
● When the 12-volt battery is disconnected or discharged
Readiness codes that are set duri ng ordinary driving are erased.
Also, depending on your driving habits, the readiness codes may
not be completely set.
● When the fuel tan k cap is loose
The malfunction indicator lamp comes on indicating a temporary
malfunction and your vehicle m ay not pass the I/M test.
The error code in th e OBD system will not be cleared unless the vehi-
cle is driven 40 or more times.
Contact your Toyota dea ler to prepare the vehicle for re-testin g.
Emission inspection and maintenance (I/M)
programs
Some states have vehicle emission inspection programs which
include OBD (On Board Diagnos tics) checks. The OBD system
monitors the operation of t he emission control system.
If the malfunction indicator lamp comes on
Your vehicle may not pass the I/M test in the following situations:
When the malfunction indicator l amp still remains on after sev-
eral driving trips
If your vehicle does not pass the I/M test
4157-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
PRIUS c_U
Washer fluid (P. 428)
• Water or washer fluid containing antifreeze
(for winter 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
● Vehicles without a smart key system: Make sure that the power s witch is in
the “LOCK” position and the “READY” indicator is off.
Vehicles with a smart key system: Make sure that the indicator on the
power switch and the “READY” indicator are both off.
● Keep hands, clothing and tools away from the moving fan and eng ine
drive belt.
● 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 r ags, 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 fan or radiator grille
Vehicles without a smart key system: The electric cooling fan m ay keep
rotating for about 3 minutes even after the power switch is tur ned to the
“LOCK” position.
With the power switch in the “ON” position, the electric coolin g fan may
automatically start to run if the air conditioning is on and/or the coolant tem-
perature is high. Be sure the power switch is in the “LOCK” position when
working near the electric cooling fan or radiator grille.
Vehicles with a smart key system: The electric cooling fan may keep rotat-
ing for about 3 minutes even after the power switch is off.
With the power switch in ON mode, the electric cooling fan 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 fan or radiator grille.
ItemsCheck points
4437-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
PRIUS c_U
After completing the tire inflation pressure measurement and
adjustment, apply soapy water to the valve and check for leakage.
Put the tire valve cap back on.
■Tire inflation pressure check interval
You should check tire inflation p ressure every two weeks, or at least once
a month.
Do not forget to check the spare.
■Effects of incorrect tire inflation pressure
Driving with incorrec t tire inflation pressure may result in th e following:
●Reduced fuel economy
●Reduced driving comfort and poor handling
●Reduced tire life due to wear
●Reduced safety
●Damage to the drive train
If a tire needs frequent inflating , have it checked by your Toyota dealer.
■Instructions for checking tire inflation pressure
When checking tire inflation p ressure, observe the following:
●Check only when the tires are cold.
If your vehicle has been parked for at least 3 hours or has not been
driven for more than 1 mile or 1.5 km, you will get an accurate cold tire
inflation pressure reading.
●Always use a tire pressure gauge.
It is difficult to judge if a tire is properly inflated based o nly on its appear-
ance.
●It is normal for the tire inflation pressure to be higher after driving as
heat is generated in the tire. Do not reduce tire inflation pre ssure after
driving.
●Never exceed the vehicle capacity weight.
Passengers and luggage weight should be placed so that the vehi cle is
balanced.
5
6
4798-2. Steps to take in an emergency
8
When trouble arises
PRIUS c_U
Slip indicator lightIndicates a malfunction in:
• The VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) system;
• The TRAC (Traction Control) system; or
• The hill-start assist control system
The light will flash when the VSC, the TRAC or the ABS
system is operating.
Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer
immediately.
Low fuel level warning light
Remaining fuel is low
When the remaining fuel is approximately 1.3 gal. (5.0 L,
1.1 Imp. gal.) or less, a buzzer sounds and comes on
Refuel the vehicle.
Seat belt reminder light (warning buzzer)*3
Warns the driver and/or front passenger to fasten their
seat belts
Fasten the seat belt.
If the front passenger’s seat is occupied, the front
passenger’s seat belt also needs to be fastened to
make the reminder light (warning buzzer) go off.
Master warning light
A buzzer sounds and the warning light comes on and
flashes to indicate that the master warning system has
detected a malfunction.
P. 485
(Flashes or illumi-
nates)
PCS warning light
When a buzzer sounds simultaneously:
Indicates a malfunction has occurred in the PCS (Pre-Col-
lision System).
Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer
immediately.
When a buzzer does not sound:
Indicate that the PCS (Pre-Collision System) has become
temporarily unavailable, corrective action may be neces-
sary.
Possible causes and corrective actions
(P. 228, 485)
If the PCS (Pre-Collision System) or VSC (Vehicle Stability
Control) system is disabled, the PCS warning light will illu-
minate.
P. 238
Warning lightWarning light/Details/Actions
4818-2. Steps to take in an emergency
8
When trouble arises
PRIUS c_U
■SRS warning light
This warning light system monitors the airbag sensor assembly, front impact
sensors, side impact sensors (front door), side impact sensors (front), side
impact sensors (rear), driver’s seat belt buckle switch, front passenger occu-
pant classification system, “AIR BAG ON” indicator light, “AIR BAG OFF” indi-
cator light, front passenger’s seat belt buckle switch, seat be lt pretensioners
(front), airbags, interconnecting wiring and power sources. ( P. 41)
■ Front passenger detection senso r, passenger seat belt reminder and
warning buzzer
● If luggage is placed on the front passenger seat, the front pas senger detec-
tion sensor may cause the warning light to flash and the warnin g buzzer to
sound even if a passenger is not sitting in the seat.
● If a cushion is placed on the seat, the sensor may not detect a passenger,
and the warning light may not operate properly.
■ Electric power steering system wa rning light (warning buzzer)
When the 12-volt battery charge becomes insufficient or the vol tage tempo-
rarily drops, the electric power steering system warning light may come on
and the warning buzzer may sound.
■ If the malfunction indicator lamp comes on while driving
First check the following:
●Is the fuel tank empty?
If it is, fill the fuel tank immediately.
● Is the fuel tank cap loose?
If it is, tighten it securely.
The light will go off after several driving trips.
If the light does not go off even after several trips, contact your Toyota dealer
as soon as possible.
■
When the tire pressure warning light comes on
Check the tire inflation pressure and adjust to the appropriate level. Push-
ing the tire pressur e warning reset switch will not turn off the tire pressure
warning light.
■The tire pressure warning light may come on due to natural caus es
The tire pressure warning light may come on due to natural caus es such
as natural air leaks and tire inflation pressure changes caused by tem-
perature. In this case, adjusting the tire inflation pressure w ill turn off the
warning light (afte r a few minutes).
■When a tire is replace d with a spare tire
The compact spare tire is not equipped with a tire pressure war ning valve
and transmitter. If a tire goes flat, the tire pressure warning light will not
turn off even though the flat tire has been replaced with the s pare tire.
Replace the spare tire with the repaired tire and adjust the ti re inflation
pressure. The tire pressure war ning light will go off after a few minutes.