Page 100 of 596
1002. Instrument cluster
PRIUS c_U
NOTICE
■To prevent damage to the engine and its components
This  vehicle  is  not  installed  with  an  engine  coolant  temperatur e  gauge.
Instead,    is  shown  on  the  multi-information  display.  The  engine  may
be  overheating  if    is  shown  on  the  multi-information  display.  I n  this
case, immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place. ( P. 526) 
     
        
        Page 272 of 596

2724-7. Driving tips
PRIUS c_U
●Use  fluids  that  are  appropriate  t o  the  prevailing  outside  tempera-
tures. • Engine oil
• Engine/power control unit coolant
• Washer fluid
● Have  a  service  technician  inspect  the  condition  of  the  12-volt  bat-
tery.
● Have the vehicle fitted with four snow tires or purchase a set  of tire
chains for the front tires.
Ensure  that  all  tires  are  the  same  size  and  brand,  and  that  cha ins  match
the size of the tires.
Perform the following according  to the driving conditions: 
● Do not try to forcibly open a window or move a wiper that is fr ozen.
Pour  warm  water  over  the  frozen  area  to  melt  the  ice.  Wipe  away
the water immediately to p revent it from freezing. 
● To  ensure  proper  operation  of  the  climate  control  system  fan,
remove  any  snow  that  has  accumulated  on  the  air  inlet  vents  in
front of the windshield. 
● Check for and remove any excess ic e or snow that may have accu-
mulated  on  the  exterior  lights,  vehicle's  roof,  chassis,  around  the
tires or on the brakes.
● Remove  any  snow  or  mud  from  the  bottom  of  your  shoes  before
getting in the vehicle.
Accelerate the vehicle slowly, keep a safe distance between you  and
the vehicle ahead, and drive at a reduced speed suitable to roa d con-
ditions.
Winter driving tips
Carry  out  the  necessary  preparations  and  inspections  before
driving  the  vehicle  in  winter. Always  drive  the  vehicle  in  a  ma n-
ner appropriate to the prevailing weather conditions. 
Pre-winter preparations
Before driving the vehicle
When driving the vehicle 
     
        
        Page 410 of 596

4107-2. Maintenance
PRIUS c_U
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 s ervice shop for advice.
Engine compartment
ItemsCheck points
Brake fluidIs the brake fluid at the correct level?
( P. 426)
CoolantIs  the  engine/power  control  unit  coolant  at  the
correct level? ( P. 424)
Engine oilIs the engine oil at the correct level? (P. 421)
Exhaust systemThere  should  not  be  any  fumes  or  strange
sounds.
Radiator/condenserThe radiator and condenser should be free from
foreign objects. (P. 426)
Washer fluidIs there sufficient washer fluid? (P. 428)
Vehicle interior
ItemsCheck points
12-volt battery Check the connections. (P. 429)
Accelerator pedal• The  accelerator  pedal  should  move  smoothly (without uneven pedal effort or catching).
Brake pedal
• Does the brake pedal move smoothly?
• Does the brake pedal have appropriate clear-ance from the floor? ( P. 540)
Does  the  brake  pedal  have  the  correct  amount
of free play? ( P. 540) 
     
        
        Page 414 of 596

414
PRIUS c_U
7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Do-it-yourself  ser vice precautions
If  you  perform  maintenance  by  yourself,  be  sure  to  follow  the
correct procedure as given in these sections.
ItemsCheck points
12-volt battery condition (
 P. 429) •
Grease
• C onventional wrench
(for te rminal clamp bolts)
Brake fluid level
(P. 426)
• FMVSS  No.116  DOT  3  or  SAE  J1703  brake
fluid
• Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding brake fluid)
Engine/power  control
unit coolant level (P. 424)
• “Toyota  Super  Long  Life  Coolant”  or  a  similar
high  quality  ethylene  glycol  based  non-sili-
cate,  non-amine,  non-nitrite  and  non-borate
coolant with long-life hybrid organic acid tech-
nology
For the U. S.A.:
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is pre-mixed
with 50% coolant and 50% deionized water.
For Canada:
“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. 421)• “Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or equivalent
• Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding engine oil)
Fuses ( P. 452)• Fuse with same amperage rating as original
Light bulbs (P. 456)
• Bulb with same number and wattage rating as
original
• Phillips-head screwdriver
• Flathead screwdriver
• Wrench
Radiator and condenser
(P. 426)
Tire inflation pressure
( P. 442)• Tire pressure gauge
• Compressed air source 
     
        
        Page 415 of 596

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 
     
        
        Page 420 of 596
4207-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
PRIUS c_U
Engine compartment
Fuse boxes (P.   4 5 2 )
Engine oil filler cap ( P.   4 2 2 )
Engine coolant radiator cap
Power control unit 
coolant reservoir ( P.   4 2 4 )
Brake fluid reservoir ( P.   4 2 6 )
Engine coolant reservoir  ( P.   4 2 4 ) Engine/power  control  unit
coolant radiator (
P. 426)
Electric cooling fan
Condenser ( P. 426)
Engine oil level dipstick ( P. 421)
Washer fluid tank ( P. 428)1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11 
     
        
        Page 424 of 596
4247-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
PRIUS c_U
Engine coolant reservoir
The coolant level is satisfact ory if it is between the “FULL” a nd “LOW”
lines on the reservoir wh en the engine is cold.
Reservoir cap
“FULL” line
“LOW” line
If  the  level  is  on  or  below  the
“LOW”  line,  add  coolant  up  to  the
“FULL” line. ( P. 526)
Power control unit coolant reservoir
The coolant level is satisfactory  if it is between the “F” and “L” lines on
the reservoir when the hybrid system is cold.
Reservoir cap
“F” line
“L” line
If  the  level  is  on  or  below  the  “L”
line,  add  coolant  up  to  the  “F”  line.
(P. 526)
Coolant
1
2
3
1
2
3 
     
        
        Page 425 of 596

4257-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
PRIUS c_U
■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-bora te coolant with
long-life hybrid organic acid technology.
U.S.A.: 
“Toyota  Super  Long  Life  Coolant”  is  a  mixture  of  50%  coolant  an d  50%
deionized water. (Minimum temperature: -31 F [-35 C])
Canada: 
“Toyota  Super  Long  Life  Coolant”  is  a  mixture  of  55%  coolant  an d  45%
deionized 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  radiators,  hoses,  engine/power  control  unit  coolant  reser-
voir 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 systems.
WARNING
■ When the hybrid system is hot
Do not remove the engine coolant radiator cap and power control  unit cool-
ant reservoir cap. 
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 cor rect 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 p arts or paint.