
3816-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
6
Interior features
PRIUS c_U
■Operation of the air conditioning system in Eco drive mode
In Eco drive mode, the air conditioning system is controlled as follows to pri-
oritize fuel efficiency:
● Engine speed and compressor operation controlled to restrict heating/cool-
ing capacity
● Fan speed restricted when automatic mode is selected
To improve air conditioning perf ormance, perform the following operations:
● Adjust the fan speed
● Turn off Eco drive mode
■ Using automatic mode
Fan speed is adjusted automatically according to the temperatur e setting and
the ambient conditions.
Therefore, the fan may stop for a while until warm or cool air is ready to flow
immediately after is pressed.
■ Fogging up of the windows
●The windows will easily fog up when the humidity in the vehicle is high.
Turning on will dehumidify the air from the outlets and defog the wind-
shield effectively.
● If you turn off, the windows may fog up more easily.
● The windows may fog up if the recirculated air mode is used.
■ When driving on dusty roads
Close all windows. If dust thrown up by the vehicle is still drawn into the vehi-
cle after closing the windows, it is recommended that the air intake mode be
set to outside air mode and the fan speed to any setting except off.

3826-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
PRIUS c_U■
Outside/recirculated air mode
●Setting to the recirculated air mode temporarily is recommended in prevent-
ing dirty air from entering the vehicle interior and helping to cool the vehicle
when the outside air temperature is high.
● Outside/recirculated air mode may automatically switch dependin g on the
temperature setting or the inside temperature.
■ When the outside temperature exceeds 75 F (24 C) and the air condition-
ing system is on
● In order to reduce the air conditioning power consumption, the air condition-
ing system may switch to recirculated air mode automatically. This may also
reduce fuel consumption.
● Recirculated air mode is selected as a default mode when the power switch
is turned to the “ON” position (vehicles without a smart key system) or the
power switch is turned to ON mode (vehicles with a smart key system).
● It is possible to switch to outside air mode at any time by pre ssing .
■ When the outside tempera ture falls to nearly 32F (0 C)
The dehumidification function may not operate even when is pre ssed.
■ Ventilation and air conditioning odors
●To let fresh air in, set the air conditioning system to the out side air mode.
● During use, various odors from inside and outside the vehicle m ay enter into
and accumulate in the air conditioning system. This may then ca use odor to
be emitted from the vents.
● To reduce potential odors from occurring:
• It is recommended that the air conditioning system be set to o utside air
mode prior to turning the vehicle off.
• The start timing of the blower may be delayed for a short peri od of time
immediately after the air conditioning system is started in aut omatic
mode.
■ Air conditioning filter
P. 449
■ Customization
Settings (e.g. A/C auto switch operation) can be changed.
(Customizable features: P. 561)

3836-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
6
Interior features
PRIUS c_U
WARNING
■To prevent the windshield from fogging up
● Do not use during cool air operation in extremely humid weathe r.
The difference between the temperature of the outside air and t hat of the
windshield can cause the outer surface of the windshield to fog up, block-
ing your vision.
■ When the outside rear view mirror defoggers are on (if equipped )
Do not touch the outside surface of the rear view mirrors, as t hey can
become very hot and burn you.
NOTICE
■ To prevent 12-volt b attery discharge
Do not leave the air conditioning system on longer than necessa ry when the
hybrid system is off.
● Do not place anything on the instrument
panel which may cover the air outlets.
Otherwise, air flow may be obstructed,
preventing the windshield defoggers
from defogging.

3846-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
PRIUS c_U
Turns on the front left seat
heater
Turns on the front right seat
heater
The indicator light comes on.
Push the switch once again to turn
off the seat heater.
■The seat heaters can be used when
The power switch is in ON mode.
■ When not in use
Turn the seat heater off. The indicator light goes off.
Seat heaters
: If equipped
WARNING
●Care should be taken to prevent injury if anyone in the following categories
comes in contact with the seats when the heater is on:
• Babies, small children, the elderly, the sick and the physical ly chal-
lenged
• Persons with sensitive skin
• Persons who are fatigued
• Persons who have taken alcohol or drugs that induce sleep (sle eping
drugs, cold remedies, etc.)
● Observe the following precautions to prevent the minor burns or overheat-
ing
• Do not cover the seat with a blanket or cushion when using the seat
heater.
• Do not use seat heater more than necessary.
NOTICE
● Do not put heavy objects that have an uneven surface on the sea t and do
not stick sharp objects (needles, nails, etc.) into the seat.
● To prevent 12-volt battery discharge, do not use the functions when the
hybrid system is off.
1
2

399
7Maintenance and care
PRIUS c_U7-1. Maintenance and care
Cleaning and protecting the vehicle exterior .......... 400
Cleaning and protecting the vehicle interior ........... 403
7-2. Maintenance Maintenance requirements ................... 409
General maintenance........ 412
Emission inspection and maintenance (I/M)
programs......................... 415
7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Do-it-yourself service precautions ..................... 416
Hood ................................. 419
Positioning a floor jack ...... 421
Engine compartment ......... 422
12-volt battery ................... 431
Tires .................................. 435
Tire inflation pressure ....... 444
Wheels .............................. 447
Air conditioning filter.......... 449
Wireless remote control/ electronic key battery ...... 451
Checking and replacing fuses ................ 454
Light bulbs......................... 458

4027-1. Maintenance and care
PRIUS c_U
NOTICE
●If the paint is chipped or scratched, have it repaired immediat ely.
● 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 h ard 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.
■ When using a high pressure car wash
● When washing the vehicle, do not spray the camera or its surrou nding
area directly with a high pressure washer. Shock applied from high pres-
sure water may cause the device to not operate normally.
● Do not bring the nozzle tip close to boots (rubber or resin man ufactured
cover), connectors or the following parts. The parts may be dam aged if
they come into contact with high-pressure water.
● Keep the cleaning nozzle at least 11.9 in. (30 cm) away from th e vehicle
body. Otherwise resin section, such as moldings and bumpers, ma y be
deformed and damaged. Also, do not continuously hold the nozzle in the
same place.
● Do not spray the lower part of the windshield continuously. If water enters
the air conditioning system intake located near the lower part of the wind-
shield, the air conditioning system may not operate correctly.
■ Roof molding (if equipped)
• Traction related parts
• Steering parts • Suspension parts
• Brake parts
Do not hold or pull a roof molding when
climbing onto the vehicle or shaking the
vehicle as the roof molding may become
disengaged and water may leak into the
vehicle.

4067-1. 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

416
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. 431) • Grease
• Conventional wrench
(for terminal clamp bolts)
Brake fluid level
(P. 428)
• 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. 426)
• “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. 423)• “Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or equivalent
• Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding engine oil)
Fuses ( P. 454)• Fuse with same amperage rating as original
Light bulbs (P. 458)
• Bulb with same number and wattage rating as
original
• Phillips-head screwdriver
• Flathead screwdriver
• Wrench
Radiator and condenser
(P. 428)
Tire inflation pressure
( P. 444)• Tire pressure gauge
• Compressed air source