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4257-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
PRIUS c_U
WARNING
■Used engine oil
● Used  engine  oil  contains  potentially  harmful  contaminants  which  may
cause  skin  disorders  such  as  inflammation  and  skin  cancer,  so  c are
should be taken to avoid prolonged and repeated contact. To remove used
engine oil from your skin, wash thoroughly with soap and water.
● Dispose  of  used  oil  and  filters  only  in  a  safe  and  acceptable  manner.  Do
not dispose of used oil and filters in household trash, in sewe rs or onto the
ground.  Call  your  Toyota  dealer,  service  station  or  auto  parts  store  for
information concerning recycling or disposal.
● Do not leave used engine oil within the reach of children.
NOTICE
■To prevent serious engine damage
Check the oil level on a regular basis.
■ When replacing the engine oil
● Be careful not to spill engine oil on the vehicle components.
● Avoid overfilling, or the engine could be damaged.
● Check the oil level on the dipstick every time you refill the v ehicle.
● Be sure the engine oil filler cap is properly tightened. 
     
        
        Page 426 of 600
4267-3. 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. 529)
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. 529)
Coolant
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        Page 427 of 600

4277-3. 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. 
     
        
        Page 428 of 600
4287-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
PRIUS c_U
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 vehic le inspected by your Toyota dea ler.
■Checking fluid level
The  brake  fluid  level  should  be
between  the  “MAX”  and  “MIN”
lines on the tank.
■Adding fluid
Make sure to check the fluid type and prepare the necessary ite m.
Slide  and  lift  up  the  rubber
strip  and  clips  to  partly
remove it as shown.
Radiator and condenser
WARNING
■ When the hybrid system is hot
Do not touch the radiators or condenser as they may be hot and  cause seri-
ous injuries, such as burns.
Brake fluid
Fluid type FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703 brake fluid
Item Clean funnel
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        Page 429 of 600
4297-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
PRIUS c_U
Disconnect  the  claws  and
remove the service cover.
Remove the reservoir cap.
Add brake fluid slowly while checking the fluid level.
■Brake fluid can absorb moisture from the air
Excess moisture in the brake fluid can cause a dangerous loss o f braking effi-
ciency. Use only newly opened brake fluid.
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3
WARNING
■ When filling the reservoir
Take  care  as  brake  fluid  can  harm  your  hands  and  eyes  and  damag e
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 fluid level is low or high
It  is  normal  for  the  brake  fluid  level  to  go  down  slightly  as  t he  brake  pads
wear out or when the fluid level in the accumulator is high.
If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, there may be a serio us problem.
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        Page 430 of 600
4307-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
PRIUS c_U
If  the  amount  of  washer  fluid  is
insufficient, add washer fluid.
Washer fluid
WARNING
■When adding washer fluid
Add  washer  fluid  after  the  hybrid  system  has  been  stopped  and  c ooled
down sufficiently. Washer fluid contains alcohol and may catch  fire if spilled
inside a hot engine compartment.
NOTICE
■ Do not use any fluid ot her than washer fluid 
Do not use soapy water or engine antifreeze instead of washer f luid. 
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 s praying.
■ 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 431 of 600
4317-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
PRIUS c_U■
Location
The  12-volt  battery  is  located
under the rear right seat.
■Removing the 12-volt battery cover
Remove the 2 clipsPush  in  the  center  part  of
the clips
Remove the clips
Disengage  the  3  clips  and  3
guides  on  the  back  of  the
cover and remove the 12-volt
battery cover. Guides
Clips
12-volt batter y
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2
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        Page 432 of 600
4327-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
PRIUS c_U■
Exterior
Make  sure  that  the  12-volt  battery  terminals  are  not  corroded  a
nd
that there are no loose connecti ons, cracks, or loose clamps.
Terminals
Hold-down clamp
■Installing the 12-volt battery cover Install  the  12-volt  battery
cover.Guides
Clips
Check  if  the  clips  and  guides
on  the  back  of  the  cover  are
engaging properly if the cover
cannot be installed.
Install the 2 clips.Push out the center part of
the clips
Insert the clips
Push  in  the  center  part  of
the clips
■Before recharging
When  recharging,  the  12-volt  battery  produces  hydrogen  gas  which  is  flam-
mable  and  explosive.  Therefore,  observe  the  following  precautio ns  before
recharging:
● If recharging with the 12-volt battery installed on the vehicle , be sure to dis-
connect the ground cable.
● Make sure the power switch on the charger is off when connectin g and dis-
connecting the charger cables to the 12-volt battery.
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