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4257-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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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.
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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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4277-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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Maintenance and care
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■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.
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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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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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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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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.
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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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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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