Page 417 of 600

4177-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
PRIUS c_U
Washer fluid (P. 430)
• 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 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 530 of 600
5308-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS c_U
The  coolant  level  is  satisfac-
tory if it is between the
“FULL”  and  “LOW”  lines  on
the reservoir.Reservoir
“FULL” line
“LOW” line
Add coolant if necessary.
Water  can  be  used  in  an  emer-
gency if coolant is unavailable.
Start the hybrid system and turn the air conditioning system on  to
check  that  the  radiator  cooling  fan  operates  and  to  check  for
coolant leaks from t he radiator or hoses.
The fan operates when the air conditioning system is turned on  immedi-
ately after a cold start. Confirm that the fan is operating by  checking the
fan sound and air flow. If it is difficult to check these, turn the air condi-
tioning system on and off repeatedly.
(The fan may not operate in freezing temperatures.)
If the fan is not operating:
Stop  the  hybrid  system  immediately  and  contact  your  Toyota
dealer.
If the fan is operating:
Have the vehicle inspected at the neare st Toyota dealer.
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2
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        Page 540 of 600

5409-1. Specifications
PRIUS c_U
Oil viscosity (0W-20 is explained here as an example):
• The  0W  in  0W-20  indicates  the  characteristic  of  the  oil  which allows cold startability. Oils wi th a lower value before the W allow
for easier starting of the engine in cold weather.
• The  20  in  0W-20  indicates  the  vi scosity  characteristic  of  the oil
when the oil is at high temperature. An oil with a higher visco sity
(one  with  a  higher  value)  may  be  better  suited  if  the  vehicle  i s
operated at high speeds, or un der extreme load conditions.
How to read oil container label:
The  International  Lubricant
Specification  Advisory  Commit-
tee  (ILSAC)  Certification  Mark
is added to  some oil  containers
to  help  you  select  the  oil  you
should use.
Cooling system
Capacity Gasoline engine
Power control unit 5.6 qt. (5.3 L, 4.7 Imp. qt.)
1.7 qt. (1.6 L, 1.4 Imp. qt.)
Coolant type Use either of the following:
• “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” 
• A  similar  high-quality  ethylene  glycol-
based  non-silicate,  non-amine,  non-
nitrite,  and  non-borate  coolant  with  long-
life hybrid organic acid technology
Do not use plain water alone.