5096-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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Maintenance and care
WARNING
The engine compartment contains many mechanisms and fluids that may
move suddenly, become hot, or become el ectrically energized. To avoid death
or serious injury, observe the following precautions.
■ When working on the engine compartment
● Make sure that the “Accessory”, “Ignition ON” or mileage display (P. 118,
120) on the main display and the “READY” indicator are both off.
● Keep hands, clothing and tools away from the moving fan.
● 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 rags, in the
engine compartment.
● Do not smoke, cause sparks or expose an open flame to fuel. Fuel fumes
are flammable.
● Be extremely cautious when working on the 12-volt battery. It contains poi-
sonous and corrosive sulfuric acid.
● Take care because brake fluid can harm your hands or eyes and damage
painted surfaces. If fluid gets on your hands or in your eyes, flush the
affected area with clean water immediately. If you still experience discom-
fort, consult a doctor.
■ When working near the electric cooling fans or radiator grille
Be sure the power switch is off.
With the power switch in ON mode, the electric cooling fans may automati-
cally start to run if the air conditioning is on and/or the coolant temperature
is high. ( P. 520)
■ Safety glasses
Wear safety glasses to prevent flying or falling material, fluid spray, etc.
from getting in your eyes.
6497-2. Steps to take in an emergency
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When trouble arises
WARNING
■To prevent an accident or injury when inspecting under the hood of
your vehicle
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may result in serious injury such as burns.
● If steam is seen coming from under the hood, do not open the hood until
the steam has subsided. The engine compartment may be very hot.
● After the hybrid system has been turned off, check that the “Accessory”,
“Ignition ON” or mileage display ( P. 118, 120) on the main display and
the “READY” indicator are off.
When the hybrid system is operating, the gasoline engine may automati-
cally start, or the cooling fans may suddenly operate even if the gasoline
engine stops. Do not touch or approach rotating parts such as the fan,
which may lead to fingers or clothing (especially a tie, a scarf or a muffler)
getting caught, resulting in serious injury.
● Do not loosen the coolant reservoir caps while the hybrid system and radi-
ator are hot.
High temperature steam or coolant could spray out.
NOTICE
■ When adding engine/power control unit coolant
Add coolant slowly after the hybrid system has cooled down sufficiently.
Adding cool coolant to a hot hybrid system too quickly can cause damage to
the hybrid system.
■ To prevent damage to the cooling system
Observe the following precautions:
● Avoid contaminating the coolant with foreign matter (such as sand or dust
etc.).
● Do not use any coolant additive.
