565
7Maintenance and care
Prius Plug-in Hybrid_OM_OM47F38E_(EE)
7-1. Maintenance and care
Cleaning and protecting
the vehicle exterior .......... 566
Cleaning and protecting
the vehicle interior ........... 572
7-2. Maintenance
Maintenance
requirements.................... 578
7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Do-it-yourself service
precautions ...................... 581
Hood .................................. 584
Positioning a floor jack ....... 586
Engine compartment.......... 587
Tires ................................... 600
Tire inflation pressure ........ 608
Wheels ............................... 610
Replacing the tire ............... 612
Air conditioning filter .......... 625
Wiper insert
replacement ..................... 629
Electronic key battery ........ 632
Checking and replacing
fuses ................................ 635
Light bulbs ......................... 639
5787-2. Maintenance
Prius Plug-in Hybrid_OM_OM47F38E_(EE)
Maintenance requirements
Scheduled maintenance should be performed at specified intervals
according to the maintenance schedule.
For full details of your maintenance schedule, refer to the “Toyota Service
Booklet” or “Toyota Warranty Booklet”.
What about do-it-yourself maintenance?
Many maintenance items are easy to do yourself if you have a little
mechanical ability and a few basic automotive tools.
Note, however, that some maintenance tasks require special tools and
skills. These are best performed by qualified technicians. Even if you’re an
experienced do-it-yourself mechanic, we recommend that repairs and
maintenance be conducted by any authorized Toyota retailer or Toyota
authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer. Any authorized Toyota retailer
or repairer will keep a record of maintenance, which could be useful should
you ever require Warranty Service. Should you choose to select a qualified
and equipped professional other than an authorized Toyota repairer to ser-
vice or maintain your vehicle, we recommend that you request that a
record of maintenance be kept.
To ensure safe and economical driving, day-to-day care and reg-
ular maintenance are essential. Toyota recommends the follow-
ing maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance
Do-it-yourself maintenance
5797-2. Maintenance
Prius Plug-in Hybrid_OM_OM47F38E_(EE)
7
Maintenance and care
■Where to go for maintenance service?
In order to maintain your vehicle in the best possible condition, Toyota recom-
mends that maintenance service operations as well as other inspections and
repairs be carried out by authorized Toyota retailers or Toyota authorized
repairers, or any reliable repairers. For repairs and services covered by your
warranty, please visit an authorized Toyota retailer or repairer, who will use
genuine Toyota parts in repairing any difficulties you may encounter. There
can also be advantages in utilizing authorized Toyota retailers or repairers for
non-warranty repairs and services, as members of the Toyota network will be
able to expertly assist you with any difficulties you may encounter.
Your Toyota retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer will
perform all of the scheduled maintenance on your vehicle reliably and eco-
nomically due to their experience with Toyota vehicles.
■Does your vehicle need repairs?
Be on the alert for changes in performance and sounds, and visual tip-offs
that indicate service is needed. Some important clues are:
●Engine missing, stumbling or pinging
●Appreciable loss of power
●Strange engine noises
●A fluid leak under the vehicle (However, water dripping from the air condi-
tioning system after use is normal.)
●Change in exhaust sound (This may indicate a dangerous carbon monoxide
leak. Drive with the windows open and have the exhaust system checked
immediately.)
●Flat-looking tires, excessive tire squeal when cornering, uneven tire wear
●Vehicle pulls to one side when driven straight on a level road
●Strange noises related to suspension movement
●Loss of brake effectiveness, spongy feeling brake pedal, pedal almost
touches the floor, vehicle pulls to one side when braking
●Engine coolant temperature continually higher than normal (P. 661, 705)
If you notice any of these clues, take your vehicle to any authorized Toyota
retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer as soon as pos-
sible. Your vehicle may need adjustment or repair.
5907-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Prius Plug-in Hybrid_OM_OM47F38E_(EE)
WARNING
■Used engine oil
● Used engine oil contains potentially harmful contaminants which may
cause skin disorders such as inflammation and skin cancer, so care
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 sewers or onto the
ground. Call any authorized Toyota reta iler or Toyota authorized repairer,
or any reliable repairer, 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 vehicle.
● Be sure the engine oil filler cap is properly tightened.
6077-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Prius Plug-in Hybrid_OM_OM47F38E_(EE)
7
Maintenance and care
NOTICE
■Repairing or replacing tires, wheels, tire pressure warning valves,
transmitters and tire valve caps
● When removing or fitting the wheels, tires or the tire pressure warning
valves and transmitters, contact any authorized Toyota retailer or Toyota
authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer as the tire pressure warning
valves and transmitters may be damaged if not handled correctly.
● Make sure to install the tire valve caps. If the tire valve caps are not
installed, water could enter the tire pressure warning valves and the tire
pressure warning valves could be bound.
● When replacing tire valve caps, do not use tire valve caps other than those
specified. The cap may become stuck.
■ To avoid damage to the tire pressure warning valves and transmitters
When a tire is repaired with liquid sealants, the tire pressure warning valve
and transmitter may not operate properly. If a liquid sealant is used, contact
any authorized Toyota retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable
repairer or other qualified service shop as soon as possible. After use of liq-
uid sealant, make sure to replace the tire pressure warning valve and trans-
mitter when repairing or replacing the tire. ( P. 601)
■ Driving on rough roads
Take particular care when driving on roads with loose surfaces or potholes.
These conditions may cause losses in tire inflation pressure, reducing the
cushioning ability of the tires. In addition, driving on rough roads may cause
damage to the tires themselves, as well as the vehicle’s wheels and body.
■ Low profile tires (vehicles with 215/45R17 tires)
Low profile tires may cause greater damage than usual to the wheel when
receiving impact from the road surface. Therefore pay attention to the fol-
lowing:
● Be sure to use proper tire inflation pressure. If tires are under-inflated, they
may be damaged more severely.
● Avoid pot holes, uneven pavement, curbs and other road hazards. Failure
to do so can lead to severe tire and wheel damage.
■ If tire inflation pressure of each tire becomes low while driving
Do not continue driving, or your tires and/or wheels may be ruined.
6117-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Prius Plug-in Hybrid_OM_OM47F38E_(EE)
7
Maintenance and care
■When replacing wheels
The wheels of your vehicle are equipped with tire pressure warning valves
and transmitters that allow the tire pressure warning system to provide
advance warning in the event of a loss in tire inflation pressure. Whenever
wheels are replaced, tire pressure warning valves and transmitters must be
installed. ( P. 601)
WARNING
■When replacing wheels
● Do not use wheels that are a different size from those recommended in the
Owner’s Manual, as this may result in a loss of handling control.
● Never use an inner tube in a leaking wheel which is designed for a tube-
less tire. Doing so may result in an accident, causing death or serious
injury.
■ When installing the wheel nuts
Never use oil or grease on the wheel bolts or wheel nuts.
Oil and grease may cause the wheel nuts to be excessively tightened, lead-
ing to bolt or disc wheel damage. In addition, the oil or grease can cause the
wheel nuts to loosen and the wheel may fall off, causing an accident and
resulting in death or serious injury. Remove any oil or grease from the wheel
bolts or wheel nuts.
■ Use of defective wheels prohibited
Do not use cracked or deformed wheels.
Doing so could cause the tire to leak air during driving, possibly causing an
accident.
NOTICE
■ Replacing tire pressure warning valves and transmitters
● Because tire repair or replacement may affect the tire pressure warning
valves and transmitters, make sure to have tires serviced by any autho-
rized Toyota retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer
or other qualified service shop. In addition, make sure to purchase your
tire pressure warning valves and transmitters at any authorized Toyota
retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer.
● Ensure that only genuine Toyota wheels are used on your vehicle.
Tire pressure warning valves and transmitters may not work properly with
non-genuine wheels.
6277-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Prius Plug-in Hybrid_OM_OM47F38E_(EE)
7
Maintenance and care
Remove the air conditioning fil-
ter from the filter case and
replace it with a new one.
The “ UP” marks shown on the fil-
ter should be pointing up.
When installing, reverse the steps listed.
■ Checking interval
Inspect and replace the air conditioning filter according to the maintenance
schedule. In dusty areas or areas with heavy traffic flow, early replacement
may be required. (For scheduled maintenance information, please refer to the
“Toyota Service Booklet” or “Toyota Warranty Booklet”.)
■ If air flow from the vents decreases dramatically
The filter may be clogged. Check the filter and replace if necessary.
8
WARNING
■ When replacing the air conditioning filter
Observe the following precautions. Failure to do so may result in the air
conditioning system operating during t he procedure, possibly resulting in
injury.
● Check that the charging connector is not connected
The air conditioning may operate due to the “Climate Prep” ( P. 166) or
“Traction Battery Cooler” ( P. 145) setting. (if equipped)
● Do not use the Remote Air Conditioning System
9
6528-2. Steps to take in an emergency
Prius Plug-in Hybrid_OM_OM47F38E_(EE)
If your vehicle needs to be towed
In the following situations, it is not possible to be towed by another
vehicle using cables or chains, as the front wheels may be locked due
to the parking lock. Contact any authorized Toyota retailer or Toyota
authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer or commercial towing ser-
vice.
● There is a malfunction in the shift control system. (P. 326, 674)
● There is a malfunction in the immobilizer system. (P. 7 4 )
● There is a malfunction in the smart entry & start system. (P. 695)
● The 12-volt battery is discharged. (P. 699)
The following may indicate a problem with your hybrid transmission.
Contact any authorized Toyota retailer or Toyota authorized repairer,
or any reliable repairer or commercial towing service before towing.
● The hybrid system warning message is displayed and the vehicle
does not move.
● The vehicle makes an abnormal sound.
If towing is necessary, we recommend having your vehicle
towed by any authorized Toyota retailer or Toyota authorized
repairer, or any reliable repairer or commercial towing service,
using a wheel-lift type truck or flatbed truck.
Use a safety chain system for all towing, and abide by all state/
provincial and local laws.
Situations when it is not possible to be towed by another vehicle
Situations when it is necessary to contact dealers before towing