Page 585 of 818
5837-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Prius Plug-in Hybrid_OM_OM47F38E_(EE)
7
Maintenance and care
NOTICE
■If you remove the air cleaner filter
Driving with the air cleaner filter removed may cause excessive engine wear
due to dirt in the air.
■ If the brake fluid level is low or high
It is normal for the brake fluid level to go down slightly as the brake pads
wear or when the fluid level in the accumulator is high.
If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, it may indicate a serious problem.
Page 589 of 818
5877-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Prius Plug-in Hybrid_OM_OM47F38E_(EE)
7
Maintenance and care
Engine compar tment
IO73PH114
Engine coolant reservoir
( P. 591)
Fuse boxes ( P. 635)
Engine oil level dipstick
( P. 588)
Engine oil filler cap ( P. 589)
Washer fluid tank ( P. 598)
12-volt battery ( P. 594)
Power control unit coolant
reservoir ( P. 591)
Radiator ( P. 593)
Condenser ( P. 593)
Electric cooling fans
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Page 590 of 818
5887-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Prius Plug-in Hybrid_OM_OM47F38E_(EE)
With the engine at operating temperature and turned off, check the oil
level on the dipstick.
■Checking the engine oil
Park the vehicle on level ground. After warming up the engine
and turning off the hybrid system, wait more than 5 minutes for
the oil to drain back into the bottom of the engine.
Holding a rag under the end,
pull the dipstick out.
Wipe the dipstick clean.
Reinsert the dipstick fully.
Holding a rag under the end, pull the dipstick out and check the
oil level.
Low
Normal
Excessive
Wipe the dipstick and reinsert it fully.
Engine oil
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
6
Page 591 of 818

5897-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Prius Plug-in Hybrid_OM_OM47F38E_(EE)
7
Maintenance and care
■Adding engine oil
If the oil level is below or near
the low level mark, add engine
oil of the same type as that
already in the engine.
Make sure to check the oil type and prepare the items needed
before adding oil.
Remove the oil filler cap by turning it counterclockwise.
Add engine oil slowly, checking the dipstick.
Install the oil filler cap by turning it clockwise.
■ Engine oil consumption
A certain amount of engine oil will be consumed while driving. In the following
situations, oil consumption may increase, and engine oil may need to be
refilled in between oil maintenance intervals.
● When the engine is new, for example directly after purchasing the vehicle or
after replacing the engine
● If low quality oil or oil of an inappropriate viscosity is used
● When driving at high engine speeds or with a heavy load, or when driving
while accelerating or decelerating frequently
● When leaving the engine idling for a long time, or when driving frequently
through heavy traffic
Engine oil selection P. 717
Oil quantity (Low Full)1.5 L (1.6 qt., 1.3 lmp. qt.)
ItemsClean funnel
1
2
3
Page 592 of 818

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.
Page 593 of 818
5917-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Prius Plug-in Hybrid_OM_OM47F38E_(EE)
7
Maintenance and care
The coolant level is satisfactory if it is between the “MAX” and “MIN”
lines on the reservoir when the hybrid system is cold.
■Engine coolant reservoir
Reservoir cap
“MAX” line
“MIN” line
If the level is on or below the
“MIN” line, add coolant up to the
“MAX” line. ( P. 705)
■Power control unit coolant reservoir
Reservoir cap
“FULL” line
“LOW” line
If the level is on or below the
“LOW” line, add coolant up to
the “FULL” line. ( P. 705)
Coolant
1
2
3
1
2
3
Page 594 of 818

5927-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Prius Plug-in Hybrid_OM_OM47F38E_(EE)
■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-borate coolant with
long-life hybrid organic acid technology.
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 50% coolant and 50% deion-
ized water. (Minimum temperature: -35 C [-31F])
For more details about coolant, contact any authorized Toyota retailer or
Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer.
■ If the coolant level drops within a short time of replenishing
Visually check the radiator, hoses, engine/power control unit coolant reservoir
caps, drain cock and water pump.
If you cannot find a leak, have any authorized Toyota retailer or Toyota autho-
rized repairer, or any reliable repairer, test the cap and check for leaks in the
cooling system.
WARNING
■ When the hybrid system is hot
Do not remove the engine/power control unit coolant reservoir caps.
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 correct 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 parts or paint.
Page 595 of 818
5937-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Prius Plug-in Hybrid_OM_OM47F38E_(EE)
7
Maintenance and care
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 vehicle inspected by any authorized Toyota
retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer.
Radiator and condenser
WARNING
■ When the hybrid system is hot
Do not touch the radiator or condenser as they may be hot and cause seri-
ous injuries, such as burns.
■ When the electric cooling fans are operating
Do not touch the engine compartment.
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. Be sure the power switch is off when working near the electric cool-
ing fans or radiator grille.