brake fluid TOYOTA CAMRY HYBRID 2008 XV40 / 8.G Owners Manual

32 1-1. Hybrid system
CAUTION
■Road accident cautions
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of injury.
●Pull your vehicle off the road, put the shift lever in P, apply the parking
brake, and turn the hybrid system off.
● Do not touch the high voltage parts, cables and connectors.
● If electric wires are exposed inside or outside your vehicle, an electric
shock may occur. Never touch exposed electric wires.
● If a fluid leak occurs, do not touch it as it may be strong alkaline electrolyte
from the hybrid battery (traction battery). If it comes into contact with your
skin or eyes, wash it off immediately with a large amount of water or if pos-
sible, boric acid solution. Seek immediate medical attention.
● If a fire occurs in the hybrid vehicle, leave the vehicle as soon as possible.
Never use a fire extinguisher that is not meant for electric fires. Using even
a small amount of water may be dangerous.
● If your vehicle needs to be towed, do so with the front wheels raised. If the
wheels with the electric motor (traction motor) are on the ground when
towing, the motor may continue to generate electricity. This may cause an
electricity leakage leading to a fire. (
P. 342)
■ Nickel-metal hydride battery
Your vehicle contains a sealed nickel- metal hydride battery. If disposed of
improperly, it is hazardous to the environment and there is a risk of severe
burns and electrical shock that may result in death or serious injury.
■ If the system activates
●Carefully check to see if there are exposed high voltage parts or cables.
Never touch the parts or cables. (
P. 25)
● Carefully inspect the ground under the vehicle. If you find that liquid has
leaked onto the ground, the fuel system may have been damaged. Leave
the vehicle as soon as possible.

123
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
■
Brake actuator
The brake actuator uses brake fluid pressurized by the pump to power-assist
the brakes. If the brake actuator fails during driving, the brake system warn-
ing light comes on and the buzzer sounds continuously. In this case, the
brakes may not work properly. If they do not work well, depress the brake
pedal firmly. If the brake system warning light comes on, immediately stop
your vehicle and contact your Toyota dealer.
In the following conditions, you may hear a sound in the engine compart-
ment. This is not a malfunction.
●The driver's door is opened with the hybrid system turned off.
● The brake pedal is depressed with the hybrid system turned off.
● After the hybrid system is turned on.
● The brake pedal is depressed repeatedly with the hybrid system turned
on.
● After the hybrid system is turned off.
The brake pedal may be hard to depress or the brake pedal stroke may be
short before turning the hybrid system on. This is not a malfunction.
■ When braking the vehicle
When applying brakes, you may hear a sound coming from the motor gener-
ator.
However, this does not indicate any trouble.

130 2-1. Driving procedures
NOTICE
■When encountering flooded roads
Do not drive on a road that has flooded after heavy rain etc. Doing so may
cause the following serious damage to the vehicle.
●Engine stalling
● Short in electrical components
● Engine damage caused by water immersion
In the event that you drive on a flooded road and the vehicle is flooded, be
sure to have your Toyota dealer check the following.
● Brake function
● Changes in quantity and quality of oil and fluid used for the engine, hybrid
system transaxle, etc.
● Lubricant condition for the bearings and suspension joints (where possi-
ble) and the function of all joints, bearings, etc.

166
2-5. Driving information
Winter driving tips
Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before driving
the vehicle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a manner appropri-
ate to the prevailing weather conditions.
■ Pre-winter preparations
●Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside tem-
peratures.
• Engine oil
• Engine/power control unit coolant
• Washer fluid
● Have a service technician inspect the level and specific grav-
ity of battery electrolyte.
● Have the vehicle fitted with four snow tires or purchase a set
of tire chains for the front tires.
Ensure that all tires are the same size and brand, and that chains
match the size of the tires.
■Before driving the vehicle
Perform the following according to the driving conditions.
●Do not try to forcibly open a window or move a wiper that is
frozen. Pour warm water over the frozen area to melt the ice.
Wipe away the water immediately to prevent it from freezing.
● To ensure proper operation of th e climate control system fan,
remove any snow that has accumulated on the air inlet vents
in front of the windshield.
● Remove any ice that has accumu lated on the vehicle chassis.
● Periodically check for and remove any excess ice or snow
that may have accumulated in the wheel well or on the
brakes.

281
4-2. Maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
General maintenance
Engine compartment
Trunk
ItemsCheck points
Brake fluid At the correct level? ( P. 298)
Engine/power control unit coolant At the correct level? ( P. 296)
Engine oil At the correct level? ( P. 292)
Exhaust system No fumes or strange sounds?
Radiator/condenser/hoses Not blocked with foreign matter?
(
P. 298)
Washer fluid At the correct level? ( P. 299)
ItemsCheck points
12-volt battery Check the connections.
(P. 300)
Listed below are the general maintenance items that should be per-
formed at the intervals specified in the “Owner’s Warranty Informa-
tion Booklet” or “Owner’s Manual Supplement/Scheduled
Maintenance Guide”. It is recomme nded that any problem you notice
should be brought to the attention of your Toyota dealer or qualified
service shop for advice.

285
4
Maintenance and care
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Do-it-yourself ser vice precautions
If you perform maintenance yourself, be sure to follow the correct
procedures as given in these sections.
ItemsParts and tools
12-volt battery condition (P. 300) •Warm water
• Baking soda
• Grease
• Conventional wrench
(for terminal clamp bolts)
Brake fluid level ( P. 298) 
Engine/power control unit coolant
level (P. 296) • “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant”
or similar high quality ethylene
glycol based non-silicate, non-
amine, non-nitrite and non-borate
coolant with long-life hybrid
organic acid technology.
For the U.S.A.:
“Toyota Super Long Life
Coolant” is pre-mixed with 50%
coolant and 50% deionized
water.
For Canada:
“Toyota Super Long Life
Coolant” is pre-mixed with 55%
coolant and 45% deionized
water.
• Funnel (used only for adding cool- ant)
Engine oil level P. 292) • Toyota Genuine Motor Oil or
equivalent
• Rag or paper towel, funnel (used only for adding oil)

291
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
Engine compar tment
Brake fluid reservoir( P. 298)
Engine oil filler cap ( P. 293)
Engine oil level dipstick ( P. 292)
Power control unit coolant
reservoir ( P. 296)
Engine coolant
radiator ( P. 298)Fuse box ( P. 325)
Condenser ( P. 298)
Electric cooling fans
Power control unit coolant
radiator ( P. 298)
Washer fluid tank ( P. 299)
Engine coolant reservoir ( P. 296)

298 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Radiators and condenserCheck the radiators and condenser and remove any foreign objects.
If any of the above parts are extr emely dirty or you are not sure of
their condition, have your vehicl e checked by your Toyota dealer.
Brake fluid
■ Checking fluid level
The brake fluid level should be
between the “MAX” and “MIN”
lines on the tank.
If the level is low, take your vehi-
cle to a Toyota dealer as soon as
possible. Do not drive your vehi-
cle if the red brake system warn-
ing light is on. Call a Toyota
dealer for assistance.
CAUTION
■The radiators and condenser may be hot after driving
Do not touch the radiators or condenser, as they may be hot and may be
burned.
CAUTION
■ When filling the reservoir
Take care because brake fluid can harm your hands or eyes and damage
painted surfaces.
If fluid gets in your eyes, flush your eyes with clean water immediately.
If you still experience discomfort, see a doctor.

299
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
Washer fluid
Add washer fluid in the following
situations.
●Any washer does not work.
● The warning message
appears on the multi-informa-
tion display.
NOTICE
■If the 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 pro\
blem.
NOTICE
■Do not use any fluid other than washer fluid
Do not use soapy water or engine antifreeze instead of washer fluid.
Doing so may cause streaking on the vehicle’s painted surfaces.
■ Diluting washer fluid
Dilute washer fluid with water as necessary.
Refer to the freezing temperatures listed on the washer fluid tank.

5
When trouble arises
345
5-1. Essential information
If you think something is wrong
If you notice any of the following symptoms, your vehicle probably
needs adjustment or repair. Contact your Toyota dealer as soon as
possible.
■ Visible symptoms
●Fluid leaks under the vehicle
(Water dripping from the air cond itioning after use is normal.)
● Flat-looking tires or uneven tire wear
● Engine coolant temperature g auge needle continually points
higher than normal
■ Audible symptoms
●Changes in exhaust sound
● Excessive tire squeal when cornering
● Strange noises related to the suspension system
● Pinging or other noises related to the hybrid system
■ Operational symptoms
●Engine missing, stumbling or running rough
● Appreciable loss of power
● Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when braking
● Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when driving on a level road
● Loss of brake effectiveness, s pongy feeling, pedal almost
touches the floor