TOYOTA PRIUS 2012 3.G Owners Manual

421
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
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 selectionP. 564
Oil quantity
(Low  Full) 1.6 qt. (1.5 L, 1.3 Imp.qt.)
Items Clean funnel
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3

422 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
■Engine oil consumption
●The amount of engine oil consumed depends on the oil viscosity, the
quality of the oil and the way the vehicle is driven.
● More oil is consumed under driving conditions such as high speeds and
frequent acceleration and deceleration.
● A new engine consumes more oil.
● When judging the amount of oil consumption, keep in mind that the oil
may have become diluted, making it difficult to judge the true level accu-
rately.
● Oil consumption: Max. 1.1 qt./600 miles (1.0 L/1000 km, 0.9 Imp.qt./
600 miles)
● If your vehicle consumes more than 1.1 qt. (1.0 L, 0.9 Imp.qt.) every
600 miles (1000 km), contact your Toyota dealer.

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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Maintenance and care
CAUTION
■
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 your Toyota dealer, 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.

424 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
CoolantThe coolant level is satisfactory if it is between the full (“FULL” or “F”)
and low (“LOW” or “L”) lines on the reservoir when the hybrid system
is cold.
Engine 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. 566)
Power control unit coolant reservoir
Reservoir cap
“F” line
“L” line
If the level is on or below the “L”
line, add coolant up to the “F” line.
(P. 566)
ITO43P111

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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Maintenance and care
■
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.
U.S.A.: “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 50% cool- ant and 50% deionized water. (Minimum temperature: -31 F
[-35 C])
Canada: “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 55% cool- ant and 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 radiator, 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 system.
CAUTION
■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.

426 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Radiator and condenserCheck the radiator and condenser and clear away any foreign
objects.
If either of the above parts is extr emely dirty or you are not sure of
their condition, have your vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer.
NOTICE
■When adding coolant
Coolant is neither plain water nor stra ight 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.
CAUTION
■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.

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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Maintenance and care
Brake fluid
■ Checking fluid level
The brake fluid level should be
between the “MAX” and “MIN”
lines on the tank.
■ Adding fluid
Push the tab in and lift the cover
off.
Make sure to check the fluid type and prepare the necessary item.
ITO43P151
ITO43P152
Fluid type FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703 brake fluid
Items Clean funnel

428 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
■Brake fluid can absorb moisture from the air
Excess moisture in the brake fluid can cause a dangerous loss of braking
efficiency. Use only newly opened brake fluid.
CAUTION
■When filling the reservoir
Take care as brake fluid can harm your hands and 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 discomfort, see a doctor.
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 out or when the fluid level in the accumulator is high.
If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, there may be a serious proble\
m.

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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Maintenance and care
Washer fluid
Open the lid.
Check the washer fluid level on
the level gauge.“NORMAL”
“LOW”
If the washer fluid level is at
“LOW”, add washer fluid.
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3

430 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
CAUTION
■When adding washer fluid
Do not add washer fluid when the hybrid system is hot or operating as
washer fluid contains alcohol and may catch fire if spilled on the engine etc.
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 label of the washer fluid bot-
tle.