TOYOTA PRIUS 2020 Owners Manual (in English)

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5116-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
6
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-bora te coolant with
long-life hybrid organic acid technology.
U.S.A.:
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 50% coolant and 50% deion-
ized water. (Minimum temperature: -31 F [-35 C])
Canada:
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 55% coolant and 45% deion-
ized 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 c oolant reservoir
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.
WARNING
■ When the hybrid system is hot
Do not remove the engine/power control unit coolant reservoir c aps.
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 cor rect 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 p arts or paint.

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6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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 your Toyota dea l e r.
Check the 12-volt battery as follows:
■12-volt battery exterior
Make sure that the 12-volt battery terminals are not corroded a nd
that there are no loose connections, cracks, or loose clamps.
Terminals
Radiator and condenser
WARNING
■ When the hybrid system is hot
Do not touch the radiator or condenser as they may be hot and c ause 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.
12-volt battery

PRIUS_OM_OM47D44U_(U)
5136-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
■When opening the cover of the positive (+) battery terminal
■ Before recharging
When recharging, the 12-volt battery produces hydrogen gas which is flam-
mable and explosive. Therefore, observe the following precautio ns before
recharging:
● If recharging with the 12-volt battery installed on the vehicle , be sure to dis-
connect the ground cable.
● Make sure the power switch on the charger is off when connectin g and dis-
connecting the charger cables to the 12-volt battery.
■ After recharging/reconnecting the 12-volt battery
●Unlocking the doors using the smart key system may not be possi ble imme-
diately after reconnecting the 12-volt battery. If this happens, use the wire-
less remote control or the mechanical key to lock/unlock the do ors.
● Start the hybrid system with the power switch in ACCESSORY mode . The
hybrid system may not start with the power switch turned off. However, the
hybrid system will operate normally from the second attempt.
● The power switch mode is recorded by the vehicle. If the 12-vol t battery is
reconnected, the vehicle will return the power switch mode to t he status it
was in before the 12-volt battery was disconnected. Make sure t o turn off
the power before disconnect the 12-volt battery. Take extra car e when con-
necting the 12-volt battery if the power switch mode prior to d ischarge is
unknown.
● Restart the hybrid system, depress the brake pedal, and confirm that it is
possible to shift into each shift position.
If the system will not start even after multiple attempts at al l methods above,
contact your Toyota dealer. While pushing the portion shown in the
illustration from both sides, lift the end of
the cover up.

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6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
WARNING
■Chemicals in the 12-volt battery
The 12-volt battery contains poisonous and corrosive sulfuric acid and may
produce hydrogen gas which is flammable and explosive. To reduce the risk
of death or serious injury, take the following precautions while working on or
near the 12-volt battery:
● Do not cause sparks by touching the 12-volt battery terminals w ith tools.
● Do not smoke or light a match near the 12-volt battery.
● Avoid contact with eyes, skin and clothes.
● Never inhale or swallow electrolyte.
● Wear protective safety glasses when working near the 12-volt ba ttery.
● Keep children away from the 12-volt battery.
■ Where to safely charge the 12-volt battery
Always charge the 12-volt battery in an open area. Do not charge the
12-volt battery in a garage or closed room where there is insufficient ventila-
tion.
■ How to recharge the 12-volt battery
Only perform a slow charge (5 A or less). The 12-volt battery may explode if
charged at a quicker rate.
■ Emergency measures regarding electrolyte
● If electrolyte gets in your eyes
Flush your eyes with clean water for at least 15 minutes and ge t immedi-
ate medical attention. If possible, continue to apply water wit h a sponge or
cloth while traveling to the nearest medical facility.
● If electrolyte gets on your skin
Wash the affected area thoroughly. If you feel pain or burning, get medical
attention immediately.
● If electrolyte gets on your clothes
It can soak through clothing on to your skin. Immediately take off the cloth-
ing and follow the procedure above if necessary.
● If you accidentally swallow electrolyte
Drink a large quantity of water or milk. Get emergency medical attention
immediately.

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5156-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
WARNING
■When disconnecting the 12-volt battery
Do not disconnect the negative (-) terminal on the body side. T he discon-
nected negative (-) terminal may touch the positive (+) terminal, which may
cause a short and result in death or serious injury.
NOTICE
■ When recharging th e 12-volt battery
Never recharge the 12-volt battery while the hybrid system is o perating.
Also, be sure all accessories are turned off.

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6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
■Checking fluid level
The brake fluid level should be
between the “MAX” and “MIN”
lines on the tank.
■Adding fluidSlide and lift up the rubber
strip to partly remove it as
shown.
Disconnect the claws and
remove the service cover.
Brake fluid
1
2

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5176-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
Remove the reservoir cap.
Add brake fluid slowly while checking the fluid level.
Make sure to check the fluid type and prepare the necessary ite m.
■Brake fluid can absorb moisture from the air
Excess moisture in the brake fluid can cause a dangerous loss o f braking effi-
ciency. Use only newly opened brake fluid.
3
4
Fluid type SAE J1703 or FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE J1704
or FMVSS No.116 DOT 4 brake fluid
ItemsClean funnel
WARNING
■
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 brake 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 problem.

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6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Open the lid.
Vehicles with the level gauge: Check the washer fluid level on the
level gauge.
“NORMAL”
“LOW”
If the washer fluid level is at
“LOW”, add washer fluid.
Washer fluid
1
2
1
2
3

PRIUS_OM_OM47D44U_(U)
5196-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
■Using the gauge (if equipped)
The washer fluid level can be checked by
observing the position of the level on the
liquid-covered holes in the gauge.
If the level falls below the second hole
from the bottom (the “LOW” position), refill
the washer fluid.
WARNING
■When adding washer fluid
Do not add washer fluid when the hybrid system is hot or operat ing 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, as well as
damaging the pump leading to problems of the washer fluid not spraying.
■ 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.
Current
fluid level

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6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Tires
Check if the treadwear indicators are showing on the tires. Also check
the tires for uneven wear, such as excessive wear on one side o f the
tread.
Check the spare tire (if equipped) condition and pressure if no t
rotated.
New tread
Worn tread
Treadwear indicator
The location of treadwear indicators is shown by a “TWI” or “ ” mark,
etc., molded into the s idewall of each tire.
Replace the tires if the treadwear indicators are showing on a tire.
Replace or rotate tires in accordance with maintenance sched-
ules and treadwear.
Checking tires
1
2
3