TOYOTA PRIUS C 2012 NHP10 / 1.G Owners Manual

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
Radiator and condenser
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 y our vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer.
Brake fluid
■ Checking fluid level
The brake fluid level should be
between the “MAX” and “MIN”
lines on the tank.
CAUTION
■When the hybrid system is hot
Do not touch the radiators or condenser as they may be hot and cause seri-
ous injuries, such as burns.

372 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
■Adding fluid
Make sure to check the fluid type and prepare the necessary item.
Slide and lift up the rubber strip
and clips to partly remove it as
shown.
Disconnect the claws and
remove the service cover.
Remove the reservoir cap.
Add brake fluid slowly while checking the fluid level.
Fluid type FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703 brake fluid
Item Clean funnel
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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Maintenance and care
■
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.

374 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Washer fluidIf the amount of washer fluid is
insufficient, add washer fluid.
CAUTION
■When adding washer fluid
Add washer fluid after the hybrid system has been stopped and cooled down
sufficiently. Washer fluid contains alcohol and may catch fire if spilled inside
a hot engine compartment.
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.

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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Maintenance and care
12-volt batter y
■Location
The 12-volt battery is located
under the rear right seat.
■ Removing the 12-volt battery cover
Remove the 12-volt battery
cover after removing the clips.

376 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
■Exterior
Make sure that the 12-volt battery terminals are not corroded
and that there are no loose c onnections, cracks, or loose
clamps.
Terminals
Hold-down clamp
■ Installing the 12-volt battery cover
Install the 12-volt battery cover
with the clips.

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
■
Before recharging
When recharging, the 12-volt battery produces hydrogen gas which is flam-
mable and explosive. Therefore, observe the following precautions before
recharging:
●If recharging with the 12-volt battery installed on the vehicle, be sure to
disconnect the ground cable.
● Make sure the power switch on the charger is off when connecting and
disconnecting the charger cables to the 12-volt battery.
■ When disconnecting the 12- volt battery terminals
Always disconnect the negative (-) terminal first.
■ After recharging/reconn ecting the 12-volt battery (vehicles with a
smart key system)
● Unlocking the doors using the smart key system may not be possible
immediately after reconnecting the 12-volt battery. If this happens, use
the wireless remote control or the mechanical key to lock/unlock the
doors.
● 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-volt bat-
tery is reconnected, the vehicle will return the “POWER” switch mode to
the status it was in before the 12-volt battery was disconnected. Make
sure to turn off the power before disconnect the 12-volt battery. Take
extra care when connecting the 12-volt battery if the “POWER” switch
mode prior to discharge is unknown.
If the system will not start even after multiple attempts, contact your Toyota
dealer.

378 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
CAUTION
■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 with 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 battery.
● 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 ventilation.
■ When disconnecting the 12- volt battery terminals
Always disconnect the negative (-) terminal first. If the positive (+) terminal is
disconnected first and touches a surrounding metal surface it may cause
sparks resulting in a fire or it may result in an electric shock, death or serious
injury.
■ How to recharge the 12-volt battery
Only perform a slow charge (3.5 A or less). The 12-volt battery may explode
if charged at a quicker rate.

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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Maintenance and care
CAUTION
■
Emergency measures regarding electrolyte
●If electrolyte gets in your eyes
Flush your eyes with clean water for at least 15 minutes and get immedi-
ate medical attention. If possible, continue to apply water with 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.
■ When replacing the 12-volt battery
Use a 12-volt battery designed for this vehicle. Failure to do so may ca\
use
gas (hydrogen) to enter the passenger co mpartment, causing a fire or explo-
sion.
For replacement of the 12-volt battery, contact your Toyota dealer.
NOTICE
■ When recharging the 12-volt battery
Never recharge the 12-volt battery while the hybrid system is operating.
Also, be sure all accessories are turned off.

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Tires
Replace or rotate tires in accordance with maintenance sched-
ules and treadwear.
■Checking tires
New tread
Treadwear indicator
Worn tread
The location of treadwear
indicators is shown by the
“TWI” or “” marks, etc.,
molded on the sidewall of
each tire.
Check spare tire condition
and pressure if not rotated.
■ Tire rotation
Rotate the tires in the order
shown.
To equalize tire wear and
extend tire life, Toyota recom-
mends that tire rotation is
carried out at the same inter-
val as tire inspection.
Do not fail to initialize the tire
pressure warning system
after tire rotation.
■Tire pressure warning system
Your vehicle is equipped with a tire pressure warning system
that uses tire pressure warning valves and transmitters to detect
low tire inflation pressure before serious problems arise.
(  P. 433)
Front