octane TOYOTA PRIUS PHV 2012 Owners Manual

176 1-7. Refueling
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
■Fuel types
Use unleaded gasoline. (Octane rating 87 [Research Octane Number 91] or
higher)
■ If the fuel filler door opener is inoperable
If the fuel filler door opener switch cannot be operated, contact your Toyota
dealer. In the event that urgent refueling is required, follow the procedure
below.
Remove the cap slowly. Take care to prevent fuel from spilling
out, as fuel tank pressure may not have been adequately
reduced.
Fill the fuel tank carefully and sl owly. Use caution, as air being
discharged from inside the fuel tank may cause fuel to spray out
from the filler opening during refueling.
Open the fuel filler door using the lever in
the luggage compartment.STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3

613
6-1. Specifications
6
Vehicle specifications
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
Fuel
Fuel typeUnleaded gasoline only
Octane Rating
87 (Research Octane Number 91) or higher
Fuel tank capacity
(Reference)10.6 gal. (40 L, 8.8 Imp.gal.)
NOTICE
■
Notice about fuel
For plug-in hybrid vehicles, fuel may remain in the tank for a long time and
undergo changes in quality depending on the how the vehicle is used.
Refuel at least 5.3 gal.(20 L, 4.4 Imp.gal.) of fuel every 6 months (refuel a
total of at least 5.3 gal. [20 L, 4.4 Imp.gal.] over a 6-month period), as this
may affect components of the fuel system or the gasoline engine.

621
6-1. Specifications
6
Vehicle specifications
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
Fuel infor mation
■Fuel tank opening fo r unleaded gasoline
To help prevent incorrect fueling, your vehicle has a fuel tank opening that
only accommodates the special nozzle on unleaded fuel pumps.
■ Gasoline quality
In very few cases, driveability problems may be caused by the brand of gas-
oline you are using. If driveability problems persist, try changing the brand of
gasoline. If this does not correct the problem, consult your Toyota dealer.
You must only use unleaded gasoline in your vehicle.
Select octane rating 87 (Research Octane Number 91) or higher. Use
of unleaded gasoline with an octane rating lower than 87 may result
in engine knocking. Persistent kno cking can lead to engine damage.
At minimum, the gasoline you use should meet the specifications
of ASTM D4814 in the U.S.A. and CGSB3.5-M93 in Canada.

623
6-1. Specifications
6
Vehicle specifications
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
■
Non-recommendation of the use of blended gasoline
● If you use gasohol in your vehicle, be sure that it has an octane rating no
lower than 87.
● Toyota does not recommend the use of gasoline containing methanol.
■ Non-recommendation of the use of gasoline containing MMT
Some gasoline contains an octane enhancing additive called MMT (Methyl-
cyclopentadienyl Manganese Tricarbonyl).
Toyota does not recommend the use of gasoline that contains MMT. If fuel
containing MMT is used, your emission control system may be adversely
affected.
The malfunction indicator lamp on the instrument cluster may come on. If
this happens, contact your Toyota dealer for service.
■ If your engine knocks
● Consult your Toyota dealer.
● You may occasionally notice light knocking for a short time while acceler-
ating or driving uphill. This is normal and there is no need for concern.
●Use only gasoline containing a maxi-
mum of 10% ethanol.
DO NOT use any flex-fuel or gasoline
that could contain more than 10% etha-
nol, including from any pump labeled
E15, E30, E50, E85 (which are only
some examples of fuel containing more
than 10% ethanol).DO NOT use gasoline
containing more than
10% ethanol.
(15% ethanol)
(50% ethanol)
(85% ethanol)

624 6-1. Specifications
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
NOTICE
■Notice on fuel quality
● Do not use improper fuels. If improper fuels are used, the engine will be
damaged.
● Do not use leaded gasoline.
Leaded gasoline can cause damage to your vehicle’s three-way catalytic
converters causing the emission control system to malfunction.
● Do not use gasohol other than the type previously stated.
Other gasohol may cause fuel system damage or vehicle performance
problems.
● Using unleaded gasoline with an octane number or rating lower than the
level previously stated will cause persistent heavy knocking.
At worst, this will lead to engine damage.
■ Fuel-related p oor driveability
If poor driveability is encountered after using a different type of fuel (poor hot
starting, vaporization, engine knocking, etc.), discontinue the use of that type
of fuel.
■ When refueling with gasohol
Take care not to spill gasohol. It can damage your vehicle’s paint.
■ Notice about fuel
For plug-in hybrid vehicles, fuel may remain in the tank for a long time and
undergo changes in quality depending on the how the vehicle is used.
Refuel at least 5.3 gal. (20 L, 4.4 Imp.gal.) of fuel every 6 months (refuel a
total of at least 5.3 gal. [20 L, 4.4 Imp.gal.] over a 6-month period), as this
may affect components of the fuel system or the gasoline engine.