check engine TOYOTA PRIUS PLUG-IN 2012 User Guide

246
2-1. Driving procedures
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
Shift position indicator
The position of the frame on the shift position indicator changes in
accordance with the current shift position.
When any shift position other than D or B is selected, the arrow toward
B and B position indicator disappear from the shift position indicator.
When selecting the shift position, make sure that the shift position has
been changed to the desired position by checking the shift position indica-
tor provided on the instrument cluster.
■Shift position purpose
*:For good fuel economy and noise reduction, the D position should usu-
ally be used.
Shift positionFunction
PParking the vehicle/starting the hybrid system
RReversing
NNeutral
DNormal driving*
BApplying moderate engine braking when driving
down hills or on steep slopes

261
2-2. Instrument cluster
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
2
When driving
CAUTION
■To p r e v e n t a n a c c i d e n t
NOTICE
■To p r e v e n t d a m a g e t o t h e e n g i n e a n d i ts c o m p o n e n ts
The engine may be overheating if the high coolant temperature warning light
comes on or flashes. In this case, immediately stop the vehicle in a safe
place, and check the engine after it has cooled completely. (→P. 6 0 0 )
Do not place anything or attach a sticker
in front of the instrument cluster. The item
may obscure or obstruct the display, or
could reflect off the display, possibly
causing an accident.
Instrument cluster

269
2-2. Instrument cluster
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
2
When driving
■Reading Hybrid System Indicator
When EV Mode
Charge area
EV driving area
Power area
As shown below, the driving conditions of the vehicle can be con-
firmed by checking the status of the indicator bar.
*1: The images are examples only, and may vary slightly from actual condi-
tions.
*2: If the gasoline engine is operated (for example when driving at high
speeds or using the heater), the EV indicator may turn off even if the bar
is in the EV driving area. (→P. 4 0 )
Multi-information display*1
Charge area:
Shows that energy is being
recovered via the regenera-
tive braking system. (→P. 3 4 )
EV driving area:
Shows that the vehicle is
being powered only by elec-
tric motor
(traction motor).*2
Power area:
Shows that the gasoline
engine is used as auxiliary
power (during full power driv-
ing etc.).

270
2-2. Instrument cluster
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
When HV Mode
Charge area
Eco area
Power area
Hybrid Eco area
As shown below, the driving conditions of the vehicle can be con-
firmed by checking the status of the indicator bar.
*1: The images are examples only, and may vary slightly from actual condi-
tions.
*2: The gasoline engine will automatically stop and restart under various
conditions.
Hybrid System Indicator*1
Charge area:
Shows regenerative charging.
(→P. 3 9 )
Hybrid Eco area:
Shows that gasoline engine
power is not being used very
often.*2
Eco area:
Shows that the vehicle is
driven in Eco-friendly.
Power area:
Shows that the driving power
is more than the upper limit of
Eco driving (during full power
driving etc.).

434
4-2. Maintenance
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
General maintenance
Engine compartment
ItemsCheck points
Brake fluidIs the brake fluid at the correct
level? (→P. 4 6 7 )
Engine/power control unit coolant
Is the engine/power control unit
coolant at the correct level?
(→P. 4 6 4 )
Engine oilIs the engine oil at the correct
level? (→P. 4 6 0 )
Exhaust systemThere should not be any fumes or
strange sounds.
Radiator/condenser
The radiator and condenser
should be free from foreign
objects. (→P. 4 6 6 )
Washer fluidIs there sufficient washer fluid?
(→P. 4 6 9 )
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 recommended that any problem you notice
should be brought to the attention of your Toyota dealer or qualified
service shop for advice.

437
4-2. Maintenance
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
4
Maintenance and care
Ve h i c l e e x t e r i o r
Charging equipment
ItemsCheck points
Doors • Do the doors operate smoothly?
Engine hood•Does the engine hood lock sys-
tem work properly?
Fluid leaks
•There should not be any signs of
fluid leakage after the vehicle has
been parked.
Tires
•Is the tire inflation pressure cor-
rect?
•The tires should not be dam-
aged or excessively worn.
•Have the tires been rotated
according to the maintenance
schedule?
•The wheel nuts should not be
loose.
ItemsCheck points
Charging cable
•Check that the electrical leakage
detection function operates prop-
erly. (→P. 1 0 3 )
CAUTION
■If the hybrid system is operating
Turn the hybrid system off and ensure that there is adequate ventilation
before performing maintenance checks.

460
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
Engine oil
With the engine at operating temperature and turned off, check the oil
level on the dipstick.
■Checking the engine oil
Park the vehicle on level ground. After warming up the engine
and turning off the hybrid system, wait more than 5 minutes
for the oil to drain back into the bottom of the engine.
Holding a rag under the end, pull
the dipstick out.
Wipe the dipstick clean.
Flat dipstick: Reinsert the dipstick fully.
Non-flat dipstick: Reinsert the
dipstick fully with its protruding
areas ( in the illustration)
pointing towards the engine.
Holding a rag under the end, pull the dipstick out and check
the oil level.
Wipe the dipstick and reinsert it fully.
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3
STEP 4
STEP 4
STEP 5
STEP 6

462
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
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. 6 1 5
Oil quantity
(Low → Full)1.6 qt. (1.5 L, 1.3 Imp.qt.)
Items Clean funnel
■Engine oil consumption
A certain amount of engine oil will be consumed while driving. In the follow-
ing situations, oil consumption may increase, and engine oil may need to be
refilled in between oil maintenance intervals.
●When the engine is new, for example directly after purchasing the vehicle
or after replacing the engine
●If low quality oil or oil of an inappropriate viscosity is used
●When driving at high engine speeds or with a heavy load, or when driving
while accelerating or decelerating frequently
●When leaving the engine idling for a long time, or when driving frequently
through heavy traffic
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3

463
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
4
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 p r e v e n t s e r i o u s e n g i n e d a m a g e
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.

465
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
4
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.