TOYOTA PRIUS PLUS 2012 Owners Manual

391 4-2. Maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
Where to go for service?
In order to maintain your vehicle in the best possible condition, Toyota rec-
ommends that all repairs and service operations be carried out by autho-
rized Toyota dealers or repairers or other duly qualified and equipped
professionals. For repairs and services covered by your warranty, please
visit an authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, who will use genuine Toyota
parts in repairing any difficulties you may encounter. There can also be
advantages in utilizing authorized Toyota dealers or repairers for non-war-
ranty repairs and services, as members of the Toyota network will be able to
expertly assist you with any difficulties you may encounter.
Your Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped
professional will perform all of the scheduled maintenance on your vehicle
reliably and economically due to their experience with Toyota vehicles.
Does your vehicle need repair?
Be on the alert for changes in performance and sounds, and visual tip-offs
that indicate service is needed. Some important clues are:
Engine missing, stumbling or pinging
Appreciable loss of power
Strange engine noises
A fluid leak under the vehicle (However, water dripping from the air condi-
tioning system after use is normal.)
Change in exhaust sound (This may indicate a dangerous carbon mon-
oxide leak. Drive with the windows open and have the exhaust system
checked immediately.)

392 4-2. Maintenance
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
Flat-looking tires, excessive tire squeal when cornering, uneven tire wear
Vehicle pulls to one side when driving straight on a level road
Strange noises related to suspension movement
Loss of brake effectiveness, spongy feeling brake pedal, pedal almost
touches the floor, vehicle pulls to one side when braking
Engine coolant temperature continually higher than normal
If you notice any of these clues, take your vehicle to any authorized Toyota
dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional as
soon as possible. Your vehicle may need adjustment or repair.
CAUTION
If your vehicle is not properly maintained
Improper maintenance could result in serious damage to the vehicle and
possible serious injury or death.
Handling of the 12-volt battery
12-volt battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and
lead compounds which are known to cause brain damage. Wash your hands
after handling. (P. 413)

393
4
Maintenance and care
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Do-it-yourself ser vice precautions
If you perform maintenance by yourself, be sure to follow the correct
procedure as given in these sections.
ItemsParts and tools
12-volt battery condition
(P. 413)• Grease
• Conventional wrench
(for terminal clamp bolts)
Engine/power control unit coolant
level (P. 408)
• “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
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant”
is pre-mixed with 50% coolant
and 50% deionized water.
• Funnel (used only for adding cool-
ant)

394 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
ItemsParts and tools
Engine oil level (P. 404)
• “Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or
equivalent
• Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding
engine oil)
Fuses (P. 433)• Fuse with same amperage rating
as original
Light bulbs (P. 445)
• Bulb with same number and watt-
age rating as original
• Phillips-head screwdriver
• Flathead screwdriver
• Wrench
Radiator and condenser
(P. 410)
Tire inflation pressure (P. 422)• Tire pressure gauge
• Compressed air source
Washer fluid (P. 4 1 1 )
• Water or washer fluid containing
antifreeze (for winter use)
• Funnel (used only for adding
water or washer fluid)

395 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
CAUTION
The engine compartment contains many mechanisms and fluids that may
move suddenly, become hot, or become electrically energized. To avoid death
or serious injury, observe the following precautions.
When working on the engine compartment
Make sure that the indicator on the “POWER” switch and the “READY”
indicator are both off.
Keep hands, clothing and tools away from the moving fan.
Be careful not to touch the engine, power control unit, radiator, exhaust
manifold, etc. right after driving as they may be hot. Oil and other fluids
may also be hot.
Do not leave anything that may burn easily, such as paper and rags, in the
engine compartment.
Do not smoke, cause sparks or expose an open flame to fuel. Fuel fumes
are flammable.
When working near the electric cooling fans or radiator grille
Be sure the “POWER” switch is off.
With the “POWER” switch in ON mode, the electric cooling fans may auto-
matically start to run if the air conditioning is on and/or the coolant tempera-
ture is high. (P. 410)
Safety glasses
Wear safety glasses to prevent flying or falling material, fluid spray, etc. from
getting in your eyes.

396 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
NOTICE
If you remove the air cleaner filter
Driving with the air cleaner filter removed may cause excessive engine wear
due to dirt in the air.
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 or when the fluid level in the accumulator is high.
If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, it may indicate a serious problem.

397
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
Hood
Release the lock from the inside of the vehicle to open the hood.
Pull the hood lock release
lever.
The hood will pop up slightly.
Pull up the auxiliary catch
lever and lift the hood.
STEP 1
STEP 2

398 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
CAUTION
Pre-driving check
Check that the hood is fully closed and locked.
If the hood is not locked properly, it may open while the vehicle is in motion
and cause an accident, which may result in death or serious injury.
After installing the support rod into the slot
Make sure the rod supports the hood securely from falling down on to your
head or body.
Hold the hood open by insert-
ing the supporting rod into
either of the slots.
Use the upper slots to open the
hood normally, or use the lower
slots when the hood needs to
be opened wide.
STEP 3

399 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
NOTICE
When closing the hood
Be sure to return the support rod to its clip before closing the hood. Closing
the hood without returning the support rod properly could cause the hood to
bend.

400
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
Positioning a floor jack
When raising your vehicle with a floor jack, position the jack cor-
rectly. Improper placement (such as under rear suspension etc.) may
damage your vehicle or cause injury.
Front
Rear