Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid (2023 year). Manual in english

581

7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

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Do-it-yourself service precautions

If you perform maintenance by yourself, be sure to follow the
correct procedure as given in these sections.

Items

Parts and tools

12-volt battery
condition
(



P. 594)

• Warm water

• Baking soda

• Grease

• Conventional wrench (for terminal clamp bolts)
• Distilled water

Engine/power
control unit
coolant level
(



P. 591)

• “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 coolant)

Engine oil level
(



P. 588)

• “Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or equivalent
• Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding engine oil)

Fuses (



P. 635)

• Fuse with same amperage rating as original

Hybrid battery
(traction battery)
air intake vent
(



P. 573)

• Vacuum cleaner, etc.
• Flathead screwdriver

Light bulbs
(



P. 639)

• Bulb with same number and wattage rating as origi-

nal

• Flathead screwdriver
• Wrench

Radiator and
condenser
(



P. 593)



Tire inflation
pressure
(



P. 608)

• Tire pressure gauge

• Compressed air source

Washer fluid
(



P. 598)

• Water or washer fluid containing antifreeze (for win-

ter use)

• Funnel (used only for adding water or washer fluid)

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7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

WARNING

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 “Accessory”, “Ignition ON” or mileage display (



P. 213)

on the main display 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.

●

Be extremely cautious when working on the 12-volt battery. It contains poi-
sonous and corrosive sulfuric acid.

●

Take care because brake fluid can harm your hands or 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 discom-
fort, consult a doctor.

■

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 automati-
cally start to run if the air conditioning is on and/or the coolant temperature
is high. (



P. 593)

■

Safety glasses

Wear safety glasses to prevent flying or falling material, fluid spray, etc.
from getting in your eyes.

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7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

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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.

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7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

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WARNING

■

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.

■

To prevent burns

■

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.

■

When closing the hood

NOTICE

■

When closing the hood

Be sure to return the supporting rod to its clip before closing the hood. Clos-
ing the hood without returning the support rod properly could cause the
hood to bend.

Do not touch the air conditioning pipes
when the air conditioning compressor is
operating or after it is stopped, because
the air conditioning pipes are hot.
Touching by hands before the air condi-
tioning pipes cool down may cause
burns.

When closing the hood, take extra care
to prevent your fingers etc. from being
caught.

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7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

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Engine compartment

IO73PH114

Engine coolant reservoir

(



P. 591)

Fuse boxes

(



P. 635)

Engine oil level dipstick

(



P. 588)

Engine oil filler cap (



P. 589)

Washer fluid tank

(



P. 598)

12-volt battery

(



P. 594)

Power control unit coolant
reservoir

(



P. 591)

Radiator (



P. 593)

Condenser

(



P. 593)

Electric cooling fans

2
3

4
5

6
7

8
9

588

7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

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.
Reinsert the dipstick fully.
Holding a rag under the end, pull the dipstick out and check the
oil level.

Low
Normal
Excessive

Wipe the dipstick and reinsert it fully.

Engine oil

1
2
3

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7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

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■

Adding engine oil

If the oil level is below or near
the low level mark, add engine
oil of the same type as that
already in the engine.

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 consumption

A certain amount of engine oil will be consumed while driving. In the following
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

Engine oil selection



P. 717

Oil quantity (Low



Full)

1.5 L (1.6 qt., 1.3 lmp. qt.)

Items

Clean funnel

590

7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

WARNING

■

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 any authorized Toyota retailer or Toyota authorized repairer,
or any reliable repairer, 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 prevent serious engine damage

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.

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7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

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The coolant level is satisfactory if it is between the “MAX” and “MIN”
lines on the reservoir when the hybrid system is cold.

■

Engine coolant reservoir

Reservoir cap
“MAX” line
“MIN” line

If the level is on or below the
“MIN” line, add coolant up to the
“MAX” line. (



P. 705)

■

Power control unit coolant reservoir

Reservoir cap
“FULL” line
“LOW” line

If the level is on or below the
“LOW” line, add coolant up to
the “FULL” line. (



P. 705)

Coolant

1
2
3

592

7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

■

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.
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 50% coolant and 50% deion-
ized water. (Minimum temperature: -35



C [-31



F])

For more details about coolant, contact any authorized Toyota retailer or
Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer.

■

If the coolant level drops within a short time of replenishing

Visually check the radiator, hoses, engine/power control unit coolant reservoir
caps, drain cock and water pump.
If you cannot find a leak, have any authorized Toyota retailer or Toyota autho-
rized repairer, or any reliable repairer, 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 caps.
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 correct 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 parts or paint.

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7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

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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 any authorized Toyota
retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer.

Radiator and condenser

WARNING

■

When the hybrid system is hot

Do not touch the radiator or condenser as they may be hot and cause 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.

594

7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

Check the 12-volt battery as follows.

■

12-volt battery exterior

Make sure that the 12-volt battery terminals are not corroded and
that there are no loose connections, cracks, or loose clamps.
Terminals

■

Checking battery fluid

Check that the level is between the upper and lower lines.

Upper line
Lower line
If the fluid level is at or below
the lower line, add distilled
water.

■

Adding distilled water

Remove the vent plug.
Add distilled water.

If the upper line cannot be seen,
check the fluid level by looking
directly at the cell.

Put the vent plug back on and close it securely.

12-volt battery

1
2

LOW

O.K.

595

7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

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■

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 precautions 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 connecting and dis-
connecting the charger cables to the 12-volt battery.

■

After recharging/reconnecting the 12-volt battery

●

Unlocking the doors using the smart entry & start system may not be possi-
ble 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 battery 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 switch before disconnect the 12-volt battery. Take extra care
when connecting the 12-volt battery if the power switch mode prior to dis-
charge is unknown.

If the system will not start even after multiple attempts at all methods above,
contact any authorized Toyota retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any
reliable repairer.

While pushing the portion shown in the
illustration from both sides, lift the end of
the cover up.

596

7-3. 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 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 ventila-
tion.

■

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.

Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid (2023 year). Manual in english - page 35