2010 Toyota Prius Owners Manual - Introduction

Introduction

Engine compartment overview

1. Windshield washer fluid tank
2. Brake fluid reservoir
3. Engine oil filler cap
4. Engine coolant reservoir
5. Inverter coolant reservoir
6. Fuse block
7. Radiator and condenser
8. Engine oil level dipstick
9. 12 volt battery(in luggage compartment)

Fuse locations

Do−it−yourself service precautions

If you perform maintenance by yourself,be sure to follow the correct proceduregiven in this Section.

You should be aware that improper or incompleteservicing may result in operatingproblems.

Performing do−it−yourself maintenanceduring the warranty period may affect yourwarranty coverage. Read the separateToyota Warranty statement for details andsuggestions.

This Section gives instructions only forthose items that are relatively easy for anowner to perform. As explained in Section7, there are still a number of items thatmust be done by a qualified technicianwith special tools.

For information on tools and parts for do−it−yourself maintenance, see “Parts andtools” on page 401.

Utmost care should be taken when workingon your vehicle to prevent accidentalinjury. Here are a few precautions thatyou should be especially careful to observe:

CAUTION

• When the hybrid system is on, keephands, clothing, and tools awayfrom the moving fan and enginedrive belts. (Removing rings,watches, and ties is advisable.)
• Right after driving, the enginecompartment—the engine, radiator,exhaust manifold and spark plugboots, etc.—will be hot. So be carefulnot to touch them. Oil, fluidsand spark plugs may also be hot.
• If the hybrid system is hot, do notremove the radiator cap or loosenthe drain plugs to prevent burningyourself.
• Do not leave anything that mayburn easily, such as paper or rags,in the engine compartment.
• Do not smoke, cause sparks or allowopen flames around fuel or thebatteries. Their fumes are flammable.
• When the hybrid system is operatingwith the “READY” light on, theengine is automatically started insome case. When you inspect theengine compartment, be sure topress the “POWER” switch to the“OFF” mode.
• Do not get under your vehicle withjust the body jack supporting it. Alwaysuse automotive jack stands orother solid supports.
• Be sure that the hybrid system isin the “OFF” mode if you work nearthe electric cooling fans or radiatorgrille. With the ignition on, theelectric cooling fans will automaticallystart to run if the engine coolanttemperature is high and/or theair conditioning is on.
• Use eye protection whenever youwork on or under your vehiclewhere you may be exposed to flyingor falling material, fluid spray,etc.
• Be extremely cautious when workingon the batteries. It contains poisonousand corrosive sulfuric acidor strong alkali.
• Used engine oil contains potentiallyharmful contaminants which maycause skin disorders such as inflammationor skin cancer, so careshould be taken to avoid prolongedand repeated contact with it. To removeused engine oil from yourskin, wash thoroughly with soapand water.
• Do not leave used oil within thereach of children.
• Dispose of used oil and filter onlyin a safe and acceptable manner.Do not dispose of used oil and filterin household trash, in sewers oronto the ground. Call your dealerfor information concerning recyclingor disposal.
• Take care when filling the brakefluid reservoir because brake fluidcan harm your eyes and damagepainted surfaces. If fluid gets inyour eyes, flush your eyes withclean water immediately. If you stillfeel uncomfortable with your eyes,go to the doctor.
• When servicing the vehicle with thesmart entry and start system, besure to keep the smart key awayfrom the vehicle. If the key is leftin the vehicle, the hybrid systemmay start by pressing the “POWER”switch with the brake pedal depressed.

NOTICE

• Remember that batteries and ignitioncable carry high currents orvoltages. Be careful of accidentallycausing a short circuit.
• Add only “Toyota Super Long LifeCoolant” or similar high quality ethyleneglycol based non−silicate,non−amine, non−nitrite, and non−boratecoolant with long−life hybridorganic acid technology to fill theradiator. “Toyota Super Long LifeCoolant” is a mixture of 50% coolantand 50% deionized water (forthe U.S.A.) or 55% coolant and 45%deionized water (for Canada).
• If you spill some of the coolant, besure to wash it off with water toprevent it from damaging the partsor paint.
• Do not allow dirt or anything elseto fall through the spark plug holes.
• Do not pry the outer electrode ofspark plug against the center electrode.
• Use only spark plugs of the specifiedtype. Using other types willcause engine damage, loss of performanceor radio noise.
• If the brake fluid is spilled on thevehicle, be sure to wash it off withwater to prevent it damage to partsor paint.
• Do not drive with the air cleanerfilter removed, or excessive enginewear could result. Also backfiringcould cause a fire in the enginecompartment.
• Be careful not to scratch the glasssurface with the wiper frame.When closing the hood, check tosee that you have not forgotten anytools, rags, etc.

Positioning the jack

Front

Rear

When jacking up your vehicle with thejack, position the jack correctly asshown in the illustrations.

CAUTION

When jacking, be sure to observe thefollowing to reduce the possibility ofpersonal injury:

• Follow jacking instructions.
• Do not put any part of your bodyunder the vehicle supported by thejack. Personal injury may occur.
• Do not start or run the engine whileyour vehicle is supported by thejack.
• Stop the vehicle on a level firmground, firmly set the parking brakeand put the transaxle in “P”.
• Make sure to set the jack properlyin the jack point. Raising the vehiclewith jack improperly positionedwill damage the vehicle ormay allow the vehicle to fall off thejack and cause personal injury.
• Never get under the vehicle whenthe vehicle is supported by the jackalone.
• Do not raise the vehicle with someonein the vehicle.
• When raising the vehicle, do notplace any objects on top of or underneaththe jack.

NOTICE

Make sure to place the jack correctly,or your vehicle may be damaged.

Parts and tools

Here is a list of parts and tools you willneed to perform do−it−yourself maintenance.Remember all Toyota parts are designedin metric sizes, so your tools mustbe metric.

CHECKING THE ENGINE OIL LEVEL

Parts (if level is low):

• Engine oil ILSAC multigrade having viscosityproper for your climate

Tools:

• Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (only for adding oil)

CHECKING THE COOLANT LEVEL

Parts (if level is low):

“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” orsimilar high quality ethylene glycolbased non−silicate, non−amine, non−nitrite,and non−borate coolant with long−life hybrid organic acid technology.

“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is amixture of 50% coolant and 50% deionizedwater (for the U.S.A.) or 55%coolant and 45% deionized water (forCanada).

Tools:

Funnel (only for adding coolant)

CHECKING BRAKE FLUID

Parts (if level is low):

SAE J1703 or FMVSS No.116 DOT 3brake fluid

Tools:

• Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (only for adding fluid)

CHECKING 12 VOLT BATTERY CONDITION

• Tools:
• Warm water
• Baking soda
• Grease
• Conventional wrench (for terminalclamp bolts)

CHECKING AND REPLACING FUSES

Parts (if replacement is necessary):

Fuse with same amperage rating asoriginal

ADDING WASHER FLUID

Parts:

Water

Washer fluid containing antifreeze (forwinter use)

Tools:

Funnel

REPLACING LIGHT BULBS

Parts:

Bulb with same number and wattagerating as original (See charts in “Replacinglight bulbs–” on page 422.)

Tools:

Screwdriver