Maintenance and care -> 12-volt battery for Your Toyota Prius 4 Door Third Generation (2010-2015)

4-3. Do-it-yourself m aintenanc e  
12-volt batter y  
Location  
The 12-volt battery is located  
in the right-hand side of lug-  
gage compartment.  
Removing the 12-volt battery cover  
STEP  
1
Open the center deck board. (P. 374)  
STEP  
2
Remove the center auxiliary box. (P. 376)  
Remove the side deck board  
STEP  
3
and 12-volt battery cover.  
4
Remove the 12-volt battery  
maintenance cover.  
STEP  
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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance  
Exterior  
Make sure that the 12-volt battery terminals are not corroded  
and that there are no loose connections, cracks, or loose  
clamps.  
Terminals  
Hold-down clamp  
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  
disconnect the ground cable.  
Make sure the power switch on the charger is off when connecting and  
disconnecting the charger cables to the 12-volt battery.  
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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance  
After recharging/reconnecting the 12-volt battery  
Unlocking the doors using the smart key system may not be possible  
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 bat-  
tery 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 before disconnect the 12-volt battery. Take  
extra care when connecting the 12-volt battery if the “POWER” switch  
mode prior to discharge is unknown.  
Restart the hybrid system, depress the brake pedal, and confirm that it is  
possible to shift into each shift position.  
4
If the system will not start even after multiple attempts at all methods above,  
contact your Toyota dealer.  
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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance  
CAUTION  
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 ventilation.  
How to recharge the 12-volt battery  
Only perform a slow charge (5 A or less). The 12-volt battery may explode if  
charged at a quicker rate.  
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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance  
CAUTION  
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.  
When replacing the 12-volt battery  
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Use a 12-volt battery designed for this vehicle. Failure to do so may cause  
gas (hydrogen) to enter the passenger compartment, causing a fire or explo-  
sion.  
For replacement of the 12-volt battery, contact your Toyota dealer.  
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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance  
CAUTION  
When disconnecting the 12-volt battery  
Do not disconnect the negative (-) termi-  
nal on the body side as shown. The dis-  
connected negative (-) terminal may  
touch the positive (+) terminal, which may  
cause a short and result in death or seri-  
ous injury.  
NOTICE  
When recharging the 12-volt battery  
Never recharge the 12-volt battery while the hybrid system is operating.  
Also, be sure all accessories are turned off.  
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