Checking Auxiliary Battery Condition - Toyota 2001 Prius Owner's Manual

Checking auxiliary battery
condition—
—Precautions
CAUTION
AUXILIARY BATTERY PRECAUTIONS
When the auxiliary battery must be
replaced, use the Prius designated
battery.
The auxiliary battery produces flam-
mable and explosive hydrogen gas.
D
Do not cause a spark from the bat-
tery with tools.
D
Do not smoke or light a match near
the battery.
The electrolyte contains poisonous
and corrosive sulfuric acid.
D
Avoid contact with eyes, skin or
clothes.
D
Never ingest electrolyte.
D
Wear protective safety glasses when
working near the battery.
D
Keep children away from the bat-
tery.
220
EMERGENCY MEASURES
D
If electrolyte gets in your eyes,
flush your eyes with clean water
and get immediate medical atten-
tion. If possible, continue to apply
water with a sponge or cloth while
en route to the medical office.
D
If electrolyte gets on your skin,
thoroughly wash the contact area. If
you feel pain or burn, get medical
attention immediately.
D
If electrolyte gets on your clothes,
there is a possibility of its soaking
through to your skin, so immediate-
ly take off the exposed clothing and
follow the procedure above, if nec-
essary.
D
If you accidentally swallow electro-
lyte, drink a large quantity of water
or milk. Follow with milk of magne-
sia, beaten raw egg or vegetable
oil. Then go immediately for emer-
gency help.
—Checking auxiliary battery
exterior
Terminals
Hold–down clamp
Ground cable
Check the battery for corroded or loose
terminal connections, cracks, or loose
hold–down clamp.
a. If the battery is corroded, wash it off
with a solution of warm water and bak-
ing soda. Coat the outside of the termi-
nals with grease to prevent further cor-
rosion.
b. If the terminal connections are loose,
tighten their clamp nuts—but do not
overtighten.
c. Tighten the hold–down clamp
enough to keep the battery firmly in
place. Overtightening may damage the
battery case.
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