Do-It-Yourself Service Precautions - Toyota 2003 Prius Owner's Manual

Do–it–yourself service
precautions151.
If you perform maintenance by yourself,
be sure to follow the correct procedure
given in this Section.
You should be aware that improper or in-
complete servicing may result in operating
problems.
Performing do–it–yourself maintenance
during the warranty period may affect your
warranty coverage. Read the
Toyota Warranty statement for details and
suggestions.
This Section gives instructions only for
those items that are relatively easy for an
owner to perform. As explained in Section
7, there are still a number of items that
must be done by a qualified technician
with special tools.
For information on tools and parts for do–
it–yourself maintenance, see "Parts and
tools" on page 209 in this Section.
Utmost care should be taken when work-
ing on your vehicle to prevent accidental
injury. Here are a few precautions that
you should be especially careful to ob-
serve:
206
CAUTION
D
When the hybrid system is on, keep
hands, clothing,
from the moving fan and engine
drive belts.
watches, and ties is advisable.)
D
Right after driving,
separate
compartment—the engine, radiator,
exhaust manifold and spark plug
boots, etc.—will be hot. So be care-
ful not to touch them. Oil, fluids
and spark plugs may also be hot.
D
If the hybrid system is hot, do not
remove the radiator cap or loosen
the drain plugs to prevent burning
yourself.
D
Do not smoke, cause sparks or al-
low open flames around fuel or the
batteries. Their
mable.
D
When the hybrid system is operat-
ing with the "READY" light on, the
engine is automatically started in
some case. When you inspect the
engine compartment,
turn the ignition switch to "OFF"
position.
D
Do not get under your vehicle with
just the body jack supporting it. Al-
ways use automotive jack stands or
and tools away other solid supports.
D
Be sure that the ignition is off if
(Removing rings,
you work near the electric cooling
fans or radiator grille. With the
the engine ignition on, the electric cooling fans
will automatically start to run if the
engine coolant temperature is high
and/or the air conditioning is on.
D
Use eye protection whenever you
work
where you may be exposed to fly-
ing or falling material, fluid spray,
etc.
D
Be extremely cautious when work-
ing on the batteries. It contains poi-
sonous and corrosive sulfuric acid
fumes are flam- or strong alkali.
D
Warning: Battery posts, terminals and
related accessories contain lead and
lead compounds, chemicals known to
the State of California to cause can-
cer and reproductive harm. Wash
hands after handling.
be sure to
on or under your vehicle