2012 Toyota Prius ThreeFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE

General Maintenance

  • These are maintenance and inspection items that are considered to be the owner's responsibility.

    The owner can do them or they can have them done at a service center.

    These items include those that should be checked on a daily basis, those that in most cases do not require special tools, and those that are considered to be reasonable for the owner to do.

    General maintenance items and procedures are as follows:

  1. GENERAL NOTES 
    • Maintenance requirements vary depending on the country.
    • Check the maintenance schedule in the owner's manual supplement.
    • Determine the appropriate time to service the vehicle using either miles driven or time (months) elapsed, whichever reaches the specification first.
    • Maintain similar intervals between periodic maintenance unless noted.
    • Failing to check each vehicle part could lead to poor engine performance and increase exhaust emissions.
  2. LIGHTS 
    1. Check that the headlights, stop lights, taillights, turn signal lights, and other lights illuminate or blink properly. Also, check if they have enough brightness.
    2. Check that the headlights are aimed properly.
  3. WARNING LIGHTS AND BUZZERS 
    1. Check that all the warning lights and buzzers are working.
  4. HORNS 
    1. Check if the horn is working correctly.
  5. WINDSHIELD GLASS 
    1. Check for scratches, pits or abrasions.
  6. WINDSHIELD WIPER AND WASHER 
    1. Check that the washers are aimed properly. Also, check that the washer fluid hits the center of the operating range of each wiper on the windshield.
    2. Check if the wipers streak. Replace the wiper if necessary.
  7. WINDSHIELD DEFROSTER 
    1. When the air conditioning is on the defroster setting, check that air comes out of the defroster outlets.
  8. REAR VIEW MIRROR 
    1. Check that the rear view mirror is securely mounted.
  9. SUN VISORS 
    1. Check that the sun visors move freely and are securely mounted.
  10. STEERING WHEEL 
    1. Check that the steering wheel has the proper amount of free play. Also check for steering difficulty and unusual noises. Refer to ON-VEHICLE INSPECTION - Step 1 .
  11. SEATS 
    1. Check that the seat adjusters, seatback recliner and other seat controls operate smoothly.
    2. Check that all the latches lock securely in all positions.
    3. Check that the locks hold securely in all positions.
    4. Check that the headrests move up and down smoothly and that the locks hold securely in all latched positions.
    5. Check power seat function.
      Fig 1: Identifying Basic Power Seat Function
      GTY341967Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
      TEXT IN ILLUSTRATION

      *1 Sliding Function
      *2 Reclining Function
      *3 Lifter Function
      *4 Front Vertical Function
      *5 Lumbar Support Adjustment Function
      1. Operate the power seat switches and check that each seat function operates properly:
        • Sliding function
        • Reclining function
        • Lifter function
        • Front vertical function
        • Lumbar support adjustment function
  12. SEAT BELTS 
    1. Check that the seat belt components, such as the buckles, retractors and anchors, operate properly and smoothly.
    2. Check that the belt webbing is not cut, frayed, worn or damaged.
  13. ACCELERATOR PEDAL 
    1. Check that the pedal operates smoothly. Check that the pedal does not have uneven resistance or stick in certain positions.
  14. BRAKE PEDAL 
    1. Check that the brake pedal operates smoothly.
    2. Check that the pedal has the proper reserve distance and free play. Refer to ADJUSTMENT - Step 3 .
    3. Start the engine and check the brake booster function.
    4. Start the engine and check the brake system indicator.
  15. BRAKES 
    1. In a safe place, check that the vehicle does not pull or lead to the side when applying the brakes.
  16. PARKING BRAKE 
    1. Check that the parking brake pedal has the proper amount of travel. Refer to ADJUSTMENT .
    2. On a slight grade, check that the parking brake alone can hold the vehicle in place.
  17. HYBRID TRANSAXLE "PARK" MECHANISM 
    1. Check the operation of the P position switch.
    2. Check that park (P) can be disengaged by operating the selector lever.
    3. With park (P) selected, release all brakes in an area that has a slight grade and check that the vehicle is stable.
Factory Service Tools

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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.

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