2012 Toyota Prius Owners Manual

STEP 1

STEP 2

STEP 3

Set the parking brake. Turn the “POWER” switch to ACCESSORY mode. Press and hold the “POWER” switch for about 15 seconds while depressing the brake pedal firmly.

Even if the hybrid system can be started using the above steps, the system may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer.

539

5-2. Steps to take in an emergency If you lose your keys

New genuine keys can be made by your Toyota dealer using the other key and the key number stamped on your key number plate.

540

5-2. Steps to take in an emergency If the electronic key does not operate properly

If communication between the electronic key and vehicle is inter- rupted (→P. 72) or the electronic key cannot be used because the battery is depleted, the smart key system and wireless remote con- trol cannot be used. In such cases, the doors can be opened and the hybrid system can be started by following the procedure below.

Locking and unlocking the doors

Use the mechanical key (→P. 58) in order to perform the following operations:

Locks all the doors Unlocks the door Turning the key rearward unlocks the driver’s door. Turning the key once again within 3 seconds unlocks the other doors.

ITO52P121

541

5-2. Steps to take in an emergency

Changing “POWER” switch modes and starting the hybrid system

STEP 1

Depress the brake pedal.

STEP 2

Touch the Toyota emblem side of the electronic the “POWER” switch.

key

to

If any of the doors is opened or closed while the key is being touched to the switch, an alarm will sound to indicate that the start function cannot detect the elec- tronic key.

STEP 3

Perform the following operations. To change “POWER” switch modes: Within 10 seconds of the buzzer sounding, release the brake pedal and press the “POWER” switch. Modes can be changed each time the switch is pressed. (→P. 194) To start the hybrid system: Press the “POWER” switch within 10 seconds of the buzzer sounding, keeping the brake pedal depressed.

In the event that the hybrid system still cannot be operated, contact your Toyota dealer.

■Stopping the hybrid system

Set the parking brake, shift the shift position to P and press the “POWER” switch as you normally do when stopping the hybrid system.

■Replacing the key battery

As the above procedure is a temporary measure, it is recommended that the electronic key battery be replaced immediately when the battery is depleted. (→P. 454)

542

5-2. Steps to take in an emergency If the 12-volt battery is discharged

The following procedures may be used to start the hybrid system if the vehicle’s 12-volt battery is discharged. You can also call your Toyota dealer or a qualified repair shop. If you have a set of jumper (or booster) cables and a second vehi- cle with a 12-volt battery, you can jump start your vehicle by follow- ing the steps below.

STEP 1

STEP 2

Open the hood and fuse block cover.

When closing, first hook the lid onto the two rear tabs.

ITO43P127

Open the exclusive jump start- ing terminal cover.

543

5-2. Steps to take in an emergency

STEP 3

Connect the jumper cables according to the following procedure:

Connect a positive jumper cable clamp to the exclusive jump starting terminal on your vehicle. Connect the clamp on the other end of the positive cable to the positive (+) battery terminal on the second vehicle. Connect a negative cable clamp to the negative (-) battery termi- nal on the second vehicle. Connect the clamp at the other end of the negative cable to a solid, stationary, unpainted metallic point away from the exclu- sive jump starting terminal and any moving parts, as shown in the illustration.

544

5-2. Steps to take in an emergency

STEP 4

STEP 5

STEP 6

STEP 7

STEP 8

Start the engine of the second vehicle. Increase the engine speed slightly and maintain at that level for approximately 5 minutes to recharge the battery of your vehicle. Maintain the engine speed of the second vehicle and start the hybrid system of your vehicle by turning the “POWER” switch to ON mode. Make sure the “READY” indicator comes on. If the indicator light does not come on, contact your Toyota dealer. Once the hybrid system has started, remove the jumper cables in the exact reverse order from which they were con- nected. Close the exclusive jump starting terminal cover, and rein- stall the fuse box cover to its original position. When installing, first hook the fuse box cover onto the two rear tabs.

Once the hybrid system starts, have the vehicle inspected at your Toyota dealer as soon as possible.

545

5-2. Steps to take in an emergency

■Starting the hybrid system when the 12-volt battery is discharged

The hybrid system cannot be started by push-starting.

■To prevent 12-volt battery discharge

●Turn off the headlights and the audio system while the hybrid system is

off.

●Turn off any unnecessary electrical components when the vehicle is run-

ning at a low speed for an extended period, such as in heavy traffic.

■When the 12-volt battery is removed or discharged

●The hybrid system may not start. (→P. 433) ●If the 12-volt battery is depleted with the shift position in P, it will not be possible to shift the shift position other than P. In this case, the vehicle cannot be towed without lifting both front wheels because the front wheels are locked by the parking lock. (→P. 485)

●When the 12-volt battery is reconnected, start the hybrid system, depress the brake pedal, and confirm that it is possible to shift into each shift posi- tion.

■Charging the 12-volt battery

The electricity stored in the 12-volt battery will discharge gradually even when the vehicle is not in use, due to natural discharge and the draining effects of certain electrical appliances. If the vehicle is left for a long time, the 12-volt battery may discharge, and the hybrid system may be unable to start. (The 12-volt battery recharges automatically while the hybrid system is oper- ating.)

546

5-2. Steps to take in an emergency

CAUTION

■Avoiding 12-volt battery fires or explosions

Observe the following precautions to prevent accidentally igniting the flam- mable gas that may be emitted from the 12-volt battery: ●Make sure each jumper cable is connected to the correct terminal and that it is not unintentionally in contact with any other than the intended terminal. ●Do not allow the other end of the jumper cable connected to the “+” termi- nal to come into contact with any other parts or metal surfaces in the area, such as brackets or unpainted metal.

●Do not allow the + and - clamps of the jumper cables to come into contact

with each other.

●Do not smoke, use matches, cigarette lighters or allow open flame near

the 12-volt battery.

■12-volt battery precautions

The 12-volt battery contains poisonous and corrosive acidic electrolyte, while related parts contain lead and lead compounds. Observe the following precautions when handling the 12-volt battery: ●When working with the 12-volt battery, always wear safety glasses and take care not to allow any battery fluids (acid) to come into contact with skin, clothing or the vehicle body.

●Do not lean over the 12-volt battery. ●In the event that battery fluid comes into contact with the skin or eyes, immediately wash the affected area with water and seek medical attention. Place a wet sponge or cloth over the affected area until medical attention can be received.

●Always wash your hands after handling the battery support, terminals, and

other battery-related parts.

●Do not allow children near the 12-volt battery.

547

5-2. Steps to take in an emergency

CAUTION

■After recharging the 12-volt battery

Have the 12-volt battery inspected at your Toyota dealer as soon as possi- ble. If the 12-volt battery is deteriorating, continued use may cause the 12-volt battery to emit a malodorous gas, which may be detrimental to the health of passengers.

■When replacing the 12-volt battery

→P. 435

NOTICE

■When handling jumper cables

When connecting the jumper cables, ensure that they do not become entan- gled in the cooling fans, etc.

■Exclusive jump starting terminal

The exclusive jump starting terminal is to be used when charging the 12-volt battery from another vehicle in an emergency. It cannot be used to jump start another vehicle.

548

5-2. Steps to take in an emergency If your vehicle overheats

The following may indicate that your vehicle is overheating: ● The high coolant temperature warning light flashes or comes on:

The engine may be overheating.

● “HYBRID SYSTEM OVERHEAT” is shown on the multi-informa-

tion display: The power control unit may be overheating.

Follow the correction procedure as described below.

Correction procedures

■ If the high coolant temperature warning light flashes or comes

on

STEP 1

STEP 2

Stop the vehicle in a safe place and turn off the air condition- ing system. Check to see if steam is coming out from under the hood. If you see steam:

Stop the hybrid system. Carefully lift the hood after the steam subsides and then restart the hybrid system.

If you do not see steam:

Leave the hybrid system operating and carefully lift the hood.

549

5-2. Steps to take in an emergency

STEP 3

Check to see if the cooling fans are operating. If the fans are operating:

Wait until the high coolant temperature warning light goes off and then stop the hybrid system.

If the fans are not operating:

Stop the hybrid system immediately and call your Toyota dealer.

STEP 4

STEP 5

After the hybrid system has cooled down sufficiently, check the engine coolant level and inspect the cooling system for leaks.

If necessary, add engine coolant up to the “FULL” line.

Water can be used in an emer- gency measure if engine coolant is unavailable. (→P. 566)

Have the vehicle checked at nearest Toyota dealer as soon as possi- ble.

ITO52P130

550

5-2. Steps to take in an emergency

■ If “HYBRID SYSTEM OVERHEAT” is shown on the multi-infor-

mation display

STEP 1

STEP 2

STEP 3

Stop the vehicle in a safe place and turn off the air condition- ing system. Leave the hybrid system operating and carefully lift the hood. Check if the cooling fans are operating. If the fans are operating:

Wait until “HYBRID SYSTEM OVERHEAT” disappears and then stop the hybrid system. If the warning light does not turn off, call your Toyota dealer.

If the fans are not operating:

Stop the hybrid system immediately and call your Toyota dealer.

STEP 4

After the hybrid system has cooled down, check the power control unit coolant level and inspect the cooling system for leaks.

551

5-2. Steps to take in an emergency

STEP 5

If necessary, add power control unit coolant up to the “F” line.

Water can be used in an emer- gency measure if power control unit coolant is unavailable. (→P. 566)

Have the vehicle checked at nearest Toyota dealer as soon as possi- ble.

■Overheating

The following symptoms may occur when your vehicle is overheating: ●Hybrid system output decrease ●Steam is coming from under the hood

552

5-2. Steps to take in an emergency

CAUTION

■To prevent an accident or injury when inspecting under the hood of

your vehicle ●If steam is seen coming from under the hood, do not open the hood until the steam has subsided. The engine compartment may be very hot, caus- ing serious injuries such as burns.

●Check that the indicator on the “POWER” switch and the “READY” indica-

tor are off.

●For vehicles with a hybrid system, there are times when the gasoline engine automatically starts to run or the cooling fans suddenly start to operate. Do not touch or approach the rotating parts of the fans, etc. Doing so may lead to fingers, clothes or tools getting caught, resulting in injury.

●Do not loosen the coolant reservoir cap while the hybrid system and radia-

tor are hot. Serious injury, such as burns, may result from hot coolant and steam released under pressure.

NOTICE

■When adding engine/power control unit coolant

Wait until the hybrid system has cooled down before adding engine/power control unit coolant. When adding coolant, do so slowly. Adding cool coolant to a hot hybrid sys- tem too quickly can cause damage to the hybrid system.

■To prevent damage to the cooling system

Observe the following precautions: ●Avoid contaminating the coolant with foreign matter (such as sand or dust

etc.)

●Do not use commercially available coolant additives

553

5-2. Steps to take in an emergency If the vehicle becomes stuck

Carry out the following procedures if the tires spin or the vehicle becomes stuck in mud, dirt or snow:

STEP 1

STEP 2

STEP 3

STEP 4

STEP 5

Set the parking brake and shift the shift position to P. Stop the hybrid system. Remove the mud, snow or sand from around the stuck tire. Place wood, stones or some other material under the tires to help provide traction. Restart the hybrid system. Shift the shift position to D or R, release the parking brake and carefully apply the accelerator to free the vehicle.

CAUTION

■When attempting to free a stuck vehicle

If you choose to push the vehicle back and forth to free it, make sure the sur- rounding area is clear to avoid striking other vehicles, objects or people. The vehicle may also lunge forward or lunge back suddenly as it becomes free. Use extreme caution.

■When changing the shift position

Be careful not to change the shift position with the accelerator pedal depressed. Changing the shift position to any positions other than P or N may cause the vehicle to accelerate abruptly, causing an accident and resulting in death or serious injury.

554

5-2. Steps to take in an emergency

NOTICE

■To avoid damage to the hybrid transmission and other components

●Avoid spinning the wheels and depressing the accelerator pedal more

than necessary.

●If the vehicle remains stuck even after these procedures are performed,

the vehicle may require towing to be freed.

555

5-2. Steps to take in an emergency If your vehicle has to be stopped in an emergency

Only in an emergency, such as if it becomes impossible to stop the vehicle in the normal way, stop the vehicle using the following pro- cedure:

STEP 1

Steadily step on the brake pedal with both feet and firmly depress it. Do not pump the brake pedal repeatedly as this will increase the effort required to slow the vehicle. Shift the shift position to N. If the shift position is shifted to N

STEP 2

STEP 3

STEP 4

After slowing down, stop the vehicle in a safe place by the road. Stop the hybrid system.

If the shift position cannot be shifted to N

STEP 3

Keep depressing the brake pedal with both feet to reduce vehicle speed as much as possible.

STEP 4

To stop the hybrid system, press and hold the “POWER” switch for 3 consecutive sec- onds or more, or press it briefly for 3 times or more in succession.

Press and hold for 3 seconds or more, or

press briefly for 3 times or more

STEP 5

Stop the vehicle in a safe place by the road.

556

5-2. Steps to take in an emergency

CAUTION

■If the hybrid system has to be turned off while driving

Power assist for the brakes and steering wheel will be lost, making the brake pedal harder to depress and the steering wheel heavier to turn. Decelerate as much as possible before turning off the hybrid system.

557

5-2. Steps to take in an emergency

558

6-1. Specifications Maintenance data (fuel, oil level, etc.)

Dimensions and weight

Overall length Overall width Overall height*1

Wheelbase

Tread

Front

Rear

Vehicle capacity weight (Occupants + luggage)

176.4 in. (4480 mm) 68.7 in. (1745 mm) 58.7 in. (1490 mm)*2
59.3 in. (1505 mm)*3
106.3 in. (2700 mm) 60.0 in. (1525 mm)*4
59.6 in. (1515 mm)*5
59.8 in. (1520 mm)*4
59.4 in. (1510 mm)*5

825 lb. (370 kg)

*1: Unladen vehicle *2: Vehicles without moon roof with Solar Panel *3: Vehicles with moon roof with Solar Panel *4: Vehicles with 15-inch tires *5: Vehicles with 17-inch tires

560

6-1. Specifications

Vehicle identification

■ Vehicle identification number

The vehicle identification number (VIN) is the legal identifier for your vehicle. This is the primary identification number for your Toyota. It is used in registering the ownership of your vehicle.

This number is stamped on the top left of the instrument panel.

ITO61P101

This number is also on the Certi- fication Label.

This number is also stamped under the right-hand front seat.

561

The engine number is stamped on the engine block as shown.

1.8 L 4-cylinder (2ZR-FXE) 4-cylinder in line, 4-cycle, gasoline 3.17 × 3.48 in. (80.5 × 88.3 mm) 109.7 cu.in. (1798 cm3)

Automatic adjustment

Unleaded gasoline only 87 (Research Octane Number 91) or higher

11.9 gal. (45 L, 9.9 Imp.gal.)

6-1. Specifications

■ Engine number

Engine

Model Type Bore and stroke Displacement Valve clearance (engine cold)

Fuel

Fuel type Octane Rating Fuel tank capacity (Reference)

562

6-1. Specifications

Electric motor (Traction motor)

Type Maximum output Maximum torque

Permanent magnet motor 60 kW 153 ft•lbf (207 N•m, 21.1 kgf•m)

Hybrid battery (traction battery)

Type Voltage Capacity Quantity Overall voltage

Nickel-Metal hydride battery 7.2 V/module 6.5 Ah (3HR) 28 modules 201.6 V

Lubrication system

Oil capacity (Drain and refill ⎯ reference*) With filter Without filter

4.4 qt. (4.2 L, 3.7 Imp.qt.) 4.1 qt. (3.9 L, 3.4 Imp.qt.)

*: The engine oil capacity is a reference quantity to be used when changing the engine oil. Warm up the engine and turn off the hybrid system, wait more than 5 minutes, and check the oil level on the dipstick.

563

6-1. Specifications

■ Engine oil selection “Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” is used in your Toyota vehicle. Use Toyota approved “Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or equivalent to satisfy the following grade and viscosity. Oil grade: ILSAC multigrade engine oil Recommended viscosity: SAE 0W-20

SAE 0W-20 is the good choice for good fuel economy and good starting in cold weather. If SAE 0W-20 is not available, SAE 5W-20 oil may be used. However, it must be replaced with SAE 0W-20 at the next oil change.

Outside temperature

Oil viscosity (0W-20 is explained here as an example): • The 0W in 0W-20 indicates the characteristic of the oil which allows cold startability. Oils with a lower value before the W allow for easier starting of the engine in cold weather.

• The 20 in 0W-20 indicates the viscosity characteristic of the oil when the oil is at high temperature. An oil with a higher viscosity (one with a higher value) may be better suited if the vehicle is operated at high speeds, or under extreme load conditions.

564

6-1. Specifications

How to read oil container label: The ILSAC (International Lubricant Standardization and Approval Committee) Certification Mark is added to some oil containers to help you select the oil you should use.

565

6-1. Specifications

Cooling system

Capacity

Gasoline engine

Power control unit

Coolant type

Ignition system

Spark plug Make Gap

NOTICE

Without an exhaust heat recovery system 6.9 qt. (6.5 L, 5.7 Imp.qt.) With an exhaust heat recovery system 7.6 qt. (7.2 L, 6.3 Imp.qt.)

2.2 qt. (2.1 L, 1.8 Imp.qt.)

Use either of the following: • “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” • Similar high-quality ethylene glycol-based non- silicate, non-amine, non-nitrite, and non-borate coolant with long-life hybrid organic acid technol- ogy Do not use plain water alone.

DENSO SC20HR11 0.043 in. (1.1 mm)

■Iridium-tipped spark plugs

Use only iridium-tipped spark plugs. Do not adjust the spark plug gap.

566

6-1. Specifications

Electrical system

12-volt battery Open voltage at 68 °F (20 °C):

Charging rates

Transmission

Fluid capacity* Fluid type

12.6 ⎯ 12.8 V Fully charged 12.2 ⎯ 12.4 V Half charged 11.5 ⎯ 11.9 V Discharged (Voltage is checked 20 minutes after the hybrid system and all lights are turned off.) 5 A max.

3.6 qt. (3.4 L, 3.0 Imp.qt.) Toyota Genuine ATF WS

*: The fluid capacity is the quantity of reference.

If replacement is necessary, contact your Toyota dealer.

NOTICE

■Transmission fluid type

Using transmission fluid other than “Toyota Genuine ATF WS” may cause deterioration in shift quality, locking up of your transmission accompanied by vibration, and ultimately damage the transmission of your vehicle.

567

6-1. Specifications

Brakes

Pedal clearance*1
Pedal free play Brake pad wear limit Parking brake lining wear limit Parking brake pedal travel*2
Fluid type

3.03 in. (77 mm) Min. 0.04 ⎯ 0.24 in. (1.0 ⎯ 6.0 mm) 0.04 in. (1.0 mm) 0.04 in. (1.0 mm)

8 ⎯ 11 clicks

SAE J1703 or FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3

*1: Minimum pedal clearance when depressed with a force of 44.1 lbf (196 N,

20.0 kgf) while the hybrid system is operating.

*2: Parking brake pedal travel when depressed with a force of 67.5 lbf (300 N,

30.6 kgf).

Steering

Free play

Less than 1.2 in. (30 mm)

568

Tires and wheels

Type A Tire size

Tire inflation pressure (Recommended cold tire inflation pressure)

Wheel size Wheel nut torque

Type B Tire size

Tire inflation pressure (Recommended cold tire inflation pressure)

Wheel size Wheel nut torque

Compact spare tire Tire size Spare tire inflation pressure (Recommended cold tire inflation pressure) Wheel size Wheel nut torque

6-1. Specifications

P195/65R15 89S Front tire 35 psi (240 kPa, 2.4 kgf/cm2 or bar) Rear tire 33 psi (230 kPa, 2.3 kgf/cm2 or bar) 15 × 6J 76 ft•lbf (103 N•m, 10.5 kgf•m)

P215/45R17 87V Front tire 33 psi (230 kPa, 2.3 kgf/cm2 or bar) Rear tire 32 psi (220 kPa, 2.2 kgf/cm2 or bar) 17 × 7J 76 ft•lbf (103 N•m, 10.5 kgf•m)

T135/80D16 101M

60 psi (420 kPa, 4.2 kgf/cm2 or bar)

16 × 4T 76 ft•lbf (103 N•m, 10.5 kgf•m)

569

W

55
60

60
19
21

21
21

Type

6-1. Specifications

Light bulbs

Light Bulbs

Bulb No.

H11
9005

9005
H16

WY21W W5W

W5W

WY21W W21W W5W

⎯

⎯

⎯

⎯

⎯

Halogen headlights Low beam High beam LED headlights High beam Fog lights* Front turn signal lights Front side marker lights Parking lights (halogen headlights) Rear turn signal lights Back-up lights License plate lights Front interior/personal lights Rear interior light Vanity lights Door courtesy lights Luggage compartment light

Exterior

Interior

A: H11 halogen bulbs B: HB3 halogen bulbs C: H16 halogen bulbs D: Wedge base bulbs (amber) E: Wedge base bulbs (clear) F: Double end bulbs *:

If equipped

570

6-1. Specifications Fuel information

You must only use unleaded gasoline in your vehicle. Select octane rating 87 (Research Octane Number 91) or higher. Use of unleaded gasoline with an octane rating lower than 87 may result in engine knocking. Persistent knocking can lead to engine damage. At minimum, the gasoline you use should meet the specifications of ASTM D4814 in the U.S.A. and CGSB3.5-M93 in Canada.

■Fuel tank opening for unleaded gasoline

To help prevent incorrect fueling, your vehicle has a fuel tank opening that only accommodates the special nozzle on unleaded fuel pumps.

■Gasoline quality

In very few cases, driveability problems may be caused by the brand of gas- oline you are using. If driveability problems persist, try changing the brand of gasoline. If this does not correct the problem, consult your Toyota dealer.

571

6-1. Specifications

■Gasoline quality standards

●Automotive manufacturers in the U.S.A., Europe and Japan have devel- oped a specification for fuel quality called the World-Wide Fuel Charter (WWFC), which is expected to be applied worldwide.

●The WWFC consists of four categories that are based on required emis-

sion levels. In the U.S., category 4 has been adopted.

●The WWFC improves air quality by lowering emissions in vehicle fleets,

and improves customer satisfaction through better performance.

■Recommendation of the use of gasoline containing detergent additives ●Toyota recommends the use of gasoline that contains detergent additives

to avoid the build-up of engine deposits.

●All gasoline sold in the U.S.A. contains detergent additives to clean and/

or keep clean intake systems.

■Recommendation of the use of cleaner burning gasoline

Cleaner burning gasoline, including reformulated gasoline that contains oxy- genates such as ethanol or MTBE (Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether) is available in many areas. Toyota recommends the use of cleaner burning gasoline and appropriately blended reformulated gasoline. These types of gasoline provide excellent vehicle performance, reduce vehicle emissions and improve air quality.

572

6-1. Specifications

■Non-recommendation of the use of blended gasoline

DO NOT use gasoline containing more than 10% ethanol.

(15% ethanol)

(50% ethanol)

(85% ethanol)

●Use only gasoline containing a maxi-

mum of 10% ethanol. DO NOT use any flex-fuel or gasoline that could contain more than 10% etha- nol, including from any pump labeled E15, E30, E50, E85 (which are only some examples of fuel containing more than 10% ethanol).

●If you use gasohol in your vehicle, be sure that it has an octane rating no

lower than 87.

●Toyota does not recommend the use of gasoline containing methanol.

■Non-recommendation of the use of gasoline containing MMT

Some gasoline contains an octane enhancing additive called MMT (Methyl- cyclopentadienyl Manganese Tricarbonyl). Toyota does not recommend the use of gasoline that contains MMT. If fuel containing MMT is used, your emission control system may be adversely affected. The malfunction indicator lamp on the instrument cluster may come on. If this happens, contact your Toyota dealer for service.

■If your engine knocks

●Consult your Toyota dealer. ●You may occasionally notice light knocking for a short time while acceler-

ating or driving uphill. This is normal and there is no need for concern.

573

6-1. Specifications

NOTICE

■Notice on fuel quality

●Do not use improper fuels. If improper fuels are used, the engine will be

damaged.

●Do not use leaded gasoline.

Leaded gasoline can cause damage to your vehicle’s three-way catalytic converters causing the emission control system to malfunction.

●Do not use gasohol other than the type previously stated.

Other gasohol may cause fuel system damage or vehicle performance problems.

●Using unleaded gasoline with an octane number or rating lower than the

level previously stated will cause persistent heavy knocking. At worst, this will lead to engine damage.

■Fuel-related poor driveability

If poor driveability is encountered after using a different type of fuel (poor hot starting, vaporization, engine knocking, etc.), discontinue the use of that type of fuel.

■When refueling with gasohol

Take care not to spill gasohol. It can damage your vehicle’s paint.

574

6-1. Specifications Tire information

Typical tire symbols Full-size tire

Compact spare tire

Tire size DOT and Tire Identification Number (TIN) Location of treadwear indicators

ITO61P105

(→P. 578) (→P. 577) (→P. 437)

575

6-1. Specifications

Tire ply composition and materials Plies are layers of rubber-coated parallel cords. Cords are the strands which form the plies in a tire. Summer tires or all season tires (→P. 442) An all season tire has “M+S” on the sidewall. A tire not marked “M+S” is a summer tire. Radial tires or bias-ply tires A radial tire has “RADIAL” on the sidewall. A tire not marked “RADIAL” is a bias-ply tire. TUBELESS or TUBE TYPE A tubeless tire does not have a tube and air is directly put into the tire. A tube type tire has a tube inside the tire and the tube main- tains the air pressure. Load limit at maximum cold tire inflation pressure Maximum cold tire inflation pressure This means the pressure to which a tire may be inflated. Uniform tire quality grading For details, see “Uniform Tire Quality Grading” that follows. “TEMPORARY USE ONLY” A compact spare tire is identified by the phrase “TEMPORARY USE ONLY” molded on its sidewall. This tire is designed for temporary emergency use only.

(→P. 442) (→P. 569)

576

6-1. Specifications

Typical DOT and Tire Identification Number (TIN)

Identification Number

DOT symbol* Tire (TIN) Tire manufacturer’s identifica- tion mark Tire size code Manufacturer’s optional type code (3 or 4 letters) Manufacturing week Manufacturing year *: The DOT symbol certifies that to applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.

tire conforms

the

tire

577

6-1. Specifications

Tire size

■ Typical tire size information The illustration indicates typical tire size.

Tire use (P = Passenger car, T = Temporary use) Section width (millimeters) Aspect ratio (tire height to section width) Tire construction code (R = Radial, D = Diagonal) Wheel diameter (inches) Load index (2 digits or 3 digits) Speed symbol (alphabet with one letter)

Section width Tire height Wheel diameter

ITO61P106

ITO61P103

■ Tire dimensions

578

6-1. Specifications

Tire section names

Bead Sidewall Shoulder Tread Belt Inner liner Reinforcing rubber Carcass Rim lines Bead wires Chafer

579

6-1. Specifications

Uniform Tire Quality Grading

This information has been prepared in accordance with regulations issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration of the U.S. Department of Transportation. It provides the purchasers and/or prospective purchasers of Toyota vehicles with information on uniform tire quality grading.

Your Toyota dealer will help answer any questions you may have as you read this information.

■ DOT quality grades

All passenger vehicle tires must conform to Federal Safety Requirements in addition to these grades. Quality grades can be found where applicable on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and maximum section width. For example: Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A

■ Treadwear

The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a speci- fied government test course. For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and a half (1 - 1/2) times as well on the government course as a tire graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual conditions of their use. Performance may differ significantly from the norm due to variations in driving habits, service practices and differences in road characteristics and climate.

580

6-1. Specifications

■ Traction AA, A, B, C

The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B and C, and they represent the tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement as measured under controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction performance. Warning: The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on braking (straight ahead) traction tests and does not include cornering (turn- ing) traction.

■ Temperature A, B, C

The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C, represent- ing the tire’s resistance to the generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled conditions on a speci- fied indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. Grade C corresponds to a level of performance which all passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of performance on the labo- ratory test wheel than the minimum required by law. Warning: The temperature grades of a tire assume that it is properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed, underinflation, or excessive loading, either sepa- rately or in combination, can cause heat buildup and possible tire fail- ure.

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6-1. Specifications

Glossary of tire terminology

Tire related term

Meaning

Cold tire inflation pres- sure

Maximum inflation pressure

Recommended infla- tion pressure

Accessory weight

Curb weight

Maximum loaded vehi- cle weight

Tire pressure when the vehicle has been parked for three hours or more, or has not been driven more than 1 mile or 1.5 km under that condition The maximum cold inflated pressure to which a tire may be inflated, shown on the sidewall of the tire Cold tire inflation pressure recommended by a manufacturer The combined weight (in excess of those stan- dard items which may be replaced) of auto- matic transmission, power steering, power brakes, power windows, power seats, radio and heater, to the extent that these items are available as factory-installed equipment (whether installed or not) The weight of a motor vehicle with standard equipment, including the maximum capacity of fuel, oil and coolant, and if so equipped, air conditioning and additional weight optional engine The sum of: (a) Curb weight (b) Accessory weight (c) Vehicle capacity weight (d) Production options weight

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6-1. Specifications

Tire related term

Normal occupant weight

Occupant distribution

Production options weight

Rim

Rim diameter (Wheel diameter) Rim size designation

Rim type designation

Rim width Vehicle capacity weight (Total load capacity)

Meaning

150 lb. (68 kg) times the number of occupants specified in the second column of Table 1* that follows Distribution of occupants in a vehicle as speci- fied in the third column of Table 1* below The combined weight of installed regular pro- duction options weighing over 5 lb. (2.3 kg) in excess of the standard items which they replace, not previously considered in curb weight or accessory weight, including heavy duty brakes, ride levelers, roof rack, heavy duty 12-volt battery, and special trim A metal support for a tire or a tire and tube assembly upon which the tire beads are seated

Nominal diameter of the bead seat

Rim diameter and width The industry manufacturer’s designation for a rim by style or code Nominal distance between rim flanges The rated cargo and luggage load plus 150 lb. (68 kg) times the vehicle’s designated seating capacity

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6-1. Specifications

Tire related term

Meaning

Vehicle maximum load on the tire

Vehicle normal load on the tire

Weather side

Bead

Bead separation

Bias ply tire

Carcass

Chunking

The load on an individual tire that is determined by distributing to each axle its share of the maximum loaded vehicle weight, and dividing by two The load on an individual tire that is determined by distributing to each axle its share of curb weight, accessory weight, and normal occu- pant weight (distributed in accordance with Table 1* below), and dividing by two The surface area of the rim not covered by the inflated tire The part of the tire that is made of steel wires, wrapped or reinforced by ply cords and that is shaped to fit the rim A breakdown of the bond between components in the bead A pneumatic tire in which the ply cords that extend to the beads are laid at alternate angles substantially less than 90 degrees to the cen- terline of the tread The tire structure, except tread and sidewall rubber which, when inflated, bears the load The breaking away of pieces of the tread or sidewall

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6-1. Specifications

Tire related term

Cord

Cord separation

Cracking

CT

Extra load tire

Groove

Innerliner

Innerliner separation

Meaning

The strands forming the plies in the tire The parting of cords from adjacent rubber com- pounds Any parting within the tread, sidewall, or inner- liner of the tire extending to cord material A pneumatic tire with an inverted flange tire and rim system in which the rim is designed with rim flanges pointed radially inward and the tire is designed to fit on the underside of the rim in a manner that encloses the rim flanges inside the air cavity of the tire A tire designed to operate at higher loads and at higher inflation pressures than the corre- sponding standard tire The space between two adjacent tread ribs The layer(s) forming the inside surface of a tubeless tire that contains the inflating medium within the tire The parting of the innerliner from cord material in the carcass

585

6-1. Specifications

Tire related term

Meaning

Intended outboard sidewall

(a) The sidewall that contains a whitewall, bears white lettering, or bears manufac- turer, brand, and/or model name molding that is higher or deeper than the same molding on the other sidewall of the tire, or

(b) The outward facing sidewall of an asym-

metrical tire that has a particular side that must always face outward when mounted on a vehicle

Light truck (LT) tire

Load rating

Maximum load rating

Maximum permissible inflation pressure

Measuring rim

Open splice

Outer diameter

A tire designated by its manufacturer as prima- rily intended for use on lightweight trucks or multipurpose passenger vehicles The maximum load that a tire is rated to carry for a given inflation pressure The load rating for a tire at the maximum per- missible inflation pressure for that tire The maximum cold inflation pressure to which a tire may be inflated The rim on which a tire is fitted for physical dimension requirements Any parting at any junction of tread, sidewall, or innerliner that extends to cord material The overall diameter of an inflated new tire

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6-1. Specifications

Tire related term

Meaning

Overall width

Passenger car tire

Ply

Ply separation

Pneumatic tire

Radial ply tire

Reinforced tire

The linear distance between the exteriors of the sidewalls of an inflated tire, including eleva- tions due to labeling, decorations, or protective bands or ribs A tire intended for use on passenger cars, mul- tipurpose passenger vehicles, and trucks, that have a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 10,000 lb. or less. A layer of rubber-coated parallel cords A parting of rubber compound between adja- cent plies A mechanical device made of rubber, chemi- cals, fabric and steel or other materials, that, when mounted on an automotive wheel, pro- vides the traction and contains the gas or fluid that sustains the load A pneumatic tire in which the ply cords that extend to the beads are laid at substantially 90 degrees to the centerline of the tread A tire designed to operate at higher loads and at higher inflation pressures than the corre- sponding standard tire

587

6-1. Specifications

Tire related term

Meaning

The linear distance between the exteriors of the sidewalls of an inflated tire, excluding ele- vations due to labeling, decoration, or protec- tive bands That portion of a tire between the tread and bead The parting of the rubber compound from the cord material in the sidewall A tire that attains a traction index equal to or greater than 110, compared to the ASTM E- 1136 Standard Reference Test Tire, when using the snow traction test as described in ASTM F-1805-00, Standard Test Method for Single Wheel Driving Traction in a Straight Line on Snow-and Ice-Covered Surfaces, and which is marked with an Alpine Symbol ( least one sidewall The rim on which a tire is fitted for testing, and may be any rim listed as appropriate for use with that tire That portion of a tire that comes into contact with the road A tread section running circumferentially around a tire

) on at

Section width

Sidewall

Sidewall separation

Snow tire

Test rim

Tread

Tread rib

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6-1. Specifications

Tire related term

Tread separation

Treadwear indicators (TWI)

Wheel-holding fixture

Meaning

Pulling away of the tread from the tire carcass The projections within the principal grooves designed to give a visual indication of the degrees of wear of the tread The fixture used to hold the wheel and tire assembly securely during testing

*:Table 1 ⎯ Occupant loading and distribution for vehicle normal load for various designated seating capacities

Designated seating capacity, Number of

occupants 2 through 4

5 through 10

11 through 15

16 through 20

Vehicle normal load, Number of occupants

Occupant distribution in a normally loaded vehi-

cle

2 in front

2 in front, 1 in second

seat

2 in front, 1 in second seat, 1 in third seat, 1

in fourth seat

2 in front, 2 in second seat, 2 in third seat, 1

in fourth seat