Cooling System Bleeding: Prius
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 10 other vehicles, including the 2002 Toyota Tacoma, 2002 Toyota RAV4, 2002 Toyota Prius, 2002 Toyota MR2, and 2002 Toyota Highlander. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
WARNING:
Read service precautions before proceeding with service procedure. See SERVICE PRECAUTIONS .
- Slowly add a 50/50 mixture of distilled water and coolant to radiator. DO NOT use plain water or alcohol based coolant. Approximate capacity is 5.2 qts. (4.9L).
- Install radiator cap. Start engine and allow engine to idle. Accelerate engine and then engine allow to idle. Repeat this procedure several times for approximately 2 minutes. Shut engine off. Remove radiator cap and check coolant level. Coolant level should be even with rim of radiator filler neck. If coolant level decreases when pinching the upper or lower radiator hose closed several times, add coolant as necessary. Once correct coolant level is obtained, install radiator cap and go to next step.
- It is necessary to put transit in inspection mode so engine will run continuously. To put transit in inspection mode, perform the following steps within 60 seconds:
- Ensure ignition is off and then turn ignition on.
- Ensure transaxle is in Park and then fully depress accelerator pedal 2 times.
- Place transaxle in Neutral and then fully depress accelerator pedal 2 times.
- Place transaxle back in Park and then fully depress accelerator pedal 2 times.
- Check that master warning light on instrument cluster at center of instrument panel is flashing to indicate inspection mode operation. See Fig 1. Master warning light may also be referred to as hybrid system error warning light.
- Start engine and operate engine until cooling fan starts to turn with engine speed less than 2500 RPM. Shut engine off immediately after cooling fan starts to turn. Allow engine to cool until engine coolant temperature is less than 122°F (50°C). Remove radiator cap and recheck coolant level.
- If proper coolant level exists, shut engine off. Go to next step. If coolant level has dropped, add coolant and repeat steps 3- 6 . Once proper coolant level exists, shut engine off. Go to next step.
- Air must be bleed from heater water pump which circulates coolant through the heater core. The heater water pump may also be referred to as water pump motor (A/C). Turn ignition on with engine off. Place blower speed control dial in LO position and temperature control dial to MAX HOT position. Operate heater water pump until constant coolant flow sound exists at heater core. Ensure there is no sound of air in the coolant flow. Once constant sound of coolant flow exists through heater core, fill coolant reservoir to the maximum level.