Toyota CH-R: 12-volt battery (2ZR-FXE engine)

Check the 12-volt battery as follows.

■ 12-volt battery exterior

Make sure that the 12-volt battery terminals are not corroded and that there are no loose connections, cracks, or loose clamps.

1. Terminals
2. Hold-down clamp

■ Checking the 12-volt battery fluid

Check that the level is between the "max" and "min" lines.

1. "max" line
2. "min" line

If the fluid level is at or below the "min" line, add distilled water.

■ Adding distilled water

1. Remove the vent plug.

2. Add distilled water.

If it is difficult to see the fluid level from the side, check it by looking directly into the cell.

1. LOW
2. O.K.

3. Put the vent plug back on and close it securely.

■Before recharging

When recharging, the 12-volt battery produces hydrogen gas which is flammable and explosive. Therefore, observe the following precautions before recharging:

• If recharging with the 12-volt battery installed on the vehicle, be sure to disconnect the ground cable.
• Make sure the power switch on the charger is off when connecting and disconnecting the charger cables to the 12-volt battery.

■After recharging/reconnecting the 12-volt battery

• The hybrid system may not start. Follow the procedure below to initialize the system.

1. Shift the shift position to P.

2. Open and close any of the doors.

3. Restart the hybrid system.

• Unlocking the doors using the smart entry & start system may not be possible immediately after reconnecting the 12-volt battery. If this happens, use the wireless remote control to lock/unlock the doors.
• Start the hybrid system with the power switch in ACC. The hybrid system may not start with the power switch turned off. However, the hybrid system will operate normally from the second attempt.
• The power switch mode is recorded by the vehicle. If the 12-volt battery is reconnected, the vehicle will return the power switch mode to the status it was in before the 12-volt battery was disconnected. Make sure to turn off the power switch before disconnect the 12-volt battery. Take extra care when connecting the 12-volt battery if the power switch mode prior to discharge is unknown.

If the hybrid system will not start even after multiple attempts at all methods above, contact any authorized Toyota retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer.

WARNING

■Chemicals in the 12-volt battery

The 12-volt battery contains poisonous and corrosive sulfuric acid and may produce hydrogen gas which is flammable and explosive. To reduce the risk of death or serious injury, take the following precautions while working on or near the 12-volt battery:

• Do not cause sparks by touching the 12-volt battery terminals with tools.
• Do not smoke or light a match near the 12-volt battery.
• Avoid contact with eyes, skin and clothes.
• Never inhale or swallow electrolyte.
• Wear protective safety glasses when working near the 12-volt battery.
• Keep children away from the 12- volt battery.

■Where to safely charge the 12- volt battery

Always charge the 12-volt battery in an open area. Do not charge the 12- volt battery in a garage or closed room where there is not sufficient ventilation.

■Emergency measures regarding electrolyte

• If electrolyte gets in your eyes

Flush your eyes with clean water for at least 15 minutes and get immediate medical attention. If possible, continue to apply water with a sponge or cloth while traveling to the nearest medical facility.

• If electrolyte gets on your skin

Wash the affected area thoroughly. If you feel pain or burning, get medical attention immediately.

• If electrolyte gets on your clothes

It can soak through clothing on to your skin. Immediately take off the clothing and follow the procedure above if necessary.

• If you accidentally swallow electrolyte

Drink a large quantity of water or milk.

Get emergency medical attention immediately.

■When disconnecting the 12-volt battery

Do not disconnect the negative (-) terminal on the body side. The disconnected negative (-) terminal may touch the positive (+) terminal, which may cause a short and result in death or serious injury.

■When there is insufficient 12-volt battery fluid

Do not use if there is insufficient fluid in the 12-volt battery. There is a possible danger that 12-volt battery may explode.

NOTICE

■When recharging the 12-volt battery

Never recharge the 12-volt battery while the hybrid system is operating.

Also, be sure all accessories are turned off.

Adding the washer fluid

Add washer fluid in the following situations:

• A washer does not work.
• The warning message appears on the multi-information display.

  (if equipped)

WARNING

■When adding washer fluid

Do not add washer fluid when the hybrid system is hot or operating as washer fluid contains alcohol and may catch fire if spilled on the engine, etc.

NOTICE

■Do not use any fluid other than washer fluid

Do not use soapy water or engine antifreeze instead of washer fluid.

Doing so may cause streaking on the vehicle's painted surfaces, as well as damaging the pump leading to problems of the washer fluid not spraying.

■Diluting washer fluid

Dilute washer fluid with water as necessary.

Refer to the freezing temperatures listed on the label of the washer fluid bottle.