Toyota Prius: Cleaning the hybrid battery (traction battery) air intake vent

To ensure the optimal performance of your Toyota Prius 2024, regularly clean the hybrid battery (traction battery) air intake vent.

To prevent the fuel economy from being affected, visually inspect the hybrid battery (traction battery) air intake vent periodically for clogs.

If it is dusty or clogged or if "Maintenance Required for Traction Battery Cooling Parts See Owner's Manual" is displayed on the multiinformation display, clean the air intake vent using the following procedures:

Scheduled maintenance of the air intake vent is necessary when

In some situations such as when the vehicle is used frequently or in heavy traffic or dusty areas, the air intake vent may need to be cleaned more regularly. For details, refer to "Owner's Warranty Information Booklet" or "Owner's Manual Supplement".

Cleaning the air intake vent

Improper handling of the air intake vent cover and filter may result in damage to them. If you have any concerns about cleaning the filter, contact your Toyota dealer.

NOTICE

If "Maintenance Required for Traction Battery Cooling Parts See Owner's Manual" is displayed on the multi-information display

Clean the air intake vent immediately.

If the vehicle is continuously driven with the warning message displayed, it may cause a malfunction or output restriction of the hybrid battery (traction battery).

Cleaning procedure

1. Turn the power switch off.
2. Remove the air intake vent cover.

Pull the cover as shown in the illustration to disengage the 7 claws, starting from the claw in the upper right corner and pull the cover toward the front of the vehicle to remove it.

3. Remove the filter from the air intake vent cover.

Disengage the claws in the order of and to remove the filter from the cover.

If dust has accumulated on the air intake vent cover, remove the dust with a vacuum cleaner, etc.

4. Remove the dust and sand from the filter.

Using a vacuum cleaner, etc., absorb dust and sand from the filter by profiling the nozzle lightly along the fold.

5. Hold the filter to the light and check if it is not clogged.

If the dust or sand cannot be removed completely, contact your Toyota dealer.

6. Reinstall the filter to the cover.

Engage the claws in the order of and .

Make sure that the filter is not crooked or deformed when installing it.

7. Install the air intake vent cover.

Insert the tab of the cover as shown in the illustration and push the cover to engage the 7 claws.

• If "Maintenance Required for Traction Battery Cooling Parts See Owner's Manual" was displayed on the multi-information display

8. Start the hybrid system and check that the warning message is no longer displayed.

It may be necessary to drive the vehicle for approximately 20 minutes before the warning message is displayed again then disappears.

If the warning message does not disappear after some time, have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer.

If the dust or sand on the filter cannot be removed

It is recommended to use a vacuum cleaner with plastic brushes.

WARNING

When cleaning the air intake vent

• Do not use water or other liquids to clean the air intake vent.

  If water is applied to the hybrid battery (traction battery) or other components, a malfunction or fire may occur.

• Before cleaning the air intake vent, make sure to turn the power switch off to stop the hybrid system.
• Do not put a hand or leg in the air intake vent. If it is caught in a cooling fan, or if it touches a high voltage part that results in an electric shock, death or serious injuries may result.

NOTICE

When cleaning the air intake vent

Do not use an air blow gun, etc.

To prevent damage to the vehicle

Observe the following precautions:

• Do not allow water or foreign matter to enter the air intake vent.
• Make sure to reinstall the filter and cover to their original positions after cleaning.
• Do not install anything to the air intake vent other than the exclusive filter for this vehicle or use the vehicle without the filter installed

To prevent damage to the filter

Observe the following precautions.

If the filter is damaged, have it replaced with a new filter by your Toyota dealer.

• Do not use an air blow gun, etc.
• Do not press hard a vacuum cleaner, etc. against the filter.
• Do not use a hard brush, such as a metal brush.
• Do not break the fold of the filter.

Air conditioning filterElectronic key battery