T-SB-0196-17

March 6, 2017

Long-Term Vehicle Storage Guidelines
Service
Category

Power Source/Network

Section

Battery/Charging

Market USA

Applicability
YEAR(S)

MODEL(S)

2018

4Runner, 86, Avalon, Avalon
HV, C-HR, Camry, Camry
HV, Corolla, Highlander,
Highlander HV, iA, iM, Land
Cruiser, Mirai, Prius, Prius
C, Prius Prime, Prius V,
RAV4, RAV4 HV, Sequoia,
Sienna, Tacoma, Tundra,
Yaris

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Introduction

Long-term or off-site storage requires special care to keep vehicles factory fresh and ready for
delivery. The following guidelines should be performed to minimize vehicle component/part
degradation due to extended vehicle storage conditions. Long-term storage can affect a vehicle’s
systems and components. Any problems that are found should be corrected immediately.

Warranty Information
OP CODE

DESCRIPTION

TIME

OFP

T1

T2

N/A

Not Applicable to Warranty

–

–

–

–

Required Tools & Equipment
SPECIAL SERVICE TOOLS (SST)

PART NUMBER

QTY

Digital Battery System Analyzer*

00002-V8150-KIT

1

GR8 Battery Diagnostic Station*

00002-MCGR8

1

* Essential SST.

NOTE
Additional SSTs may be ordered by calling 1-800-933-8335.

© 2017 Toyota Motor Sales, USA

Page 1 of 5

T-SB-0196-17

March 6, 2017

Page 2 of 5

Long-Term Vehicle Storage Guidelines
Summary Chart for Long-Term Storage

Below are items that should be checked periodically and their frequency.
ACTION

FREQUENCY

Tire Inflation Pressure Check

Monthly

Parts Rust Inspection

Monthly

A/C Compressor Lubrication

Monthly

Charge Disconnected Battery to 12.6 V

After 60 days, then every
30 days

Disc Brake Rotor Surface Rust Removal

Every 8 weeks

Engine/Hybrid System/Fuel Cell System Starting and Vehicle Movement

Every 6 weeks

Rapgard™ Removal

After 90 days

Tyvek Removal

After 12 months

A combination of proper Vehicle Receipt, Pre-Delivery Service (PDS), and Vehicle Storage is the
ONLY way to maintain factory fresh vehicles. Toyota’s goal is to deliver 100% problem-free cars
and trucks. With your commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, we can reach that goal.
Review this bulletin often and be sure new employees are aware of the policies and procedures
outlined herein, as individual training in proper inspection, Pre-Delivery Service, and storage and
handling techniques are essential to ensure high delivery quality.

Repair Procedure
Reference and Training Materials

Listed below are additional resources, which will help you with vehicle receipt, inspection, and
storage procedures.


CRIB Bulletin #165, “Acid Rain Paint Finish Damage – Prevention and Repair”



UoT e-Learning Course E257 Vehicle Delivery Quality – Paint Finish Repair



Dealer Delivery Quality Operations Guide, P/N 001 16-DDQOG-98



Service Bulletin BO020-91, “Prevention and Repair of Acid Rain Damage”



Service Bulletin BO005-92, “New Vehicle Washing Schedule for Paint Protection”



Service Bulletin T-SB-0195-17, "Battery Maintenance During PDS"



Service Bulletin PA005-04, “Iron Particle Rust Contamination Repair”



Service Bulletin PG005-94, “Dealer Removal Procedures for Rapgard™ Protective Film”



Service Bulletin PG007-02, “Wheel Film for Brake Rotor Rust Prevention”



Maintenance for HV and Auxiliary Batteries: Refer to the applicable HV model Service Bulletin

© 2017 Toyota Motor Sales, USA

T-SB-0196-17

March 6, 2017

Page 3 of 5

Long-Term Vehicle Storage Guidelines
Repair Procedure (Continued)
Parking and Paint Protection Procedure



Storage areas should be paved, well lit, and secure. If your off-site storage lot is NOT paved,
spread gravel down to minimize mud and dust. Be sure vehicles are driven carefully when
moving them to or from a long-term lot. This will help minimize damage to the paint finish from
road grit or gravel.



Park vehicles from right to left at least 3 feet apart. Leave enough space front and rear to
easily walk between rows.



Turn OFF ALL electrical accessories, make sure windows and sunroof are closed, and check
that the transmission is in “Park” (First or Reverse for manual transmission vehicles). Do NOT
apply the parking brake.



HVAC vent controls should be set to “Recirc” to minimize dust and odor intrusion.




Make sure the plastic door edge protectors are in place and fold in the side view mirror
(if applicable).
Anti-rust covers or anti-rust film should remain on vehicle during storage
1. Anti-rust covers (behind wheel) should be removed at PDS.
2. Anti-rust film (applied to wheel) should be removed just prior to customer delivery.



Wash vehicles frequently.

Battery



After 30 days, and every 60 days thereafter, either start the vehicle and let it idle for 30
minutes, or charge the battery with the GR8 battery charger. Refer to Service Bulletin
No. T-SB-0195-17, “Battery Maintenance During PDS” for complete battery
maintenance procedures.



To reduce battery drain during long-term storage, remove the battery ground (–) cable of each
vehicle and reinstall just before delivery to the customer. When the battery ground (–) cable is
reconnected, check and reset electrical components, such as the clock, radio, etc., and
re-initialize all applicable systems/functions.



If a hybrid vehicle is put into storage, the State-Of-Charge (SOC) of its battery and auxiliary
battery will gradually decrease. To prevent the auxiliary battery from becoming discharged
during storage, proper maintenance is necessary. Refer to the applicable “Maintenance for HV
& Auxiliary Batteries” Service Bulletin for procedure and additional information.

© 2017 Toyota Motor Sales, USA

T-SB-0196-17

March 6, 2017

Page 4 of 5

Long-Term Vehicle Storage Guidelines
Repair Procedure (Continued)
Tire Inflation Pressure

If the vehicle is parked for long periods without being moved, a flat spot may develop on each tire
surface in contact with the ground, even if the tires are inflated to specification. Tire inflation
pressure should be checked once a month.
Tire inflation pressure for storage ONLY: 45 psi.
Parts Rust

If the vehicles in your storage area are exposed to a sea breeze and/or a significant precipitation,
corrosion with rust in some parts may occur.
If rust is found, remove it, and treat it by applying rust inhibitor to prevent recurrence.
Engine/Hybrid System/Fuel Cell System Starting and Vehicle Movement

If the vehicle is stored over an extended period of time, starting and running the engine/hybrid
system/fuel cell system periodically will ensure smooth running operation.
1. If the vehicle is equipped with a gasoline engine, start and operate the engine at an engine
speed of less than 1,500 rpm for 15 minutes or longer.
Raise engine speed above 3,000 rpm 10 times to eliminate moisture from the exhaust.
NOTE
Be sure to allow sufficient clearance at the rear of the vehicle to prevent other vehicles stored
behind from getting damaged by exhaust gas.

2. Move the vehicle at least 30 feet to lubricate the transmission/transaxle and differential(s), and
to prevent tire flat-spot damage.

A/C Compressor Lubrication

To minimize the possibility of damage to the A/C compressor while storing a vehicle, perform the
following recommended maintenance procedures at least once a month to lubricate
the compressor.
1. Turn OFF A/C and blower switches prior to starting the vehicle.
2. Start/Ready-On the vehicle.
If the vehicle is equipped with a gasoline engine, allow the engine to warm up until
engine idle drops below 1,000 rpm.

© 2017 Toyota Motor Sales, USA

T-SB-0196-17

March 6, 2017

Page 5 of 5

Long-Term Vehicle Storage Guidelines
Repair Procedure (Continued)
A/C Compressor Lubrication (Continued)

3. Turn ON the A/C system (including the rear A/C) using the following settings:
A. A/C Switch: ON
B. Blower Speed: High
C. Engine Speed: Below 1,000 rpm
4. Keep A/C ON with engine idling for at least 1 minute (in dual A/C vehicles, leave ON for
2 minutes).
5. Turn OFF A/C system and cycle ignition to OFF position.

Disc Brake Rotor Surface Rust Removal

The brake rotors are made of cast iron and may show gradual build-up of surface rust during
long-term storage. At least once every 2 months, drive the vehicle and use the brakes normally,
stopping from about 30 mph at least 20 times. This regular usage will help prevent severe rust
build-up and the possibility of unwanted brake vibration concerns due to rust.
Figure 1. Slight Rust on Rotor (Easy to Remove
by Braking)

Figure 2. Severe Rust on Rotor (Hard to Remove
by Braking)

NOTE
If the brake vibration still occurs after the braking cycle, determine the root cause of the
brake vibration and repair.
Brake rotor resurfacing may be required if the rust was severe and resulted in excessive
rotor thickness variation.

© 2017 Toyota Motor Sales, USA