Sea Foam and Sea Foam Spray safe in hybrid vehicle? [SOLVED]
Hybrid electric vehicles use a high voltage battery and parts of the electrical system, and there are a few other variance considerations in the engineering. Do I need to be weary of using Sea Foam Motor Treatment in my (2009) Prius, and, if so, in what aspects ? To clarify, is it safe in the oil? The gasoline? And, is the spray intake, “Top Engine Cleaner and Lube,” safe to use in hybrid electric vehicles? And, when I do use it, what types of mechanical responses should I look for as a “warning sign” that something is “not right” ?
Thanks for the question, Melinda.
Sea Foam Motor Treatment is safe and effective in both the fuel and the oil of your Prius. Nothing to worry about as it is made with 100% safe petroleum cleaning and lubricating ingredients and can’t harm parts or components.
In fuel, add a full can of Sea Foam Motor Treatment to a low tank (1/8 tank or so) and drive at least 20 miles before refueling. That will create a high cleaning concentration and it’s one of the best ways to use a can of Sea Foam.
You can add it to oil at any time, but we recommend adding it 100-300 miles before your next oil change so the residues and deposits cleaned by the Sea Foam can be drained away with the old oil. Add 1 ounce of Sea Foam per quart of oil.
The Sea Foam Spray (“Top Engine Cleaner and Lube”) is safe as well in your Prius. 1-2 times a year is the interval we recommend for Sea Foam Spray.
Note that the gasoline engine is separate from the hybrid/electrical components. All of the hybrid systems are separate (but work in conjunction with) the gasoline motor. There are no worries when using Sea Foam products in a hybrid vehicle. Just follow the instructions on the cans or any of the official Sea Foam videos on the website and you’re good to go!
Hope that helps!
How would you use the spray on a Prius? How do you make the engine keep running while you are spraying it in?
Actually, I just answered my own question. On my mom’s 2008 Prius, this is how to get the motor to run continuously:
- Press the Power Button two times to get into accessory mode.
- Press the Throttle down fully two times while in Park.
- Press the Brake, shift to Neutral, then release brake.
- Press the Throttle down fully two times while in Neutral.
- Press the Brake, shift back to Park, then release brake.
- Press the Throttle down fully two times while in Park.
- It will beep and possibly show an error.
The car will now be in Maintenance Mode. At this point, press the brake and press the Power Button again to start the car. You will see an error symbol on the Info screen. It will now remain running until you turn it off again.
Thanks for sharing, and thanks for the detailed report!
Our tech director had a very similar list. It’s essentially the same, but I’ll add it here in case it’s helpful for others:
To put your Toyota Prius in Maintenance Mode
1. Insert the key and press the power button 2 times to put the car in ready mode. Press the gas pedal to the floor 2 times.
2. Press and hold the brake pedal while shifting the transmission into Neutral.
3. Release the brake pedal and press the gas pedal to the floor 2 more times.
4. Press and hold the brake pedal while shifting the transmission into Park.
5. Release the brake pedal and press the gas pedal to the floor 2 final times.
6. The word “Problem” will appear at the top of the vehicle display.
7. Press and hold the brake pedal, then press the power button to enter Maintenance Mode
8. A red car Icon with an exclamation mark will appear at the top of the vehicle display to signify your Prius is in Maintenance Mode.
9. The gas motor will run continuously for maintenance purposes.
10. To exit Maintenance Mode, simply turn off the car.
Jim D.TECH
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