Electric Vehicle - Long Term Storage Guidelines
S-SB-0027-12
October 26, 2012
Long Term Vehicle Storage Guidelines
Service Category
General
Section
Pre-Delivery Service
Market
USA
Applicability
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
Required Tools & Equipment
Procedure
Summary Chart for Long-Term Storage
Above are items that should be checked periodically and their frequency.
A combination of proper Vehicle Receipt, Pre-Delivery Service, 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.
Listed below are additional resources, which will help you with vehicle receipt, inspection, and storage procedures.
Reference and Training Materials
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 three feet apart. Leave enough space front and rear to easily walk between rows.
^ 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.
Auxiliary Battery
^ Turn off all electrical accessories, make sure windows and sunroof are closed and check that the transmission is in "Park". Do not apply the parking brake.
^ Test batteries monthly (more often in high heat or cold areas), using the Digital Battery System Analyzer (P/N 00002-V8150-KIT). Refer to Service Bulletin No. PG001-06, "Battery Maintenance for In-Stock Vehicles and Pre-Delivery" 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. Locate the current PDS bulletins on TIS for complete details.
EV Battery State of Charge
If an electrical 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 Service Bulletin No. "Maintenance for EV & Auxiliary Batteries" for procedure and additional information.
Charge EV Battery
If an electrical vehicle is put into storage the state of charge (SOC) of its battery and auxiliary battery will gradually decrease. To prevent the EV battery from becoming discharged during storage proper maintenance is necessary. Refer to Service Bulletin No. S-SB-0026-12, "Maintenance for EV & Auxiliary Batteries" for procedure and additional information.
1. Release the charging port door by pushing the button on the center console.
2. Unlock the charging port cap by moving the lock.
3. Remove charging cable from charging station confirm connector direction and insert it into the charging port.
4. After charging is complete disconnect charging cable return cable to charging station close port cap and close charging port door.
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.
Vehicle Operation and Movement
If the vehicle is stored over an extended period of time operating the vehicle periodically will ensure smooth operation.
1. "Ready" ON the vehicle and confirm this state is maintained for at least 5 minutes.
2. Move the vehicle at least 30 feet to prevent tire flat-spotting.
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 oft A/C and blower switches prior to cycling the Start/Stop button to "Ready" ON.
2. Turn on the A/C system (including the rear A/C) using the following settings:
A. A/C Switch: On
B. Blower Speed: High
3. Keep A/C on for at least one minute (in dual A/C vehicles leave on for two minutes).
4. Turn off A/C system and turn off vehicle.
Disk Brake Rotor Surface Rust Removal
The brake rotors are made of cast iron so they may show gradual build-up of surface rust during long-term storage. At least once every two 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.
© 2012 Toyota Motor Sales, USA