chromedome

I've been on a detailing spree lately, I'd love to get a sparkling clean engine bay but I'm worried about getting water into the high voltage bits. The ES300h has high voltage cables, motors and the inverter module on the right hand side.

So far I've used a damp cloth and dishwashing soap to wipe off surface dirt and oil. I'm not sure if using a low pressure hose is a good idea. To the hybrid owners out there, how do you keep your engine bay clean?

Freds430

My ES300h is three years old and the engine bay looks brand new. I wipe it down with a microfiber towel and 409 or 303 protectant which I use for the dash. Like you mentioned, I would be afraid to spray water in there with all the electronics.

TechNut

I use the pressure washer at the car wash and have never had a problem. Did this with the past two Priuses as well - so I have done it for ten years now on hybrids. I am careful around the electric motor and use the water fairly judiciously as I want to avoid getting water in connectors or sensitive locations.

The engine has to be somewhat water resistant in order to accommodate heavy rain storms. Just make sure it is turned off and don't get crazy with tons of water and you will be fine, at least in my experience.

I have always cleaned under the hood. It is much easier today than it was back when cars had distributor caps. I have had to dry a few out in the day.

pgiinc

I just put sprayed wheel cleaner on my NX300H Hybrid and hosed it off then blew it dry with the sthil Magnum blower no problems and I have done it to my other hybrids two
2016 ES300h
2015 NX300h
2013 AVALON HYBRID
2007 Camry Hybrid

chromedome

How do you clean around the inverter? It's the big metal box with orange cables connected to it. I'm thinking of gently hosing down the engine bay this weekend. Should I wrap up the inverter, high voltage cables and wire harnesses in plastic wrap first? I'd hate to short something out in there.

SLH

Whenever the car is turned "off", the high-voltage orange cables are disconnected from the battery by a relay. The relay is located at the battery, over the rear axle. So the high-voltage cables in the engine compartment are "dead".

Power from the smaller 12-volt battery is present in other cables. There can be enough amps of 12-volt to harm a person or damage a tool. So you still want to be careful. Safety manuals will tell you to disconnect the cable from the 12-volt battery in the trunk.

Many people do not actually disconnect the 12V battery, because it's a PITA to reprogram the radio.

Basically, just don't wash the electrical contacts, and don't let water into the fuse boxes.

pgiinc

spray water right over it no worries it. there not going sell you something that you cant get water on
blow dry it when you done so you get it dry before starting

TechNut

I have never done anything special,to cover it. However, I am always cautious and sparing with the water around the orange cables as I don't want to get water in the connections. the manufacturer expects some water will get under the hood when driving in heavy storms so a little judicious use should be fine.