about washing under the hood

The same could have happened if you were driving while raining.....

 

If you consider them equivalent then go ahead and wash things out without opening the hood.

Just spray through the radiator grille and call yourself done.

 

If you consider rain equivalent to taking a garden hose to the engine bay then there shouldn't be any problems with washing your engine this way.

 

I think both ways it gets wet under the hood. But getting wet is not equivalent to cleaning.

 

On page#347 of the 2013 Prius C Owners Manual it states: "Do not apply water to the inside of the engine compartment. Doing so may cause the electrical components etc. to catch fire."
Catch fire!?!?
Wow!
I like a clean engine room too. But I think I'll just use a damp rag...

 

Pledge furniture polish in an aerosol can works for that. It has a little cleaning ability and leaves a silicone coating.

 

Have to agree with this post. I would never, ever consider opening the hood and turning on a pressure washer on that engine--I mean, seriously, have you ever seen an engine compartment with more electrical components and wires than a Prius? Sounds like a recipe for disaster.

 

Just wash without the high pressure. I would wipe down battery and not diirect water to spark plugs, coil pack, etc.

Modern cars electrics are pretty well sealed. And if you drive in torrential rain don't you think a fair amount of water is getting in thru grille, etc anyway?