2004 TOYOTA PRIUS brake

231
You may hear a motor sound in the en-
gine compartment when the brake pedal is
depressed with the hybrid system off.
When the hybrid system is started or
stopped, you may hear a sound coming
from the hybrid vehicle battery in the lug-
gage compartment. However, this does not
indicate any trouble.
If there is a problem somewhere in the
hybrid system, the hybrid system malfunc-
tion warning light will come on in place of
the “READY” light. If this happens, contact
your Toyota dealer.
CAUTION
Never start the hybrid system from
outside the vehicle, or an accident
may occur. Be sure to sit on the driv-
er seat, then start the system when
driving.
NOTICE
The hybrid system cannot be
started when the shift position is
“N”. Be sure to put it in “P” and
then start the system.
 If any warning light comes on (See
page 117 for details.) or the auxilia-
ry battery is disconnected, the hy-
brid system may not start by push-
ing the “POWER” switch. In that
case, push it once again. If the
“READY” light does not come on,
contact your Toyota dealer.
 When you start the hybrid system
at a lowered outside temperature, it
may take longer before the blinking
“READY” light changes to stay on.
40p102
Before starting the hybrid system, be sure
to follow the instructions in “(a) Before
starting the hybrid system”.
Normal starting procedure
Carry the key and press the “POWER”
switch briefly and firmly with the brake
pedal depressed. The “READY” light starts
blinking. After a few seconds, the blinking
“READY” light remains on and a beep
sounds. (If the ambient temperature is
low, such as during winter driving condi-
tions, it may take time until the “READY”
light is on.)
The engine may not start even with the
“READY” light on.
(b) Turning on the hybrid
system
(Using the smart
function—on some models)

232
You may hear a motor sound in the en-
gine compartment when the brake pedal is
depressed with the hybrid system off.
When the hybrid system is started or
stopped, you may hear a sound coming
from the hybrid vehicle battery in the lug-
gage compartment. However, this does not
indicate any trouble.
If there is a problem somewhere in the
hybrid system, the hybrid system malfunc-
tion warning light will come on in place of
the “READY” light. If this happens, contact
your Toyota dealer.
CAUTION
Never start the hybrid system from
outside the vehicle, or an accident
may occur. Be sure to sit on the driv-
er seat, then start the system when
driving.
NOTICE
The hybrid system cannot be
started when the shift position is
“N”. Be sure to put it in “P” and
then start the system.
 If any warning light comes on (See
page 117 for details.) or the auxilia-
ry battery is disconnected, the hy-
brid system may not start by push-
ing the “POWER” switch. In that
case, push it once again. If the
“READY” light does not come on,
contact your Toyota dealer.
 When you start the hybrid system
at a lowered outside temperature, it
may take longer before the blinking
“READY” light changes to stay on.
Always slow down in gusty crosswinds.
This will allow you much better control.
Drive slowly onto curbs and, if pos-
sible, at a right angle. Avoid driving
onto high, sharp −edged objects and
other road hazards. Failure to do so
can lead to severe tire damage such
as a tire burst.
Drive slowly when passing over bumps
or travelling on a bumpy road. Other-
wise, the impact could cause severe
damage to the tires and/or wheels.
When parking on a hill, turn the front
wheels until they touch the curb so
that the vehicle will not roll. Apply the
parking brake, and put the hybrid
transaxle “P”. If necessary, block the
wheels.
Washing your vehicle or driving through
deep water may get the brakes wet. To
see whether they are wet, check that
there is no traffic near you, and then
press the pedal lightly. If you do not
feel a normal braking force, the brakes
are probably wet. To dry them, drive
the vehicle cautiously while lightly
pressing the brake pedal with the park-
ing brake applied. If they still do not
work safely, pull to the side of the road
and call a Toyota dealer for assistance.
Tips for driving in various
conditions

233
CAUTION
Before driving off, make sure the
parking brake is fully released and
the parking brake reminder light is
off.
Do not leave your vehicle unat-
tended with the “READY” light on.
Do not rest your foot on the brake
pedal while driving. It can cause
dangerous overheating, needless
wear, and poor fuel economy.
To drive down a long or steep hill,
reduce your speed and downshift.
Remember, if you ride the brakes
excessively, they may overheat and
not work properly.
Be careful when accelerating or
braking on a slippery surface. Sud-
den acceleration or engine braking,
could cause the vehicle to skid or
spin.
Do not drive in excess of the speed
limit. Even if the legal speed limit
permits it, do not drive over 140
km/h (85 mph) unless your vehicle
has highspeed capability tires.
Driving over 140 km/h (85 mph)
may result in tire failure, loss of
control and possible injury. Be sure
to consult a tire dealer to determine
whether the tires on your vehicle
are highspeed capability tires or
not before driving at such speeds.
Do not continue normal driving
when the brakes are wet. If they are
wet, your vehicle will require a lon-
ger stopping distance, and it may
pull to one side when the brakes
are applied. Also, the parking brake
will not hold the vehicle securely.
Make sure you have a proper freeze
protection for engine coolant.
Only use “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant”
or similar high quality ethylene glycol
based non−silicate, non −amine, non− nitrite,
and non− borate coolant with long −life
hybrid organic acid technology. (Coolant
with long −life hybrid organic acid
technology is a combination of low
phosphates and organic acids.)
See “Checking the coolant level” on page
284 for details of coolant type selection.
For the U.S.A.—“Toyota Super Long Life
Coolant” is a mixture of 50% coolant and
50% deionized water. This coolant pro-
vides protection down to about −35 C
( − 31 F).
For Canada—“Toyota Super Long Life
Coolant” is a mixture of 55% coolant and
45% deionized water. This coolant pro-
vides protection down to about −42 C
( − 44 F).
NOTICE
Do not use plain water alone.
Winter driving tips

234
Check the condition of the auxiliary
battery and cables.
Cold temperatures reduce the capacity of
any auxiliary battery, so it must be in top
shape to provide enough power for winter
starting. Section 8−3 tells you how to
visually inspect the auxiliary battery. Your
Toyota dealer will be pleased to check the
level of charge.
Make sure the engine oil viscosity is
suitable for the cold weather.
See page 283 for recommended viscosity.
Leaving a heavy summer oil in your ve-
hicle during winter months may cause
harder starting. If you are not sure about
which oil to use, call your Toyota dealer.
Keep the door locks from freezing.
Squirt lock de −icer or glycerine into the
locks to keep them from freezing.
Use a washer fluid containing an anti
freeze solution.
This product is available at your Toyota
dealer and most auto parts stores. Follow
the manufacturer ’s directions for how
much to mix with water.NOTICE
Do not use engine antifreeze or any
other substitute as washer fluid be-
cause it may damage your vehicle’s
paint.
Do not use your parking brake when
there is a possibility it could freeze.
When parking, push the “P” position
switch and block the rear wheels. Do not
use the parking brake, for snow or water
accumulated in and around the parking
brake mechanism may freeze, making it
hard to release.
Keep ice and snow from accumulating
under the fenders.
Ice and snow built up under your fenders
can make steering difficult. During extreme
winter driving, stop and check under the
fenders occasionally.
Depending on where you are driving,
we recommend you carry some emer-
gency equipment.
Some of the things you might put in the
vehicle are tire chains, window scraper,
bag of sand or salt, flares, small shovel,
jumper cables, etc.
40p050b
Your vehicle is not designed to be
dinghy towed (with four wheels on the
ground) behind a motorhome.
NOTICE
Do not tow your vehicle with four
wheels on the ground. This may
cause serious damage to your ve-
hicle.
Dinghy towing

235
40p003b
Toyota does not recommend towing a
trailer with your Toyota. It is not de-
signed for trailer towing.Improving fuel economy is easy
−just take
it easy. It will help make your vehicle last
longer, too. Here are some specific tips
on how to save money on both fuel and
repairs:
Keep your tires inflated at the cor-
rect pressure. Underinflation causes
tire wear and wastes fuel. See page
289 for instructions.
Do not carry unneeded weight in
your vehicle. Excess weight puts a
heavier load on the engine, causing
greater fuel consumption.
Accelerate slowly and smoothly.
Avoid jackrabbit starts.
Avoid continuous speeding up and
slowing down. Stop−and− go driving
wastes power.
Avoid unnecessary stopping and
braking. Maintain a steady pace. Try
to time the traffic signals so you only
need to stop as little as possible or
take advantage of through streets to
avoid traffic lights. Keep a proper dis-
tance from other vehicles to avoid sud-
den braking. This will also reduce wear
on your brakes.
Avoid heavy traffic or traffic jams
whenever possible.
Do not rest your foot on brake ped-
al. This causes premature wear, over-
heating and poor fuel economy.
Maintain a moderate speed on high-
ways. The faster you drive, the greater
the fuel consumption. By reducing your
speed, you will cut down on fuel con-
sumption.
Keep the front wheels in proper
alignment. Avoid hitting the curb and
slow down on rough roads. Improper
alignment not only causes faster tire
wear but also puts an extra load on
the engine, which, in turn, wastes fuel.
Keep the bottom of your vehicle free
from mud, etc. This not only lessens
weight but also helps prevent corro-
sion.
Keep your vehicle tunedup and in
top shape . A dirty air cleaner, improp-
er valve clearance, dirty plugs, dirty oil
and grease, brakes not adjusted, etc.
all lower engine performance and con-
tribute to poor fuel economy. For longer
life of all parts and lower operating
costs, keep all maintenance work on
schedule, and if you often drive under
severe conditions, see that your ve-
hicle receives more frequent mainte-
nance.
Trailer towing How to save fuel and make
your vehicle last longer, too

236
CAUTION
Never turn off the hybrid system to
coast down hills. Your power steering
and brake booster will not function
without the hybrid system running.
Also, the emission control system op-
erates properly only when the hybrid
system is running.

239
CAUTION
Booster battery contains sulfuric
acid which is poisonous and corro-
sive. Wear protective safety glasses
when jump starting, and avoid spil-
ling acid on your skin, clothing, or
vehicle.
If you should accidentally get acid
on yourself or in your eyes, remove
any contaminated clothing and flush
the affected area with water imme-
diately. Then get immediate medical
attention. If possible, continue to
apply water with a sponge or cloth
while en route to the medical office.
The gas normally produced by a
battery will explode if a flame or
spark is brought near. Use only
standardized jumper cables and do
not smoke or light a match while
jump starting.
NOTICE
The battery used for boosting must
be 12 V. Do not jump start unless
you are sure that the booster bat-
tery is correct.
 After jump starting procedure, the
hybrid system may not start by
pushing the “POWER” switch. In
that case, push it once again. If the
“READY” light does not come on,
contact your Toyota dealer.
50p049
JUMP STARTING PROCEDURE
1. Apply the parking brake and turn off the headlight switch and interior light.
2. Turn off the hybrid system and remove the key if inserted.
3. Open the hood and fuse block cover shown in the above illustration.

242
If your hybrid system stalls while driving...1. Reduce your speed gradually, keeping a straight line. Move cautiously off the
road to a safe place.
2. Turn on your emergency flashers.
3. Try starting the hybrid system again.
If the hybrid system will not start, see “If
your vehicle will not start” on page 238.
CAUTION
If the hybrid system is not operating,
the power assist for the brakes and
steering will not work so steering and
braking will be much harder than usu-
al.
If your high coolant temperature warn-
ing light comes on, if you experience a
loss of power, or if you hear a loud
knocking or pinging noise, the hybrid
system has probably overheated. You
should follow this procedure...
1. Pull safely off the road, stop the ve- hicle and turn on your emergency
flashers. Push the “P” position switch
and apply the parking brake. Turn off
the air conditioning if it is being used.
2. If coolant or steam is boiling out of the radiator or reservoir, stop the hybrid
system. Wait until the steam subsides
before opening the hood. If there is no
coolant boiling over or steam, leave the
hybrid system running and make sure
the electric cooling fan is operating. If
it is not, turn the ignition off.
CAUTION
To help avoid personal injury, keep
the hood closed until there is no
steam. Escaping steam or coolant is
a sign of very high pressure.
3. Look for obvious coolant leaks from theradiator, hoses, and under the vehicle.
However, note that water draining from
the air conditioning is normal if it has
been used.
CAUTION
When the hybrid system is running,
keep hands and clothing away from
the moving fan and engine drive
belts.
4. If the coolant is leaking, stop the hy-brid system immediately. Call a Toyota
dealer for assistance.
5. If there are no obvious leaks, check the coolant reservoir. If it is dry, add
coolant to the reservoir while the hy-
brid system is running. Fill it about half
full.
CAUTION
Do not attempt to remove the radiator
cap when the hybrid system and ra-
diator are hot. Serious injury could
result from scalding hot fluid and
steam blown out under pressure.
If your hybrid system stalls
while driving If your vehicle overheats