2007 TOYOTA PRIUS Seat

345
Never allow anyone to ride in
the luggage compartment. It is
not designed for passengers.
They should ride in their seats
with their seat belts properly
fastened. Otherwise, they are
much more likely to suffer seri-
ous bodily injury, in the event
of sudden braking or a colli-
sion.
 Do not place anything on the
luggage cover. Such items may
be thrown about and possibly
injure people in the vehicle
during sudden braking or an
accident. Secure all items in a
safe place.
 Do not drive with objects left
on top of the instrument panel.
They may interfere with the
driver’s field of view. Or they
may move during sharp vehicle
acceleration or turning, and im-
pair the driver’s control of the
vehicle. In an accident they
may injure the vehicle occu-
pants.NOTICE
Do not load the vehicle beyond the
vehicle capacity weight given in Sec-
tion 9.
Cargo capacity depends on the to-
tal weight of the occupants.
(Cargo capacity) = (Total load capac-
ity) – (Total weight of occupants)
Steps for Determining Correct
Load Limit—
(1) Locate the statement “The com-
bined weight of occupants and
cargo should never exceed XXX
kg or XXX lbs.” on your vehicle’s
placard.
(2) Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that will
be riding in your vehicle.
(3) Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from
XXX kg or XXX lbs.
—Capacity and distribution

350
1. Check the area around the vehicle be-fore entering it.
2. Adjust seat position, seatback angle, head restraint height and steering
wheel angle.
3. Adjust the inside and outside rear view mirrors.
4. Lock all doors.
5. Fasten seat belts.
When you get in the vehicle, check
whether the “READY” light is on or
not.
CAUTION
Your vehicle does not produce any
noise or vibration when the vehicle is
ready to be driven with the “READY”
light on. Move your foot carefully
from the brake pedal to the accelera-
tion pedal when driving.
1. Apply the parking brake firmly.
2. Turn off unnecessary lights and acces- sories.
3. Depress the brake pedal and hold it to the floor until driving off.
40p102b
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 two beeps
sound. (If the ambient temperature is low,
such as during winter driving conditions,
it may take time until the “READY” light
is on.)
The engine may not start even with the
“READY” light on.
Before starting the hybrid
system How to start the hybrid
system— (a) Before starting
the hybrid system
( b ) Tu rn in g on th e hyb rid
system (Using the smart
function—on some models)

351
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 battery in the luggage
compartment. However, this does not indi-
cate 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 125 for details.) or the 12 volt
battery is disconnected, 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.
 When you start the hybrid system
at a lowered outside temperature, it
may take longer before the blinking
“READY” light changes to stay on.
40p002d
Before starting the hybrid system, be sure
to follow the instructions in “(a) Before
starting the hybrid system”.
Normal starting procedure
Insert 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 two beeps
sound. (If the ambient temperature is low,
such as during winter driving conditions,
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 key)

352
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 battery in the luggage
compartment. However, this does not indi-
cate 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 125 for details.) or the 12 volt
battery is disconnected, 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.
 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

375
CAUTION
Make sure the rear seats are in
their original position.
 When carrying the flat tire, se-
cure it using a tire tiedown
belts. Otherwise, the flat tire
may fly out in case of the sud-
den braking or an accident, re-
sulting in death or serious inju-
ry.
10. Check the air pressure of the re-
placed tire.
Adjust the air pressu re to the specifi-
cation designated on page 434. If the
pressure is lower than specified, drive
slowly to the nearest Toyota dealer
and fill to the correct pressure.
Do not forget to reinstall the tire infla-
tion valve cap as dirt and moisture
c ould get int o t he valv e cor e a nd pos-
sibly cause air leakage. If the cap is
missing, have a new one put on as
soon as possible.
As soon as possible after changing
wheels, tighten the wheel nuts to the
torque specified on page 434 with a
torque wrench. Have a technician re-
pair the flat tire.
After repairing the flat tire, change it
with compact spare tire and reinstall
the wheel ornament.CAUTION
Take due care in handling the or-
nament to avoid unexpected per-
sonal injury.
—After changing wheels

386
Do not apply water—the best results are
obtained by keeping the carpet as dry as
possible. Read the shampoo instructions
and follow them closely.
Seat belts
The seat belts may be cleaned with
mild soap and water or with lukewarm
water.
Use a cloth or sponge. As you are clean-
ing, check the belts for excessive wear,
fraying, or cuts.
NOTICE
Do not use dye or bleach on the
beltsit may weaken them.
 Do not use the belts until they be-
come dry.
Windows
The windows may be cleaned with any
household window cleaner.
NOTICE
When cleaning the inside of the win-
dows, be careful not to scratch or
damage the heater wires on the rear
window.
Air conditioning control panel, audio,
instrument panel, console panel, and
switches
Use a soft damp cloth for cleaning.
Soak a clean soft cloth in water or luke-
warm water then lightly wipe off dirt.
NOTICE
Do not use organic substances (sol-
vents, kerosene, alcohol, gasoline,
etc.) or alkaline or acidic solutions.
These chemicals can cause discol-
oring, staining or peeling of the
surface.
 If you use cleaners or polishing
agents, make sure their ingredients
do not include the substances men-
tioned above.
 If you use a liquid car freshener, do
not apply the liquid onto the ve-
hicle’s interior surfaces. It may con-
tain the ingredients mentioned
above. Immediately clean any spill
using the method mentioned above.

392
INSIDE THE VEHICLE
Items listed below should be checked
regularly, e.g. while performing periodic
services, cleaning the vehicle, etc.
Lights
Make sure the headlights, stop lights, tail
lights, turn signal lights, and other lights
are all working. Check headlight aim.
Service reminder indicators and warning
buzzers
Check that all service reminder indicators
and warning buzzers function properly.
Steering wheel
Be alert for changes in steering condition,
such as hard steering or strange noise.
Seats
Check that all front seat controls such as
seat adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. op-
erate smoothly and that all latches lock
securely in any position. Check that the
head restraint move up and down smooth-
ly and that the locks hold securely in any
latched position.Seat belts
Check that the seat belt system such as
buckles, retractors and anchors operate
properly and smoothly. Make sure the belt
webbing is not cut, frayed, worn or dam-
aged.
Accelerator pedal
Check the pedal for smooth operation and
uneven pedal effort or catching.
Brake pedal
Check the pedal for smooth operation and
that the pedal has the proper clearance.
Check the brake booster function.
Brakes
In a safe place, check that the brakes do
not pull to one side when applied.
Parking brake
Check that the pedal has the proper travel
and that, on a safe incline, your vehicle
is held securely with only the parking
brake applied.
OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE
Items listed below should be performed
from time to time, unless otherwise
specified.
Fluid leaks
Check underneath for leaking fuel, oil, wa-
ter or other fluid after the vehicle has
been parked for a while. If you smell fuel
fumes or notice any leak, have the cause
found and corrected immediately.
Doors and engine hood
Check that all doors and trunk operate
smoothly and all latches lock securely.
Make sure the engine hood secondary
latch secures the hood from opening when
the primary latch is released.
Tire inflation pressure
Check the pressure with a gauge ev-
ery two weeks, or at least once a
month. See page 409 for additional
information.

441
Occupant restraint sys-tems
Toyota encourages you and your
family to take the time to read
Section 2−2 of this Owner’s Manu-
al carefully. In terms of helping
you understand how you can re-
ceive the maximum benefit of the
occupant restraint systems this ve-
hicle provides, Section 2 −2 of this
Owner ’s Manual is the most im-
portant section for you and your
family to read.
Section 2 −2 describes the function
and operation concerning seats,
seat belts, SRS airbags and child
restraint systems of this vehicle
and some potential hazards you
should be aware of. These sys-
tems work together along with the
overall structure of this vehicle in
order to provide occupant restraint
in the event of a crash. The effect
of each system is enhanced when
it is used properly and together
with other systems. No single oc-
cupant restraint system can, by it-
self, provide you or your family
with the equal level of restraint
which these systems can provide
when used together. That is why it
is important for you and your fam-
ily to understand the purpose and
proper use of each of these sys-
tems and how they relate to each
other.
The purpose of all occupant re-
straint systems is to help reduce
the possibility of death or serious
injury in the event of a collision.
None of these systems, either in-
dividually or together, can ensure
that there is no injury in the event
of collision. However, the more
you know about these systems
and how to use them properly, the
greater your chances become of
surviving an accident without death
or serious injury.
Seat belts provide the primary re-
straint to all occupants of the ve-
hicle, and every occupant of the
vehicle should wear seat belts
properly at all times. Children
should always be secured in child
restraint systems that are ap-
propriate for their age and size.
SRS (Supplemental Restraint Sys-
tem) airbags are, as their names
imply, designed to work with, and
be supplemental to, seat belts and
are not substitutes for them. SRS
airbags can be very effective in
reducing the risk of head and
chest injuries by preventing con-
tact of the head and chest with
interior portions of the vehicle.