2008 TOYOTA PRIUS Owners Manual

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2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
NOTICE
■
If you get a flat tire while driving
A flat or damaged tire may cause the following situations. Hold the steering
wheel firmly and gradually press the brake pedal to slow down the vehicle.
● It may be difficult to control your vehicle.
● The vehicle will make abnormal sounds.
● The vehicle will behave abnormally.
Replace a flat tire with a new one. ( P. 441)
■ When encountering flooded roads
Do not drive on a road that has flooded after heavy rain etc. Doing so may
cause the following serious damage to the vehicle.
● Engine stalling
● Short in electrical components
● Engine damage caused by water immersion
In the event that you drive on a flooded road and the vehicle is flooded, be
sure to have your Toyota dealer check the following.
● Brake function
● Changes in quantity and quality of engine oil, transmission fluid for the
hybrid system, etc.
● Lubricant condition for the bearings and suspension joints (where possi-
ble) and the function of all joints, bearings, etc.

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2-1. Driving procedures
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Power (ignition) switch
Modes can be switched by pressing the “POWER” switch when car-
rying the electronic key on your person. (The hybrid system can be
started in any mode by operating the switch at the same time as
depressing the brake pedal.)
■ Changing power (ignition) switch mode
OFF mode
ACCESSORY mode
Some electrical components
such as the audio system can
be used.
ON mode
All electrical components can
be used.
*: The power cannot beswitched to OFF unless the
shift lever is in “P”.
POWERPOWERPOWER
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2-1. Driving procedures
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When driving
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
■
Starting the hybrid system (vehicle with smart key system)
Check that the parking brake is set.
Turn off unnecessary lights and accessories.
Check that the shift position is set in “P”.
Sit in the driver’s seat and firmly depress the brake pedal.
Press the “POWER” switch.
After a few seconds, the
“READY” light will flash and
come on with a beep sound.
The vehicle can move when
the “READY” light is on, even if
the hybrid system is stopped.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4
POWERREADY
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STEP5

132 2-1. Driving procedures
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■Starting the hybrid system (v ehicle without smart key sys-
tem)
Check that the parking brake is set.
Turn off unnecessary lights and accessories.
Check that the shift position is set in “P”.
Insert the key into the key slot
and firmly with the brake pedal
depressed.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
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STEP4

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2-1. Driving procedures
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When driving
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
Press the “POWER” switch.
After a few seconds, the
“READY” light will flash and
come on with a beep sound.
The vehicle can move when
the “READY” light is on, even if
the hybrid system is stopped.
POWERREADY
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STEP5

134 2-1. Driving procedures
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■If the hybrid system does not start
The hybrid system immobilizer system may not have been deactivated.
(P. 81)
■ If the “READY” light does not come on
If the “READY” light does not come on when you press the power switch with
the shift lever in “P” and the brake pedal pressed, contact your Toyota dealer
immediately.
■ When the “POWER” switch in dicator flashes in amber
The system may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toy-
ota dealer immediately.
■ Auto power OFF function
The “POWER” switch will automatically turn OFF when left in ACCESSORY
mode for 1 hour or more.
■ Electronic key battery depletion
 P. 4 4
■ When the electronic key battery is discharged
 P. 396
■ Conditions affecting operation
 P. 4 2
■ Leak detection pump
Several hours after the engine is turned off, you may hear a sound coming
from underneath the luggage compartment for several minutes.
This is normal operation and does not indicate a malfunction.

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2-1. Driving procedures
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When driving
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
CAUTION
■
When starting the hybrid system
Always start the hybrid system while sitting in the driver’s seat. Do not press
the accelerator pedal while starting the hybrid system under any circum-
stances.
Doing so may cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.
■ Stopping the hybrid system in an emergency
If you want to stop the hybrid system in an emergency while driving the vehi-
cle, push and hold the “POWER” switch for more than 3 seconds.
However, do not touch the “POWER” switch while driving except in an emer-
gency.
If the hybrid system stops while the vehicle is being driven, this could lead to
an unexpected accident.
NOTICE
■To prevent 12 volt battery discharge
Do not leave the “POWER” switch in ACCESSORY or ON mode for long
periods if the hybrid system is not running.
■ When starting the hybrid system
● Do not race the hybrid system.
● If the hybrid system becomes difficult to start or stalls frequently, have the
hybrid system checked immediately.

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2-1. Driving procedures
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Transmission
Select a shift position appropriate for the driving conditions.
■Shifting the shift lever
You can operate the
shift lever only in “D”.
Keep the shift lever in
“N” for a while after you
shift it to that position.
The shift lever always
returns to this original
position after shifting
operation.
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