2008 TOYOTA PRIUS engine

124 2-1. Driving procedures
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
CAUTION
■When driving the vehicle
● Do not under any circumstances shift the shift lever to “R”, “N” or push the
“P” position switch while the vehicle is moving.
Doing so can cause significant damage to the transmission and may result
in a loss of vehicle control.
● Do not shift the shift lever to “N” while the vehicle is moving.
Doing so may cause the engine brake not to operate properly and lead to
an accident.
● Do not turn the hybrid system off while driving.
The power steering and brake actuator will not operate properly if the
hybrid system is not running.
● Use engine braking (“B”) to maintain a safe speed when driving down a
steep hill.
Using the brakes continuously may cause the brakes to overheat and lose
effectiveness. ( P. 136)
● When stopped on an inclined surface, use the brake pedal and parking
brake to prevent the vehicle from rolling backward or forward and causing
an accident.
● Do not adjust the position of the steering wheel, the seat, or the inside or
outside rear view mirrors while driving.
Doing so may result in a loss of vehicle control that can cause accidents
that may result in death or serious injury.
● Always check that all passengers’ arms, heads or other parts of their bod-
ies are not outside the vehicle, as this may result in death or serious injury.
● Do not drive in excess of the speed limit. Even if the legal speed limit per-
mits it, do not drive over 85 mph (140 km/h) unless your vehicle has high
speed capability tires. Driving over 85 mph (140 km/h) 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 high-speed capability
tires or not before driving at such speeds.

125
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
CAUTION
■
When driving on slippery road surfaces
● Sudden braking, acceleration and steering may cause tire slippage and
reduce your ability to control the vehicle, resulting in an accident.
● Sudden changes in engine speed, such as engine braking caused by
upshifting or down-shifting, may cause the vehicle to skid, resulting in an
accident.
● After driving through a puddle, lightly depress the brake pedal to make
sure that the brakes are functioning properly. Wet brake pads may prevent
the brakes from functioning properly. If the brakes on only one side are wet
and not functioning properly, steering control may be affected, resulting in
an accident.
■ When shifting the shift lever
Be careful not to shift the shift lever with the accelerator pedal depressed.
This may lead to unexpected rapid acceleration of the vehicle that may
cause an accident and result in death or serious injury.
■ When the vehicle is stopped
● Do not race the hybrid system.
If the vehicle is in any gear other t han “P” or “N” the vehicle may acceler-
ate suddenly and unexpectedly, and may cause an accident.
● Do not leave the vehicle with the hybrid system on for a long time.
If such a situation cannot be avoided, park the vehicle in an open space
and check that exhaust fumes do not enter the vehicle interior.
● Always keep a foot on the brake pedal while the hybrid system is running
to prevent an accident caused by the vehicle moving.

129
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.

134 2-1. Driving procedures
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
■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.

137
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
Changing shift ranges in “P” position
With the brake pedal pressed
down, push the “P” position
switch.
The “P” position is displayed on
the instrument cluster, and the
indicator on the “P” position
switch comes on.
You can only shift to other posi-
tion from “P” when the brake
pedal is depressed.
■Shift position uses
*: Shown only while in “D” position.
Shift positionFunction
PParking the vehicle or starting the hybrid system
RReversing
NNeutral
DNormal driving
BEngine braking position*
ITY21P004

138 2-1. Driving procedures
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
■Using engine brake
To use the engine braking, shift the shift lever to “B” position.
● During high speed driving, you may feel that deceleration by engine brak-
ing is less than that of a typical vehicle.
● Do not continue normal driving with the transmission in “B” for a long
time.
This may cause decreased fuel economy. To prevent this, use “D” for
normal driving.
■ Reverse warning buzzer
When shifting into “R”, a buzzer will sound to inform the driver that the shift
lever is in “R”.
■ If the system malfunctions
The following conditions, there is some problem in the system.
Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and contact your Toyota dealer.
● The indicator on the “P” position switch flashes. However, this does not
indicate a malfunction unless a warning message appears in the touch
screen.
● All frames of shift position indicators in the instrument cluster flash.
● The parking system error message appears on the touch screen.
● The instrument cluster and touch screen does not come on when the
“POWER” switch is in ON mode.

177
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
Winter driving tips
Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before driving
the vehicle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a manner appropri-
ate to the prevailing weather conditions.
■ Pre-winter preparations
●Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside tem-
peratures.
• Engine oil
• Engine coolant
• Washer fluid
● Have a service technician inspect the level and specific grav-
ity of 12 volt battery electrolyte.
● Have the vehicle fitted with four snow tires or purchase a set
of tire chains for the front tires.
Ensure that all tires are the same size and brand, and that chains
match the size of the tires.

218 3-2. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
■Operating conditions
The “POWER” switch must be in the ON mode.
CAUTION
■When the outside rear view mirror defoggers are on (vehicles with mir-
ror defoggers)
Do not touch the rear view mirror surfaces, as they can become very hot and
burn you.
NOTICE
■ To prevent 12 volt battery discharge
Turn the defoggers off when the engine is not running.