2008 TOYOTA PRIUS stop start

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2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
CAUTION
■
When starting the vehicle
Always keep your foot on the brake pedal while stopped with the hybrid sys-
tem running. This prevents the vehicle from creeping.
■ When driving the vehicle
● Do not drive if you are unfamiliar with the location of the brake and accel-
erator pedals to avoid depressing the wrong pedal.
• Accidentally depressing the accelerator pedal instead of the brake
pedal will result in sudden acceleration that may lead to an accident
that could result in death or serious injury.
• When backing up, you may twist your body around, leading to a diffi- culty in operating the pedals. Make sure to operate the pedals properly.
• Make sure to keep a correct driving posture even when moving the vehicle only slightly, allowing you to depress the brake and accelerator
pedals properly.
• Depress the brake pedal using your right foot. Depressing the brake pedal using your left foot may delay response in an emergency, result-
ing in an accident.
● The driver should pay attention to pedestrians when the vehicle is pow-
ered only by the electric motor (traction motor). Because there is no hybrid
system sounds, the pedestrians may misjudge the vehicle’s movement.
● Do not drive the vehicle over or st op the vehicle near flammable materials.
The exhaust system and exhaust gases can be extremely hot. this may
cause a fire if there is any flammable material nearby.
● Do not let the vehicle roll backwards while the shift lever is in a driving
position, or roll forward while the shift lever is in “R”.
Doing so may cause the hybrid system not to operate or lead to poor
brake and steering performance, resulting in an accident or damage to the
vehicle.
● If the smell of exhaust is noticed inside the vehicle, open the windows and
check that the back door is closed. Large amounts of exhaust in the vehi-
cle can cause driver drowsiness and an accident, resulting in death or a
serious health hazard. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer
immediately.

131
2-1. Driving procedures
2
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
ITY21P002
STEP5

135
2-1. Driving procedures
2
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.

171
2-4. Using other
driving systems
2
When driving
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
■Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, BA and Enhanced VSC
● A sound may be heard from the hybrid system compartment when the
hybrid system is started or just after the vehicle begins to move. This
sound does not indicate that a malfunction has occurred in any of these
systems.
● Any of the following conditions may occur when the above systems are
operating. None of these indicates that a malfunction has occurred.
• Vibrations may be felt through the vehicle body and steering.
• A motor sound may be heard after the vehicle comes to a stop.
• The brake pedal may pulsate slightly after the ABS is activated.
• The brake pedal may move down slightly after the ABS is activated.
■ Reduced effectiveness of EPS
The effectiveness of EPS is reduced to prevent the system from overheating
when there is frequent steering input over an extended period of time. The
steering wheel may feel heavy as a result. Should this occur, refrain from
excessive steering input or stop the vehicle and turn the hybrid system OFF.
The system should return to normal within 10 minutes.

363
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
CAUTION
■
When raising your vehicle
Make sure to observe the following to reduce the possibility of death or seri-
ous injury.
● Do not use the floor jack that was supplied with your vehicle.
● Do not put any part of your body or get underneath the vehicle supported
only by the floor jack.
Always use automotive jack stands or a solid, level, surface.
● Do not start the hybrid system while the vehicle is supported by the floor
jack.
● Stop the vehicle on level firm ground, firmly set the parking brake and push
the “P” position switch.
● Make sure to set the jack properly at the jack point.
Raising the vehicle with an improperly positioned jack will damage the
vehicle and may cause the vehicle to fall off the jack.
● Do not raise the vehicle while someone is in the vehicle.
● When raising the vehicle, do not place any objects on top of or underneath
the jack.
●Lift up the vehicle using a floor jack
such as the one shown in the illustra-
tion.

5
When trouble arises
459
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
If the vehicle becomes stuck
CAUTION
■When attempting to free a stuck vehicle
If you choose to rock the vehicle back and forth to free it, make sure the sur-
rounding area is clear, to avoid striking other vehicles, objects or persons.
The vehicle may also lunge forward or lunge back suddenly as it becomes
free. Use extreme caution.
■ 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.
NOTICE
■To avoid damaging the transmission and other components
● Avoid spinning the wheels.
● If the vehicle remains stuck after trying these procedures, the vehicle may
require towing to be freed.
Carry out the following procedures if the tires spin or the vehicle
becomes stuck in mud, dirt, or snow.
Stop the hybrid system. Set t he parking brake and push the
“P” position switch.
Remove the mud, snow, or sand from around the stuck tire.
Place wood, stones or some other material to help provide
traction under the tires.
Restart the hybrid system.
Carefully apply the accelerator to free the vehicle.STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4
STEP5