2008 TOYOTA PRIUS fuel

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2
When driving
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
2-2. Instrument cluster
Gauges and meters
The following gauges and meters illuminate when the “POWER”
switch is in ON mode.
Shift position indicator
Displays the shift position
Speedometer
Displays the vehicle speed.
Fuel gauge
Displays the quantity of fuel remaining in the tank.
Odometer
Displays the total distance the vehicle has been driven.
Trip meter
Displays the distance the vehicle has been driven since the meter was
last reset. Trip meters A and B can be used to record and display differ-
ent distances independently.

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When driving
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2-5. Driving information
Cargo and luggage
Capacity and distributionCargo capacity depends on the total weight of the occupants.
(Cargo capacity) = (Total load capa city) — (Total weight of occupants)
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit—
(1) Locate the statement “The co mbined weight of occupants and
cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your vehi-
cle’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.
(4) The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage load capacity.
For example, if the “XXX” amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will
be five 150 lb passengers in your vehicle, the amount of avail-
able cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs. (1400 - 750 (5
 150) = 650 lbs.)
(5) Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on the vehicle.
That weight may not safely ex ceed the available cargo and lug-
gage load capacity calculated in Step 4.
Take notice of the following information about storage precau-
tions, cargo capacity and load.
● Stow cargo and luggage in the back door whenever possible.
Be sure all items are secured in place.
● Be careful to keep the vehicle le vel. Placing the weight as far
forward as possible helps maintain vehicle balance.
● For better fuel economy, do no t carry unnecessary weight.

206 3-2. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
Adjusting the position of and opening and closing the air outlets
Front outlets Direct air flow to the left or
right, up or down
Turn the knob to open or close
the vent
ITY32P008
■Using the automatic mode
Fan speed is adjusted automatically in accordance with the temperature set-
ting and ambient conditions. As a result, the following may occur.
● The system may switch automatically to recirculated mode when the
coolest temperature setting is selected in summer.
● Immediately after the switch is pressed, the fan may stop for a while until
warm or cool air is ready to flow.
■ Using the system in recirculated air mode
The windows will fog up more easily if the recirculated air mode is used for
an extended period.
■ Window defogger feature
Recirculated air mode may automatically switch to
(outside air) mode
in situations where the windows need to be defogged.
■ Outside temperature approaches 32 F (0 C).
The air conditioning system may not operate even when is touched.
■ 2-way air intake control
To improve fuel economy, OUTSIDE AIR mode control changes when the air
intake selector is set in OUTSIDE AIR on the following conditions:
● When the maximum heating is needed with the air flow in “Floor” or
“Floor/Windshield”, fresh air flows in the upper compartment, while air is
recirculated in the lower compartment.
● When cooling is needed, both fresh and recirculate modes turns on.

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3-2. Using the air conditioning system
and defogger
3
Interior features
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
Adjusting the position of and opening and closing the air outlets
Front outlets Direct air flow to the left or
right, up or down
Turn the knob to open or close
the vent
ITY32P008
■Using the automatic mode
Fan speed is adjusted automatically in accordance with the temperature set-
ting and ambient conditions. As a result, the following may occur.
● The system may switch automatically to recirculated mode when the
coolest temperature setting is selected in summer.
● Immediately after the switch is pressed, the fan may stop for a while until
warm or cool air is ready to flow.
■ Using the system in recirculated air mode
The windows will fog up more easily if the recirculated air mode is used for
an extended period.
■ Window defogger feature
Recirculated air mode may automatically switch to
(outside air) mode
in situations where the windows need to be defogged.
■ Outside temperatur e approaches 32F (0 C).
The air conditioning system may not operate even when is touched.
■ 2-way air intake control
To improve fuel economy, OUTSIDE AIR mode control changes when the air
intake selector is set in OUTSIDE AIR on the following conditions:
● When the maximum heating is needed with the air flow in “Floor” or
“Floor/Windshield”, fresh air flows in the upper compartment, while air is
recirculated in the lower compartment.
● When cooling is needed, both fresh and recirculate modes turns on.

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PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
4-1. Maintenance and care
Cleaning and protecting the vehicle’s exterior
■Automatic car washes
● Fold the mirrors back before washing the vehicle.
● Brushes used in automatic car washes may scratch the vehicle surface
and harm your vehicle’s paint.
■ High pressure automatic car washes
Do not allow the nozzles of the car wash to come within close proximity of
the windows. Before entering an automatic car wash, check that the fuel filler
door is closed.
■ Aluminum wheels
Remove any dirt immediately by using a neutral detergent. Do not use hard
brushes or abrasive cleaners. Do not use strong or harsh chemical cleaners.
Use the same mild detergent and wax as used on the paint.
■ Bumpers and side moldings
Do not scrub with abrasive cleaners.
Perform the following to protect the vehicle and maintain it in prime
condition.
● Working from top to bottom, liber ally apply water to the vehicle
body, wheel wells and underside of the vehicle to remove any
dirt and dust.
Wash the vehicle body using a sponge or soft cloth, such as a cham-
ois.
● For hard-to-remove marks, use car wash soap and rinse thor-
oughly with water.
● Wipe away any water.
● Wax the vehicle when the waterproof coating deteriorates.
If water does not bead on a clean surface, apply wax when
the vehicle body is cool.

352 4-2. Maintenance
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■Allow inspection and repairs to be performed by a Toyota dealer
● Toyota technicians are well-trained specialists and are kept up to date
with the latest service information. They are well informed about the
operations of all systems on your vehicle.
● Keep a copy of the repair order. It proves that the maintenance that has
been performed is under warranty coverage. If any problem should arise
while your vehicle is under warranty, your Toyota dealer will promptly
take care of it.
CAUTION
■Hazardous materials
● Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and a wide variety of automobile
components contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to
cause cancer and birth defects and other reproductive harm. Work in a
well ventilated area.
● Oils, fuels and fluids contained in vehicles as well as waste produced by
component wear contain or emit chemicals known to the State of Califor-
nia to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Avoid
exposure and wash any affected area immediately.
● 12 volt battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and
lead compounds which are known to cause brain damage. Wash your
hands after handling. ( P. 375)
● Used engine oil contains chemicals that have been shown to cause cancer
in laboratory animals. Avoid prolonged and repeated contact. Always pro-
tect your skin by washing thoroughly with soap and water.

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4-2. Maintenance
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Emission inspection and maintenance (I/M) programs
Some states have vehicle emission inspection programs which
include OBD (On Board Diagnostics) checks. The OBD system moni-
tors the operation of th e emission control system.
■If the malfunction indicator lamp comes on
The OBD system determines that a problem exists somewhere
in the emission control system. Your vehicle may not pass the I/
M test and may need to be repaired. Contact your Toyota dealer
to service the vehicle.
■ Your vehicle may not pass the I/M test:
●When the 12 volt battery is disconnected or discharged
Readiness codes that are se t during ordinary driving are
erased.
Also, depending on your driving habits, the readiness codes
may not be completely set.
● When the fuel tank cap is loose
The malfunction indicator lamp comes on as a temporary mal-
function and your vehicle may not pass the I/M test.
■ When the malfunction indicator lamp goes off after several
driving trips
The error code in the OBD system will not be cleared unless the
vehicle is driven 40 or more times.
■ If your vehicle does not pass the I/M test
Contact your Toyota dealer to prepare the vehicle for re-testing.

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
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CAUTION
The engine compartment contains many mechanisms and fluids that may
move suddenly, become hot, or become electrically energized. To avoid death
or serious injury.
■
When working on the engine compartment:
● Keep hands, clothing, and tools away from the moving fan and engine
drive belt.
● Be careful not to touch the engine, inverter, radiator, exhaust manifold, etc.
right after driving as they may be hot. Oil and other fluids may also be hot.
● Do not leave anything that may burn easily, such as paper or rags, in the
engine compartment.
● Do not smoke, cause sparks or expose an open flame to fuel or the 12 volt
battery. Fuel and 12 volt battery fumes are flammable.
● Be extremely cautious when working on the 12 volt battery. It contains poi-
sonous and corrosive sulfuric acid.
● Never touch, disassemble, remove or replace the high voltage parts,
cables and their connectors. It can cause severe burns or electric shock
that may result in death or serious injury.
● When the hybrid system is operating with the “READY” light on, the engine
may suddenly start in some cases. When you inspect the engine compart-
ment, be sure to turn off the hybrid system.
■ When working near the electric cooling fan or radiator grille
Be sure the “POWER” switch is OFF.
With the “POWER” switch in ON mode, the electric cooling fan may automat-
ically start to run if the air conditioning is on and/or the coolant temperature
is high. ( P. 373)
■ Safety glasses
Wear safety glasses to prevent flying or falling material, fluid spray, etc. from
getting in the eyes.