2008 TOYOTA PRIUS power steering

5
When trouble arises
417
5-1. Essential information
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
Towing eyelet
ITY51P001
■
Emergency towin g procedure
Release the parking brake.
Put the shift lever in “N”.
Turn the “POWER” switch to ACCESSORY (hybrid system off) or
ON mode hybrid system operating).
CAUTION
■ While towing
● Use extreme caution when towing the vehicle.
Avoid sudden starts or erratic driving maneuvers which place excessive
stress on the emergency towing eyelet and the cable or chain.
● If the hybrid system is not running, the power assist for the brakes and
steering will not function, making steering and braking more difficult.
NOTICE
■To prevent causing serious dama ge to the transmission
Never tow this vehicle from the rear with the four wheels on the ground. This
may cause serious damage to the transmission.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3

5
When trouble arises
421
5-1. Essential information
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
NOTICE
■
To prevent causing serious da mage to the transmission
Never tow this vehicle with any of the wheels in contact with the ground.
■ To prevent damaging the vehicle
● Do not tow the vehicle with the “POWER” switch OFF.
The steering lock mechanism is not strong enough to hold the front wheel
straight.
● When raising the vehicle, ensure adequate ground clearance for towing at
the opposite end of the raised vehicle. Without adequate clearance, the
vehicle could be damaged while being towed.

428 5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
Warning lightWarning light/Details
Vehicle stability control system warning light (if
equipped)
Indicates a malfunction in the Enhanced VSC system.

*1
Automatic headlight leveling system warning light (if
equipped) Indicates a malfunction in the automatic headlight level-
ing system.

(U.S.A.)

(Canada)
ABS warning lightMalfunction in:
• The ABS; or
• The brake assist system.
Brake system warning light (yellow indicator) Malfunction in the electronically controlled brake sys-
tem.

*1
or
*1
Electric power steering system warning lightMalfunction in the EPS (Electric Power Steering).

5
When trouble arises
433
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
■
If the malfunction indicator lamp comes on while driving
First check the following:
● Is your vehicle low on gas?
If it is, refuel the vehicle immediately.
● Is the fuel tank cap loose?
If it is, tighten it securely.
The light will go off after taking several driving trips.
If the light does not go off even after several trips, contact your Toyota dealer
as soon as possible.
■ Power steering warning light
When the voltage is low or drops, the power steering warning light may
come on.
■ SRS warning light
This warning light system monitors the following:
● The airbag sensor assembly
● Front airbag sensors
● The curtain shield airbag sensors
● The side and curtain shield airbag sensor assemblies
● The driver’s seat position sensor
● Driver’s seat belt buckle switch
● The front passenger occupant classification ECU
● The pressure sensor
● The belt tension sensor
● “AIR BAG ON” and “AIR BA G OFF” indicator lights
● Front passenger’s seat belt buckle switch
● The inflators
● The warning light
● The interconnecting wiring and power sources

5
When trouble arises
435
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
■If the tire pressure warning light comes on after blinking for 1
minute frequently
If the tire pressure warning light comes on after blinking for 1 minute fre-
quently when the “POWER” switch
is turned to ON mode, have it
checked by your Toyota dealer.
NOTICE
■Precaution when installing a different tire
When a tire of a different specification or maker is installed, the tire pres-
sure warning system may not operate properly.
CAUTION
■When the power steering warning light comes on
The steering wheel may become extremely heavy.
If the steering wheel becomes heavier than usual when operating, firmly
hold and operate it using more force than usual.
■
If the tire pressure warning light comes on
Be sure to observe the following precautions. Failure to do so could
cause loss of vehicle control and result in death or serious injury. • Stop your vehicle in a safe place as soon as possible. Adjust thetire inflation pressure immediately.
• If the tire pressure warning light comes on even after tire inflation pressure adjustment, it is probable that you have a flat tire. Check
the tires. If the tire is flat, change to the spare tire and have the flat
tire repaired by the nearest Toyota dealer.
• Avoid abrupt maneuvering and brak ing. If the vehicle tires deterio-
rate, you could lose control of th e steering wheel or the brakes.
■If a blowout or sudden air loss should occur
The tire pressure warning system may not activate immediately.

481
6-1. Specifications
6
Vehicle specifications
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
Warning: The temperature grades for this tire are established for a
tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded.
Excessive speed, underinflation, or
excessive loading, either sepa-
rately or in combination, can caus e heat buildup and possible tire fail-
ure.
Glossary of tire terminology
Tire related termMeaning
Cold tire inflation
pressure Tire pressure when the vehicle has been
parked for three hours or more, or has not
been driven more than 1 mile or 1.5 km under
that condition
Maximum inflation
pressure The maximum cold inflated
pressure to which a
tire may be inflated, s hown on the sidewall of
the tire
Recommended
inflation pressure Cold tire inflation pressure recommended by a
manufacturer.
Accessory weight The combined weight (in excess of those stan-
dard items which may be replaced) of trans-
mission, power steering, power brakes, power
windows, power seats, radio and heater, to the
extent that these items
are available as factory-
installed equipment (whether installed or not)
Curb weight The weight of a motor vehicle with standard
equipment, including the maximum capacity of
fuel, oil and coolant, and if so equipped, air
conditioning and additional weight optional
engine
Maximum loaded
vehicle weight The sum of:
(a) Curb weight
(b) Accessory weight
(c) Vehicle capacity weight
(d) Production options weight
Normal occupant
weight 150 lb. (68 kg) times the number of occupants
specified in the second column of Table 1
* that
follows

498
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
Abbreviation list
Abbreviation/Acronym list
ABBREVIATIONSMEANING
A/C Air Conditioning
ABS Anti-lock Brake System
ACC Accessory
ALR Automatic Locking Retractor
CRS Child Restraint System
ECU Electronic Control Unit
EDR Event Data Recorder
ELR Emergency Locking Retractor
EPS Electronic Power Steering
GAWR Gross Axle Weight Ratings
I/M Emission inspection and maintenance
LED Light Emitting Diode
MMT Methylcy clopentadienyl Manganese Tricarbonyl
M + S Mud and Snow
MTBE Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether
OBD On Board Diagnostics
SRS Supplemental Restraint System
TIN Tire Identification Number
TPMS Tire Pressure Monitoring (Warning) System
VIN Vehicle Identification Number
VSC Vehicle Stability Control

501
Alphabetical index
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
Child safety
Airbag precautions ................. 96
Child restraint system ........... 107
Child-protectors ...................... 52
How your child should wear the seatbelt .......................... 67
Installing child restraints ....... 110
Power window lock switch ...... 75
Power window precautions..... 77
Removed electronic key battery precautions ........................ 397
Seat belt precautions.............. 68
Back door ............................... 56
Cleaning Exterior ................................. 346
Interior .................................. 348
Seat belts ............................. 349
Clock ........................................ 331
Condenser ............................... 373
Console box............................. 323
Cooling system Hybrid system overheating ... 456
Cruise control Cruise control ....................... 164
Cup holders ............................. 325
Curtain shield airbags .............. 89
Customizable features ............ 488
Daytime running light system ................................... 151
Defogger Rear window......................... 217
Side mirror ............................ 217
Dimension ................................ 462
Dinghy towing ......................... 182
Display Touch screen........................ 186
Trip information ...................... 27
Do-it-yourself maintenance .... 357
Door courtesy lights ............... 318
Door pocket ............................. 326 Doors
Door lock .....................36, 49, 51
Rear door child protector.........52
Driver’s seat belt reminder light .........................................429
Driving
break-in tips...........................121
Correct posture .......................87
Procedures ............................120
Winter driving tips..................177
Electronic key Replacing battery ..................396
When the electronic key battery is discharged.......................450
Electric Power Steering ...........170
Emergency, in case of
If a warning light turns on ......426
If the electronic key does not operate properly..................450
If the hybrid system will not
start .....................................448
If the 12 volt battery is discharged .........................451
If you have a flat tire .............438
If you lose your keys .............449
If you think something is wrong ..................................423
If your vehicle becomes stuck ...................................459
If your vehicle needs to be towed ..................................416
If your vehicle overheats .......456
Engine Compartment ........................364
Hood......................................361
How to start the hybrid system ................................130
If the hybrid system will
not start ...............................448
Overheating...........................456
“POWER” switch ...................130
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