2008 TOYOTA PRIUS tow

When trouble arises5
415
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
5-1. Essential information .... 416If your vehicle needs to be towed ............................. 416
If you think something is wrong ............................. 423
Event data recorder ......... 424
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency .................... 426
If a warning light turns on or a warning buzzer
sounds... ........................ 426
If you have a flat tire......... 438
If the hybrid system will not start ................................ 448
If you lose your keys ........ 449
If the electronic key does not operate properly....... 450
If the vehicle 12 volt battery is discharged .................. 451
If your vehicle overheats ....................... 456
If the vehicle becomes stuck .............................. 459

416
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
5-1. Essential information
If your vehicle needs to be towed
Before towingThe following may indicate a problem with your transmission. Contact
your Toyota dealer before towing.
● The hybrid system is running, but the vehicle will not move.
● The vehicle makes an abnormal sound.
Emergency towing
If a tow truck is not available, in an emergency your vehicle may be
temporarily towed using a cable or chain secured to the emergency
towing eyelet. This should only attempted on hard, surfaced roads for
short distances below 18 mph (30km/h).
A driver must be in the vehicle to steer and operate the brakes. The
vehicle’s wheels, drive train, axles, steering and brakes must be in
good condition.
If towing is necessary, we recommend having your vehicle towed by
your Toyota dealer or a commerci al towing service, using a lift-type
truck or a flat bed truck.
Use a safety chain system for all to wing, and abide by all state/pro-
vincial and local laws.
If towing from the front, the vehicle ’s rear wheel and axles must be in
good condition. ( P. 420)
If they are damaged, use a towing dolly or flat bed truck.

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

418 5-1. Essential information
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
Installing towing eyeletRemove the eyelet cover using a
flathead screwdriver.
To protect the bodywork, place a
rag between the screwdriver and
the vehicle body, as shown in the
illustration.
Insert the towing eyelet into the
hole and tighten partially by
hand.
Tighten down the towing eyelet
securely using a wheel nut
wrench.
ITY51P002
STEP1
ITY51P003
STEP2
ITY51P004
STEP3
■Location of the emer gency towing eyelet
 P. 438

5
When trouble arises
419
5-1. Essential information
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
Towing with a sling-type truck
CAUTION
■
Installing towing eyelet to the vehicle
Make sure that towing eyelet is installed securely.
If not securely installed, towing eyelet may come loose during towing. This
may lead to accidents that cause serious injury or even death.
ITY51P005
NOTICE
■To prevent body damage
Do not tow with a sling-type truck, either from the front or rear.

420 5-1. Essential information
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
Towing with a wheel lift-type truckFrom front Release the parking brake.
From rear Use a towing dolly under the
front wheel.
ITY51P006
ITY51P007

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.

438
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
If you have a flat tire
Remove the flat tire and replace it with the spare provided.
■Before jacking up the vehicle
●Stop the vehicle on a hard, flat surface.
● Set the parking brake.
● Push the “P” position switch
● Stop the engine.
● Turn on the emergency flashers.
■ Location of the spare tire, jack and tools
ITY52P001
Wheel nut
wrench
Jack handle
Jack
Towing eyelet
Spare tire