2008 TOYOTA PRIUS warning light

5
When trouble arises
439
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
■The compact spare tire
●The compact spare tire is identifi
ed by the label “TEMPORARY USE
ONLY” on the tire sidewall.
Use the compact spare tire temporarily only in an emergency.
●Make sure to check the tire inflation pressure of the compact spare
tire. ( P. 470)
■Tread life
The compact spare tire can be used many times, if necessary. It has
tread life of up to 3000 miles (4800 km) depending on road conditions
and your driving habits. When tread wear indicators appear on the tire,
replace the tire. ( P. 379)
■When using the compact spare tire
As the spare tire is not equipped with the tire pressure warning valve and
transmitter, low inflatio n pressure of the spare tire will not be warned.
Also, if you replace the compact spare tire after the tire pressure warning
light comes on, the light remains on.
■ Compact spare tire
The compact tire saves space in your luggage compartment,
and its lighter weight helps to enhance fuel economy and per-
mits easier installation in case of a flat tire.
The compact spare tire is
designed for temporary emer-
gency use only.

454 5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
■When the 12 volt battery is removed or discharged
The following systems must be initialized.
● Power windows (
P. 75)
● Tire pressure warning system (
P. 380)
● The hybrid system may not start. ( P. 448)
CAUTION
■Avoiding 12 volt battery fires or explosions
Observe the following precautions to prevent accidentally igniting the flam-
mable gas that may be emitted from the 12 volt battery.
● Make sure the jumper cable is connected to the correct terminal and that it
is not unintentionally in contact with any part other than the intended termi-
nal.
● Do not allow the jumper cables to come into contact with the “+” and “-” ter-
minals.
● Do not allow open flame or use matc hes, cigarette lighters or smoke near
the 12 volt battery.
■ 12 volt battery precautions
The 12 volt battery contains poisonous and corrosive acidic electrolyte, while
related parts contain lead and lead compounds. Observe the following pre-
cautions when handling the 12 volt battery:
● When working with the 12 volt battery, always wear safety glasses and
take care not to allow any battery fluids (acid) to come into contact with
skin, clothing or the vehicle body.
● Do not lean over the 12 volt battery.
● In the event that battery fluid comes into contact with the skin or eyes,
immediately wash the affected area with water and seek medical attention.
Place a wet sponge or cloth over the affected area until medical attention
can be received.
● Always wash your hands after handling the battery support, terminals, and
other battery-related parts.
● Do not allow children near the 12 volt battery.

456
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
If your vehicle overheats
Correction proceduresStop the vehicle in a safe place and turn off the automatic air
conditioning system.
Check to see if steam is coming out from under the hood.
If you see steam: Stop the engine and carefully lift the hood.
If you do not see steam: Leave the engine running and carefully lift the hood.
Remove the engine compartment cover. ( P. 365)
Check to see if the cooling fan is operating.
If the fan is operating: Wait until the engine coolant temperature gauge begins to
fall and then stop the engine.
If the fan is not operating: Stop the hybrid system immediately and call your local Toy-
ota dealer.
After the hybrid system has
cooled down sufficiently, check
the coolant level and inspect the
radiator core (radiator) for any
leaks.
The following may indicate that your vehicle is overheating:
The high engine coolant temperature warning light comes on:
The engine may be overheating.
Follow the correction procedure as described blow.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4
ITY52P018
STEP5

5
When trouble arises
457
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
Add coolant if required.
Water can be used in an emer-
gency measure if coolant is
unavailable. (
P. 467)
Have the vehicle checked at your nearest Toyota dealer as soon as
possible.
ITY52P019
STEP6
■Overheating
In the following situations, your vehicle may be overheating.
● High coolant temperature warning light is displayed on the touch screen.
● Steam is coming from under the hood.
CAUTION
■To prevent an accident or injury when inspecting under the hood of
your vehicle
● Keep hands and clothing away from the fan and engine drive belt while the
engine is running.
● Do not loosen the radiator cap while the engine and radiator are hot.
Serious injury, such as burns, may result from hot coolant and steam
released under pressure.

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

500
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
Alphabetical index
Alphabetical index
A/C .............................................201
ABS ...........................................170
Air conditioning systemAir conditioning filter ..............394
Automatic air conditioning system ................................201
Steering wheel climate remote control switches ......215
Airbags Airbag operating conditions.....92
Airbag precautions for your child ...................................... 96
Airbag warning light............... 427
Curtain shield airbag precautions ...........................96
Front passenger occupant classification system ...........101
General airbag precautions .....96
Locations of airbags ................89
Modification and disposal of airbags ................................100
Side airbag precautions .......... 96
Side and curtain shield airbags operating conditions..............92
SRS airbags ............................ 89
Alarm ........................................... 84
Antenna.....................................231
Armrest .....................................334
Audio input ............................... 268
Audio system Antenna .................................231
CD player/changer ................239
MP3/WMA disc......................254
Optimal use ...........................262
Portable music player............268
Radio .....................................225
Steering switches .................. 269
Automatic headlight leveling system .................................... 150
Automatic light control system .................................... 150
AUX adapter ............................. 268
Auxiliary boxes ........................327 Back-up lights
Wattage................................. 471
Back door ................................... 54 Back door ................................ 54
Wireless remote control .......... 49
Smart key system .. ................. 36
Battery Checking ............................... 375
Hybrid battery
(traction battery) ................... 26
If the vehicle 12 volt battery is discharged .......................... 451
Preparing and checking before winter ....................... 177
Bluetooth
®................................ 272
Brake Fluid ...................................... 373
Parking brake ........................ 142
Brake assist.............................. 170
Break-in tips ............................. 121
Care Exterior.................................. 346
Interior ................................... 348
Seat belts .............................. 349
Cargo capacity ......................... 173
Cargo hooks ............................. 336
CD player/changer ................... 239
Chains ....................................... 179
Child-protectors ......................... 52
Child restraint system Definition ............................... 107
Installation ............................. 110
Installing CRS with lower anchorages ......................... 114
Installing CRS with seatbelts ............................. 111
Installing CRS with top
straps .................................. 115
AB
C

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
D
E

505
Alphabetical index
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
Tires
Chains .................................. 179
Checking .............................. 379
Compact spare tire ............... 439
If you have a flat tire ............. 438
Inflation pressure .................. 470
Information ........................... 475
Pressure warning system ..... 379
Replacing ............................. 438
Rotating tires ........................ 379
Size ...................................... 470
Snow tires............................. 179
Spare tire .............................. 439
Tools......................................... 438
Total load capacity .................. 176
Touch screen ........................... 186
Towing Dinghy towing ....................... 182
Emergency towing ................ 416
Trailer towing ........................ 181
Transmission “P” position switch ................ 137
Transmission ........................ 136
Trip information......................... 27
Trip meter................................. 144
Turn signal lights Replacing light bulbs ............ 407
Switch ................................... 140
Wattage ................................ 471
Vanity lights Vanity lights .......................... 330
Wattage ................................ 471
Vanity mirrors .......................... 330
Vehicle identification number................................... 463
Vehicle load limits ................... 176
Vehicle Stability Control ......... 170 Warning buzzers
Brake system ........................426
Open door ............................429
Seat belt reminder .................429
Warning lights Anti-lock brake
system (ABS) ......................428
Brake system ........................426
Charging system .... ...............427
Electric power steering warning light........................428
Low fuel level ........................429
Malfunction indicator lamp ....427
Master warning light ..............430
Open door .............................429
Seat belt reminder light .........429
SRS airbags ..........................427
Tire pressure warning
light .....................................429
Washer Checking ...............................378
Preparing and checking before winter .......................177
Switch....................................158
Washing and waxing ...............346
Weight
Cargo capacity ......................173
Load limits .............................176
Weight ...................................462
Wheels ......................................392
Window glasses ........................75
Window lock switch ...................75
Windows Power windows .......................75
Rear window defogger ..........217
Washer ..................................158
Windshield wipers
Windshield wipers .................158
Winter driving tips ...................177
Wireless remote control key Locking/Unlocking ...................49
Replacing the battery ............396
WMA disc ..................................254
V
W