2008 TOYOTA PRIUS Owners Manual

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When trouble arises
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5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
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If you lose your keys
New genuine Toyota keys can be made by your Toyota dealer using
master key and the key number stamped on your key number plate.

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5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
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If the electronic key does not operate properly
Locking and unlocking the doorsUsing the mechanical key in
order to perform the following
operations:Locks all doors
Unlocks the door
Turning the key rearward unlocks
the driver’s door. Turning the key
once again unlocks the other
doors.
Starting the hybrid system
To start the hybrid system, insert
the key into the key slot.
( P. 132)
If the electronic key 12 volt batter y is discharged, the doors can be
opened by the mechanical key. The engine system can be still
started by following the procedure.
21
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■ Replacing the key battery
As this procedure is the temporary measure, it is recommended that the
electronic key battery be replaced immediately. ( P. 396)

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When trouble arises
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5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
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If the vehicle 12 volt batter y is discharged
The following procedures may be used to start the engine if the vehi-
cle’s 12 volt battery is discharged.
You can call your Toyota dealer, or qualified repair shop.
If you have a set of jumper (or booster) cables and a second vehi-
cle with a 12 volt battery, you can jump start your Toyota following
the steps below.
Open the hood and fuse block cover.
Open the exclusive jump start-
ing terminal cover.
STEP1
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STEP2

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Connecting the jumper cables.
Exclusive jump starting terminal on your vehicle.
Positive (+) battery terminal on the second vehicle.
Negative (-) battery terminal on the second vehicle.
Connect the jumper cable to ground on your vehicle as shown in
the illustration.STEP3
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■
Starting the hybrid system when the battery is discharged
The hybrid system cannot be started by push-starting.
■ Avoiding a discharged 12 volt battery
● Turn off the headlights and the audio system while the hybrid system is
turned off.
● Turn off any unnecessary electrical components when the vehicle is run-
ning at a low speed for an extended period, such as in heavy traffic, etc.
Start the engine of the second vehicle. Increase the engine
speed slightly and maintain at that level for approximately
five minutes to recharge the 12 volt battery of your vehicle.
Open and close any of the doors with the “POWER” switch
OFF.
Maintain the engine speed on the second vehicle and turn
the “POWER” switch to the ON mode, then start the vehi-
cle’s engine.
Make sure the “READY” light comes on. If the “READY”
light will not come on and the hybrid system will not start
after you recharge the battery, do the following procedure.
Turn the hybrid system off. Open and close the driver’s
door. Then push the “POWER” switch briefly and firmly. If
the light does not come on, contact your Toyota dealer.
Once the vehicle’s engine has started, remove the jumper
cables in the exact reverse order in which they were con-
nected.
Once the engine starts, have the vehicle checked at your Toyota
dealer as soon as possible.STEP4
STEP5
STEP6
STEP7
STEP8

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■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.

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NOTICE
■
To prevent damaging the vehicle
● Do not pull- or push-start the vehicle, because the three-way catalytic con-
verter may overheat and become a fire hazard.
● The exclusive jump starting terminal is to be used when charging the 12
volt battery from another vehicle in an emergency. It cannot be used to
jump start another vehicle.
■ When handling jumper cables
Be careful that the jumper cables do not become tangled in the cooling fan
or any of the belts when connecting or disconnecting them.

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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
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STEP5