2008 TOYOTA PRIUS battery

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

430 5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
*1:This warning light is displayed on the touch screen.
*2:Open door warning buzzer:

(U.S.A.)
Engine oil replacement
reminder light
Illuminates for about 3 sec-
onds and then flasher for
about 15 seconds:
Engine oil is scheduled to
be changed. Check and the engine oil,
and change if necessary.
Comes on and remains:
Engine oil should be
changed. Check and change the
engine oil.

*1
Hybrid battery warning
light
The hybrid battery voltage
drops when the transmis-
sion is left in “N” position. Push the “P” position
switch.
The hybrid battery is dis-
charged. If this light comes on with
the “READY” light on in this
case, have the system
checked by your Toyota
dealer.
High coolant temperature
warning light Indicates high engine cool-
ant temperature P. 456
Master warning light A buzzer sounds and the
warning light comes on
and flashes to indicate that
the master warning system
has detected a malfunc-
tion. Take appropriate action in
accordance with the mes-
sage displayed on the multi-
information display.
Warning lightWarning light/DetailsCorrection procedure

448
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
If the hybrid system will not start
If the engine will not start even though correct starting procedures
are being followed (
P. 130), consider each of the following points.
■ The hybrid system will not start even when the starter motor
operates normally.
One of the following may be the cause of the problem.
●The electronic key battery may be discharged. ( P. 450)
● The engine may be flooded.
Try to restart the hybrid system once more following correct
starting procedures. (P. 130)
● There may be a malfunction in the immobilizer system.
( P. 8 1 )
■ The interior lights and headlight s are dim, or the horn does
not sound or sounds at a low volume
One of the following may be the cause of the problem.
● The 12 volt battery may be discharged. ( P. 451)
● The 12 volt battery terminal c onnections may be loose or cor-
roded.
■ The interior lights and headlights do not turn on, or the horn
does not sound
One of the following may be the cause of the problem.
●One or both of the 12 volt battery terminals may be discon-
nected.
● The 12 volt battery may be discharged. ( P. 451)
Contact your Toyota dealer if the problem cannot be repaired,
or if repair procedures are unknown.

450
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
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
ITY52P014
ITY52P015
■ Replacing the key battery
As this procedure is the temporary measure, it is recommended that the
electronic key battery be replaced immediately. ( P. 396)

5
When trouble arises
451
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
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
ITY52P016
STEP2

452 5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
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
ITY52P017

5
When trouble arises
453
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
■
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

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.