2008 TOYOTA PRIUS ABS

149
2-2. Instrument cluster
2
When driving
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
CAUTION
■
If a safety system warning light does not come on
Should a safety system light such as ABS and the SRS airbag warning light
not come on when you start the hybrid system, this could mean that these
systems are not available to help protect you in an accident, which could
result in death or serious injury. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota
dealer immediately if this occurs.
■ Warning lights
Warning lights inform the driver of malfunctions in the indicated
vehicle’s systems. ( P. 426)
*: These lights turn on when the “POWER” switch is turned to ON mode
to indicate that a system check is being performed. They will turn off
after the hybrid system is started is on, or after a few seconds. There
may be a malfunction in a system if the lights do not come on, or turn
off. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer.
(U.S.A.)(Canada) redyellow(if equipped)
(U.S.A.)(Canada)
(U.S.A.)
(if equipped)
******
****
*
*

170
2-4. Using other driving systems
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
Driving assist systems
When the Enhanced VSC is operatingIf the vehicle is in danger of slip-
ping or the front wheels spin, the
indicator flashes to indicate that
the Enhanced VSC have been
engaged.
A buzzer (intermittent) sounds to
indicate that Enhanced VSC is
operating.
The slip indicator light flashes as
well when ABS is operating.
To help enhance driving safety and performance, the following sys-
tems operate automatically in res ponse to various driving situations.
Be aware, however, that these systems are supplementary and
should not be relied upon too h eavily when operating the vehicle.
■ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
Helps to prevent wheel lock when the brakes are applied suddenly, or if
the brakes are applied while driving on a slippery road surface.
■Brake Assist
Generates an increased level of braking force after the brake pedal is
depressed, when the system detects a panic stop situation.
■Enhanced VSC (Vehicle Stab ility Control) (If equipped)
Helps the driver to control skidding when swerving suddenly or turning
on slippery road surfaces.
■EPS (Electric Power Steering)
Employs an electric motor to reduce the amount of effort needed to turn
the steering wheel.
ITY24P010

171
2-4. Using other
driving systems
2
When driving
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
■Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, BA and Enhanced VSC
● A sound may be heard from the hybrid system compartment when the
hybrid system is started or just after the vehicle begins to move. This
sound does not indicate that a malfunction has occurred in any of these
systems.
● Any of the following conditions may occur when the above systems are
operating. None of these indicates that a malfunction has occurred.
• Vibrations may be felt through the vehicle body and steering.
• A motor sound may be heard after the vehicle comes to a stop.
• The brake pedal may pulsate slightly after the ABS is activated.
• The brake pedal may move down slightly after the ABS is activated.
■ Reduced effectiveness of EPS
The effectiveness of EPS is reduced to prevent the system from overheating
when there is frequent steering input over an extended period of time. The
steering wheel may feel heavy as a result. Should this occur, refrain from
excessive steering input or stop the vehicle and turn the hybrid system OFF.
The system should return to normal within 10 minutes.

172 2-4. Using other driving systems
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
CAUTION
■The ABS does not operate effectively when
● The limits of tire gripping performance have been exceeded.
● The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on the wet or slick
road.
■ Stopping distance when the ABS is ope rating on the wet or slick roads
The ABS is not designed to shorten the vehicle’s stopping distance. Always
maintain a sufficient distance from the vehicle in front of you in the following
situations.
● When driving on dirt, gravel or snow-covered roads
● When driving with tire chains
● When driving over bumps in the road
● When driving over roads with potholes or roads with uneven pavement
■ When the Enhanced VSC is activated
The slip indicator light flashes and a warning buzzer sounds. Always drive
carefully.
Reckless driving may cause an accident. Exercise particular care when the
indicator light flashes and a buzzer sounds.
■ Replacing tires
Make sure that all tires are of the same size, brand, tread pattern and total
load capacity. In addition, make sure that the tires are inflated to the speci-
fied tire pressure level.
The ABS and Enhanced VSC will not function correctly if different tires are
fitted on the vehicle.
Contact your Toyota dealer for further information when replacing tires or
wheels.

265
3-3. Using the audio system
3
Interior features
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
■
Trademark owned by SRS Labs, Inc.
The audio systems utilize SRS FOCUS
 and SRS TruBass audio
enhancement technologies, under license from SRS Labs, Inc., in all mode
except AM radio mode.
FOCUS, TruBass, SRS and
 symbols are trademarks of SRS
Labs, Inc.
FOCUS and TruBass technologies are incorporated under license from
SRS Labs, Inc.

267
3-3. Using the audio system
3
Interior features
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
*: The sound quality level is adjusted individually in each radio or CD mode.
■
Trademark owned by SRS Labs, Inc.
The audio systems utilize SRS FOCUS
 and SRS TruBass audio
enhancement technologies, under license from SRS Labs, Inc., in all mode
except AM radio mode.
FOCUS, TruBass, SRS and
 symbols are trademarks of SRS
Labs, Inc.
FOCUS and TruBass technologies are incorporated under license from
SRS Labs, Inc.
Sound quality modeDisplayLevelTo u c h
High-pitched tones
*-5 to 5
or
Low-pitched tones
*-5 to 5
Front/rear
volume balance F7 to R7 or
Left/right volume balance L7 to R7 or

374 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
■Brake fluid can absorb moisture from the air
Excess moisture in the fluid can cause a dangerous loss of braking effi-
ciency. Use only newly opened brake fluid.
CAUTION
■When filling the reservoir
Take care because brake fluid can harm your hands or eyes and damage
painted surfaces.
If fluid gets in your eyes, flush your eyes with clean water immediately.
If you still experience discomfort, see a doctor.
NOTICE
■If the fluid level is low or high
It is normal for the brake fluid level to go down slightly as the brake pads
wear or when the fluid level in the accumulator is high.
If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, it may indicate a serious problem.

398
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
Checking and replacing fuses
If any of the electrical components do not operate, a fuse may have
blown. If this happens, check and replace the fuses as necessary.
Turn the “POWER” switch to OFF mode.
Remove the engine compartment cover if necessary.
P. 365
Open the fuse box cover.
Engine compartment
Push the tabs in and lift the lid
off.
Driver’s side instrument panel Remove the lid.STEP1
STEP2
STEP3