2008 TOYOTA PRIUS VSC

165
2-4. Using other
driving systems
2
When driving
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
■Cruise control can be set when
● The shift lever is in the “D” range.
● Vehicle speed is between approximately 25 mph (40 km/h) and 125 mph
(200 km/h).
■ Accelerating
The vehicle can be accelerated normally. After acceleration, the set speed
resumes.
■ Automatic cruise control cancelation
The set speed is automatically canceled in any of the following situations.
● Actual vehicle speed falls more than 10 mph (16 km/h) below the preset
vehicle speed
● Actual vehicle speed is below 25 mph (40 km/h)
● Enhanced VSC is activated
■ If the cruise control indicator light flashes
Turn the “ON-OFF” button off once, and then reactivate the system.
If the cruise control speed cannot be set or if the cruise control cancels
immediately after being activated, there may be a malfunction in the cruise
control system. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer.
■ Canceling and resuming regular acceleration
Cancel
Push the lever towards you to
cancel cruise control.
The setting is also canceled
when the brake pedal is
depressed.
Resume
To resume cruise control and
return to the set speed, push
the lever up.

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.

428 5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
Warning lightWarning light/Details
Vehicle stability control system warning light (if
equipped)
Indicates a malfunction in the Enhanced VSC system.

*1
Automatic headlight leveling system warning light (if
equipped) Indicates a malfunction in the automatic headlight level-
ing system.

(U.S.A.)

(Canada)
ABS warning lightMalfunction in:
• The ABS; or
• The brake assist system.
Brake system warning light (yellow indicator) Malfunction in the electronically controlled brake sys-
tem.

*1
or
*1
Electric power steering system warning lightMalfunction in the EPS (Electric Power Steering).

446 5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
CAUTION
■When using the spare tire
●Remember that your spare tire is specifically designed for use with
your vehicle. Do not use your spare tire on another vehicle.
●Do not use two spare tires simultaneously.
●Replace the spare tire with a standard tire as soon as possible.
●Avoid sudden acceleration, deceleration and braking, as well as sharp
cornering.
■Speed limit when using the compact spare tire
Do not drive at speeds in excess of 50 mph (80 km/h) when a compact
spare tire is installed on the vehicle.
The compact spare tire is not designed for driving at high speeds. Failing
to observe this precaution may lead to an accident.
■When the spare tire is attached
The vehicle speed may not be correctly detected, and the following sys-
tems may not operate correctly:
●ABS & Brake assist
●Enhanced VSC
●Navigation system

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