2008 TOYOTA PRIUS run flat

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4-2. Maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
Vehicle exterior
ItemsCheck points
Doors • Operate smoothly?
Engine hood • The lock system works properly?
Fluid leaks • Is there any leakage after parking?
Tire• Inflation pressure is correct?
• Tire surfaces not worn or damaged?
• Tires rotated according to the mainte-
nance schedule?
• Wheel nuts are not loose?
CAUTION
■ If the hybrid system is running
Turn off the hybrid system and ensure that there is adequate ventilation
before performing maintenance checks.

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PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
5-1. Essential information
If your vehicle needs to be towed
Before towingThe following may indicate a problem with your transmission. Contact
your Toyota dealer before towing.
● The hybrid system is running, but the vehicle will not move.
● The vehicle makes an abnormal sound.
Emergency towing
If a tow truck is not available, in an emergency your vehicle may be
temporarily towed using a cable or chain secured to the emergency
towing eyelet. This should only attempted on hard, surfaced roads for
short distances below 18 mph (30km/h).
A driver must be in the vehicle to steer and operate the brakes. The
vehicle’s wheels, drive train, axles, steering and brakes must be in
good condition.
If towing is necessary, we recommend having your vehicle towed by
your Toyota dealer or a commerci al towing service, using a lift-type
truck or a flat bed truck.
Use a safety chain system for all to wing, and abide by all state/pro-
vincial and local laws.
If towing from the front, the vehicle ’s rear wheel and axles must be in
good condition. ( P. 420)
If they are damaged, use a towing dolly or flat bed truck.

5
When trouble arises
423
5-1. Essential information
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
If you think something is wrong
If you notice any of the following symptoms, your vehicle probably
needs adjustment or repair. Contact your Toyota dealer as soon as
possible.
■ Visible symptoms
●Fluid leaks under the vehicle
(Water dripping from the air cond itioning after use is normal.)
● Flat-looking tires or uneven tire wear
● Engine coolant temperature displa y indicates that the temper-
ature is higher than normal. ( P. 146)
■ Audible symptoms
●Changes in exhaust sound
● Excessive tire squeal when cornering
● Strange noises related to the suspension system
● Pinging or other noises related to the hybrid system
■ Operational symptoms
●Engine missing, stumbling or running rough
● Appreciable loss of power
● Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when braking
● Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when driving on a level road
● Loss of brake effectiveness, s pongy feeling, pedal almost
touches the floor

5
When trouble arises
445
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
CAUTION
■Using the tire jack
Improper use of the tire jack may lead to death or injuries due to the
vehicle suddenly falling off the jack.
●Do not use the tire jack for any pu
rpose other than replacing tires or
installing and removing tire chains.
●Only use the tire jack that comes wi th this vehicle for replacing a flat
tire.
Do not use it on other vehicles, and do not use other tire jacks for
replacing tires on this vehicle.
●Always check that the tire jack is securely set to the jack point.
●Do not raise the vehicle while someone is in it.
●When raising the vehicle, do not put an object on or under the jack.
●Do not raise the vehicle to a hei ght greater than that required to
replace the tire.
●Use a jack stand if it is necessary to get under the vehicle.
●Do not put any part of your body under the vehicle supported by a jack.
●Do not start or run the hybrid system while your vehicle is supported by
the jack.
Take particular care when lowering the vehicle to ensure that no one
working on or near the vehicle may be injured.
■Replacing a flat tire
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of death or serious
injury.
●Never use oil or grease on the wheel bolts or wheel nuts.
The oil or grease can cause the wheel nuts to loosen, causing a seri-
ous accident. Remove any oil or grease on the wheel bolts or wheel
nuts.
●Have the wheel nuts tightened with a torque wrench to 76 ft•lbf (103
N•m, 10.5 kgf•m) as soon as possible after changing wheels.
Failure to follow these precautions could cause the nuts to loosen and
the wheels may fall off, which could lead to an accident causing death
or serious injury.

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

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PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
What to do if...
What to do if...
A tire puncturesP. 438If you have a flat tire
The engine does not start
P. 8 1Hybrid system immobilizer system
P. 448If the engine will not start
P. 451If the 12 volt battery is discharged
The high coolant temperature
warning light comes on.
Steam can be seen coming
from under the hood
P. 456If your vehicle overheats
The key is lostP. 449If you lose your keys
The 12 volt battery runs outP. 451If the 12 volt battery is discharged
The doors cannot be lockedP. 5 1Doors
The horn begins to soundP. 8 4Alarm
The vehicle is stuck in mud or
sandP. 459If the vehicle becomes stuck
The warning light or indicator
light comes onP. 426If the warning light turns on