2009 TOYOTA PRIUS Owners Manual

129
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
PRIUS_U_(OM47614U)
CAUTION
■
When taking a nap in the vehicle
Always turn the hybrid system off. Otherwise, you may accidentally move the
shift lever or depress the accelerator pedal, which could cause an accident
or fire due to hybrid system overheating. Additionally, if the vehicle is parked
in a poorly ventilated area, exhaust gases may collect and enter the vehicle,
leading to death or a serious health hazard.
■ When braking the vehicle
● When the brakes are wet, drive more cautiously. Braking distance
increases when the brakes are wet, and may cause one side of the vehicle
to brake differently than the other side. Also the parking brake may not
securely hold the vehicle.
● If the power brake assist function does not operate, do not follow other
vehicles closely and avoid downhill or sharp turns that require braking.
In this case, braking is still possible, but it will require more force on the
pedal than usual. Braking distance may also increase.
● Do not pump the brake pedal if the hybrid system stalls.
Each push on the pedal uses up your reserved brake fluid pressure.
● The brake system consists of 3 individual hydraulic systems: if one of the
systems fails, the other will still operate. In this case, the brake pedal
should be depressed more firmly than usual and braking distance
becomes longer.
Do not drive your vehicle with only a single brake system. Have your
brakes fixed immediately.

130 2-1. Driving procedures
PRIUS_U_(OM47614U)
NOTICE
■While driving the vehicle
Do not use the accelerator pedal or depress accelerator and brake pedals
together to hold the vehicle on a hill.
■ When parking the vehicle
Always push the “P” position switch. Failure to do so may cause the vehicle
to move or the vehicle may accelerate suddenly if the accelerator pedal is
accidentally depressed.
■ Avoiding damage to vehicle parts
● Do not turn the steering wheel fully in either direction and hold it there for a
long time.
Doing so may damage the power steering motor.
● When driving over bumps in the road, drive as slowly as possible to avoid
damaging the wheels, underside of the vehicle, etc.
■ If you hear a squealing or scraping noise (brake pad wear limit indica-
tors)
Have your Toyota dealer check and replace the brake pads as soon as pos-
sible.
The rotor damage can result if the pads are not replaced when needed.
Front brake only: Moderate levels of the brake pad and disc wear allow
enhanced front braking power. As a result, the discs may wear more quickly
than conventional brake discs. Therefore, when replacing the brake pads,
Toyota recommends that you also have the thickness of the discs measured.
It is dangerous to drive the vehicle when the wear limits of the brake pads
and/or that of the brake discs are exceeded.

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2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
PRIUS_U_(OM47614U)
NOTICE
■
If you get a flat tire while driving
A flat or damaged tire may cause the following situations. Hold the steering
wheel firmly and gradually press the brake pedal to slow down the vehicle.
● It may be difficult to control your vehicle.
● The vehicle will make abnormal sounds.
● The vehicle will behave abnormally.
Replace a flat tire with a new one. ( P. 439)
■ When encountering flooded roads
Do not drive on a road that has flooded after heavy rain etc. Doing so may
cause the following serious damage to the vehicle.
● Engine stalling
● Short in electrical components
● Engine damage caused by water immersion
In the event that you drive on a flooded road and the vehicle is flooded, be
sure to have your Toyota dealer check the following.
● Brake function
● Changes in quantity and quality of engine oil, transmission fluid for the
hybrid system, etc.
● Lubricant condition for the bearings and suspension joints (where possi-
ble) and the function of all joints, bearings, etc.

132
2-1. Driving procedures
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Power (ignition) switch
Performing the following operations when carrying the electronic
key on your person starts the hybr id system or changes “POWER”
switch modes.
■ Changing “POWER” switch mode
Modes can be changed by pres sing the “POWER” switch with
the brake pedal released. (The mode changes each time the
switch is pressed.)
OFF mode
*
ACCESSORY mode
Some electrical components
such as the audio system can
be used.
ON mode
All electrical components can
be used.
*:The power cannot beswitched to OFF unless the
shift lever is in “P”.
POWERPOWERPOWER
ITY21P001

133
2-1. Driving procedures
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When driving
PRIUS_U_(OM47614U)
■
Starting the hybrid system (vehicle with smart key system)
Check that the parking brake is set.
Turn off unnecessary lights and accessories.
Check that the shift position is set in “P”.
Sit in the driver’s seat and firmly depress the brake pedal.
Press the “POWER” switch.
The hybrid system can be
started from any mode.
After a few seconds, the
“READY” light will flash and
come on with a beep sound.
The vehicle can move when
the “READY” light is on, even if
the hybrid system is stopped.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4
STEP5

134 2-1. Driving procedures
PRIUS_U_(OM47614U)
■Starting the hybrid system (v ehicle without smart key sys-
tem)
Check that the parking brake is set.
Turn off unnecessary lights and accessories.
Check that the shift position is set in “P”.
Insert the key into the key slot
and firmly with the brake pedal
depressed.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4

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2-1. Driving procedures
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When driving
PRIUS_U_(OM47614U)
Press the “POWER” switch.
After a few seconds, the
“READY” light will flash and
come on with a beep sound.
The vehicle can move when
the “READY” light is on, even if
the hybrid system is stopped.
STEP5

136 2-1. Driving procedures
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■If the hybrid system does not start
The hybrid system immobilizer system may not have been deactivated.
(P. 82)
■ If the “READY” light does not come on
If the “READY” light does not come on when you press the power switch with
the shift lever in “P” and the brake pedal pressed, contact your Toyota dealer
immediately.
■ When the “POWER” switch in dicator flashes in amber
The system may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toy-
ota dealer immediately.
■ Auto power OFF function
The “POWER” switch will automatically turn OFF when left in ACCESSORY
mode for 1 hour or more.
■ Electronic key battery depletion
 P. 4 4
■ When the electronic key battery is discharged
 P. 392
■ Conditions affecting operation
 P. 4 2
■ Leak detection pump
Several hours after the engine is turned off, you may hear a sound coming
from underneath the luggage compartment for several minutes.
This is normal operation and does not indicate a malfunction.