2009 TOYOTA PRIUS tow

172
2-5. Driving information
PRIUS_U_(OM47614U)
Vehicle load limits
■Total load capacity and seating capacity
These details are also described on the tire and loading information
label. (P. 384)
CAUTION
■Overloading the vehicle
Do not overload the vehicle.
It may not only cause damage to the ti res, but also degrade steering and
braking ability, resulting in an accident.
Vehicle load limits include total load capacity, seating capacity,
towing capacity and cargo capacity.
■ Total load capacity: 810 lb. (365 kg)
Total load capacity means the combined weight of occupants,
cargo and luggage.
■ Seating capacity: 5 occupants (Front 2, Rear 3)
Seating capacity means the ma ximum number of occupants
whose estimated average weight is 150 lb. (68 kg) per person.
Even if the number of occupants are within the seating capacity,
do not exceed the total load capacity.
■ Towing capacity
Toyota does not recommend towing a trailer with your vehicle.
■ Cargo capacity
Cargo capacity may increase or decrease depending on the
weight and the number of occupants.

177
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
PRIUS_U_(OM47614U)
Trailer towing
Toyota does not recommend towing a trailer with your vehicle. Toy-
ota also does not recommend the installation of a tow hitch or the
use of a tow hitch carri er for a wheelchair, scooter, bicycle, etc. Your
Toyota is not designed for trailer towing or for the use of tow hitch
mounted carriers.
ITY25P001

178
2-5. Driving information
PRIUS_U_(OM47614U)
Dinghy towing
NOTICE
■To avoid serious damage to your vehicle
Do not tow your vehicle with four wheels on the ground.
Your vehicle is not designed to be dinghy towed (with 4 wheels on
the ground) behind a motor home.
,7<3

335
3-7. Other interior features
3
Interior features
PRIUS_U_(OM47614U)
■
Stowing the luggage cover
CAUTION
■While driving
To avoid injury, always return the cargo hooks to their positions when they
are not in use.
Remove the side deck boards and
open the auxiliary box.
Adjust the cover so that “TOP” is facing
up.STEP1
ITY37P015
STEP2

353
4
Maintenance and care
PRIUS_U_(OM47614U)
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Do-it-yourself ser vice precautions
If you perform maintenance yourself, be sure to follow the correct
procedure given in these sections.
ItemsParts and tools
12 volt battery condition(P. 371)
•Warm water
• Baking soda
• Grease
• Conventional wrench
(for terminal clamp bolts)
Brake fluid level ( P. 369)
• FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE
J1703 brake fluid
• Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding brake fluid)
Engine/inverter coolant level (P. 367)
• “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant”
or similar high quality ethylene
glycol based non-silicate, non-
amine, non-nitrite and non-borate
coolant with long-life hybrid
organic acid technology.
For the U.S.A.:
“Toyota Super Long Life Cool-
ant” is pre-mixed with 50% cool-
ant and 50% deionized water.
For Canada:
“Toyota Super Long Life Cool-
ant” is pre-mixed with 55% cool-
ant and 45% deionized water.
• Funnel (used only for adding cool- ant)

354 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
PRIUS_U_(OM47614U)
ItemsParts and tools
Engine oil level (P. 361)
• “Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or
equivalent
• Rag or paper towel, funnel (used only for adding engine oil)
Fuses (P. 394)• Fuse with same amperage rating
as original
Radiator and condenser (P. 369)
Tire inflation pressure ( P. 384)• Tire pressure gauge
• Compressed air source
Washer fluid (P. 374)
• Water washer fluid containing anti-
freeze (for winter use)
• Funnel

When trouble arises5
411
PRIUS_U_(OM47614U)
5-1. Essential informationEmergency flashers ......... 412
If your vehicle needs to be towed ........................ 413
If you think something is wrong ............................. 420
Event data recorder ......... 421
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If a warning light turns on or a warning buzzer
sounds... ........................ 423
If you have a flat tire......... 436
If the hybrid system will not start ................................ 446
If you lose your keys ........ 447
If the electronic key does not operate properly....... 448
If the 12 volt battery is discharged ..................... 449
If your vehicle overheats .. 454
If the vehicle becomes stuck .............................. 457

5
When trouble arises
413
5-1. Essential information
PRIUS_U_(OM47614U)
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 operating, 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. 417)
If they are damaged, use a towing dolly or flat bed truck.