2009 TOYOTA PRIUS Owners Manual

409
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
PRIUS_U_(OM47614U)
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Condensation build-up on th e inside of the lens
Contact your Toyota dealer for more information in the following situations.
Temporary condensation build-up on the inside of the headlight lens does
not indicate a malfunction.
● Large drops of water are built up on the inside of the lens.
● Water has built up inside the headlight.
■ LED light bulbs
The stop and high mounted stoplights consist of a number of LEDs. If any of
the LEDs burn out, take your vehicle to your Toyota dealer to have the light
replaced.
If two or more LEDs in a stoplight burn out, your vehicle may not conform to
local laws (SAE).
■ High-intensity dischar ge (HID) headlights
If voltage to the high-intensity discharge bulbs is insufficient, the light may
not come on, or may go out temporarily. The high-intensity discharge bulbs
will come on when normal power is restored.

410 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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CAUTION
■Replacing light bulbs
● Turn off the headlights. Do not attempt to replace the bulb immediately
after turning off the headlights.
The bulbs become very hot and may cause burns.
● Do not touch the glass portion of the light bulb with bare hands. Hold the
bulb by the plastic or metal portion.
If the bulb is scratched or dropped it may blow out or crack.
● Fully install light bulbs and any parts used to secure them. Failing to do so
may result in heat damage, fire, or water entering the headlight unit. This
may damage the headlights or cause condensation to build up on the lens.
● Do not take apart or repair the low beam discharge headlight bulbs, con-
nectors, power supply circuits, or related components.
Doing so could result in electric shock and death or serious injury.
■ High-intensity discharge (HID) headlights
● Contact your Toyota dealer before replacing high-intensity discharge
headlights (including light bulbs).
● Do not touch the high-intensity discharge headlight’s high voltage socket
when the headlights are turned on. An extremely high voltage of 20000V
will be discharged and could result in death or serious injury by electric
shock.
■ To prevent damage or fire
Make sure bulbs are fully seated and locked.

When trouble arises5
411
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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

412
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5-1. Essential information
Emergency flashers
NOTICE
■To prevent 12 volt battery discharge
Do not leave the emergency flashers on longer than necessary when the
hybrid system is not operating.
Use the emergency flashers if th e vehicle malfunctions or is
involved in an accident.
Press the switch to flash all
the turn signal lights. To turn
them off, push the switch once
again.

5
When trouble arises
413
5-1. Essential information
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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.

414 5-1. Essential information
PRIUS_U_(OM47614U)Towing eyelet
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■
Emergency towing procedure
Release the parking brake.
Put the shift lever in “N”.
Turn the “POWER” switch to ACCESSORY (hybrid system off) or
ON mode (hybrid system on).
CAUTION
■While towing
● Use extreme caution when towing the vehicle.
Avoid sudden starts or erratic driving maneuvers which place excessive
stress on the emergency towing eyelet and the cable or chain.
● If the hybrid system is not operating, the power assist for the brakes and
steering will not function, making steering and braking more difficult.
NOTICE
■To prevent causing serious dama ge to the transmission
Never tow this vehicle from the rear with the four wheels on the ground.
This may cause serious damage to the transmission.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3

5
When trouble arises
415
5-1. Essential information
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Installing towing eyelet
Remove the eyelet cover using a
flathead screwdriver.
To protect the bodywork, place a
rag between the screwdriver and
the vehicle body, as shown in the
illustration.
Insert the towing eyelet into the
hole and tighten partially by
hand.
Tighten down the towing eyelet
securely using a wheel nut
wrench.
ITY51P002
STEP1
ITY51P003
STEP2
ITY51P004
STEP3
■Location of the emer gency towing eyelet
 P. 436

416 5-1. Essential information
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Towing with a sling-type truck
CAUTION
■Installing towing eyelet to the vehicle
Make sure that towing eyelet is installed securely.
If not securely installed, towing eyelet may come loose during towing. This
may lead to accidents that cause serious injury or even death.
ITY51P005
NOTICE
■To prevent body damage
Do not tow with a sling-type truck, either from the front or rear.