2010 TOYOTA PRIUS brakes

413
4-2. Maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
Vehicle interior
ItemsCheck points
Accelerator pedal • Moves smoothly (without uneven pedal
effort or catching)?
Automatic transmission
“Park” mechanism • Can the vehicle be hold securely on an
incline with the shift position in “P”?
Brake pedal • Moves smoothly?
• Does it have appropriate clearance and
correct amount of free play?
Brakes • Pulls to one side when applied?
• Loss of brake effectiveness?
• Spongy feeling brake pedal?
• Pedal almost touches floor?
Head restraints • Move smoothly and lock securely?
Indicators/buzzers • Function properly?
Lights • Do all the lights come on?
Parking brake • Moves smoothly?
• Can hold the vehicle securely on an
incline?
Seat belts • Does the seat belt system operate
smoothly?
• Are the belts undamaged?
Seats • Do the seat controls operate properly?
Steering wheel • Moves smoothly?
• Has correct free play?
• No strange noises?

5
When trouble arises
487
5-1. Essential information
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
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 be attempted on hard, surfaced roads
for short distances below 18 mph (30 km/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. 491)
If they are damaged, use a towing dolly or flat bed truck.

488 5-1. Essential information
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.Towing eyelet
ITO51P107
■
Emergency towing procedure
Release the parking brake.
Turn the “POWER” switch to ON mode.
Put the shift lever in “N”.
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
505
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
■If the tire pressure warning light comes on after blinking for 1
minute frequently
If the tire pressure warning light comes on after blinking for 1 minute fre-
quently when the “POWER” switch is
turned to ON mode, have it
checked by your Toyota dealer.
■ Customization that can be co nfigured at Toyota dealer
The vehicle speed linked seat belt reminder buzzer can be disabled. 
(Customizable features P. 587)
However, Toyota recommends that the seat belt reminder buzzer be opera-
tional to alert the driver and front passenger that the seat belts are not fas-
tened.
CAUTION
■ When the electric power steering warning light comes on
The steering wheel may become extremely heavy. 
If the steering wheel becomes heavier than usual when operating, firmly
hold and operate it using more force than usual.
■
If the tire pressure warning light comes on
Be sure to observe the following precautions. Failure to do so could
cause loss of vehicle control and result in death or serious injury.
●Stop your vehicle in a safe place as soon as possible. Adjust the tire
inflation pressure immediately.
●If the tire pressure warning light comes on even after tire inflation pres-
sure adjustment, it is pr obable that you have a flat tire. Check the tires.
If the tire is flat, change to the spare tire and have the flat tire repaired
by the nearest Toyota dealer.
●Avoid abrupt maneuvering and braking. If the vehicle tires deteriorate,
you could lose control of the steering wheel or the brakes.
■If a blowout or sudden air loss should occur
The tire pressure warning syste m may not activate immediately.

514 5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
Warning messageDetailsCorrection procedure
(If equipped) Indicates that there is a high
risk of a collision, or that the
pre-collision brake function is
operating.
Slow the vehicle by
applying the
brakes.
(If equipped) Indicates that there is a high
risk of a collision.
Slow the vehicle by
applying the
brakes.
(If equipped, flash- ing) Your vehicle is nearing the
vehicle ahead (in radar cruise
mode).
Slow the vehicle by
applying the
brakes.
(Flashing) 
(If equipped) Indicates a malfunction the
LKA.
A buzzer also sounds. Restart the LKA
after restarting the
hybrid system.

5
When trouble arises
521
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
Interior
buzzerExterior buzzerWarning messageDetailsCorrection procedure
Contin-
uous Contin-
uous
(Displayed alternately) (Flashing) An open door
other than the
driver’s door is
closed while the
electronic key is
outside the
detection range
and the
“POWER”
switch is in
ACCESSORY
or ON mode
with the shift
position not in
“P”.
• Push the
“P” posi-
tion
switch.
• Confirm the loca-
tion of the
electronic
key.
Once  The electronic
key battery is
low.Replace
the bat-
tery.

( P. 460)
Once 
(Flashing)An open door
has been
closed and the
“POWER”
switch has been
turned twice to
the ACCES-
SORY mode
from OFF. Press the
“POWER”
switch
while
applying
the
brakes.

542 5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
Changing “POWER” switch modes and starting the hybrid sys-
temApply the brakes and touch the
Toyota emblem side of the
electronic key to the “POWER”
switch.
An alarm will sound to indicate
that the start function cannot
detect the electronic key that is
touched to the “POWER” switch if
any of the doors is opened and
closed while the key is touched to
the switch.
To change “POWER” switch modes: Within 10 seconds of the
buzzer sounding, release the brake pedal and press the
“POWER” switch. Modes can be changed each time the
switch is pressed. ( P. 164) 
To start the hybrid system: Press the “POWER” switch within
10 seconds after the buzzer s ounds, keeping the brake pedal
depressed.
In the event that the “POWER” swit ch still cannot be operated, con-
tact your Toyota dealer.
ITO52P165
STEP1
■ Stopping the hybrid system
Push the “P” position switch and press the “POWER” switch as you normally
do when stopping the hybrid system.
■ Replacing the key battery
As this procedure is the temporary measure, it is recommended that the
electronic key battery be replaced immediately when the battery depletes.
(P. 460)
STEP2

564 6-1. Specifications
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
Brakes
*1:Minimum pedal clearance when depressed with a force of 44.1 lbf (196 N,
20.0 kgf) while the hybrid system is operating.
*2:Parking brake pedal travel when depressed with a force of 67.5 lbf (300 N, 30.6 kgf).
Pedal clearance *13.07 in. (78 mm) Min.
Pedal free play0.04  0.24 in. (1.0  6.0 mm)
Brake pad wear limit0.04 in. (1.0 mm)
Parking brake pedal 
travel
*28  11 clicks
Fluid typeSAE J1703 or FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3