2012 TOYOTA PRIUS suspension

153
1-8. Safety information
1
Before driving
CAUTION
■
Modification and disposal of SRS airbag system components
Do not dispose of your vehicle or per form any of the following modifications
without consulting your Toyota dealer. The SRS airbags may malfunction or
deploy (inflate) accidentally, causing death or serious injury.
● Installation, removal, disassembly and repair of the SRS airbags
● Repairs, modifications, removal or replacement of the steering wheel,
instrument panel, dashboard, seats or seat upholstery, front, side and rear
pillars or roof side rails
● Repairs or modifications of the front fender, front bumper, or side of the
occupant compartment
● Installation of snow plows, winches, etc. to the front grille (bull bars or kan-
garoo bar etc.)
● Modifications to the vehicle’s suspension system
● Installation of electronic devices such as mobile two-way radios and CD
players
● Modifications to your vehicle for a person with a physical disability

191
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
NOTICE
■
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.
If the P position control system is damaged by flooding, it may not be possi-
ble to shift the shift position to P, or from P to other positions. When the shift
position cannot be changed from P to any other position, the front wheels
will lock, and you will be unable to tow the vehicle with the front wheels on
the ground, as the front wheels may be locked. In this case, transport the
vehicle with both front wheels or all four wheels lifted.

292 2-4. Using other driving systems
CAUTION
■Turn the LKA off while driving in any of the following conditions
Do not use LKA in any of the following situations.
Otherwise, the system may not function correctly and could result in an acci-
dent.
● When driving with snow tires, snow chains, a spare tire, or similar equip-
ment.
● When driving with non-standard parts or aftermarket equipment installed.
(including modified tires and suspensions, etc.)
● When there are objects or structures along the roadside that might be mis-
interpreted as lane markers. (such as guardrails, curb, reflector posts, etc.)
● When there are wheel ruts, icy trademar ks, etc. or if snow remains on the
road surface.
● When there are shadows on the road r unning parallel with lane markers,
or if a shadow covers the lane markers.
● When there are visible lines on the pavement from road repairs, or if the
remains of old lane markers are still visible on the road.
● When driving on slippery roads, such as those covered with rain, ice or
snow.
● When driving in a lane other than the driving or passing lanes on a freeway
or highway.
● When driving on a road with lane closures due to maintenance, or when
driving in a temporary lane.
● When driving on winding roads or roads that are rough or uneven.

300 2-4. Using other driving systems
CAUTION
■Replacing tires
Make sure that all tires are of the specified size and of the same brand, tread
pattern and total load capacity. In addition, make sure that the tires are
inflated to the recommended tire inflation pressure level.
The ABS and VSC systems will not function correctly if different tires are
installed on the vehicle.
Contact your Toyota dealer for further information when replacing tires or
wheels.
■ Handling of tires and the suspension
Using tires with any kind of problem or modifying the suspension will affect
the driving assist systems, and may cause a system to malfunction.

416
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Positioning a floor jack
When raising your vehicle with a floor jack, position the jack cor-
rectly. Improper placement (such as under rear suspension etc.) may
damage your vehicle or cause injury.
■Front
■ Rear
ITO43P106

418 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
CAUTION
●Do not raise the vehicle while someone is in the vehicle.
● When raising the vehicle, do not place any object on top of or underneath
the floor jack.
●When raising the vehicle, do not set the
floor jack under the rear suspension.
ITO43P206
Rear suspension
Front

492
5-1. Essential information
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
● High engine coolant temperatur e warning light flashes or
comes on
■ 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 roughly
● 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