steering wheel TOYOTA PRIUS 2007 2.G Owner's Manual

329
CAUTION
Do not overestimate the antilock
brake system: Although the antilock
brake system assists in providing ve-
hicle control, it is still important to
drive with all due care and maintain
a moderate speed and safe distance
from the vehicle in front of you, be-
cause there are limits to the vehicle
stability and effectiveness of steering
wheel operation even with the anti
lock brake system on.
If tire grip performance exceeds its
capability, or if hydroplaning occurs
during high speed driving in the rain,
the antilock brake system does not
provide vehicle control.
Antilock brake system is not de-
signed to shorten the stopping dis-
tance: Always drive at a moderate
speed and maintain a safe distance
from the vehicle in front of you.
Compared with vehicles without an
antilock brake system, your vehicle
may require a longer stopping dis-
tance in the following cases:
Driving on rough, gravel or snow
covered roads.
Driving with tire chains installed.
Driving over the steps such as the
joints on the road.
Driving on roads where the road
surface is pitted or has other differ-
ences in surface height.
Install all 4 tires of specified size at
appropriate pressure: The antilock
brake system detects vehicle speeds
using the speed sensors for respec-
tive wheels’ turning speeds. The use
of tires other than specified may fail
to detect the accurate turning speed,
resulting in a longer stopping dis-
tance.
30p002b
Vehicle sold in the U.S.A.
30p007b
Vehicle sold in Canada

331
The electric power steering system, us-
ing an electric motor, assists the turn-
ing of the steering wheel.
In the following cases, you may feel the
steering becomes heavy. However, the
electric power steering system warning
light does not come on. (Because it is
not a malfunction.)
When maneuvering the steering fre-
quently or keeping the steering wheel
turned fully while the vehicle is stopped
or moving very slowlyThe power steering effect will be re-
duced to prevent the system from over-
heating. Avoid turning the steering
wheel, or stop the vehicle. When you
leave the vehicle in the “IG −ON” mode
for a while, the system will become
cool.
NOTICE
If you repeat the operation which will
turn on the overheating prevention
function, the electric power steering
system may be damaged.
When the 12 volt battery is discharged
Check the 12 volt battery’s condition.
If necessary, recharge or replace the
battery. For details, see “Checking 12
volt battery condition” on page 418.
When the steering wheel is operated
with the hybrid system not to be turned
on (with the “READY” light off)
The 12 volt battery capacity is de-
creased temporarily. The system re-
turns to normal some time after the
hybrid system is turned on.
If there is a problem somewhere in the
electric power steering system, the warn-
ing light comes on in the multi −information
display. For details, see “Multi −information
display” on page 133.
When you move the steering wheel, an
electrical motor noise may be heard. This
is power steering motor noise, and is not
a malfunction.30p003
The brake pad wear limit indicators on
your disc brakes give a warning noise
when the brake pads are worn to where
replacement is required.
If you hear a squealing or scraping noise
while driving, have the brake pads
checked and replaced by your Toyota
dealer as soon as possible. Expensive ro-
tor damage can result if the pads are not
replaced when necessary.
Electric power steering system Brake pad wear limit
indicators

350
1. Check the area around the vehicle be-fore entering it.
2. Adjust seat position, seatback angle, head restraint height and steering
wheel angle.
3. Adjust the inside and outside rear view mirrors.
4. Lock all doors.
5. Fasten seat belts.
When you get in the vehicle, check
whether the “READY” light is on or
not.
CAUTION
Your vehicle does not produce any
noise or vibration when the vehicle is
ready to be driven with the “READY”
light on. Move your foot carefully
from the brake pedal to the accelera-
tion pedal when driving.
1. Apply the parking brake firmly.
2. Turn off unnecessary lights and acces- sories.
3. Depress the brake pedal and hold it to the floor until driving off.
40p102b
Before starting the hybrid system, be sure
to follow the instructions in “(a) Before
starting the hybrid system”.
Normal starting procedure
Carry the key and press the “POWER”
switch briefly and firmly with the brake
pedal depressed. The “READY” light starts
blinking. After a few seconds, the blinking
“READY” light remains on and two beeps
sound. (If the ambient temperature is low,
such as during winter driving conditions,
it may take time until the “READY” light
is on.)
The engine may not start even with the
“READY” light on.
Before starting the hybrid
system How to start the hybrid
system— (a) Before starting
the hybrid system
( b ) Tu rn in g on th e hyb rid
system (Using the smart
function—on some models)

355
Check the condition of the 12 volt bat-
tery and cables.
Cold temperatures reduce the capacity of
any 12 volt battery, so it must be in top
shape to provide enough power for winter
starting. Section 8−3 tells you how to
visually inspect the 12 volt battery. Your
Toyota dealer will be pleased to check the
level of charge.
Make sure the engine oil viscosity is
suitable for the cold weather.
See page 405 for recommended viscosity.
Leaving a heavy summer oil in your ve-
hicle during winter months may cause
harder starting. If you are not sure about
which oil to use, call your Toyota deal-
er—they will be pleased to help.
Keep the door locks from freezing.
Squirt lock de −icer or glycerine into the
locks to keep them from freezing.
Use a washer fluid containing an anti
freeze solution.
This product is available at your Toyota
dealer and most auto parts stores. Follow
the manufacturer ’s directions for how
much to mix with water.NOTICE
Do not use engine antifreeze or any
other substitute because it may dam-
age your vehicle’s paint.
Do not use your parking brake when
there is a possibility it could freeze.
When parking, push the “P” position
switch and block the rear wheels. Do not
use the parking brake, for snow or water
accumulated in and around the parking
brake mechanism may freeze, making it
hard to release.
Keep ice and snow from accumulating
under the fenders.
Ice and snow built up under your fenders
can make steering difficult. During extreme
winter driving, stop and check under the
fenders occasionally.
Depending on where you are driving,
we recommend you carry some emer-
gency equipment.
Some of the things you might put in the
vehicle are tire chains, window scraper,
bag of sand or salt, flares, small shovel,
jumper cables, etc.40p050b
Your vehicle is not designed to be
dinghy towed (with four wheels on the
ground) behind a motorhome.
NOTICE
Do not tow your vehicle with four
wheels on the ground. This may cause
serious damage to your vehicle.
Dinghy towing

377
50p022b
(c) Towing with sling type truck
(c) Towing with sling type truck
NOTICE
Do not tow with sling type truck, ei-
ther from the front or rear. This may
cause body damage.
50p035b
If towing is necessary, we recommend
you to have it done by your Toyota
dealer or a commercial tow truck ser-
vice.
If towing service is not available in an
emergency, your vehicle may be tempo-
rarily towed by a cable or chain se-
cured to emergency towing eyelet in-
side of front bumper. Use extreme
caution when towing vehicles.
NOTICE
 Only use specified towing eyelet;
otherwise your vehicle may be dam-
aged.
 Never tow a vehicle from the rear
with four wheels on the ground.
This may cause serious damage to
the transaxle.
A driver must be in the vehicle to steer
it and operate the brakes.
Towing in this manner may be done only
on hard− surfaced roads for a short dis-
tance and at low speeds. Also, the
wheels, axles, drive train, steering and
brakes must all be in good condition.
—Emergency towing

378
CAUTION
Use extreme caution when towing ve-
hicles. Avoid sudden starts or erratic
driving maneuvers which would place
excessive stress on the emergency
towing eyelet and towing cable or
chain. The eyelet and towing cable or
chain may break and cause serious
injury or damage.
NOTICE
Use only a cable or chain specifically
intended for use in towing vehicles.
Securely fasten the cable or chain to
the towing eyelet provided.
Before towing, release the parking brake
and put the hybrid transaxle in “N”. The
hybrid system must be in the “IG−ON”
mode.
In the following cases, as the front wheels
might be locked by means of the parking
lock mechanism, your vehicle cannot be
towed by another vehicle using a rope.
Have your vehicle carried with the front
wheels or all the wheels raised.
If the parking mechanism fails.
If the 12 volt battery is discharged.
CAUTION
If the hybrid system is not running,
the power assist for the brakes and
steering will not work so steering and
braking will be much harder than usu-
al.
50p046a
1. Remove the towing eyelet as shown in the illustration.
—Installing towing eyelet

392
INSIDE THE VEHICLE
Items listed below should be checked
regularly, e.g. while performing periodic
services, cleaning the vehicle, etc.
Lights
Make sure the headlights, stop lights, tail
lights, turn signal lights, and other lights
are all working. Check headlight aim.
Service reminder indicators and warning
buzzers
Check that all service reminder indicators
and warning buzzers function properly.
Steering wheel
Be alert for changes in steering condition,
such as hard steering or strange noise.
Seats
Check that all front seat controls such as
seat adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. op-
erate smoothly and that all latches lock
securely in any position. Check that the
head restraint move up and down smooth-
ly and that the locks hold securely in any
latched position.Seat belts
Check that the seat belt system such as
buckles, retractors and anchors operate
properly and smoothly. Make sure the belt
webbing is not cut, frayed, worn or dam-
aged.
Accelerator pedal
Check the pedal for smooth operation and
uneven pedal effort or catching.
Brake pedal
Check the pedal for smooth operation and
that the pedal has the proper clearance.
Check the brake booster function.
Brakes
In a safe place, check that the brakes do
not pull to one side when applied.
Parking brake
Check that the pedal has the proper travel
and that, on a safe incline, your vehicle
is held securely with only the parking
brake applied.
OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE
Items listed below should be performed
from time to time, unless otherwise
specified.
Fluid leaks
Check underneath for leaking fuel, oil, wa-
ter or other fluid after the vehicle has
been parked for a while. If you smell fuel
fumes or notice any leak, have the cause
found and corrected immediately.
Doors and engine hood
Check that all doors and trunk operate
smoothly and all latches lock securely.
Make sure the engine hood secondary
latch secures the hood from opening when
the primary latch is released.
Tire inflation pressure
Check the pressure with a gauge ev-
ery two weeks, or at least once a
month. See page 409 for additional
information.

433
12 VOLT BATTERY
Open voltage at 20\bC (68 \bF):
12.6 − 12.8 V Fully charged
12.2 − 12.4 V Half charged
11 . 5 − 11.9 V Discharged
[Voltage that is checked 20 minutes after
the key is removed with all the lights
turned off]
Charging rates: 3.5 A max.
HYBRID TRANSAXLE
Fluid capacity (drain and refill),
L (qt., Imp.qt.): 3.6 (3.8, 3.2)
Fluid type: “Toyota Genuine ATF WS” or
equivalent
Please contact your Toyota dealer for further
details. BRAKES
Minimum pedal clearance when depressed
with the force of 196 N (20 kgf, 44 lbf)
with the traction motor running, mm (in.):
101.0 (3.98)
Pedal free play, mm (in.): 1 − 4 (0.04 − 0.16)
Parking brake adjustment when depressed
with the force of 294 N (30 kgf, 66 lbf): 6 − 9 clicks
Fluid type: SAE J1703 or FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3
STEERING
Wheel free play: Less than 30 mm (1.2 in.)

445
SRS airbag deployment data
 SRS airbag system diagnostic
data
If your vehicle is equipped with a
vehicle stability control (VSC) sys-
tem, its Electronic Control Unit
(ECU) may contain another EDR.
There are a variety of driving situ-
ations which include activating the
VSC under which the VSC EDR
will record certain information. The
VSC EDR may record some or all
of the following information:
 Behavior of the vehicle
 Steering wheel angle
 Vehicle speed
 To what extent the accelerator
pedal was depressed
 To what extent the brake ped-
al was applied
 To what extent the ECU con-
trolled the condition of the 4
wheels
 Vehicle stability control sys-
tem diagnostic data
The information above is intended
to be used for the purpose of im-
proving vehicle safety perfor-
mance. Unlike general data record-
ers, the EDR does not record
sound data such as conversation
between passengers.Toyota will not disclose the data
recorded in an EDR to a third
party except when:
 An agreement from the ve-
hicle’s owner (or the leasing
company for a leased vehicle)
is obtained
 Officially requested by the po-
lice or other authorities
 Used as a defence for Toyota
in a law suit
 Ordered by the court
However, if necessary Toyota will:
 Use the data for research on
Toyota vehicle safety perfor-
mance
 Disclose the data to a third
party for research purposes
without disclosing details of
the vehicle owner, and only
when it is deemed necessary
 Disclose summarized data
cleared of vehicle identifica-
tion information to a non −To -
yota organization for research
purposes