light TOYOTA PRIUS 2008 2.G Owners Manual

354 4-2. Maintenance
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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 lever 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?

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CAUTION
The engine compartment contains many mechanisms and fluids that may
move suddenly, become hot, or become electrically energized. To avoid death
or serious injury.
■
When working on the engine compartment:
● Keep hands, clothing, and tools away from the moving fan and engine
drive belt.
● Be careful not to touch the engine, inverter, radiator, exhaust manifold, etc.
right after driving as they may be hot. Oil and other fluids may also be hot.
● Do not leave anything that may burn easily, such as paper or rags, in the
engine compartment.
● Do not smoke, cause sparks or expose an open flame to fuel or the 12 volt
battery. Fuel and 12 volt battery fumes are flammable.
● Be extremely cautious when working on the 12 volt battery. It contains poi-
sonous and corrosive sulfuric acid.
● Never touch, disassemble, remove or replace the high voltage parts,
cables and their connectors. It can cause severe burns or electric shock
that may result in death or serious injury.
● When the hybrid system is operating with the “READY” light on, the engine
may suddenly start in some cases. When you inspect the engine compart-
ment, be sure to turn off the hybrid system.
■ When working near the electric cooling fan or radiator grille
Be sure the “POWER” switch is OFF.
With the “POWER” switch in ON mode, the electric cooling fan may automat-
ically start to run if the air conditioning is on and/or the coolant temperature
is high. ( P. 373)
■ Safety glasses
Wear safety glasses to prevent flying or falling material, fluid spray, etc. from
getting in the eyes.

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Hood
CAUTION
■Pre-driving check
Check that the hood is fully closed and locked.
If the hood is not locked properly it may open while the vehicle is in motion
and cause an accident, which may result in death or serious injury.
Release the lock from the inside of the vehicle to open the hood.
Pull the hood lock release
lever.
The hood will pop up slightly.
Lift the hood catch and lift the
hood.
Hold the hood open by insert-
ing the supporting rod into the
slot.
ITY43P001
STEP1
ITY43P002
STEP2
STEP3
ITY43P003
STEP3

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■
Engine oil consumption
● The amount of engine oil consumed depends on the oil viscosity, the
quality of the oil and the way the vehicle is driven.
● More oil is consumed under driving conditions such as high speeds, fre-
quent acceleration and deceleration.
● A new engine consumes more oil.
● When judging the amount of oil consumption, keep in mind that the oil
may have become diluted, making it difficult to judge the true level accu-
rately.
● Oil consumption: Max. 1.1 qt./600 miles, 0.9 lmp. qt./600 miles (1.0 L per
1000 km). If the vehicle consumes more than this amount, contact your
Toyota dealer.
■ Resetting the engine oil maintenance data (U.S.A. only)
Perform the following steps:
Turn the “POWER” switch to OFF mode with the trip meter A
shown.
Turn the “POWER” switch to ON mode with the trip meter reset but-
ton (P. 144) held down.
Keep pressing the button for longer than 5 seconds after the
“POWER” switch is in ON mode.
When the trip meter A indicates “000000” and the light goes off, the system
reset is completed.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3

374 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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■Brake fluid can absorb moisture from the air
Excess moisture in the fluid can cause a dangerous loss of braking effi-
ciency. Use only newly opened brake fluid.
CAUTION
■When filling the reservoir
Take care because brake fluid can harm your hands or eyes and damage
painted surfaces.
If fluid gets in your eyes, flush your eyes with clean water immediately.
If you still experience discomfort, see a doctor.
NOTICE
■If the fluid level is low or high
It is normal for the brake fluid level to go down slightly as the brake pads
wear or when the fluid level in the accumulator is high.
If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, it may indicate a serious problem.

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CAUTION
■
Chemicals in the 12 volt battery
A 12 volt battery contains poisonous and corrosive sulfuric acid and may
produce hydrogen gas which is flammable and explosive. To reduce the risk
of death or serious injury, take the following precautions while working on or
near 12 volt battery:
● Do not cause sparks by touching the 12 volt battery terminals with tools.
● Do not smoke or light a match near the 12 volt battery.
● Avoid contact with eyes, skin and clothes.
● Never inhale or swallow electrolyte.
● Wear protective safety glasses when working near the 12 volt battery.
● Keep children away from the 12 volt battery.
■ Where to safety charge the 12 volt battery
Always charge the 12 volt battery in an open area. Do not charge the 12 volt
battery in a garage or closed room where there is not sufficient ventilation.
■ How to recharge the 12 volt battery
Only perform a slow charge (3.5 A or less). The 12 volt battery may explode
if charged at a quicker rate.
■ Emergency measures regarding electrolyte
● If electrolyte gets in your eyes
Flush your eyes with clean water for at least 15 minutes and get immedi-
ate medical attention. If possible, continue to apply water with a sponge or
cloth while traveling to the nearest medical facility.
● If electrolyte gets on your skin
Wash the affected area thoroughly. If you feel pain or a burning sensation,
seek medical attention immediately.
● If electrolyte gets on your clothes
It can soak through clothing on to your skin. Immediately take off the cloth-
ing and follow the procedure above if necessary.
● If you accidentally swallow electrolyte
Drink a large quantity of water or milk. Follow with milk of magnesia,
beaten raw egg or vegetable oil. Get emergency medical attention immedi-
ately.

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■
How to initialize the tire pressure warning system
Park the vehicle in safe place and turn the “POWER” switch to
OFF mode.
While the vehicle is moving, in itialization is not performed.
Adjust the tire inflation pressure to the specified cold tire infla-
tion pressure level. ( P. 470)
Make sure to adjust the tire pressure to the specified cold tire
inflation pressure level. The ti re pressure warning system will
operate based on this pressure level.
Turn the “POWER” switch to ON mode.
Push and hold the tire pressure
warning reset switch until the tire
pressure warning light blinks
slowly three times.
Wait for a few minutes with the ON mode, and then turn
“POWER” switch to OFF mode.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
SET
ITY43P018
STEP4
STEP5

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■When to replace your vehicle’s tires
Tires should be replaced if:
●You have tire damage such as cuts, splits, cracks deep enough to
expose the fabric or bulges indicating internal damage
●A tire goes flat repeatedly or cannot be properly repaired due to the
size or location of a cut or other damage
If you are not sure, consult with your Toyota dealer.
■Replacing tires and wheels
If the ID code of the tire pressure warning valve and transmitter is not
registered, the tire pre ssure warning system will not work properly. After
about 20 minutes, the tire pressure warning light blinks (comes on after
blinking for 1 minute) to indicate a system malfunction.
■Tire life
Any tire over 6 years old must be checked by a qualified technician even
if they have seldom or never been used or damage is not obvious.
■If the tread wears down below 0.16 in. (4 mm) on snow tires
The effectiveness of snow tires is lost.
■Maximum load of tire
Check that the maximum load of the re placed tire is greater than 1/2 of
the Gross Axle Weight Ratings (GAWR) of either the front axle or the
rear axle, whichever is greater.
As for the maximum load of the tire, see the load limit at maximum cold
tire inflation pressure mentioned on the sidewall of the tire, and as for the
Gross Axle Weight Ratings (GAWR) , see the Certification Label.
(
P. 388, 474).

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■If you push the tire pressure reset switch accidentally
If initialization is performed, adjust the tire in flation pressure to the speci-
fied level and initializ e the system again.
■When the initialization of the tire pressure warning system has
failed
Initialization can be comp leted in a few minutes. However, in the follow-
ing cases, the settings have not b een recorded and the system will not
operate properly. If repeated attempts to record tire inflation pressure
settings are unsuccessful, have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota
dealer.
●When operating the tire pressure warning reset switch, the warning
light does not flash (The tires cann ot be initializes whiled the vehicle
is moving.).
●After driving for a certain period of time since the initialization has
been completed, the warning light flashes.
■Routine tire inflation pressure checks
The tire pressure warning system doe s not replace routine tire inflation
pressure checks. Make sure to check tire inflation pressure as part of
your routine of daily vehicle checks.

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CAUTION
■When inspecting or replacing tires
Observe the following precautions to prevent accidents. Failure to do so
may cause damage to parts of the drive train, as well as dangerous han-
dling characteristics, which may le ad to fatal or injury accidents.
●Do not mix tires of different makes, models, tread patterns or tread-
wear.
●Do not use tire sizes other than those recommended by Toyota.
●Do not mix radial, bias-belted, or bias-ply tires.
●Do not mix summer, all season and winter tires.
●Do not use tires that have been used on another vehicle.
●Do not use tires if you do not know how they were used previously.
■When initializing the tire pressure warning system
Do not push the reset switch without fi rst adjusting the tire inflation pres-
sure to the specified level. Otherwise, the tire pressure warning light may
not come on even if the tire inflation pressure is low, or it may come on
when the tire inflation pressure is actually normal.
NOTICE
■Repairing or replacing tires, wheels and tire pressure warning
valves and transmitters
●When removing or fitting the wheels, tires or the tire pressure warning
valve and transmitter, contact your Toyota dealer as the tire pressure
warning valve and transmitter may be damaged if not handled cor-
rectly.
●When replacing tires, make sure also to replace the tire pressure
warning valve and transmitter grommets.
■Do not use puncture sealant sprays to repair flats
Puncture sealant sprays may damage tire pressure tire pressure warn-
ing valves and transmitters.