brake light TOYOTA PRIUS 2008 2.G User Guide
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: TOYOTA, Model Year: 2008, Model line: PRIUS, Model: TOYOTA PRIUS 2008 2.GPages: 512, PDF Size: 7.23 MB
Page 154 of 512

154 2-3. Operating the lights and windshield wipers
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
■Daytime running light system (if equipped)
To  make  your  vehicle  more  visible  to  other  drivers,  the  headlights  turn  on
automatically (at a reduced intensity) whenever the hybrid system is started
and  the  parking  brake  is  released.  Daytime  running  lights  are  not  designed
for use at night.
■ Headlight control sensor (if equipped)
■ Automatic light off system
Opening  the  driver’s  door  with  the  “POWER”  switch  in  ACCESSORY  mode
or OFF will turn the headlights and tail lights off.
To turn the lights on again, switch to ON mode, or turn the light switch “OFF”
once and then back to the or position.
■ Automatic headlight leveling system  (Vehicle with discharge head-
lights)
The level of the headlights is automatically adjusted according to the number
of  passengers  and  the  loading  condition  of  the  vehicle  to  ensure  that  the
headlights do not interfere with other road users. 
■ If the   indicator flashes...
It may indicate a malfunction in the system. Contact your Toyota dealer. 
■ Customization
Settings (e.g. light sensor sensitivity) can be changed. ( P. 488)
The  sensor  may  not  function  properly  if
an object is placed on the sensor, or any-
thing  that  blocks  the  sensor  is  affixed  to
the windshield. 
Doing  so  interferes  with  the  sensor
detecting  the  level  of  ambient  light  and
may  cause  the  automatic  headlight  con-
trol system to malfunction.  
Page 165 of 512

165
2-4. Using other 
driving systems
2
When driving
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
■Cruise control can be set when
● The shift lever is in the “D” range.
● Vehicle speed is between approximately 25 mph (40 km/h) and 125 mph
(200 km/h). 
■ Accelerating
The  vehicle  can  be  accelerated  normally.  After  acceleration,  the  set  speed
resumes.
■ Automatic cruise control cancelation
The set speed is automatically canceled in any of the following situations. 
● Actual vehicle speed falls more than 10 mph (16 km/h) below the preset
vehicle speed
● Actual vehicle speed is below 25 mph (40 km/h)
● Enhanced VSC is activated
■ If the cruise control indicator light flashes
Turn the “ON-OFF” button off once, and then reactivate the system. 
If  the  cruise  control  speed  cannot  be  set  or  if  the  cruise  control  cancels
immediately  after  being  activated,  there  may  be  a  malfunction  in  the  cruise
control system. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer. 
■ Canceling and resuming regular acceleration
Cancel
Push  the  lever  towards  you  to
cancel cruise control.
The  setting  is  also  canceled
when  the  brake  pedal  is
depressed.
Resume
To  resume  cruise  control  and
return  to  the  set  speed,  push
the lever up. 
Page 170 of 512

170
2-4. Using other driving systems
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
Driving assist systems
When the Enhanced VSC is operatingIf the vehicle is in danger of slip-
ping or the front wheels spin, the
indicator  flashes  to  indicate  that
the  Enhanced  VSC  have  been
engaged.
A  buzzer  (intermittent)  sounds  to
indicate  that  Enhanced  VSC  is
operating. 
The  slip  indicator  light  flashes  as
well when ABS is operating.
To help enhance driving safety and performance, the following sys-
tems operate automatically in res ponse to various driving situations.
Be aware, however, that these systems are supplementary and
should not be relied upon too h eavily when operating the vehicle. 
■ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
Helps to prevent wheel lock when the brakes are applied suddenly, or if
the brakes are applied while driving on a slippery road surface.
■Brake Assist
Generates  an  increased  level  of  braking  force  after  the  brake  pedal  is
depressed, when the system detects a panic stop situation.
■Enhanced VSC (Vehicle Stab ility Control) (If equipped)
Helps the driver to control skidding when swerving suddenly or turning
on slippery road surfaces.
■EPS (Electric Power Steering) 
Employs an electric motor to reduce the amount of effort needed to turn
the steering wheel. 
ITY24P010 
Page 171 of 512

171
2-4. Using other 
driving systems
2
When driving
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
■Sounds and vibrations caused by  the ABS, BA and Enhanced VSC
● A  sound  may  be  heard  from  the  hybrid  system  compartment  when  the
hybrid  system  is  started  or  just  after  the  vehicle  begins  to  move.  This
sound does not indicate that a  malfunction  has occurred  in any  of these
systems. 
● Any  of  the  following  conditions  may  occur  when  the  above  systems  are
operating. None of these indicates that a malfunction has occurred. 
• Vibrations may be felt through the vehicle body and steering.
• A motor sound may be heard after the vehicle comes to a stop.
• The brake pedal may pulsate slightly after the ABS is activated.
• The brake pedal may move down slightly after the ABS is activated.
■ Reduced effectiveness of EPS
The effectiveness of EPS is reduced to prevent the system from overheating
when  there  is  frequent  steering  input  over  an  extended  period  of  time.  The
steering  wheel  may  feel  heavy  as  a  result.  Should  this  occur,  refrain  from
excessive steering input or stop the vehicle and turn the hybrid system OFF.
The system should return to normal within 10 minutes. 
Page 354 of 512

354 4-2. Maintenance
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
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? 
Page 374 of 512

374 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
■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. 
Page 404 of 512

404 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
*1: Vehicles with halogen headlights (low beam)
*2: Vehicles with discharge headlights (low beam)35 ABS-1 25 A Anti-lock brake system
36 ETCS 10 A Electronic throttle control system
37 BATT FAN 10 A Battery cooling fan
38 HAZ 10 A
Turn signal lights, emergency 
flasher
39 DOME 15 A Audio system, interior lights, 
Smart key system, gauge and 
meter, turn signal lights, luggage 
room light, clock
40 ABS MAIN3 15 A Anti-lock brake system
41 ABS MAIN2 10 A Anti-lock brake system
42 ABS MAIN1 10 A Anti-lock brake system
43 FR FOG 15 A Fog lights
44 CHS W/P 10 A CHS W/P
45 AMP 30 A Audio system
46 PTC HTR2 30 A PTC heater
47 PTC HTR1 30 A PTC heater
48 CDS FAN 30 A Electric cooling fan
FuseAmpereCircuit 
Page 426 of 512

426
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If a war ning light turns on or a warning buzzer sounds...
Stop the vehicle immediately. Continuing to drive the vehicle
may be dangerous.The following warning indicates a  possible problem in the brake sys-
tem.  Immediately  stop  the  vehicle  in  a  safe  place  and  contact  your
Toyota dealer.
*:Parking brake engaged warning buzzer:
A buzzer will sound if the vehicle is driven at a speed of approximately 3 mph
(5 km/h) or more.
Warning lightWarning light/Details
 
(U.S.A.)
 
(Canada)
Brake system warning light and warning buzzer* (red 
indictor)
• Low brake fluid
• Malfunction in the brake system This light also comes on when the parking brake is not 
released. If the light turns off after the parking brake is 
fully released, the system is operating normally.
Calmly perform the following actions if any of the warning lights turn
on or flash. If a light turns on or  flashes, but then turns off, this does
not necessarily indicate a malfunction in the system. 
Page 428 of 512

428 5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
Warning lightWarning light/Details
Vehicle stability control  system warning light (if 
equipped)
Indicates a malfunction in the Enhanced VSC system.
 
*1
Automatic headlight leveling system warning light (if 
equipped) Indicates a malfunction in the automatic headlight level-
ing system.
 
(U.S.A.)
 
(Canada)
ABS warning lightMalfunction in:
• The ABS; or
• The brake assist system.
Brake system warning light (yellow indicator) Malfunction in the electronically controlled brake sys-
tem.
 
*1
or  
*1
Electric power steering system warning lightMalfunction in the EPS (Electric Power Steering). 
Page 435 of 512

5
When trouble arises
435
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
■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.
NOTICE
■Precaution when installing a different tire
When a tire of a different specification or maker is installed, the tire pres-
sure warning system may  not operate properly.
CAUTION
■When the 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  thetire inflation pressure immediately. 
• If  the  tire  pressure  warning  light  comes  on  even  after  tire  inflation pressure  adjustment,  it  is  probable  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  brak ing.  If  the  vehicle  tires  deterio-
rate, you could lose control of th e steering wheel or the brakes.
■If a blowout or sudden air loss should occur
The tire pressure warning system may not activate immediately.