Eco TOYOTA PRIUS 2008 2.G Owner's Guide

133
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
Press the “POWER” switch.
After a few seconds, the
“READY” light will flash and
come on with a beep sound.
The vehicle can move when
the “READY” light is on, even if
the hybrid system is stopped.
POWERREADY
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STEP5

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2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
CAUTION
■
When starting the hybrid system
Always start the hybrid system while sitting in the driver’s seat. Do not press
the accelerator pedal while starting the hybrid system under any circum-
stances.
Doing so may cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.
■ Stopping the hybrid system in an emergency
If you want to stop the hybrid system in an emergency while driving the vehi-
cle, push and hold the “POWER” switch for more than 3 seconds.
However, do not touch the “POWER” switch while driving except in an emer-
gency.
If the hybrid system stops while the vehicle is being driven, this could lead to
an unexpected accident.
NOTICE
■To prevent 12 volt battery discharge
Do not leave the “POWER” switch in ACCESSORY or ON mode for long
periods if the hybrid system is not running.
■ When starting the hybrid system
● Do not race the hybrid system.
● If the hybrid system becomes difficult to start or stalls frequently, have the
hybrid system checked immediately.

138 2-1. Driving procedures
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
■Using engine brake
To use the engine braking, shift the shift lever to “B” position.
● During high speed driving, you may feel that deceleration by engine brak-
ing is less than that of a typical vehicle.
● Do not continue normal driving with the transmission in “B” for a long
time.
This may cause decreased fuel economy. To prevent this, use “D” for
normal driving.
■ Reverse warning buzzer
When shifting into “R”, a buzzer will sound to inform the driver that the shift
lever is in “R”.
■ If the system malfunctions
The following conditions, there is some problem in the system.
Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and contact your Toyota dealer.
● The indicator on the “P” position switch flashes. However, this does not
indicate a malfunction unless a warning message appears in the touch
screen.
● All frames of shift position indicators in the instrument cluster flash.
● The parking system error message appears on the touch screen.
● The instrument cluster and touch screen does not come on when the
“POWER” switch is in ON mode.

143
2
When driving
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
2-2. Instrument cluster
Gauges and meters
The following gauges and meters illuminate when the “POWER”
switch is in ON mode.
Shift position indicator
Displays the shift position
Speedometer
Displays the vehicle speed.
Fuel gauge
Displays the quantity of fuel remaining in the tank.
Odometer
Displays the total distance the vehicle has been driven.
Trip meter
Displays the distance the vehicle has been driven since the meter was
last reset. Trip meters A and B can be used to record and display differ-
ent distances independently.

149
2-2. Instrument cluster
2
When driving
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
CAUTION
■
If a safety system warning light does not come on
Should a safety system light such as ABS and the SRS airbag warning light
not come on when you start the hybrid system, this could mean that these
systems are not available to help protect you in an accident, which could
result in death or serious injury. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota
dealer immediately if this occurs.
■ Warning lights
Warning lights inform the driver of malfunctions in the indicated
vehicle’s systems. ( P. 426)
*: These lights turn on when the “POWER” switch is turned to ON mode
to indicate that a system check is being performed. They will turn off
after the hybrid system is started is on, or after a few seconds. There
may be a malfunction in a system if the lights do not come on, or turn
off. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer.
(U.S.A.)(Canada) redyellow(if equipped)
(U.S.A.)(Canada)
(U.S.A.)
(if equipped)
******
****
*
*

159
2-3. Operating the lights and windshield wipers
2
When driving
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
■
The windshield wiper and washer can be operated when
The “POWER” switch is in ON mode.
■ Intermittent windshield wi per interval (“INT”) mode
■ If no windshield washer fluid sprays
Check that the washer nozzles are not blocked and if there is washer fluid in
the windshield washer fluid reservoir.
NOTICE
■When the windshield is dry
Do not use the wipers, as they may damage the windshield.
■ When there is no washer fluid spray from the nozzle
Damage to the washer fluid pump may be caused if the lever is pulled
toward you and held continually.
■ When a nozzle becomes block
Do not try to clear it with a pin or other object. The nozzle will be damaged.
Intermittent windshield wiper interval
adjustment (increase)
Intermittent windshield wiper interval
adjustment (decrease)
REAR
1
2
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161
2-3. Operating the lights and windshield wipers
2
When driving
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
■
The windshield wiper and washer can be operated when
The “POWER” switch is in ON mode.
■ Intermittent windshield wiper interval mode
■ If no windshield washer fluid sprays
Check that the washer nozzles are not blocked and if there is washer fluid in
the windshield washer fluid reservoir.
NOTICE
■When the windshield is dry
Do not use the wipers, as they may damage the windshield.
■ When there is no washer fluid spray from the nozzle
Damage to the washer fluid pump may be caused if the lever is pulled
toward you and held continually.
■ When a nozzle becomes block
Do not try to clear it with a pin or other object. The nozzle will be damaged.
Intermittent windshield wiper interval
adjustment (decrease)
Intermittent windshield wiper interval
adjustment (increase)
1
2
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173
2
When driving
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
2-5. Driving information
Cargo and luggage
Capacity and distributionCargo capacity depends on the total weight of the occupants.
(Cargo capacity) = (Total load capa city) — (Total weight of occupants)
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit—
(1) Locate the statement “The co mbined weight of occupants and
cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your vehi-
cle’s placard.
(2) Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that will be riding in your vehicle.
(3) Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from
XXX kg or XXX lbs.
(4) The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage load capacity.
For example, if the “XXX” amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will
be five 150 lb passengers in your vehicle, the amount of avail-
able cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs. (1400 - 750 (5
 150) = 650 lbs.)
(5) Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on the vehicle.
That weight may not safely ex ceed the available cargo and lug-
gage load capacity calculated in Step 4.
Take notice of the following information about storage precau-
tions, cargo capacity and load.
● Stow cargo and luggage in the back door whenever possible.
Be sure all items are secured in place.
● Be careful to keep the vehicle le vel. Placing the weight as far
forward as possible helps maintain vehicle balance.
● For better fuel economy, do no t carry unnecessary weight.

174 2-5. Driving information
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)(6) If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will
be transferred to your vehicle. Consult this manual to determine
how this reduces the available cargo and luggage load capacity
of your vehicle. ( P. 176)
Toyota does not recommend towing a trailer with your vehicle.
Your vehicle is not designed for trailer towing.
Example on your vehicle
Cargo capacity
Total load capacity
When 2 people with the combined weight of 366 lb. (166 kg) are
riding in your vehicle, which has a total load capacity of 815 lb. (370
kg), the available amount of cargo and luggage load capacity will be
as follows:
810 lb. — 366 lb. = 444 lb. (365 kg — 166 kg = 199 kg)
In this condition, if 3 more pa ssengers with the combined weight of
388 lb. (176 kg) get on , the available cargo and luggage load will be
reduced as follows:
444 lb. — 388 lb. = 56 lb. (199 kg — 176 kg = 23 kg)
As shown in the above example, if the number of occupants
increases, the cargo and luggage load equaling the combined weight
of the occupants who got on later, by an amount. In other words, if an
increase in the number of occupants causes an excess of the total
load capacity (combined weight of occupants plus cargo and luggage
load), you must reduce the carg o and luggage on your vehicle.

176
2-5. Driving information
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
Vehicle load limits
■Total load capacity and seating capacity
These details are also described on the tire and loading information
label. (P. 388)
CAUTION
■Overloading the vehicle
Do not overload the vehicle.
It may not only cause damage to the ti res, but also degrade steering and
braking ability, resulting in an accident.
Vehicle load limits include total load capacity, seating capacity,
towing capacity and cargo capacity.
■ Total load capacity: 810 lb. (365 kg)
Total load capacity means the combined weight of occupants,
cargo and luggage.
■ Seating capacity: 5 occupants (Front 2, Rear 3)
Seating capacity means the ma ximum number of occupants
whose estimated average weight is 150 lb. (68 kg) per person.
Even if the number of occupants are within the seating capacity,
do not exceed the total load capacity.
■ Towing capacity
Toyota does not recommend towing a trailer with your vehicle.
■ Cargo capacity
Cargo capacity may increase or decrease depending on the
weight and the number of occupants.