charging TOYOTA PRIUS 2008 2.G Owners Manual

24 1-1. Hybrid system
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
■Charging the battery
● As the gasoline engine charges the hybrid battery (traction battery), the
battery does not need to be charged from an outside source. However, if
the vehicle is left parked for a long time the hybrid battery will slowly dis-
charge. For this reason, be sure to drive the vehicle at least once every
several months for at least 30 minutes or 10 miles (16 km). If the hybrid
battery becomes fully discharged and you are unable to jump-start the
vehicle with the 12 volt battery, contact your Toyota dealer.
● If the shift lever is in “N”, the hybrid battery (traction battery) will not be
charged. When driving in heavy traffic, operate the vehicle with the shift
lever in “D” to avoid discharging the battery.
■ After the 12 volt battery has di scharged or has been changed or
removed
The gasoline engine may not stop even if the vehicle is running on the hybrid
battery (traction battery). If this continues for a few days, contact your Toyota
dealer.

29
1-1. Hybrid system
1
Before driving
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
Touch screen
Type AType B
When the vehicle is
charging the hybrid
battery (traction bat-
tery)
When there is no
energy flow
Hybrid battery (trac-
tion battery) status Low Full Low Full

44 1-3. Opening, closing and locking the doors and back door
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
■Battery-saving function
In the following circumstances, the entry function is disabled in order to pre-
vent the vehicle and electronic key batteries from discharging.
● When the entry function has not been used for 2 weeks or more
● When the electronic key has been left within approximately 3 ft. (1 m) of
the vehicle for 10 minutes or more
The system will resume operation when...
● The vehicle is locked using the door handle lock switch
● The vehicle is locked/unlocked using the wireless remote control function
(P. 49) or the mechanical key ( P. 450)
■ Electronic key battery depletion
● The standard battery life is 1 to 3 years. (The battery becomes depleted
even if the electronic key is not used.) If the smart key system or the
wireless remote control function does not operate, or the detection area
becomes smaller, the battery may be depleted. Replace the battery when
necessary. (  P. 396)
● To avoid serious deterioration, do not leave the electronic key within 3 ft.
(1 m) of the following electrical appliances.
•TVs
• Personal computers
• Recharging cellular phones or cordless phones
• Table lamps
■ To operate the system properly
Make sure to carry the electronic key when operating the system. Do not get
the electronic key too close to the vehicle when operating the system from
the outside of the vehicle.
Depending on the position and holding condition of the electronic key, the
key may not be detected correctly and the system may not operate properly.
(The alarm may go off accidentally, or the door lock prevention may not func-
tion.)

80 1-6. Refueling
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
CAUTION
■When refueling the vehicle
Observe the following precautions while refueling the vehicle. Failure to do
so, may result in death or serious injury.
● Touch the vehicle or some other metal surface to discharge any static
electricity.
Sparks resulting from discharging static electricity may cause the fuel
vapors to ignite.
● Always hold the grips on the fuel tank cap and turn it slowly to remove it.
A whooshing sound may be heard when the fuel tank cap is loosened.
Wait until the sound cannot be heard before fully removing the cap. In hot
weather, pressurized fuel may spray out the filler neck and cause injury.
● Do not allow anyone that has not discharged static electricity from their
bodies to come close to an open fuel tank.
● Do not inhale vaporized fuel.
Fuel contains substances that are harmful if inhaled.
● Do not smoke while refueling the vehicle.
Doing so may cause the fuel to ignite and cause a fire.
● Do not return to the vehicle or touch any person or object that is statically
charged.
This may cause static electricity to build up, resulting in a possible ignition
hazard.
■ When replacing the fuel tank cap
Do not use anything but a genuine Toyota fuel tank cap designed for your
vehicle. Failure to do so may cause a fire or other incident which may result
in death or serious injury.
NOTICE
■Refueling
Do not spill fuel during refueling.
Failing to do so may damage the vehicle, such as causing the exhaust sys-
tems to operate abnormally or damaging fuel system components or the
vehicle’s painted surface.

376 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
■Before recharging
When recharging, the 12 volt battery produces hydrogen gas which is flam-
mable and explosive. Therefore, before recharging:
● If recharging with the 12 volt battery installed on the vehicle, be sure to
disconnect the ground cable.
● Make sure the power switch on the charger is off when connecting and
disconnecting the charger cables to the 12 volt battery.
■ After recharging/reconnecting the 12 volt battery
In some cases, the hybrid system may not start. Follow one or both of the
following procedures:
● After opening and closing the driver’s door, wait 10 seconds then attempt
to start the engine. (If the system does not start first time, repeat the pro-
cedure.)
● With the shift lever in “P” and the “POWER” switch in the OFF mode,
open and close any door, then attempt to start the hybrid system.
If the system will not start even after multiple attempts at both methods, con-
tact your Toyota dealer.

378 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
Washer fluidIf any washer does not work, the
washer tank may be empty. Add
washer fluid.
NOTICE
■When recharging th e 12 volt battery
Never recharge the 12 volt battery while the hybrid system is running. Also,
be sure all accessories are turned off.
CAUTION
■ When refilling the washer fluid
Do not refill the washer fluid when the engine is hot or running, as the
washer fluid contains alcohol and may catch fire if spilled on the engine etc.
NOTICE
■Do not use any fluid other than washer fluid
Do not use soapy water or engine antifreeze instead of washer fluid.
Doing so may cause streaking on the vehicle’s painted surfaces.
■ Diluting washer fluid
Dilute washer fluid with water as necessary.
Refer to the freezing temperatures listed on the washer fluid tank.

5
When trouble arises
427
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
Stop the vehicle immediately.
The following warning indicates the possibility of damage to the vehi-
cle that may lead to an accident. Immediately stop the vehicle in a
safe place and contact your Toyota dealer.
Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately.Failing to investigate the cause of the following warnings may lead to
the system operating abnormally and possibly cause an accident.
Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately.
Warning lightWarning light/Details
Charging system warning light Indicates a malfunction in the vehicle’s charging system.
Low engine oil pressure warning light Indicates that the engine oil pressure is too low.

*1Hybrid system warning light Indicates a malfunction in the hybrid system.
Warning lightWarning light/Details
Malfunction indicator lamp Malfunction in:
• The electronic hybrid system control system;
• The electronic throttle control system; or
• The transmission control system.
SRS warning light Malfunction in:
• The SRS airbag system;
• Front passenger occupant classification system; or
• The seat belt pretensioner system.

5
When trouble arises
455
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
NOTICE
■
To prevent damaging the vehicle
● Do not pull- or push-start the vehicle, because the three-way catalytic con-
verter may overheat and become a fire hazard.
● The exclusive jump starting terminal is to be used when charging the 12
volt battery from another vehicle in an emergency. It cannot be used to
jump start another vehicle.
■ When handling jumper cables
Be careful that the jumper cables do not become tangled in the cooling fan
or any of the belts when connecting or disconnecting them.

468 6-1. Specifications
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
Electrical system
Transmission
12 volt battery
Open voltage at
68F (20 C): 12.6 
12.8V Fully charged
12.2  12.4V Half charged
11 . 5  11.9V Discharged
(Voltage is checked 20 minutes after
the engine and all lights are turned
off.)
Charging rates 3.5A max.
Fluid capacity
Drain and refill3.8 qt. (3.6 L, 3.2 lmp.qt.)
Fluid type Toyota Genuine ATF WS
NOTICE
■Transmission fluid type
Using transmission fluid other than “Toyota Genuine ATF WS” may cause
deterioration in shift quality, locking up of your transmission accompanied by
vibration, and ultimately damage the transmission of your vehicle.

505
Alphabetical index
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
Tires
Chains .................................. 179
Checking .............................. 379
Compact spare tire ............... 439
If you have a flat tire ............. 438
Inflation pressure .................. 470
Information ........................... 475
Pressure warning system ..... 379
Replacing ............................. 438
Rotating tires ........................ 379
Size ...................................... 470
Snow tires............................. 179
Spare tire .............................. 439
Tools......................................... 438
Total load capacity .................. 176
Touch screen ........................... 186
Towing Dinghy towing ....................... 182
Emergency towing ................ 416
Trailer towing ........................ 181
Transmission “P” position switch ................ 137
Transmission ........................ 136
Trip information......................... 27
Trip meter................................. 144
Turn signal lights Replacing light bulbs ............ 407
Switch ................................... 140
Wattage ................................ 471
Vanity lights Vanity lights .......................... 330
Wattage ................................ 471
Vanity mirrors .......................... 330
Vehicle identification number................................... 463
Vehicle load limits ................... 176
Vehicle Stability Control ......... 170 Warning buzzers
Brake system ........................426
Open door ............................429
Seat belt reminder .................429
Warning lights Anti-lock brake
system (ABS) ......................428
Brake system ........................426
Charging system .... ...............427
Electric power steering warning light........................428
Low fuel level ........................429
Malfunction indicator lamp ....427
Master warning light ..............430
Open door .............................429
Seat belt reminder light .........429
SRS airbags ..........................427
Tire pressure warning
light .....................................429
Washer Checking ...............................378
Preparing and checking before winter .......................177
Switch....................................158
Washing and waxing ...............346
Weight
Cargo capacity ......................173
Load limits .............................176
Weight ...................................462
Wheels ......................................392
Window glasses ........................75
Window lock switch ...................75
Windows Power windows .......................75
Rear window defogger ..........217
Washer ..................................158
Windshield wipers
Windshield wipers .................158
Winter driving tips ...................177
Wireless remote control key Locking/Unlocking ...................49
Replacing the battery ............396
WMA disc ..................................254
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