jump start TOYOTA PRIUS 2008 2.G Owners Manual

24 1-1. Hybrid system
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■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.

5
When trouble arises
451
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
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If the vehicle 12 volt batter y is discharged
The following procedures may be used to start the engine if the vehi-
cle’s 12 volt battery is discharged.
You can call your Toyota dealer, or qualified repair shop.
If you have a set of jumper (or booster) cables and a second vehi-
cle with a 12 volt battery, you can jump start your Toyota following
the steps below.
Open the hood and fuse block cover.
Open the exclusive jump start-
ing terminal cover.
STEP1
ITY52P016
STEP2

452 5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
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Connecting the jumper cables.
Exclusive jump starting terminal on your vehicle.
Positive (+) battery terminal on the second vehicle.
Negative (-) battery terminal on the second vehicle.
Connect the jumper cable to ground on your vehicle as shown in
the illustration.STEP3
ITY52P017

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When trouble arises
453
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
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■
Starting the hybrid system when the battery is discharged
The hybrid system cannot be started by push-starting.
■ Avoiding a discharged 12 volt battery
● Turn off the headlights and the audio system while the hybrid system is
turned off.
● Turn off any unnecessary electrical components when the vehicle is run-
ning at a low speed for an extended period, such as in heavy traffic, etc.
Start the engine of the second vehicle. Increase the engine
speed slightly and maintain at that level for approximately
five minutes to recharge the 12 volt battery of your vehicle.
Open and close any of the doors with the “POWER” switch
OFF.
Maintain the engine speed on the second vehicle and turn
the “POWER” switch to the ON mode, then start the vehi-
cle’s engine.
Make sure the “READY” light comes on. If the “READY”
light will not come on and the hybrid system will not start
after you recharge the battery, do the following procedure.
Turn the hybrid system off. Open and close the driver’s
door. Then push the “POWER” switch briefly and firmly. If
the light does not come on, contact your Toyota dealer.
Once the vehicle’s engine has started, remove the jumper
cables in the exact reverse order in which they were con-
nected.
Once the engine starts, have the vehicle checked at your Toyota
dealer as soon as possible.STEP4
STEP5
STEP6
STEP7
STEP8

454 5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
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■When the 12 volt battery is removed or discharged
The following systems must be initialized.
● Power windows (
P. 75)
● Tire pressure warning system (
P. 380)
● The hybrid system may not start. ( P. 448)
CAUTION
■Avoiding 12 volt battery fires or explosions
Observe the following precautions to prevent accidentally igniting the flam-
mable gas that may be emitted from the 12 volt battery.
● Make sure the jumper cable is connected to the correct terminal and that it
is not unintentionally in contact with any part other than the intended termi-
nal.
● Do not allow the jumper cables to come into contact with the “+” and “-” ter-
minals.
● Do not allow open flame or use matc hes, cigarette lighters or smoke near
the 12 volt battery.
■ 12 volt battery precautions
The 12 volt battery contains poisonous and corrosive acidic electrolyte, while
related parts contain lead and lead compounds. Observe the following pre-
cautions when handling the 12 volt battery:
● When working with the 12 volt battery, always wear safety glasses and
take care not to allow any battery fluids (acid) to come into contact with
skin, clothing or the vehicle body.
● Do not lean over the 12 volt battery.
● In the event that battery fluid comes into contact with the skin or eyes,
immediately wash the affected area with water and seek medical attention.
Place a wet sponge or cloth over the affected area until medical attention
can be received.
● Always wash your hands after handling the battery support, terminals, and
other battery-related parts.
● Do not allow children near the 12 volt battery.

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5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
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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.