TOYOTA PRIUS 2009 2.G Owners Manual

When trouble arises5
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5-1. Essential informationEmergency flashers ......... 412
If your vehicle needs to be towed ........................ 413
If you think something is wrong ............................. 420
Event data recorder ......... 421
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If a warning light turns on or a warning buzzer
sounds... ........................ 423
If you have a flat tire......... 436
If the hybrid system will not start ................................ 446
If you lose your keys ........ 447
If the electronic key does not operate properly....... 448
If the 12 volt battery is discharged ..................... 449
If your vehicle overheats .. 454
If the vehicle becomes stuck .............................. 457

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5-1. Essential information
Emergency flashers
NOTICE
■To prevent 12 volt battery discharge
Do not leave the emergency flashers on longer than necessary when the
hybrid system is not operating.
Use the emergency flashers if th e vehicle malfunctions or is
involved in an accident.
Press the switch to flash all
the turn signal lights. To turn
them off, push the switch once
again.

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If your vehicle needs to be towed
Before towingThe following may indicate a problem with your transmission. Contact
your Toyota dealer before towing.
● The hybrid system is operating, but the vehicle will not move.
● The vehicle makes an abnormal sound.
Emergency towing
If a tow truck is not available, in an emergency your vehicle may be
temporarily towed using a cable or chain secured to the emergency
towing eyelet. This should only attempted on hard, surfaced roads for
short distances below 18 mph (30km/h).
A driver must be in the vehicle to steer and operate the brakes. The
vehicle’s wheels, drive train, axles, steering and brakes must be in
good condition.
If towing is necessary, we recommend having your vehicle towed by
your Toyota dealer or a commerci al towing service, using a lift-type
truck or a flat bed truck.
Use a safety chain system for all to wing, and abide by all state/pro-
vincial and local laws.
If towing from the front, the vehicle ’s rear wheel and axles must be in
good condition. ( P. 417)
If they are damaged, use a towing dolly or flat bed truck.

414 5-1. Essential information
PRIUS_U_(OM47614U)Towing eyelet
ITY51P001
■
Emergency towing procedure
Release the parking brake.
Put the shift lever in “N”.
Turn the “POWER” switch to ACCESSORY (hybrid system off) or
ON mode (hybrid system on).
CAUTION
■While towing
● Use extreme caution when towing the vehicle.
Avoid sudden starts or erratic driving maneuvers which place excessive
stress on the emergency towing eyelet and the cable or chain.
● If the hybrid system is not operating, the power assist for the brakes and
steering will not function, making steering and braking more difficult.
NOTICE
■To prevent causing serious dama ge to the transmission
Never tow this vehicle from the rear with the four wheels on the ground.
This may cause serious damage to the transmission.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3

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Installing towing eyelet
Remove the eyelet cover using a
flathead screwdriver.
To protect the bodywork, place a
rag between the screwdriver and
the vehicle body, as shown in the
illustration.
Insert the towing eyelet into the
hole and tighten partially by
hand.
Tighten down the towing eyelet
securely using a wheel nut
wrench.
ITY51P002
STEP1
ITY51P003
STEP2
ITY51P004
STEP3
■Location of the emer gency towing eyelet
 P. 436

416 5-1. Essential information
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Towing with a sling-type truck
CAUTION
■Installing towing eyelet to the vehicle
Make sure that towing eyelet is installed securely.
If not securely installed, towing eyelet may come loose during towing. This
may lead to accidents that cause serious injury or even death.
ITY51P005
NOTICE
■To prevent body damage
Do not tow with a sling-type truck, either from the front or rear.

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Towing with a wheel lift-type truck
From front Release the parking brake.
From rear Use a towing dolly under the
front wheel.
ITY51P006
ITY51P007

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NOTICE
■To prevent causing serious damage to the transmission
Never tow this vehicle from the rear with the front wheels on the ground.
■ To prevent damaging the vehicle
● Do not tow the vehicle with the “POWER” switch OFF.
The steering lock mechanism is not strong enough to hold the front wheel
straight.
● When raising the vehicle, ensure adequate ground clearance for towing at
the opposite end of the raised vehicle. Without adequate clearance, the
vehicle could be damaged while being towed.

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Using a flat bed truck
If you use chains or cables to tie
down your vehicle, the angles
shaded in black must be 45°.
Do not overly tighten the tie
downs or the vehicle may be
damaged.
ITY51P008

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If you think something is wrong
If you notice any of the following symptoms, your vehicle probably
needs adjustment or repair. Contact your Toyota dealer as soon as
possible.
■ Visible symptoms
●Fluid leaks under the vehicle
(Water dripping from the air cond itioning after use is normal.)
● Flat-looking tires or uneven tire wear
■ Audible symptoms
●Changes in exhaust sound
● Excessive tire squeal when cornering
● Strange noises related to the suspension system
● Pinging or other noises related to the hybrid system
■ Operational symptoms
●Engine missing, stumbling or running rough
● Appreciable loss of power
● Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when braking
● Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when driving on a level road
● Loss of brake effectiveness, s pongy feeling, pedal almost
touches the floor