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2010 Toyota Prius Owners Manual - Gauges, Meters and Service reminder indicators



Gauges, Meters and Service reminder indicators

Fuel gauge

Toyota Prius: Fuel gauge. The gauge indicates the approximatequantity of fuel remaining in the tankwhen the “IG−ON” mode is enabled.

The gauge indicates the approximatequantity of fuel remaining in the tankwhen the “IG−ON” mode is enabled.

Nearly full–Indicator at “F”

Nearly empty–Indicator at “E”

It is a good idea to keep the tank over1/4 full.

When you refuel on a slope, the indicatormay not show the correct level.

When you refuel less than about 11.4 L(3.0 gal., 2.5 lmp.gal.), the fuel indicatormay not change.

After the 12 volt battery is reconnected,one segment will flash for a while.

Depending on the ambient temperature,the fuel quantity is less than 45 L (11.9gal., 9.9 lmp.gal.) even at “F”. However,this does not affect the fuel consumptionand the remaining fuel ratio indicated onthe gauge. (For details, see “Fuel” onpage 320.)

If the fuel gauge display flashes, theremay be a problem in the system. In thiscase, contact your Toyota dealer as soonas possible.

Toyota Prius: Fuel gauge. If the fuel level approaches “E” or the lowfuel level indicator light blinks, fill the fueltank as soon as possible.

If the fuel level approaches “E” or the lowfuel level indicator light blinks, fill the fueltank as soon as possible.

Toyota Prius: Fuel gauge. Type 1

Type 1

Toyota Prius: Fuel gauge. Type 2

Type 2

At the first blinking of the light, the masterwarning light in the instrument clustercomes on and the message appears onthe multi−information display to remind thedriver to fill fuel.

On inclines or curves, due to the movementof fuel in the tank, the low fuel levelindicator light may come on earlier thanusual.

Odometer and two trip meters

Toyota Prius: Odometer and two trip meters. This meter displays the odometer andtwo trip meters.

This meter displays the odometer andtwo trip meters.

1. Odometer—Shows the total distancethe vehicle has been driven.

2. Two trip meters—Show two differentdistances independently driven sincethe last time each trip meter was setto zero.

You can use one trip meter to calculatethe fuel economy and the other tomeasure the distance on each trip. Alltrip meter data is cancelled if the electricalpower source is disconnected

3. Trip meter reset button—Resets thetwo trip meters to zero, and alsochange the meter display.

To change the meter display, quicklypush and release the button. The meterdisplay changes in the order from theodometer to trip meter A to trip meterB, then back to the odometer eachtime you push.

To reset the trip meter A to zero, displaythe meter A reading, then pushand hold the button until the meter isset to zero. The same process can beapplied for resetting the trip meter B.

Km/h or MPH button

Toyota Prius: Km/h or MPH button. You can switch the display betweenkm/h and MPH by pressing the button.

You can switch the display betweenkm/h and MPH by pressing the button.

Service reminder indicators and warning buzzers

Toyota Prius: Service reminder indicators and warning buzzers. If any warning comes on, the hybrid system may not start by pushing the “POWER”

If any warning comes on, the hybrid system may not start by pushing the “POWER” switch. In that case, push it once again.

Toyota Prius: Service reminder indicators and warning buzzers. If any warning comes on, the hybrid system may not start by pushing the “POWER”

If any warning comes on, the hybrid system may not start by pushing the “POWER” switch. In that case, push it once again.

Brake System Warning Lights andBuzzer

These lights come on in the followingcases when the “IG−ON” mode is enabled.

RED WARNING LIGHT

When the parking brake is applied...

This light comes on when the “IG−ON”mode is enabled, even after the parkingbrake is released.

If the vehicle speed rises above 5 km/h(3 mph) while the parking brake is applied,a buzzer sounds.

When the brake fluid level is low...

CAUTION

It is dangerous to continue drivingnormally when the brake fluid level islow.

YELLOW WARNING LIGHT

When the regenerative brake systemis fails...

RED OR YELLOW WARNING LIGHT

When the hydraulic brake systemfails...

When the yellow warning light comes on,it is no problem to continue driving. However,if the red warning light comes on,it indicates a serious problem and you cancontinue driving no longer.

Have your vehicle checked at yourToyota dealer in the following cases:

  • The lights do not come on even if theparking brake is applied when the“READY” light is on.
  • The lights do not come on even if the“POWER” switch is pressed with theparking brake released.

A red or yellow warning light turning onbriefly during operation does not indicatea problem.

CAUTION

If any of the following conditions occurs,immediately stop your vehicle ata safe place and contact your Toyotadealer.

The red warning light does not turnoff even after the parking brake isreleased while the hybrid system isrunning.

The red warning light comes on orbuzzer sounds continuously.

In either case, this can indicate thatthe brakes may not work properly andyour stopping distance will becomelonger. Depress the brake pedal firmlyand bring the vehicle to an immediatestop.

The brake system warning light remainson together with the “ABS”and “VSC” warning light.

In this case, not only the anti−lockbrake system and vehicle stabilitycontrol system will fail but also thevehicle will become extremely unstableduring braking.

In the following case, drive directly tothe nearest Toyota dealer.The yellow warning light comes onwhile driving.

Any of the following conditions may occur,but do not indicate the malfunction:

  • The red and yellow warning light maystay on for about 60 seconds after thehybrid system is started. It is normalif it turns off after a while.
  • Depressing the brake pedal repeatedlymay turn on the red and yellow warninglight. It is normal if the light turnsoff and the buzzer stops sounding aftera few seconds.
  • You may hear a small sound in theengine compartment after the hybridsystem is started or the brake pedal isdepressed repeatedly. This is a pumppulsating sound of the brake system,and it is not a malfunction.
  • You may hear a motor sound in theengine compartment when the brakepedal is depressed with the hybrid systemoff.
  • The brake pedal stroke may be shortwhen you press the “POWER” switchwith the brake pedal depressed.
  • You may hear a sound in the enginecompartment when the driver’s door isopened or the brake pedal is depressedwith the hybrid system turnedoff. However, this does not indicate anytrouble.
  • You may hear a sound in the enginecompartment after the hybrid system isturned on or off. However, this doesnot indicate any trouble.

Driver’s Seat Belt Reminder Lightand Buzzer

The light and buzzer act as a reminder tobuckle up the driver’s seat belt.

Once the “IG−ON” mode is enabled, thereminder light flashes and the buzzersounds if the driver’s seat belt is not fastened.

Unless the driver fastens the belt,the light continues flashing and the buzzersounds 4 to 8 seconds.

If the vehicle speed rises above 20 km/h(12 mph) without the belt fastened, abuzzer sounds.

Front Passenger’s Seat BeltReminder Light and Buzzer

This light acts as a reminder to have thefront passenger buckle up the seat belt.

Once the “IG−ON” mode is enabled, thereminder light flashes if a passenger sitsin the front passenger seat and does notfasten the seat belt. Unless the front passengerfastens the belt, the light continuesflashing.

If the vehicle speed rises above 20 km/h(12 mph) without the belt fastened, abuzzer sounds.

If luggage or other load is placed on thefront passenger seat, depending on itsweight, causing the reminder light to flashand buzzer to sound.

Malfunction Indicator Lamp

This lamp comes on when the “IG−ON”mode is enabled and goes off after thehybrid system starts. This means thatthe warning light system is operatingproperly.

If the lamp remains on or the lampcomes on while driving, first check thefollowing:

Empty fuel tank

If the fuel tank is empty, refuel immediately.This case is a temporary malfunction. Themalfunction indicator lamp will go off aftertaking several driving trips.

If the lamp does not go off even afterseveral trips, contact your Toyota dealeras soon as possible.

There is a problem somewhere in theengine, hybrid system, throttle controlsystem or warning light system itself.Contact your Toyota dealer as soon aspossible to service the vehicle.

Emissions inspection and maintenance(I/M) programs

Your vehicle may not pass a state emissioninspection if the malfunction indicatorlamp remains on. Contact your Toyotadealer to check your vehicle’s emissioncontrol system and OBD (On−Board Diagnostics)system before taking your vehiclefor the inspection.

For details, see “Emissions inspection andmaintenance (I/M) programs” on page 394.

Master Warning Light

If the master warning light comes on, thewarning light for the faulty system is highlightedor the message such as “Pleasepress “P” to engage Park.” and “The batterieswill not be charged if the transaxleis in Neutral N.” appears on the multi−informationdisplay. (See “Service reminderindicators and warning buzzers— —Multi−information display” on page 133 or “Precautionsfor use” on page 14 or “Fuelgauge” on page 122 for instructions.)

“ABS” Warning Light

The light comes on when the “IG−ON”mode is enabled. If the anti−lock brakesystem and the brake assist system workproperly, the light turns off after the“READY” light comes on. Thereafter if thesystem malfunctions, the light comes onagain.

When the “ABS” warning light is on (andthe brake system warning light is on), theanti−lock brake system does not operate,but the brake system still operates conventionally.If any of the following conditionsoccurs, this indicates a malfunctionsomewhere in the parts monitored bythe warning light system. Contact yourToyota dealer as soon as possible soservice the vehicle.

  • The light does not come on when the“IG−ON” mode is enabled, or the lightremains on after the “READY” lightcomes on.
  • The light comes on while you are driving.

A warning light turning on briefly duringoperation does not indicate a problem.

CAUTION

If the “ABS” warning light remains ontogether with the red brake systemwarning light, immediately stop yourvehicle at a safe place and contactyour Toyota dealer.

In this case, not only the anti−lockbrake system function and brake assistfunction will fail but also the vehiclewill become extremely unstableduring braking.

Any of the following conditions may occur,but does not indicate the malfunction:

  • The light may stay on for about 60seconds after the hybrid system isstarted. It is normal if it turns off aftera while.
  • Depressing the brake pedal repeatedlymay turn on the light. It is normal ifit turns off after a few seconds.

SRS Warning Light

This indicator comes on when the “IG−ON” mode is enabled. It goes off afterabout 6 seconds. This means the SRSfront airbags, side and curtain shieldairbags and seat belt pretensioners areoperating properly.

The warning light system monitors the airbagsensor assembly, front airbag sensors,side and curtain shield airbag sensors,curtain shield airbag sensors,driver’s seat position sensor, driver’s seatbelt buckle switch, front passenger occupantclassification system, “AIRBAG ON”indicator light, “AIRBAG OFF” indicatorlight, front passenger’s seat belt buckleswitch, seat belt pretensioner assemblies,interconnecting wiring and power sources.

If any of the following conditions occurs,this indicates a malfunction of the airbagsor seat belt pretensioners. Contact yourToyota dealer as soon as possible.

  • The light does not come on when the“IG−ON” mode is enabled or remainson for more than 6 seconds.
  • The light comes on while driving.

The SRS warning light and “AIRBAG OFF”indicator light will come on if there is amalfunction in the front passenger occupantclassification system.

Open Door Warning Light

This light remains on until all the doorsare completely closed.

Low Fuel Level Indicator Light

This light blinks when the fuel level in thetank becomes nearly empty. Fill up thetank as soon as possible.

At the first blinking of the light, the messageappears on the display to remind thedriver to fill fuel.

Contact your Toyota dealer if the fill fuelgauge blinks.

Engine Oil Replacement ReminderLight (for vehicles sold in theU.S.A.)

This light acts as a reminder to replacethe engine oil.

This light will come on when the “IG−ON”mode is enabled, and will go off afterabout a few seconds.

When you drive for about 7200 km (4500miles) after engine oil replacement, thislight illuminates for about 3 seconds andthen flashes for about 12 seconds whenthe hybrid system is in the “IG−ON”mode. If you continue driving without engineoil replacement, and if the drivingrange exceeds 8000 km (5000 miles), thelight will come on after the “IG−ON” modeis enabled. The light will remain on thereafter.

If the light is flashing, we recommend thatyou replace the engine oil at an earlyopportunity depending on the driving androad conditions. If the light comes on,replace the oil as soon as possible.

The system must be reset after the engineoil replacement. Reset the system bythe following procedure:

1. Press the “POWER” switch to the“OFF” mode with the odometer readingshown. (For details, see “Odometer andtwo trip meters” on page 123.)

2. Press the “POWER” switch twice toselect the “IG−ON” mode while holdingdown the trip meter reset button.

Hold down the button for at least 5 seconds.The odometer indicates “000000”and the light goes off.

If the system fails to reset, the light willremain flashing.

“VSC” Warning Light

This light warns that there is a problemsomewhere in the vehicle stability controlsystem.

The light will come on when the “IG−ON”mode is enabled and will go off after the“READY” light comes on.

If the light comes on while driving, thesystem does not work. However, as conventionalbraking operates when applied,there is no problem to continue your driving.

In the following cases, contact your Toyotadealer:

  • The warning light does not come onafter the “IG−ON” mode is enabled.
  • The warning light remains on after the“READY” light comes on.
  • The warning light comes on while youare driving.

CAUTION

If the “VSC” warning light remains ontogether with the red brake systemwarning light, immediately stop yourvehicle at a safe place and contactyour Toyota dealer.

In this case, not only the vehicle stabilitycontrol system will fail but alsothe vehicle will become extremely unstableduring braking.

Tire Pressure Warning Light

This light comes on when the “IG−ON”mode is enabled. If the tire pressurewarning system works properly and tireinflation pressure is appropriate, the lightgoes off after a few seconds.

This light comes on or flashes in the followingcases when the “IG−ON” mode isenabled.

  • When the low tire inflation pressureis detected while driving...

If any tire has low inflation pressure,the light comes on.

The light goes off after the tire inflationpressure is adjusted to a specified level.

  • When initializing the system...

When ready to be initialized, the lightblinks three times.

  • When the system malfunctions...

If the system malfunctions, the lightblinks.

Although it is no problem to continuedriving, have your vehicle checked byyour Toyota dealer as soon as possible.

Key Reminder Buzzer

This buzzer acts as a reminder to removethe key if you open the driver’s door whenthe hybrid system is off and the key isinserted into the key slot.

P Position Reminder Buzzer

This buzzer will sound if the driver’s dooris opened while the hybrid transaxle is in“N”, “D” or “B”.

CHECKING SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS(except the low fuel level indicatorlight)

1. Apply the parking brake.

2. Open one of the doors.

The open door warning light shouldcome on.

3. Close the door.

The open door warning light should gooff.

4. Press the “POWER” switch twice withoutpressing the brake pedal to selectthe “IG−ON” mode. At this time, all thebulbs are checked in self−diagnosismode.

All the service reminder indicators exceptthe open door warning light comeon. The yellow brake system, “ABS”and “VSC” warning lights turn off afterthe “READY” light comes on.

There may be the case that the yellowbrake system, “ABS” and “VSC” warninglights stay on for about 60 seconds afterthe hybrid system is started. It is normalif they go out after a while.

If any service reminder indicator or warningbuzzer does not function as describedabove, have it checked by your Toyotadealer as soon as possible.

Multi−information display

Toyota Prius: Multi−information display. Type 1

Type 1

Toyota Prius: Multi−information display. Type 2

Type 2

If an error occurs in the system, thewarning message and icon appear.

For details on the warning display andhow to remedy the system, see the descriptionon the following pages.

Toyota Prius: Multi−information display. Charging System Warning Light

Charging System Warning Light

When there are problems in the chargingsystem while the hybrid system is running,the warning light comes on.

NOTICE

When the charging system warninglight comes on while the hybrid systemis running, malfunctions mayhave occurred. If the warning lightcomes on, immediately stop the vehiclein a safe place and contact yourToyota dealer.

Low Engine Oil Pressure WarningLight

This light warns that the engine oil pressureis too low.

If it stays on while you are driving, pulloff the road to a safe place and stop theengine immediately. Call a Toyota dealeror qualified repair shop for assistance.

The light may come on when the oil levelis extremely low. It is not designed toindicate low oil level, and the oil levelmust be checked using the level dipstick.

NOTICE

Do not drive the vehicle with thewarning light on—even for one block.It may ruin the engine.

High Coolant TemperatureWarning Light

The light operates to warn that the hybridsystem is almost overheating.

If it comes on while you are driving, stopthe vehicle and check your hybrid system.For detailed instructions, see “If your vehicleoverheats” on page 364.

Your vehicle may overheat during severeoperating conditions, such as:

  • Driving up a long hill on a hot day.
  • Reducing speed or stopping after highspeed driving.

NOTICE

  • Do not remove the thermostat inthe cooling system as this maycause the hybrid system to overheat.The thermostat is designed tocontrol the flow of coolant to keepthe temperature of the hybrid systemwithin the specified operatingrange.
  • Continued driving with the light oncould result in the overheating ofhybrid system.

Electric Power Steering SystemWarning Light

This light comes on when the powersteering control system fails.

CAUTION

If this light comes on, take your vehicleto the Toyota dealer as soon aspossible. In this case, you may feelthe heavy steering wheel maneuvering.Drive your vehicle while grippingthe steering wheel firmly.

Hybrid System Warning Light

This light comes on if there is a problemin the electric motor, inverter unit, hybridbattery, etc.

If this light is on, stop your vehicle in asafe place immediately and contact yourToyota dealer.

Even if the hybrid system warning lightcomes on, you can temporarily increasethe vehicle speed by depressing the acceleratorpedal. Immediately pull up yourvehicle to a safe place and contact yourToyota dealer.

Hybrid Battery Warning Light

This light comes on in the followingcases.

a. The hybrid battery voltage drops whenthe hybrid transaxle is left in “N” position.

The system works properly if you put thehybrid transaxle in “P” position and thelight goes off.

b. The hybrid battery is discharged.

If this light comes on with the “READY”light on in case of b., stop your vehiclein a safe place and contact your Toyotadealer.

Automatic Headlight Leveling SystemWarning Light

This light warns that there is a problemsomewhere in the automatic headlightleveling system.

If it comes on, have your vehicle checkedby your Toyota dealer.


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