Toyota 2004 Prius Owner's Manual page 232

You may hear a motor sound in the en-
gine compartment when the brake pedal is
depressed with the hybrid system off.
When the hybrid system is started or
stopped, you may hear a sound coming
from the hybrid vehicle battery in the lug-
gage compartment. However, this does not
indicate any trouble.
If there is a problem somewhere in the
hybrid system, the hybrid system malfunc-
tion warning light will come on in place of
the "READY" light. If this happens, contact
your Toyota dealer.
CAUTION
Never start the hybrid system from
outside the vehicle, or an accident
may occur. Be sure to sit on the driv-
er seat, then start the system when
driving.
232
NOTICE
z The
hybrid system cannot
started when the shift position is
"N". Be sure to put it in "P" and
then start the system.
z If any warning light comes on (See
page 117 for details.) or the auxilia-
ry battery is disconnected, the hy-
brid system may not start by push-
ing the "POWER" switch. In that
case, push it once again. If the
"READY" light does not come on,
contact your Toyota dealer.
z When you start the hybrid system
at a lowered outside temperature, it
may take longer before the blinking
"READY" light changes to stay on.
Tips for driving in various
conditions
D
Always slow down in gusty crosswinds.
This will allow you much better control.
D
be
Drive slowly onto curbs and, if pos-
sible, at a right angle. Avoid driving
onto high, sharp−edged objects and
other road hazards. Failure to do so
can lead to severe tire damage such
as a tire burst.
Drive slowly when passing over bumps
or travelling on a bumpy road. Other-
wise, the impact could cause severe
damage to the tires and/or wheels.
D
When parking on a hill, turn the front
wheels until they touch the curb so
that the vehicle will not roll. Apply the
parking brake, and
transaxle "P". If necessary, block the
wheels.
D
Washing your vehicle or driving through
deep water may get the brakes wet. To
see whether they are wet, check that
there is no traffic near you, and then
press the pedal lightly. If you do not
feel a normal braking force, the brakes
are probably wet. To dry them, drive
the vehicle cautiously
pressing the brake pedal with the park-
ing brake applied. If they still do not
work safely, pull to the side of the road
and call a Toyota dealer for assistance.
put the hybrid
while lightly