INFORMATION BEFORE DRIVING YOUR TOYOTA -> Electric power steering system for Your Toyota Prius 4 Door Second Generation (2004-2009)

Brake pad wear limit  
indicators  
Electric power steering system  
The electric power steering system, us-  
ing an electric motor, assists the turn-  
ing of the steering wheel.  
When the 12 volt battery is discharged  
Check the 12 volt battery’s condition.  
If necessary, recharge or replace the  
battery. For details, see “Checking 12  
volt battery condition” on page 414.  
In the following cases, you may feel the  
steering becomes heavy. However, the  
electric power steering system warning  
light does not come on. (Because it is  
not a malfunction.)  
When the steering wheel is operated  
with the hybrid system not to be turned  
on (with the “READY” light off)  
When maneuvering the steering fre-  
quently or keeping the steering wheel  
turned fully while the vehicle is stopped  
or moving very slowly  
The 12 volt battery capacity is de-  
creased temporarily. The system re-  
turns to normal some time after the  
hybrid system is turned on.  
The power steering effect will be re-  
duced to prevent the system from over-  
heating. Avoid turning the steering  
wheel, or stop the vehicle. When you  
leave the vehicle in the “IGON” mode  
for a while, the system will become  
cool.  
If there is a problem somewhere in the  
electric power steering system, the warn-  
ing light comes on in the multiinformation  
display. For details, see “Multiinformation  
display” on page 132.  
The brake pad wear limit indicators on  
your disc brakes give a warning noise  
when the brake pads are worn to where  
replacement is required.  
If you hear a squealing or scraping noise  
while driving, have the brake pads  
checked and replaced by your Toyota  
dealer as soon as possible. Expensive ro-  
tor damage can result if the pads are not  
replaced when necessary.  
When you move the steering wheel, an  
electrical motor noise may be heard. This  
is power steering motor noise, and is not  
a malfunction.  
NOTICE  
If you repeat the operation which will  
turn on the overheating prevention  
function, the electric power steering  
system may be damaged.  
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