2004 Toyota Prius Owners Manual - Page 222

CAUTION ANTI−LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM The anti−lock brake system is designed to automatically help prevent lock−up of the wheels during a sudden braking or braking on slippery road surfaces. This assists in providing directional stability and steering performance of the vehicle under these circumstances. Effective way to press the ABS brake pedal: When the anti−lock brake system function is in action, the slip indicator in the instrument cluster flashes and you will hear a noise. In this situation, to let the anti−lock brake system work for you, just hold the brake pedal down more firmly. Do not pump the brake in a panic stop. This will result in reduced braking performance. The anti−lock brake system becomes operative after the vehicle has accelerated to a speed in excess of approximately 10 km/h (6 mph). It stops operating when the vehicle decelerates to a speed below approximately 5 km/h (3 mph). D Do not pump the brake pedal if the hybrid system is not operating. Each push on the pedal uses up your reserved brake fluid pressure. Depressing the brake pedal on slippery road surfaces such as on a manhole cover, a steel plate at a construction site, joints in a bridge, etc. on a rainy day tends to activate the anti−lock brake system. When the anti−lock brake system is activated, the following condition may occur. They do not indicate a malfunction of the system: D Even if the power assist is completely lost, the brakes will still work. But you will have to push the pedal hard, much harder than normal. And your braking distance will increase. D You may hear the anti−lock brake system operating and the vibrations of the vehicle body and steering wheel. You may also hear the motor sound in the engine compartment even after the vehicle is stopped. 210