2009 TOYOTA PRIUS Owners Manual

161
2-4. Using other
driving systems
2
When driving
PRIUS_U_(OM47614U)
■Cruise control can be set when
● The shift lever is in the “D” range.
● Vehicle speed is between approximately 25 mph (40 km/h) and 125 mph
(200 km/h).
■ Accelerating
The vehicle can be accelerated normally. After acceleration, the set speed
resumes.
■ Automatic cruise control cancelation
The set speed is automatically canceled in any of the following situations.
● Actual vehicle speed falls more than 10 mph (16 km/h) below the preset
vehicle speed
● Actual vehicle speed is below 25 mph (40 km/h)
● Enhanced VSC is activated
■ If the cruise control indicator light flashes
Turn the “ON-OFF” button off once, and then reactivate the system.
If the cruise control speed cannot be set or if the cruise control cancels
immediately after being activated, there may be a malfunction in the cruise
control system. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer.

162 2-4. Using other driving systems
PRIUS_U_(OM47614U)
CAUTION
■To avoid operating the cruise control by mistake
Keep the “ON-OFF” button off when not in use.
■ Situations unsuitable for cruise control
Do not use cruise control in any of the following situations.
Doing so may result in control of the vehicle being lost and could cause seri-
ous or fatal accident.
● In heavy traffic
● On roads with sharp bends
● On slippery roads, such as those covered with rain, ice or snow
● On winding roads
● On steep hills
Vehicle speed may exceed the set speed when driving down a steep hill.

163
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
PRIUS_U_(OM47614U)
Rear view monitor system
: If equipped
■Displayed area
Corner of bumper
The rear view monitor system assists the driver by displaying an
image of the view behind the vehicle while reversing. The image is
displayed in reverse on the screen . This allows the image to appear
in the same manner as that of the rear view mirror.
Rear view image is displayed
when the shift lever is in “R”.
If you move the lever out of
“R”, the screen returns to the
previous one.
The area covered by the camera is lim-
ited. Objects which are close to either
corner of the bumper or under the
bumper cannot be seen on the screen.
The area displayed on the screen may
vary according to vehicle orientation or
road conditions.
ITY24P006

164 2-4. Using other driving systems
PRIUS_U_(OM47614U)
■Rear view monitor system camera
■ Smear effect
In the following cases, it may be difficult
to see the images on the screen, even
when the system is functioning correctly.
• In the dark (e.g. at night).
• If the temperature near the lens is
extremely high or low.
• If water droplets get on the camera, or when humidity is high (e.g. when it
rains).
• If foreign matter (e.g. snow or mud) get on the camera lens.
• If the sun or headlights are shining directly into the camera lens.
ITY24P008
If a bright light (for example, sunlight
reflected off the vehicle body) is picked
up by the camera, a smear effect
* pecu-
liar to the camera may occur.
*: Smear effect—A phenomenon that occurs when a bright light (for example,
sunlight reflected off the vehicle body)
is picked up by the camera; when trans-
mitted by the camera, the light source
appears to have a vertical streak above
and below it.
ITY24P009

165
2-4. Using other
driving systems
2
When driving
PRIUS_U_(OM47614U)
CAUTION
■When using the rear view moni tor system, observe these precautions
to avoid an accident that could r esult in death or serious injuries.
● Never depend solely on the monitor system when reversing.
● Always check visually and with the mirrors to confirm your intended path is
clear.
● Depicted distances between objects and flat surfaces differ from actual
distances.
● Do not use the system if the back door is open.
■ Conditions which may affect the rear view monitor system
● If the back of the vehicle is hit, the camera’s position and mounting angle
may change. Contact your Toyota dealer.
● Rapid temperature changes, such as when hot water is poured on the
vehicle in cold weather, may cause the system to function abnormally.
● If the camera lens is dirty, it cannot transmit a clear image. Rinse with
water and wipe with a soft cloth. If extremely dirty, wash with a mild
cleanser and rinse.
● The displayed image may be darker and moving images may be slightly
distorted when the system is cold.

166
2-4. Using other driving systems
PRIUS_U_(OM47614U)
Driving assist systems
When the Enhanced VSC is operatingIf the vehicle is in danger of slip-
ping or the front wheels spin, the
indicator flashes to indicate that
the Enhanced VSC have been
engaged.
A buzzer (intermittent) sounds to
indicate that Enhanced VSC is
operating.
The slip indicator light flashes as
well when ABS is operating.
To help enhance driving safety and performance, the following sys-
tems operate automatically in res ponse to various driving situations.
Be aware, however, that these systems are supplementary and
should not be relied upon too h eavily when operating the vehicle.
■ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
Helps to prevent wheel lock when the brakes are applied suddenly, or if
the brakes are applied while driving on a slippery road surface.
■Brake Assist
Generates an increased level of braking force after the brake pedal is
depressed, when the system detects a panic stop situation.
■Enhanced VSC (Vehicle Stab ility Control) (If equipped)
Helps the driver to control skidding when swerving suddenly or turning
on slippery road surfaces.
■EPS (Electric Power Steering)
Employs an electric motor to reduce the amount of effort needed to turn
the steering wheel.

167
2-4. Using other
driving systems
2
When driving
PRIUS_U_(OM47614U)
■Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, brake assist and Enhanced
VSC
● A sound may be heard from the hybrid system compartment when the
hybrid system is started or just after the vehicle begins to move. This
sound does not indicate that a malfunction has occurred in any of these
systems.
● Any of the following conditions may occur when the above systems are
operating. None of these indicates that a malfunction has occurred.
• Vibrations may be felt through the vehicle body and steering.
• A motor sound may be heard after the vehicle comes to a stop.
• The brake pedal may pulsate slightly after the ABS is activated.
• The brake pedal may move down slightly after the ABS is activated.
■ Reduced effectiveness of EPS
The effectiveness of EPS is reduced to prevent the system from overheating
when there is frequent steering input over an extended period of time. The
steering wheel may feel heavy as a result. Should this occur, refrain from
excessive steering input or stop the vehicle and turn the hybrid system OFF.
The system should return to normal within 10 minutes.

168 2-4. Using other driving systems
PRIUS_U_(OM47614U)
CAUTION
■The ABS does not operate effectively when
● The limits of tire gripping performance have been exceeded.
● The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on the wet or slick
road.
■ Stopping distance when the ABS is ope rating on the wet or slick roads
The ABS is not designed to shorten the vehicle’s stopping distance. Always
maintain a sufficient distance from the vehicle in front of you in the following
situations.
● When driving on dirt, gravel or snow-covered roads
● When driving with tire chains
● When driving over bumps in the road
● When driving over roads with potholes or roads with uneven pavement
■ When the Enhanced VSC is activated
The slip indicator light flashes and a warning buzzer sounds. Always drive
carefully.
Reckless driving may cause an accident. Exercise particular care when the
indicator light flashes and a buzzer sounds.
■ Replacing tires
Make sure that all tires are of the same size, brand, tread pattern and total
load capacity. In addition, make sure that the tires are inflated to the speci-
fied tire pressure level.
The ABS and Enhanced VSC will not function correctly if different tires are
fitted on the vehicle.
Contact your Toyota dealer for further information when replacing tires or
wheels.