2009 TOYOTA PRIUS tow

414 5-1. Essential information
PRIUS_U_(OM47614U)Towing eyelet
ITY51P001
■
Emergency towing procedure
Release the parking brake.
Put the shift lever in “N”.
Turn the “POWER” switch to ACCESSORY (hybrid system off) or
ON mode (hybrid system on).
CAUTION
■While towing
● Use extreme caution when towing the vehicle.
Avoid sudden starts or erratic driving maneuvers which place excessive
stress on the emergency towing eyelet and the cable or chain.
● If the hybrid system is not operating, the power assist for the brakes and
steering will not function, making steering and braking more difficult.
NOTICE
■To prevent causing serious dama ge to the transmission
Never tow this vehicle from the rear with the four wheels on the ground.
This may cause serious damage to the transmission.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3

5
When trouble arises
415
5-1. Essential information
PRIUS_U_(OM47614U)
Installing towing eyelet
Remove the eyelet cover using a
flathead screwdriver.
To protect the bodywork, place a
rag between the screwdriver and
the vehicle body, as shown in the
illustration.
Insert the towing eyelet into the
hole and tighten partially by
hand.
Tighten down the towing eyelet
securely using a wheel nut
wrench.
ITY51P002
STEP1
ITY51P003
STEP2
ITY51P004
STEP3
■Location of the emer gency towing eyelet
 P. 436

416 5-1. Essential information
PRIUS_U_(OM47614U)
Towing with a sling-type truck
CAUTION
■Installing towing eyelet to the vehicle
Make sure that towing eyelet is installed securely.
If not securely installed, towing eyelet may come loose during towing. This
may lead to accidents that cause serious injury or even death.
ITY51P005
NOTICE
■To prevent body damage
Do not tow with a sling-type truck, either from the front or rear.

5
When trouble arises
417
5-1. Essential information
PRIUS_U_(OM47614U)
Towing with a wheel lift-type truck
From front Release the parking brake.
From rear Use a towing dolly under the
front wheel.
ITY51P006
ITY51P007

418 5-1. Essential information
PRIUS_U_(OM47614U)
NOTICE
■To prevent causing serious damage to the transmission
Never tow this vehicle from the rear with the front wheels on the ground.
■ To prevent damaging the vehicle
● Do not tow the vehicle with the “POWER” switch OFF.
The steering lock mechanism is not strong enough to hold the front wheel
straight.
● When raising the vehicle, ensure adequate ground clearance for towing at
the opposite end of the raised vehicle. Without adequate clearance, the
vehicle could be damaged while being towed.

436
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS_U_(OM47614U)
If you have a flat tire
Remove the flat tire and replace it with the spare provided.
■Before jacking up the vehicle
●Stop the vehicle on a hard, flat surface.
● Set the parking brake.
● Push the “P” position switch
● Stop the hybrid system.
● Turn on the emergency flashers.
■ Location of the spare tire, jack and tools
ITY52P001
Wheel nut
wrench
Jack handle
Jack
Towing eyelet
Spare tire

442 5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS_U_(OM47614U)Firmly tighten each nut two or
three times in the order shown in
the illustration.
Tightening torque:
76 ft•lbf (103 N•m, 10.5 kgf•m)
Stow the flat tire, the tire jack and all tools.
4
1
2
3
5
ITY52P013
STEP4
■If you have a flat front tire on a road covered with snow or ice
Install the compact spare tire on the rear of the vehicle. Perform the fol-
lowing steps and fit tire chains to the front tires.
Replace a rear tire with the compact spare tire.
Replace the flat front tire with the tire removed from the rear of
the vehicle.
Fit tire chains to the front tires.
■After completing the tire change
The tire pressure warnin g system must be reset. ( P. 376)
STEP5
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3

5
When trouble arises
457
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS_U_(OM47614U)
If the vehicle becomes stuck
CAUTION
■When attempting to free a stuck vehicle
If you choose to rock the vehicle back and forth to free it, make sure the sur-
rounding area is clear, to avoid striking other vehicles, objects or persons.
The vehicle may also lunge forward or lunge back suddenly as it becomes
free. Use extreme caution.
■ When shifting the shift lever
Be careful not to shift the shift lever with the accelerator pedal depressed.
This may lead to unexpected rapid acceleration of the vehicle that may
cause an accident and result in death or serious injury.
NOTICE
■To avoid damaging the transmission and other components
● Avoid spinning the wheels.
● If the vehicle remains stuck after trying these procedures, the vehicle may
require towing to be freed.
Carry out the following procedures if the tires spin or the vehicle
becomes stuck in mud, dirt, or snow.
Stop the hybrid system. Set t he parking brake and push the
“P” position switch.
Remove the mud, snow, or sand from around the stuck tire.
Place wood, stones or some other material to help provide
traction under the tires.
Restart the hybrid system.
Carefully apply the accelerator to free the vehicle.STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4
STEP5