2010 TOYOTA PRIUS Owners Manual

481
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
■
Rear turn signal lights and back-up lights
Open the back door and remove
the cover.
Turn the bulb base counterclock-
wise.
Rear turn signal light
Back-up light
Remove the light bulb. Rear turn signal light
Back-up light
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STEP1
ITO43P146
STEP2
ITO43P147
STEP3

482 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.■
License plate lights
Open the back door and remove
the cover.
To protect the cover, place a rag
between the flathead screwdriver
and cover as shown in the illus-
tration.
Turn the bulb base counterclock-
wise.
Remove the light bulb.
■ Lights other than the above
If any of the lights listed below has burnt out, have your Toyota
dealer replace it.
●Headlight low beams (LED type)
● Stop/tail lights
● High mounted stoplight
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STEP2
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STEP3

483
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
■
Condensation build-up on th e inside of the lens
Contact your Toyota dealer for more information in the following situations.
Temporary condensation build-up on the inside of the headlight lens does
not indicate a malfunction.
● Large drops of water are built up on the inside of the lens.
● Water has built up inside the headlight.
■ LED lights
The headlight low beams (LED type), stop/tail lights and high mounted
stoplight consist of a number of LEDs. If any of the LEDs burn out, take your
vehicle to your Toyota dealer to have the light replaced.
■ Installing the engine under cover clip
Insert the clip.

484 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
CAUTION
■Replacing light bulbs
● Turn off the headlights. Do not attempt to replace the bulb immediately
after turning off the headlights. 
The bulbs become very hot and may cause burns.
● Do not touch the glass portion of the light bulb with bare hands. Hold the
bulb by the plastic or metal portion. 
If the bulb is scratched or dropped it may blow out or crack.
● Fully install light bulbs and any parts used to secure them. Failing to do so
may result in heat damage, fire, or water entering the headlight unit. This
may damage the headlights or cause condensation to build up on the lens.
● Do not attempt to repair or disassemble light bulbs, connectors, electric
circuits or component parts. 
Doing so may result in death or serious injury due to electric shock.
■ To prevent damage or fire
Make sure bulbs are fully seated and locked.

When trouble arises5
485
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
5-1. Essential informationEmergency flashers ......... 486
If your vehicle needs to 
be towed ........................ 487
If you think something is 
wrong ............................. 493
Event data recorder ......... 494
5-2. Steps to take in an 
emergency
If a warning light turns on or 
a warning buzzer 
sounds... ........................ 496
If a warning message is 
displayed ........................ 508
If you have a flat tire......... 524
If the hybrid system will 
not start .......................... 538
If you lose your keys ........ 540
If the electronic key does 
not operate properly....... 541
If the 12 volt battery is 
discharged ..................... 543
If your vehicle 
overheats ....................... 548
If the vehicle becomes 
stuck .............................. 553

486
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
5-1. Essential information
Emergency flashers
NOTICE
■To prevent 12 volt battery discharge
Do not leave the emergency flashers on longer than necessary when the
hybrid system is not operating.
Use the emergency flashers if th e vehicle malfunctions or is
involved in an accident.
Press the switch to flash all
the turn signal lights. To turn
them off, press the switch
once again.
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5
When trouble arises
487
5-1. Essential information
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
If your vehicle needs to be towed
Before towingThe following may indicate a problem with your transmission. Contact
your Toyota dealer before towing.
● The hybrid system is operating, but the vehicle will not move.
● The vehicle makes an abnormal sound.
Emergency towing
If a tow truck is not available, in an emergency your vehicle may be
temporarily towed using a cable or chain secured to the emergency
towing eyelet. This should only be attempted on hard, surfaced roads
for short distances below 18 mph (30 km/h). 
A driver must be in the vehicle to steer and operate the brakes. The
vehicle’s wheels, drive train, axles, steering and brakes must be in
good condition.
If towing is necessary, we recommend having your vehicle towed by
your Toyota dealer or a commerci al towing service, using a lift-type
truck or a flat bed truck. 
Use a safety chain system for all to wing, and abide by all state/pro-
vincial and local laws.
If towing from the front, the vehicle ’s rear wheel and axles must be in
good condition. ( P. 491)
If they are damaged, use a towing dolly or flat bed truck.

488 5-1. Essential information
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.Towing eyelet
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■
Emergency towing procedure
Release the parking brake.
Turn the “POWER” switch to ON mode.
Put the shift lever in “N”.
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