2010 TOYOTA PRIUS ABS

187
2-2. Instrument cluster
2
When driving
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
CAUTION
■
If a safety system warning light does not come on
Should a safety system light such as the ABS and the SRS airbag warning
lights not come on when you start the hybrid system, this could mean that
these systems are not available to help protect you in an accident, which
could result in death or serious injury. Have the vehicle inspected by your
Toyota dealer immediately if this occurs.
■ Warning lights
Warning lights inform the driver of malfunctions in the indicated
vehicle’s systems. ( P. 496)
*: These lights turn on when the “POWER” switch is turned to ON mode
to indicate that a system check is being performed. They will turn off
after the hybrid system is started, or after a few seconds. There may
be a malfunction in a system if the lights do not come on, or if the
lights do not turn off. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota
dealer.
(U.S.A.)(Canada)(U.S.A.)(Canada) redyellow
(if equipped)(U.S.A.)(Canada)
(if equipped)
******
******
**

228 2-4. Using other driving systems
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
CAUTION
■Before using dynamic radar cruise control
Do not overly rely on vehicle-to-vehicle distance control. 
Be aware of the set speed. If automatic deceleration/acceleration is not
appropriate, adjust the vehicle speed, as well as the distance between your
vehicle and vehicles ahead by applying the brakes etc.
■ Cautions regarding the driving assist systems
Observe the following precautions. 
Failure to do so may cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.
● Assisting the driver to measure following distance 
The dynamic radar cruise control is only intended to help the driver in
determining the following distance between the driver’s own vehicle and a
designated vehicle traveling ahead. It is not a mechanism that allows care-
less or inattentive driving, and it is not a system that can assist the driver in
low-visibility conditions. It is still necessary for driver to pay close attention
to the vehicle’s surroundings.
● Assisting the driver to judge proper following distance 
The dynamic radar cruise control determines whether the following dis-
tance between the driver’s own vehicle and a designated vehicle traveling
ahead is appropriate or not. It is not capable of making any other type of
judgement. Therefore, it is absolutely necessary for the driver to remain
vigilant and to determine whether or not there is a possibility of danger in
any given situation.
● Assisting the driver to operate the vehicle 
The dynamic radar cruise control has no capability to prevent or avoid a
collision with a vehicle traveling ahead. Therefore, if there is ever any dan-
ger, the driver must take immediate and direct control of the vehicle and
act appropriately in order to ensure the safety of all involved.
■ To avoid inadvertent cruise control activation
Switch the cruise control off using the “ON-OFF” button when not in use.

245
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
Driving assist systems
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 Stability Control)
Helps the driver to control skidding when swerving suddenly or turning
on slippery road surfaces.
■TRAC (Traction Control)
Maintains drive power and prevents the front wheels from spinning
when starting the vehicle or accelerating on slippery roads.
■Hill-start assist control
P. 243
■ EPS (Electric Power Steering)
Employs an electric motor to reduce the amount of effort needed to turn
the steering wheel.
■Pre-Collision System (if equipped)
P. 249

246 2-4. Using other driving systems
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
When the Enhanced VSC/TRAC is operatingIf the vehicle is in danger of slip-
ping or if the front wheels spin,
the slip indicator light flashes to
indicate that the Enhanced VSC/
TRAC have been engaged.
A buzzer (intermittent) sounds to
indicate that Enhanced VSC is
operating.
ITO24P109
■Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, brake assist, TRAC and
Enhanced VSC
● A sound may be heard from the engine compartment when the hybrid
system is started, just after the vehicle begins to move, if the brake pedal
is depressed forcefully or repeatedly, or 1 - 2 minutes after the hybrid
system is stopped. 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.
■ EPS operation sound
When the steering wheel operates, a mo tor sound (whirring sound) may be
heard. 
This does not indicate a malfunction.

247
2-4. Using other
driving systems
2
When driving
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
■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.
CAUTION
■The ABS does not opera te 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 safe distance from the vehicle in front of you in the following situ-
ations.
● 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
■ TRAC may not operate effectively when
Directional control and power may not be achievable while driving on slip-
pery road surfaces, even if the TRAC is operating. 
Do not drive the vehicle in conditions where stability and power may be lost.

248 2-4. Using other driving systems
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
CAUTION
■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.
■ Handling of tires and suspension
Using tires with any kind of problem or modifying the suspension will affect
the driving assist systems, and may cause the system to malfunction.

433
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
■
Adding fluid
Push the tab in and lift the cover
off.
Make sure to check the fluid type and prepare the necessary items.
ITO43P152
Fluid typeFMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703 brake fluid
ItemsClean funnel
■ Brake fluid can absorb moisture from the air
Excess moisture in the fluid can cause a dangerous loss of braking effi-
ciency. Use only newly opened brake fluid.
CAUTION
■When filling the reservoir
Take care because brake fluid can harm your hands or eyes and damage
painted surfaces. 
If fluid gets in your eyes, flush your eyes with clean water immediately.
If you still experience discomfort, see a doctor.

462
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
Checking and replacing fuses
If any of the electrical components do not operate, a fuse may have
blown. If this happens, check and replace the fuses as necessary.
Turn the “POWER” switch OFF. 
Vehicles with Solar Ventilation System: Turn the Solar Ven-
tilation System off and make sure not to operate the
Remote Air Conditioning System.
Open the fuse box cover.
Engine compartment
Push the tabs in and lift the lid
off.
Left side instrument panel Remove the lid.STEP1
STEP2
ITO43P127
ITO43P129