2010 TOYOTA PRIUS tow

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
1Before drivingAdjusting and operating features such as door locks,
mirrors, and steering column
2When drivingDriving, stopping and safe-driving information
3Interior 
featuresAir conditioning and audio systems, as well as other in-
terior features for a comfortable driving experience
4Maintenance
and careCleaning and protecting your vehicle, performing do-it-
yourself maintenance, and maintenance information
5When trouble
arisesWhat to do if the vehicle needs to be towed, gets a flat
tire, or is involved in an accident
6Vehicle 
specificationsDetailed vehicle information
7For ownersReporting safety defects for U.S. owners and seat belt
instructions for Canadian owners
IndexAlphabetical listing of information contained in this
manual

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
3
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
2-1. Driving proceduresDriving the vehicle............... 150
Power (ignition) switch ........ 162
EV-Drive Mode.................... 168
Transmission....................... 171
Turn signal lever ................. 178
Parking brake ...................... 179
Horn .................................... 180
2-2. Instrument cluster Gauges and meters ............ 181
Indicators and warning 
lights ................................. 185
Multi-information display ..... 188
2-3. Operating the lights 
and windshield wipers
Headlight switch .................. 206
Fog light switch ................... 209
Windshield wipers 
and washer ....................... 210
Rear window wiper 
and washer ....................... 212
Headlight cleaner switch ..... 213 2-4. Using other driving systems
Cruise control ..................... 214
Dynamic radar 
cruise control .................... 218
Rear view monitor 
system .............................. 231
LKA (Lane-Keeping 
Assist) .............................. 235
Hill-start assist control ........ 243
Driving assist systems ........ 245
Pre-Collision System .......... 249
2-5. Driving information Cargo and luggage ............. 255
Vehicle load limits............... 260
Winter driving tips ............... 261
Trailer towing ...................... 266
Dinghy towing ..................... 267
2When driving

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
5
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
4-1. Maintenance and careCleaning and protecting 
the vehicle’s exterior ......... 404
Cleaning and protecting 
the vehicle’s interior .......... 407
4-2. Maintenance Maintenance 
requirements ..................... 410
General maintenance.......... 412
Emission inspection 
and maintenance (I/M) 
programs........................... 415
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance Do-it-yourself service 
precautions ....................... 416
Hood ................................... 420
Positioning a floor jack ........ 423
Engine compartment ........... 425
12 volt battery ..................... 436
Tires .................................... 441
Tire inflation pressure ......... 451
Wheels ................................ 455
Air conditioning filter............ 457
Electronic key battery.......... 460
Checking and replacing 
fuses ................................. 462
Light bulbs........................... 472 5-1. Essential information
Emergency 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
4Maintenance and care5When trouble arises

39
1-1. Hybrid system
1
Before driving
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
CAUTION
■
Road accident cautions
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of injury.
● Pull your vehicle off the road, push the “P” position switch, apply the park-
ing brake and turn the hybrid system off.
● Do not touch the high voltage parts, cables and connectors.
● If electric wires are exposed inside or outside your vehicle, an electric
shock may occur. Never touch exposed electric wires.
● If a fluid leak occurs, do not touch it as it may be strong alkaline electrolyte
from the hybrid battery (traction battery). If it comes into contact with your
skin or eyes, wash it off immediately with a large amount of water or if pos-
sible, boric acid solution. Seek immediate medical attention.
● If a fire occurs in the hybrid vehicle, leave the vehicle as soon as possible.
Never use a fire extinguisher that is not meant for electric fires. Using even
a small amount of water may be dangerous.
● If your vehicle needs to be towed, do so with the front wheels raised. If the
wheels with the electric motor (traction motor) are on the ground when
towing, the motor may continue to generate electricity. This may cause an
electricity leakage leading to a fire. (
P. 487)

65
1-3. Opening, closing and locking the doors and back door
1
Before driving
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
■
Conditions aff ecting operation
The smart key system and wireless remote control use weak radio waves. In
the following situations, the communication between the electronic key and
the vehicle may be affected, preventing the smart key system and wireless
remote control from operating properly. (Ways of coping: P. 541)
● When the electronic key battery is depleted
● Near a TV tower, electric power plant, gas station, radio station, large dis-
play, airport or other facility that generates strong radio waves or electri-
cal noise
● When carrying a portable radio, ce llular phone, cordless phone or other
wireless communication devices
● When the electronic key is in contact with, or is covered by the following
metallic objects
• Cards to which aluminum foil is attached
• Cigarette boxes that have aluminum foil inside
• Metallic wallets or bags
• Coins
• Hand warmers made of metal
• Media such as CDs and DVDs
● When multiple electronic keys are in the vicinity
● When carrying or using the electronic key together with the following
devices that emit radio waves
• Another vehicle’s electronic key
• A wireless key that emits radio waves
• Personal computer
• Digital audio players
• Portable game systems
● If window tint with a metallic content or metallic objects are attached to
the rear window (vehicles with entry function)

83
1-4. Adjustable components (s
eats, mirrors, steering wheel)
1
Before driving
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
■Adjusting the height of the head restraints
■ Adjusting the rear cent er seat head restraint
Always raise the head restraint one level from the stowed position when using.
■ Removing the head restraints
Front and rear center seats
Rear outboard seats (foldable type)
Rear outboard seats (non-foldable type)
Make sure that the head restraints are
adjusted so that the center of the head
restraint is closest to the top of your ears.
Pull the head restraint up while pressing
the lock release button.
Pull the head restraint up while pressing
the lock release buttons.
Pull the head restraint up while pressing
the lock release button.

121
1-8. Safety information
1
Before driving
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
CAUTION
■
SRS airbag precautions
Observe the following precautions regarding the airbags. 
Failure to do so may cause death or serious injury.
● The driver and all passengers in the vehicle must wear their seat belts
properly. 
The SRS airbags are supplemental devices to be used with the seat belts.
● The SRS driver airbag deploys with considerable force, and can cause
death or serious injury especially if the driver is very close to the airbag.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (“NHTSA”) advises:
Since the risk zone for driver airbag is the first 2 - 3 in. (50 - 75 mm) of
inflation, placing yourself 10 in. (250 mm) from your driver airbag provides
you with a clear margin of safety. This distance is measured from the cen-
ter of the steering wheel to your breastbone. If you sit less than 10 in. (250
mm) away now, you can change your driving position in several ways:
• Move your seat to the rear as far as you can while still reaching the
pedals comfortably.
• Slightly recline the back of the seat. 
Although vehicle designs vary, many drivers can achieve the 10 in.
(250 mm) distance, even with the driver seat all the way forward, sim-
ply by reclining the back of the seat somewhat. If reclining the back of
your seat makes it hard to see the road, raise yourself by using a firm,
non-slippery cushion, or raise the seat if your vehicle has that feature\
.
• If your steering wheel is adjustable, tilt it downward. This points the air- bag toward your chest instead of your head and neck.
The seat should be adjusted as recommended by NHTSA above, while still
maintaining control of the foot pedals, steering wheel, and your view of the
instrument panel controls.

123
1-8. Safety information
1
Before driving
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
CAUTION
■
SRS airbag precautions
●Do not sit on the edge of the seat or
lean against the dashboard.
● Do not allow a child to stand in front of
the SRS front passenger airbag unit or
sit on the knees of a front passenger.
● Do not drive the vehicle while the driver
or passenger have items resting on
their knees.
● Do not lean against the door, the roof
side rail or the front, side and rear pil-
lars.
● Do not allow anyone to kneel on the
passenger seats toward the door or put
their head or hands outside the vehicle.