2012 TOYOTA PRIUS Owners Manual

273
2-4. Using other
driving systems
2
When driving
■Changing the vehicle -to-vehicle distance
Pressing the button changes
the vehicle-to-vehicle dis-
tance as follows:
Long
Medium
Short
The vehicle-to-vehicle distance
is set automatically to long
mode when the “POWER”
switch is turned to ON mode.
If a vehicle is running ahead of
you, the preceding vehicle
mark will also be displayed.
■Vehicle-to-vehicle distance settings
Select a distance from the table below. Note that the distances
shown correspond to a vehicle speed of 50 mph (80 km/h). Vehi-
cle-to-vehicle distance increases/decreases in accordance with
vehicle speed.
Preceding vehicle mark
Distance optionsVehicle-to-vehicle distance
LongApproximately 160 ft. (50 m)
MediumApproximately 130 ft. (40 m)
ShortApproximately 100 ft. (30 m)

274 2-4. Using other driving systems
■Canceling and resuming the speed control
Pulling the lever toward you
cancels the cruise control.
The speed setting is also can-
celed when the brakes are
applied.
Pushing the lever up
resumes the cruise control
and returns vehicle speed
to the set speed.
Resuming is available when
the vehicle speed is more
than approximately 25 mph
(40 km/h).
ITO24P127

275
2-4. Using other
driving systems
2
When driving
Driving in vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode
This mode employs a radar sensor to detect the presence of vehicles
up to approximately 400 ft. (120 m) ahead, determines the current
vehicle-to-vehicle following distance, and operates to maintain a suit-
able following distance from the vehicle ahead.
Note that vehicle-to-vehicle distance will close in when traveling on long
downhill slopes.

276 2-4. Using other driving systems
Example of constant speed cruising
When there are no vehicles ahead
The vehicle travels at the speed set by the driver. The desired vehicle-to-
vehicle distance can also be set by operating the vehicle-to-vehicle dis-
tance control.
Example of deceleration cruising
When the vehicle ahead is driving slower than the set speed
When a vehicle is detected running ahead of you, the system automati-
cally decelerates your vehicle. When a greater reduction in vehicle speed
is necessary, the system applies the brakes. A warning tone warns you
when the system cannot decelerate sufficiently to prevent your vehicle
from closing in on the vehicle ahead.
Example of follow-up cruising
When following a vehicle driving slower than the set speed
The system continues follow-up cruising while adjusting for changes in the
speed of the vehicle ahead in order to maintain the vehicle-to-vehicle dis-
tance set by the driver.
Example of acceleration
When there are no longer any vehi cles ahead driving slower than
the set speed
The system accelerates until the set speed is reached. The system then
returns to constant speed cruising.

277
2-4. Using other
driving systems
2
When driving
Approach warning
When your vehicle is too close to a vehicle ahead, and sufficient
automatic deceleration via the cruise control is not possible, the dis-
play will flash and the buzzer will sound to alert the driver. An exam-
ple of this would be if another driver cuts in front of you while you are
following a vehicle. Apply the brakes to ensure an appropriate vehi-
cle-to-vehicle distance.
■ Warnings may not occur when
In the following instances, there is a possibility that the warnings
will not occur:
● When the speed of the vehicl e ahead matches or exceeds your
vehicle speed
● When the vehicle ahead is traveling at an extremely slow speed
● Immediately after the cruise control speed was set
● At the instant the accelerator is applied

278 2-4. Using other driving systems
Selecting conventional constant speed control modeConstant speed control mode differ s from vehicle-to-vehicle distance
control mode. When constant speed mode is selected, your vehicle
will maintain a set speed regardless of whether or not there are other
vehicles in the lane ahead.
Press the “ON-OFF” button to
activate the cruise control.
Press the button again to deacti-
vate the cruise control.
Switch to constant speed con-
trol mode.
(Push the lever forward and
hold for approximately 1 sec-
ond.)
Cruise control indicator will come
on.
When in constant speed control
mode, to return to vehicle-to-vehi-
cle distance control mode, push
the lever forward again and hold
for approximately 1 second.
After the desired speed has been
set, it is not possible to return to
vehicle-to-vehicle distance con-
trol mode.

279
2-4. Using other
driving systems
2
When driving
If the “POWER” switch is turned
off and then turned to ON mode
again, the vehicle will automati-
cally return to vehicle-to-vehicle
distance control mode.
Adjusting the speed setting:
P. 272
Canceling and resuming the
speed setting: P. 274
■ Dynamic radar cruise control can be set when
●The shift position is in D.
● Vehicle speed is above approximately 30 mph (50 km/h).
■ Accelerating after setting the vehicle speed
The vehicle can accelerate normally. After acceleration, the set speed
resumes. However, during vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode, the
vehicle speed may decrease below the set speed in order to maintain the
distance to the vehicle ahead.
■ Set speed
The set speed may be unsustainable depending on driving circumstances.

280 2-4. Using other driving systems
■Automatic cancelation of vehicle -to-vehicle distance control
Vehicle-to-vehicle distance control driving is automatically canceled in the
following situations:
● Actual vehicle speed falls below approximately 25 mph (40 km/h).
● Enhanced VSC is activated.
● The sensor cannot operate correctly because it is covered in some way.
● The windshield wipers are operating at high speed (when the wiper
switch is set to the high speed windshield wiper operation position).
If vehicle-to-vehicle distance control dr iving is automatically canceled for any
other reason, there may be a malfunction in the system. Contact your Toyota
dealer.
■ Automatic cancelation of constant speed control
The cruise control will stop maintaining the vehicle speed in the following sit-
uations:
●Actual vehicle speed is more than approximately 10 mph (16 km/h)
below the set vehicle speed.
At this time, the memorized set speed is not retained.
● Vehicle speed falls below appr oximately 25 mph (40 km/h).
● Enhanced VSC is activated.
■ Radar sensor and grille cover
Always keep the sensor and grille cover clean to ensure that the vehicle\
-to-
vehicle distance control operates properly. (Some obstructions, such as
snow, ice and plastic objects, cannot be detected by the obstruction sensor.)
Dynamic radar cruise control (vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode) will
be canceled if dirt is detected. (Constant speed control mode can be used).
Grille cover
Radar sensor