2012 TOYOTA PRIUS Owners Manual

481
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
CAUTION
■
Replacing light bulbs
●Be sure to stop the hybrid system and turn off the lights. Do not attempt to
replace the bulb immediately after turning off the lights.
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. Failure 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.
■ To prevent damage or fire
Make sure bulbs are fully seated and locked.

482 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

When trouble arises5
483
5-1. Essential informationEmergency flashers ......... 484
If your vehicle needs to be towed ........................ 485
If you think something is wrong ......................... 492
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If a warning light turns on or a warning buzzer
sounds ........................... 493
If a warning message is displayed .................... 507
If you have a flat tire......... 523
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 ....................... 549
If the vehicle becomes stuck .............................. 554
If your vehicle has to be stopped in an
emergency ..................... 556

484
5-1. Essential information
Emergency flashers
■Emergency flashers
If the emergency flashers are used for a long time while the hybrid system is
not operating (while the “READY” indicator is not illuminated), the 12-volt
battery may discharge.
The emergency flashers are used to warn other drivers when the
vehicle has to be stopped in the road due to a breakdown, etc.
Press the switch.
All the turn signal lights will
flash.
To turn them off, press the
switch once again.

5
When trouble arises
485
5-1. Essential information
If your vehicle needs to be towed
Before towingThe following may indicate a problem with your hybrid transmission.
Contact your Toyota dealer before towing.
● The hybrid system is operating but the vehicle will not move.
● The vehicle makes an abnormal sound.
If there is a malfunction in the P position control system, the smart
key system or the immobilizer system , or if the 12-volt battery is dis-
charged, the vehicle cannot be tow ed with the front wheels on the
ground, as the front wheels may be locked. In this case, transport the
vehicle with both front wheels or all four wheels lifted.
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 flat bed truck.
Use a safety chain system for all to wing, and abide by all state/pro-
vincial and local laws.

486 5-1. Essential information
Emergency towingIf 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(s).
This should only be attempted
on hard surfaced roads for short
distances at under 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.

5
When trouble arises
487
5-1. Essential information
Installing towing eyelets
Remove the eyelet cover using a
flathead screwdriver.
To prevent damage, cover the tip
of the screwdriver with a rag.
Insert the towing eyelet into the
hole and tighten partially by
hand.
Tighten down the towing eyelet
securely using a wheel nut
wrench.
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3

488 5-1. Essential information
Towing with a sling-type truckDo not tow with a sling-type truck
to prevent body damage.
Towing with a wheel-lift type truckFrom the front Release the parking brake.
From the rear Use a towing dolly under the
front wheels.
ITO51P103
ITO51P104
ITO51P105