2012 TOYOTA PRIUS PHV brake

337
2-4. Using other
driving systems
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
2
When driving
■The pre-collision system is operational when
● Pre-collision seat belts (type A)
• Vehicle speed is greater than about 19 mph (30 km/h).
• The system detects sudden braking or skidding.
• The front occupants are wearing a seat belt.
● Pre-collision seat belts (type B)
• Vehicle speed is greater than about 4 mph (5 km/h).
• The speed at which your vehicle is approaching the obstacle or the
vehicle running ahead of you is greater than about 19 mph (30 km/h).
• The front occupants are wearing a seat belt.
● Pre-collision brake assist:
• Vehicle speed is greater than about 19 mph (30 km/h).
• The speed at which your vehicle is approaching the obstacle or the
vehicle running ahead of you is greater than about 19 mph (30 km/h).
• The brake pedal is depressed.
● Pre-collision braking:
• Vehicle speed is greater than about 10 mph (15 km/h).
• The speed at which your vehicle is approaching the obstacle or the
vehicle running ahead of you is greater than about 10 mph (15 km/h).
• The pre-collision braking off switch is not pressed.

338 2-4. Using other driving systems
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
■Conditions that may trigger the system even if there is no possibility of
a collision
● When there is an object by the roadside at the entrance to a curve
● When passing an oncoming vehicle on a curve
● When driving over a narrow iron bridge
● When there is a metal object on the road surface
● When driving on an uneven road surface (nose up, nose down)
● When passing an oncoming vehicle on a left-turn
● When your vehicle rapidly closes on the vehicle in front
● When a grade separation/interchange, sign, billboard, or other structure
appears to be directly in the vehicle’s line of travel
● When the steep angle of the road causes a metal object located beneath
the road surface to be seen ahead of the vehicle
● When an extreme change in vehicle height occurs
● When the axis of the radar is out of adjustment
● When passing through certain toll gates
● When passing through an overpass
When the system is activated in the situations described above, there is also
a possibility that the seat belts will retract quickly and the brakes will be
applied with a force greater than normal. When the seat belt is locked in the
retracted position, stop the vehicle in a safe place, release the seat belt and
refasten it.

341
2-4. Using other
driving systems
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
2
When driving
CAUTION
■Limitations of the pre-collision system
Do not overly rely on the pre-collision system. Always drive safely, taking
care to observe your surroundings and checking for any obstacles or other
road hazards.
Failure to do so may cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.
■ Cautions regarding the assist contents of the system
By means of alarms and brake control, the pre-collision system is intended
to assist the driver in avoiding collisions through the process of LOOK-
JUDGE-ACT. There are limits to the degree of assistance the system can
provide, so please keep in mind the following important points.
● Assisting the driver in watching the road
The pre-collision system is only able to detect obstacles directly in front of
the vehicle, and only within a limited range. It is not a mechanism that
allows careless or inattentive driving, and it is not a system that can assist
the driver in low-visibility conditions. It is still necessary for the driver to
pay close attention to the vehicle’s surroundings.
● Assisting the driver in making correct judgement
When attempting to estimate the possibility of a collision, the only data
available to the pre-collision system is that from obstacles it has detected
directly in front of the vehicle. Therefore, it is absolutely necessary \
for the
driver to remain vigilant and to determine whether or not there is a possi-
bility of collision in any given situation.
● Assisting the driver in taking action
The pre-collision system’s braking assist feature is designed to help
reduce the severity of a collision, and so only acts when the system has
judged that a collision is unavoidable. This system by itself is not capable
of automatically avoiding a collision or bringing the vehicle to a stop safely.
For this reason, when encountering a dangerous situation the driver must
take direct and immediate action in order to ensure the safety of all
involved.

342 2-4. Using other driving systems
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
CAUTION
■When the sensor may not be correctly detecting the vehicle ahead
Apply the brakes as necessary in any of the following situations.
● When water or snow thrown up by the surrounding vehicles hinders the
functioning of the sensor
● When your vehicle is pointing upwards (caused by a heavy load in the lug-
gage compartment etc.)
● Vehicles that cut in suddenly
● Vehicles with small rear ends (trailers with no load on board etc.)
● Motorcycles traveling in the same lane
■ Handling the radar sensor
Observe the following to ensure the pre-collision system can function effec-
tively:
● Keep the sensor and grille cover clean at all times.
Clean the sensor and grille cover with a soft cloth so you do not mark or
damage them.
● Do not subject the sensor or surrounding area to a strong impact.
If the sensor moves even slightly off position, the system may become
inaccurate or malfunction. If the sensor or surrounding area is subject to a
strong impact, always have the area inspected and adjusted by your Toy-
ota dealer.
● Do not disassemble the sensor.
● Do not attach accessories or stickers to the sensor, grille cover or sur-
rounding area.
● Do not modify or paint the sensor and grille cover.

346 2-5. Driving information
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
CAUTION
■Things that must not be carried in the luggage compartment
The following things may cause a fire if loaded in the luggage compart-
ment:
●Receptacles containing gasoline
●Aerosol cans
■Storage precautions
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.
●Stow cargo and luggage in the luggage compartment whenever possi-
ble.
●Do not stack cargo and luggage in the luggage compartment higher
than the seatbacks.
Such items may be thrown about and possibly injure people in the
vehicle in the event of sudden braking or in an accident.
●Do not place cargo or luggage in or on the following locations as the
item may get under the brake or accelerator pedal and prevent the
pedals from being depressed properly , block the driver’s vision, or hit
the driver or passengers, causing an accident:
• At the feet of the driver
• On the front passenger or rear seats (when stacking items)
• On the luggage cover
• On the instrument panel
• On the dashboard

350 2-5. Driving information
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
■Before driving the vehicle
Perform the following according to the driving conditions:
●Do not try to forcibly open a window or move a wiper that is
frozen. Pour warm water over the frozen area to melt the ice.
Wipe away the water immediately to prevent it from freezing.
● To ensure proper operation of th e climate control system fan,
remove any snow that has accumulated on the air inlet vents
in front of the windshield.
● Check for and remove any excess ice or snow that may have
accumulated on the exterior lights, vehicle’s roof, chassis,
around the tires or on the brakes.
● Remove snow or mud from the bottom of your shoes before
getting in the vehicle.
■ When driving the vehicle
Accelerate the vehicle slowly, keep a safe distance between you
and the vehicle ahead, and drive at a reduced speed suitable to
road conditions.
■ When parking the vehicle
Park the vehicle and shift the shift position to P and block the
wheel under the vehicle without setting the parking brake. The
parking brake may freeze up, preventing it from being released.
If necessary, block the wheels to prevent inadvertent sliding or
creeping.

372 3-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
■Operating conditions
The system will only operate if all of the following conditions are met:
● The shift position is in P.
● The “POWER” switch is OFF.
● All doors are closed.
● The hood is closed.
● The brake pedal is not being depressed.
■ When leaving the vehicle
● Check that the headlights are switched to either off or “AUTO”.
● Check that the wiper switch is turned off.
● Check that all windows are closed.
■ Remote Air Conditioning System automatic shut-off
The system will automatically shut off under the following conditions:
● About 10 minutes have passed since operation began
● Any one of the operating conditions is not met
● There is only a slight difference between the air conditioning set temper-
ature and the inside temperature.
The system may also shut off if the charge level of the hybrid battery (trac-
tion battery) drops to low. ( P. 60)
■ Conditions affecting operation
The system may not start in the following situations:
● The charge level of the hybrid battery (traction battery) is low (P. 60)
● The air conditioning temperature is set at a high level or outside tempera-
ture is low
● When the hybrid system is cool (for example, after being left for a long
time in low temperatures)

434
4-2. Maintenance
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
General maintenance
Engine compartment
ItemsCheck points
Brake fluid Is the brake fluid at the correct
level? (
P. 467)
Engine/power control unit coolant Is the engine/power control unit
coolant at the correct level?
(P. 464)
Engine oil Is the engine oil at the correct
level?
(P. 460)
Exhaust system There should not be any fumes or
strange sounds.
Radiator/condenser The radiator and condenser
should be free from foreign
objects. (
P. 466)
Washer fluid Is there sufficient washer fluid?
(P. 469)
Listed below are the general maintenance items that should be per-
formed at the intervals specified in the “Owner’s Warranty Informa-
tion Booklet” or “Owner’s Manual Supplement/Scheduled
Maintenance Guide”. It is recommended that any problem you notice
should be brought to the attention of your Toyota dealer or qualified
service shop for advice.