2012 TOYOTA PRIUS PHV steering

326 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 when any of the following types of vehicles
are in front of you.
As the sensor may not be able to correctly detect these types of vehicles,
the approach warning ( P. 319) will not be activated, and a fatal or serious
accident may result.
● Vehicles that cut in suddenly
● Vehicles traveling at low speeds
● Vehicles that are not moving
● Vehicles with small rear ends (trailers with no load on board etc.)
● Motorcycles traveling in the same lane
■ Conditions under which the vehicle -to-vehicle distance control may
not function correctly
Apply the brakes as necessary in the following conditions as the radar sen-
sor may not be able to correctly detect vehicles ahead, and a fatal or serious
accident may result:
● 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.)
● When the road curves or when the lanes are narrow
● When steering wheel operation or your position in the lane is unstable
● When the vehicle ahead of you decelerates suddenly

328
2-4. Using other driving systems
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
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
■VSC (Vehicle Stability Control)
Helps the driver to control skidding when swerving suddenly or turning
on slippery road surfaces
■TRAC (Traction Control)
Helps to maintain drive power and prevent the drive wheels from spin-
ning when starting the vehicle or accelerating on slippery roads
■EPS (Electric Power Steering)
Employs an electric motor to reduce the amount of effort needed to turn
the steering wheel
■Enhanced VSC (Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control)
Provides cooperative control of the ABS, TRAC, VSC and EPS.
Helps to maintain directional stability when swerving on slippery road
surfaces by controlling steering performance.

330 2-4. Using other driving systems
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
■Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, brake assist, VSC and
TRAC
● 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 sys-
tem 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 is operated, a motor sound (whirring sound) may
be heard. This does not indicate a malfunction.
■ Reduced effectiveness of the EPS system
The effectiveness of the EPS system 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 EPS system should return to normal within 10 minutes.
■ Electric power steering system warning light
 P. 540

348
2-5. Driving information
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
Vehicle load limits
■Total load capacity and seating capacity
These details are also described on the tire and loading information
label. (P. 486)
CAUTION
■Overloading the vehicle
Do not overload the vehicle.
It may not only cause damage to the ti res, but also degrade steering and
braking ability, resulting in an accident.
Vehicle load limits include total load capacity, seating capacity,
towing capacity and cargo capacity.
■ Total load capacity (vehicle capacity weight): P. 610
Total load capacity means the combined weight of occupants,
cargo and luggage.
■ Seating capacity: 5 occupants (Front 2, Rear 3)
Seating capacity means the ma ximum number of occupants
whose estimated average weight is 150 lb. (68 kg) per person.
■ Towing capacity
Toyota does not recommend towing a trailer with your vehicle.
■ Cargo capacity
Cargo capacity may increase or decrease depending on the
weight and the number of occupants.

352 2-5. Driving information
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
CAUTION
■Driving with snow tires
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents.
Failure to do so may result in a loss of vehicle control and cause death or
serious injury.
● Use tires of the size specified.
● Maintain the recommended level of air pressure.
● Do not drive in excess of 75 mph (120 km/h), regardless of the type of
snow tires being used.
● Use snow tires on all, not just some wheels.
■ Driving with tire chains
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents.
Failure to do so may result in the vehicle being unable to be driven safely,
and may cause death or serious injury.
● Do not drive in excess of the speed limit specified for the tire chains being
used, or 30 mph (50 km/h), whichever is lower.
● Avoid driving on bumpy road surfaces or over potholes.
● Avoid sudden acceleration, abrupt steering, sudden braking and shifting
operations that cause sudden engine braking.
● Slow down sufficiently before entering a curve to ensure that vehicle con-
trol is maintained.

Interior features3
357
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
3-1.Using the air conditioning
system
and defogger
Air conditioning system .... 358
Using the steering wheel climate remote control
switches ......................... 369
Remote Air Conditioning System ........................... 371
Rear window and outside rear view mirror defoggers
switch ............................. 375
3-2. Using the audio system Audio system types .......... 376
Using the AUX port/USB port................................. 381
3-3. Using the interior lights Interior lights list ............... 382
• Front interior lights ......... 383
• Personal lights ............... 383
• Rear interior light ........... 384 3-4. Using the storage features
List of storage features .... 385
• Glove boxes ................... 386
• Console box ................... 387
• Cup holders ................... 388
• Bottle holders ................. 390
• Auxiliary boxes ............... 391
3-5. Other interior features Sun visors ........................ 392
Vanity mirrors ................... 393
Outside temperature display............................ 394
Power outlets ................... 395
Seat heaters..................... 397
Armrest ............................ 399
Assist grips....................... 400
Floor mats ........................ 401
Luggage compartment features .......................... 403
Garage door opener......... 407
Safety Connect ................ 415

369
3-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
3
Interior features
Using the steering wheel climate remote control switches
Adjusting the temperature settingPress “ ” on to increase the temperature and “ ” to decrease
the temperature.
Changing the outside air or recirculated air modes
Press .
The mode switches between outside air mode and recirculated air mode
each time the switch is pressed.
Some air conditioning features can be controlled using the switches
on the steering wheel.
Temperature control
Outside air or recirculated
air mode

370 3-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
■When operating the steering switches (vehicles with touch tracer dis-
play)
● The steering switches operation status is displayed on the instrument
cluster for confirmation purposes. ( P. 258)
CAUTION
■To reduce the risk of an accident
Exercise care when operating the air conditioning switches on the steering
wheel.
● Settings are shown on the multi-infor-
mation display when the steering switch
is operated.