2012 TOYOTA PRIUS PLUG-IN Owners Manual

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When driving
PCS (Pre-Collision System)∗
∗: If equipped
When the radar sensor detects possibility of a frontal collision, the
pre-collision systems such as the brakes and seat belts are automat-
ically engaged to lessen impact as well as vehicle damage.
■Pre-collision seat belts (front seat belts only)
If the pre-collision sensor detects that a collision is unavoidable, the
pre-collision system will retract the seat belt before the collision occurs.
The same will happen if the driver makes an emergency braking or
loses control of the vehicle. (→P. 1 5 8 )
However, when the VSC system is disabled, the system will not oper-
ate in the event of skidding.
■Pre-collision brake assist
When there is a high possibility of a frontal collision, the system applies
greater braking force in relation to how strongly the brake pedal is
depressed.
■Pre-collision braking
When there is a high possibility of a frontal collision, the system warns
the driver using a warning light, warning display and buzzer. If the sys-
tem determines that a collision is unavoidable, the brakes are automat-
ically applied to reduce the collision speed. Pre-collision braking can be
disabled using the pre-collision braking off switch.

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Disabling pre-collision braking
Pre-collision braking enabled
Pre-collision braking disabled
The “PCS” warning light will
turn on when pre-collision
braking is disabled.
Radar sensor
The radar sensor detects vehi-
cles or other obstacles on or
near the road ahead and deter-
mines whether a collision is
imminent based on the position,
speed, and heading of the obsta-
cles.

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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.

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■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.

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When driving
■Obstacles not detected
The sensor cannot detect plastic obstacles such as traffic cones. There may
also be occasions when the sensor cannot detect pedestrians, animals,
bicycles, motorcycles, trees, or snowdrifts.
■Situations in which the pre-collision system does not function properly
The system may not function effectively in situations such as the following:
●On roads with sharp bends or uneven surfaces
●If a vehicle suddenly moves in front of vehicle, such as at an intersection
●If a vehicle suddenly cuts in front of vehicle, such as when overtaking
●In inclement weather such as heavy rain, fog, snow or sand storms
●When your vehicle is skidding with the VSC system off
●When an extreme change in vehicle height occurs
●When the axis of the radar is out of adjustment
■Automatic cancelation of the pre-collision system
When a malfunction occurs due to sensor contamination, etc. that results in
the sensors being unable to detect obstacles, the pre-collision system will be
automatically disabled. In this case, the system will not activate even if there
is a collision possibility.
■When there is a malfunction in the system
Warning lights and/or warning messages will turn on or flash. (→P. 5 3 6 , 5 4 8 )

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■Certification
For vehicles sold in the U.S.A.
FCC ID: HYQDNMWR004
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interfer-
ence, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation.
FCC WARNING
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible
for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
Radiofrequency radiation exposure Information:
This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an
uncontrolled environment.
This equipment should be installed and operated with minimum distance of
20 cm between the radiator (antenna) and your body.
This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any
other antenna or transmitter.
For vehicles sold in Canada
Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not
cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference, includ-
ing interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

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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.

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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.)
●Ve h i c l e s t h a t c u t i n s u d d e n l y
●Ve h i c l e s w i t h s m a l l r e a r e n d s ( t r a i l e r s w i t h n o l o a d o n b o a r d e t c . )
●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.