2012 TOYOTA PRIUS PLUG-IN steering

526
5-1. Essential information
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
Emergency towing
If 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.

530
5-1. Essential information
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
CAUTION
■Caution while towing
●Use extreme caution when towing the vehicle.
Avoid sudden starts or erratic driving maneuvers which place excessive
stress on the emergency towing eyelets and the cables or chains. Always
be cautious of the surroundings and other vehicles while towing.
●Do not turn the “POWER” switch off.
This may lead to an accident as the front wheels will be locked by the
parking lock.
●If the hybrid system is off, the power assist for the brakes and steering will
not function, making steering and braking more difficult.
■Installing towing eyelets to the vehicle
Make sure that towing eyelets are installed securely.
If not securely installed, towing eyelets may come loose during towing. This
may lead to accidents that cause serious injury or even death.

5
When trouble arises
535
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately.
Failure to investigate the cause of the following warnings may lead to
the system operating abnormally and possibly cause an accident.
Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately.
Warning lightWarning light/Details
(U.S.A.)
(Canada)
Malfunction indicator lamp
Indicates a malfunction in:
•The hybrid system;
•The electronic engine control system; or
•The electronic throttle control system
SRS warning light
Indicates a malfunction in:
•The SRS airbag system;
•The front passenger occupant classification system; or
•The seat belt pretensioner system
(U.S.A.)
(Canada)
ABS warning light
Indicates a malfunction in:
•The ABS; or
•The brake assist system
Electric power steering system warning light (warn-
ing buzzer)
Indicates a malfunction in the EPS system

540
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
■Electric power steering system warning light
When the 12-volt battery charge becomes insufficient or the voltage tempo-
rarily drops, the electric power steering system warning light may come on.
■If the malfunction indicator lamp comes on while driving
First check the following:
●Is the fuel tank cap loose?
If it is, tighten it securely.
The malfunction indicator lamp will go off after several driving trips.
If the malfunction indicator lamp does not go off even after several trips, con-
tact your Toyota dealer as soon as possible.
■When the tire pressure warning light comes on
Check the tire inflation pressure and adjust to the appropriate level.
Pushing the tire pressure warning reset switch will not turn off the tire
pressure warning light.
■The tire pressure warning light may come on due to natural causes
The tire pressure warning light may come on due to natural causes such
as natural air leaks and tire inflation pressure changes caused by tem-
perature. In this case, adjusting the tire inflation pressure will turn off the
warning light (after a few minutes).

542
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
■If the tire pressure warning light frequently comes on after blinking
for 1 minute
If the tire pressure warning light frequently comes on after blinking for 1
minute when the “POWER” switch is turned to ON mode, have it
checked by your Toyota dealer.
■Customization
The vehicle speed linked seat belt reminder buzzer can be disabled.
(Customizable features →P. 6 3 9 ) H o w e v e r , To y o t a r e c o m m e n d s t h a t t h e
seat belt reminder buzzer be operational to alert the driver and front passen-
ger when seat belts are not fastened.
CAUTION
■If both the ABS and the brake system warning lights remain on
Stop your vehicle in a safe place immediately and contact your Toyota
dealer. The vehicle will become extremely unstable during braking, and the
ABS system may fail, which could cause an accident resulting in death or
serious injury.
■When the electric power steering system warning light comes on
The steering wheel may become extremely heavy.
If the steering wheel becomes heavier than usual when operating, hold
firmly and operate using more force than usual.

5
When trouble arises
543
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
CAUTION
■If the tire pressure warning light comes on
Be sure to observe the following precautions. Failure to do so could
cause a loss of vehicle control and result in death or serious injury.
●Stop your vehicle in a safe place as soon as possible. Adjust the tire
inflation pressure immediately.
●If the tire pressure warning light comes on even after tire inflation pres-
sure adjustment, it is probable that you have a flat tire. Check the tires.
If a tire is flat, repair the flat tire by using emergency tire puncture
repair kit.
●Avoid abrupt maneuvering and braking. If the vehicle tires deteriorate,
you could lose control of the steering wheel or the brakes.
■If a blowout or sudden air leakage should occur
The tire pressure warning system may not activate immediately.
■Maintenance of the tires
Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked monthly
when cold and inflated to the inflation pressure recommended by the
vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure
label (tire and load information label). (If your vehicle has tires of a differ-
ent size than the size indicated on the vehicle placard or tire inflation
pressure label [tire and load information label], you should determine the
proper tire inflation pressure for those tires.)

586
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
CAUTION
●The repair kit may overheat if operated for a long period of time. Do not
operate the repair kit continuously for more than 60 minutes.
●Parts of the repair kit become hot during operation. Be careful handling
the repair kit during and after operation. Do not touch the metal part
connecting the bottle and the compressor. It will be extremely hot.
●Do not attach the vehicle speed warning sticker to an area other than
the one indicated. If the sticker is attached to an area where an SRS
airbag is located, such as the pad of the steering wheel, it may prevent
the SRS airbag from operating properly.
■Driving to spread the liquid sealant evenly
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents.
Failing to do so may result in a loss of vehicle control and cause death or
serious injury.
●Drive the vehicle carefully at a low speed. Be especially careful when
turning and cornering.
●If the vehicle does not drive straight or you feel a pull through the
steering wheel, stop the vehicle and check the following.
•Tire condition. The tire may have separated from the wheel.
•Tire inflation pressure. If the tire inflation pressure is 19 psi (130
kPa, 1.3 kgf/cm2 or bar) or less, the tire may be severely damaged.

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5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
CAUTION
■If the hybrid system has to be turned off while driving
Power assist for the brakes and steering wheel will be lost, making the brake
pedal harder to depress and the steering wheel heavier to turn. Decelerate
as much as possible before turning off the hybrid system.