2012 TOYOTA PRIUS PLUS tow

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
1Before driving
Information on the hybrid system and adjusting and op-
erating features such as door locks, mirrors, and steer-
ing column
2When drivingDriving, stopping and safe-driving information
3Interior featuresAir conditioning and audio systems, as well as other in-
terior features for a comfortable driving experience
4Maintenance and
careCleaning and protecting your vehicle, performing do-it-
yourself maintenance, and maintenance information
5When trouble
arisesWhat to do if the vehicle needs to be towed, gets a flat
tire, or is involved in an accident
6Vehicle specifi-
cationsDetailed vehicle information
IndexAlphabetical listing of information contained in this man-
ual

1
2
3
4
5
6
3
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
2-1. Driving procedures
Driving the vehicle .............. 202
Power (ignition) switch ........ 214
EV drive mode .................... 221
Hybrid transmission ............ 224
Turn signal lever ................. 233
Parking brake...................... 234
Horn .................................... 235
2-2. Instrument cluster
Gauges and meters ............ 236
Indicators and warning
lights ................................. 248
Head-up display .................. 253
2-3. Operating the lights
and windshield wipers
Headlight switch.................. 261
Fog light switch ................... 266
Windshield wipers
and washer ....................... 268
Rear window wiper
and washer ....................... 272
Headlight cleaner switch ..... 2742-4. Using other driving systems
Cruise control ..................... 275
Dynamic radar cruise
control .............................. 280
Driving assist systems........ 298
Hill-start assist control ........ 304
PCS (Pre-Crash Safety
System) ............................ 307
2-5. Driving information
Cargo and luggage............. 316
Winter driving tips............... 319
Trailer towing...................... 323
2When driving

1
2
3
4
5
6
5
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
4-1. Maintenance and care
Cleaning and protecting
the vehicle exterior ........... 382
Cleaning and protecting
the vehicle interior ............ 387
4-2. Maintenance
Maintenance
requirements..................... 390
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Do-it-yourself service
precautions ....................... 393
Hood ................................... 397
Positioning a floor jack ........ 400
Engine compartment........... 403
12-volt battery ..................... 413
Tires .................................... 419
Tire inflation pressure ......... 422
Wheels ................................ 425
Air conditioning filter ........... 427
Electronic key battery ......... 430
Checking and replacing
fuses ................................. 433
Light bulbs .......................... 4455-1. Essential information
Emergency flashers ........... 460
If your vehicle needs to be
towed ............................... 461
If you think something
is wrong............................ 468
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If a warning light turns
on or a warning
buzzer sounds.................. 469
If you have a flat tire
(vehicles with
spare tire) ......................... 482
If you have a flat tire
(vehicles without
a spare tire) ...................... 494
If the hybrid system
will not start ...................... 516
If you lose your keys .......... 518
If the electronic key does not
operate properly ............... 519
If the 12-volt battery is
discharged ....................... 522
If your vehicle overheats .... 528
If the vehicle becomes
stuck................................. 534
If your vehicle has
to be stopped in
an emergency .................. 536
4Maintenance and care5When trouble arises

48 1-1. Hybrid system
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
CAUTION
If your vehicle needs to be towed, do so with front wheels raised. If the
wheels connected to the electric motor (traction motor) are on the ground
when towing, the motor may continue to generate electricity. This may
cause a fire. (P. 461)
Carefully inspect the ground under the vehicle. If you find that liquid has
leaked onto the ground, the fuel system may have been damaged. Leave
the vehicle as soon as possible.
Hybrid battery (traction battery)
Your vehicle contains a sealed lithium-ion battery. If disposed of improperly,
it is hazardous to the environment and there is a risk of severe burns and
electrical shock that may result in death or serious injury.
NOTICE
Hybrid battery (traction battery) air vent
Do not put foreign objects near the air vent. The hybrid battery (traction
battery) may overheat and be damaged.
Clean the air vent regularly to prevent the hybrid battery (traction battery)
from overheating.
Do not wet or allow foreign substances to enter the air vent as this may
cause a short circuit and damage the hybrid battery (traction battery).
Do not carry large amounts of water such as water cooler bottles in the
vehicle. If water spills onto the hybrid battery (traction battery), the battery
may be damaged. Have the vehicle inspected by any authorized Toyota
dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional.

73 1-3. Opening, closing and locking the doors
1
Before driving
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
Conditions affecting operation
The smart entry & start system, wireless remote control and immobilizer sys-
tem use weak radio waves. In the following situations, the communication
between the electronic key and the vehicle may be affected, preventing the
smart entry & start system, wireless remote control and immobilizer system
from operating properly. (Ways of coping: P. 519)
When the electronic key battery is depleted
Near a TV tower, electric power plant, gas station, radio station, large dis-
play, airport or other facility that generates strong radio waves or electri-
cal noise
When carrying a portable radio, cellular phone, cordless phone or other
wireless communication devices
When the electronic key is in contact with, or is covered by the following
metallic objects
• Cards to which aluminum foil is attached
• Cigarette boxes that have aluminum foil inside
• Metallic wallets or bags
• Coins
• Hand warmers made of metal
• Media such as CDs and DVDs
When other wireless key (that emit radio waves) is being used nearby
When carrying the electronic key together with the following devices that
emit radio waves
• Another vehicle’s electronic key or a wireless key that emits radio
waves
• Personal computers or personal digital assistants (PDAs)
• Digital audio players
• Portable game systems
If window tint with a metallic content or metallic objects are attached to
the rear window

108 1-4. Adjustable components (seats, mirrors, steering wheel)
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
Before folding down the seatbacks
Park the vehicle in a safe place.
Apply the parking brake firmly and shift the shift position to P.
(P. 227)
Adjust the position of the front seat and the angle of the seat-
back. (
P. 103)
Depending on the position of the front seat, if the seatback is folded
backward, it may interfere with the operation of the second seat.
Uncouple and stow the second center seat belt. (P. 122)
Lower the head restraint of the second seat. (
P. 1 1 7 )
Folding down the seatbacks
Pull the lever (either or )
and tilt the seatback forward.
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3
STEP 4
STEP 1

110 1-4. Adjustable components (seats, mirrors, steering wheel)
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
Seat belt hangers
CAUTION
When folding the seatbacks down
Observe the following precautions. Failure to do so may result in death or
serious injury.
Do not fold the seatbacks down while driving.
Stop the vehicle on level ground, set the parking brake and shift the shift
position to P.
Do not allow anyone to sit on a folded seatback.
Do not operate the second seat if it is occupied.
Be careful not to get feet or hands caught in the moving parts or joints of
the seats during operation.
Do not allow children to operate the seat.
After operation, rock the seat gently to ensure that it is firmly in place.
Stow the seat belts of the outside seats in
their seat belt hangers when not in use.

111 1-4. Adjustable components (seats, mirrors, steering wheel)
1
Before driving
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
CAUTION
Reclining adjustment
To reduce the risk of sliding under the lap belt during a collision, do not
recline the seat more than necessary.
If the seat is too reclined, the lap belt may slide past the hips and apply
restraint forces directly to the abdomen, or your neck may contact the
shoulder belt, increasing the risk of death or serious injury in the event of
an accident.
Adjustments should not be made while driving as the seat may unexpect-
edly move and cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle.
After adjusting the seat, make sure that the seat is locked in position.
After returning the seatback to the upright position
Observe the following precautions. Failure to do so may result in death or
serious injury.
Make sure that the seatback is securely locked in position by lightly push-
ing it back and forth.
Check that the seat belts are not twisted or caught in the seatback.
Re-couple the second center seat belt if it has been uncoupled. (P. 121)
If the seat belt has been stowed using the seat belt hanger, check that the
seat belt has been removed from the hanger. (P. 110)
After tilting the second seatback forward when getting in or out of the
vehicle etc.
Slide the seat backward and raise the seatback, and check that the seat is
securely locked.
If the seat is not locked, the seat may unexpectedly move and cause death
or serious injury.