2012 TOYOTA PRIUS PLUS sensor

161 1-8. Safety information
1
Before driving
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)The main SRS airbag system components are shown above. The
SRS airbag system is controlled by the airbag sensor assembly. As
the airbags deploy, a chemical reaction in the inflators quickly fills the
airbags with non-toxic gas to help restrain the motion of the occu-
pants.
If the SRS airbags deploy (inflate)
Bruising and slight abrasions may result from contact with a deploying
(inflating) SRS airbag.
A loud noise and white powder will be emitted.
Parts of the airbag module (steering wheel hub, airbag cover and inflator)
as well as the front seats, parts of the front and rear pillars, and roof side
rails, may be hot for several minutes. The airbag itself may also be hot.
The windshield may crack.
SRS airbag deployment conditions (SRS front airbags)
The SRS front airbags will deploy in the event of an impact that exceeds
the set threshold level (the level of force corresponding to an approxi-
mately 20 - 30 km/h [12 - 18 mph] frontal collision with a fixed wall that
does not move or deform).
However, this threshold velocity will be considerably higher if the vehicle
strikes an object, such as a parked vehicle and sign pole, which can move
or deform on impact, or if the vehicle is involved in an underride collision
(e.g. a collision in which the front of the vehicle “underrides”, or goes
under, the bed of a truck, etc.).
Depending on the type of collision, it is possible that only the seat belt
pretensioners will activate.

264 2-3. Operating the lights and windshield wipers
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
Headlight control sensor (if equipped)
Automatic light off system
When the light switch is in the
, , or position: The
headlights turn off automatically if the “POWER” switch is turned to
ACCESSORY mode or OFF.
When the light switch is in the AUTO position: The headlights and all
lights turn off automatically if the “POWER” switch is turned to ACCES-
SORY mode or OFF and the driver’s door is opened.
To turn the lights on again, turn the “POWER” switch to ON mode, or turn the
light switch off once and then back to the
, , or posi-
tion.
The sensor may not function properly if
an object is placed on the sensor, or any-
thing that blocks the sensor is affixed to
the windshield.
Doing so interferes with the sensor
detecting the level of ambient light and
may cause the automatic headlight sys-
tem to malfunction.
Air conditioning operation may also be
interrupted.

265 2-3. Operating the lights and windshield wipers
2
When driving
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
Automatic headlight leveling system (if equipped)
The level of the headlights is automatically adjusted according to the number
of passengers and the loading condition of the vehicle to ensure that the
headlights do not interfere with other road users.
Customization
Settings (e.g. light sensor sensitivity) can be changed.
(Customizable features P. 554)
NOTICE
To prevent 12-volt battery discharge
Do not leave the lights on longer than necessary when the hybrid system is
off.

268
2-3. Operating the lights and windshield wipers
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
Windshield wipers and washer
The wiper operation is selected by moving the lever as follows.
When “AUTO” is selected, the wipers will operate automatically
when the sensor detects falling rain. The system automatically
adjusts wiper timing in accordance with rain volume and vehicle
speed.
When “AUTO” is selected, the sensor sensitivity can be adjusted
as follows by turning the switch ring:
Rain-sensing wiper opera-
tion
Low speed wiper operation
High speed wiper operation
Temporary operation

270 2-3. Operating the lights and windshield wipers
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
The windshield wipers and washer can be operated when
The “POWER” switch is in ON mode.
Raindrop sensor
If the wiper switch is turned to the “AUTO” position while the “POWER”
switch is in ON mode, the wiper will operate once to show that “AUTO”
mode is activated.
If the wiper sensitivity is adjusted to higher, the wiper may operate once
to indicate the change of sensitivity.
If the temperature of the raindrop sensor is 85 °C (185 °F) or higher,
or -10 °C (14 °F) or lower, the automatic operation may not occur. In
this case, operate the wipers in any mode other than “AUTO”.
If no windshield washer fluid sprays
Check that the washer nozzles are not blocked if there is washer fluid in the
windshield washer fluid reservoir.
The raindrop sensor judges the amount
of raindrops.

271 2-3. Operating the lights and windshield wipers
2
When driving
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
CAUTION
Caution regarding the use of windshield wipers in “AUTO” mode
The windshield wipers may operate unexpectedly if the sensor is touched or
the windshield is subject to vibration in “AUTO” mode. Take care that your
fingers or anything else do not become caught in the windshield wipers.
NOTICE
When the windshield is dry
Do not use the wipers, as they may damage the windshield.
When the washer fluid tank is empty
Do not operate the switch continually as the washer fluid pump may over-
heat.
When a nozzle becomes blocked
In this case, contact any authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or another
duly qualified and equipped professional.
Do not try to clear it with a pin or other object. The nozzle will be damaged.
To prevent 12-volt battery discharge
Do not leave the wipers on longer than necessary when the hybrid system is
off.

285 2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
Driving in vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode
This mode employs a radar sensor to detect the presence of vehicles
up to approximately 120 m (400 ft.) ahead, determines the current
vehicle-to-vehicle following distance, and operates to maintain a suit-
able following distance from the vehicle ahead.
Note that vehicle-to-vehicle distance will close in when traveling on long
downhill slopes.

289 2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
Dynamic radar cruise control can be set when
The shift position is in D.
Vehicle speed is above approximately 50 km/h (30 mph).
Set speed
Depending on vehicle conditions and the driving environment, it may not be
possible to maintain the set speed.
Accelerating after setting the vehicle speed
The vehicle can accelerate normally. After acceleration, the set speed
resumes. However, during vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode, the
vehicle speed may decrease below the set speed in order to maintain the
distance to the vehicle ahead.
Automatic cancelation of vehicle-to-vehicle distance control
Vehicle-to-vehicle distance control driving is automatically canceled in the
following situations:
Actual vehicle speed falls below approximately 40 km/h (25 mph).
VSC is activated.
The sensor cannot operate correctly because it is covered in some way.
The windshield wipers are operating at high speed (when the wiper
switch is set to the “AUTO” mode or the high speed windshield wiper
operation position).
If vehicle-to-vehicle distance control driving is automatically canceled for any
other reason, there may be a malfunction in the system. Contact any autho-
rized Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped pro-
fessional.