2012 TOYOTA PRIUS PLUS stop start

298
2-4. Using other driving systems
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
Driving assist systems
To help enhance driving safety and performance, the following sys-
tems operate automatically in response to various driving situations.
Be aware, however, that these systems are supplementary and
should not be relied upon too heavily 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
TRC (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

299 2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
VSC+ (Vehicle Stability Control+)
Provides cooperative control of the ABS, TRC, VSC and EPS.
Helps to maintain directional stability when swerving on slippery road
surfaces by controlling steering performance.
Hill-start assist control
P. 304
PCS (Pre-Crash Safety System) (if equipped)
P. 307
Emergency brake signal (if equipped)
When the brakes are applied suddenly, the stop lights automati-
cally flash to alert the vehicle behind.

300 2-4. Using other driving systems
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
When the TRC/VSC/ABS systems are operating
The slip indicator light will flash
while the TRC/VSC/ABS sys-
tems are operating.
Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, brake assist, VSC and TRC
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.

304
2-4. Using other driving systems
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
Hill-start assist control
Hill-start assist control operating conditions
The system operates in the following situations:
• The shift position is in a position other than P.
• The parking brake is not applied.
• The accelerator pedal is not depressed.
Hill-start assist control cannot be operated while the slip indicator light is
illuminated.
Hill-start assist control helps to prevent the vehicle from rolling
backwards when starting on an incline or slippery slope.
To engage hill-start assist con-
trol, further depress the brake
pedal when the vehicle is
stopped completely.
A buzzer will sound once to
indicate the system is acti-
vated. The slip indicator will
also start flashing.

305 2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
Hill-start assist control
While hill-start assist control is operating, the brakes remain automati-
cally applied after the driver releases the brake pedal. The stop lights and
the high mounted stoplight turn on.
Hill-start assist control operates for about 2 seconds after the brake pedal
is released.
If the slip indicator does not flash and the buzzer does not sound when
the brake pedal is further depressed, slightly reduce the pressure on the
brake pedal (do not allow the vehicle to roll backward) and then firmly
depress it again. If the system still does not operate, check if the operat-
ing conditions explained above have been met.
Hill-start assist control buzzer
When hill-start assist control is activated, the buzzer will sound once.
In the following situations, hill-start assist control will be canceled and the
buzzer will sound twice.
• No attempt is made to drive the vehicle within approximately 2 seconds
of releasing the brake pedal.
• Push the P position switch.
• The parking brake is applied.
• The brake pedal is depressed again.
• The brake pedal has been depressed for more than approximately 3
minutes.
If the slip indicator light comes on
It may indicate a malfunction in the system. Contact any authorized Toyota
dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional.

401 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
CAUTION
When raising your vehicle
Make sure to observe the following precautions to reduce the possibility of
death or serious injury:
When using a floor jack, follow the instructions of the manual provided with
the jack.
Do not use the jack that was supplied with your vehicle.
Do not put any part of your body underneath the vehicle when it is sup-
ported only by the floor jack.
Always use floor jack and/or automotive jack stands on a solid, flat, level
surface.
Do not start the hybrid system while the vehicle is supported by the floor
jack.
Stop the vehicle on level, firm ground, firmly set the parking brake and shift
the shift position to P.
Make sure to set the floor jack properly at the jack point.
Raising the vehicle with an improperly positioned floor jack will damage
the vehicle and may cause the vehicle to fall off the floor jack.
Lift up the vehicle using a floor jack
such as the one shown in the illustra-
tion.

5When trouble arises
459
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
5-1. 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

5
475 5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
When trouble arises
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
Follow the correction procedures.
After taking the specified steps to correct the suspected problem,
check that the warning light goes off.
Warning lightWarning light/DetailsCorrection procedure

(Flashes)P position request indicator
light (warning buzzer)
The amount of charge remain-
ing in the hybrid battery (trac-
tion battery) has fallen because
the shift position has been left
in N for a long timeBecause recharging
is not possible when
the shift position is in
N, shift the shift posi-
tion to P when park-
ing the vehicle for a
long time.
The driver’s door has been
opened while the shift position
is in N, D or B
Shift the shift posi-
tion to P. An attempt has been made to
start the hybrid system while
the shift position is in anything
other than P
Hybrid system overheat warn-
ing light (warning buzzer)
The hybrid system has over-
heated
This light may come on when
driving under severe operating
conditions. (For example, when
driving up a long steep hill.)Stop and check.
(P. 528)