2012 TOYOTA PRIUS PLUS Owners Manual

457 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
CAUTION
Replacing light bulbs
Be sure to stop the hybrid system and turn off the lights. Do not attempt to
replace the bulb immediately after turning off the lights.
The bulbs become very hot and may cause burns.
Do not touch the glass portion of the light bulb with bare hands. Hold the
bulb by the plastic or metal portion.
If the bulb is scratched or dropped, it may blow out or crack.
Fully install light bulbs and any parts used to secure them. Failure to do so
may result in heat damage, fire, or water entering the headlight unit. This
may damage the headlights or cause condensation to build up on the lens.
To prevent damage or fire
Make sure bulbs are fully seated and locked.

458 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)

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

460
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
5-1. Essential information
Emergency flashers
NOTICE
To prevent 12-volt battery discharge
Do not leave the emergency flashers on longer than necessary when the
hybrid system is not operating.
Use the emergency flashers if the vehicle malfunctions or is
involved in an accident.
Press the switch to flash all
the turn signal lights. To turn
them off, press the switch
once again.

5
461
5-1. Essential information
When trouble arises
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
If your vehicle needs to be towed
Before towing
The following may indicate a problem with your hybrid transmission.
Contact any authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly
qualified and equipped professional before towing.
The hybrid system is operating but the vehicle will not move.
The vehicle makes an abnormal sound.
If there is a malfunction in the P position control system, the smart
entry & start system or the immobilizer system, or if the 12-volt bat-
tery is discharged, the vehicle cannot be towed with the front wheels
on the ground, as the front wheels may be locked. In this case, trans-
port the vehicle with both front wheels or all four wheels lifted.
If towing is necessary, we recommend having your vehicle towed by
any authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified
and equipped professional or a commercial towing service, using a
lift-type truck or flat bed truck.
Use a safety chain system for all towing, and abide by all state/pro-
vincial and local laws.

462 5-1. Essential information
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
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 30 km/h
(18 mph).
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.

5
463 5-1. Essential information
When trouble arises
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
Installing towing eyelets
Remove the eyelet cover using a
flathead screwdriver.
To prevent damage, cover the tip
of the screwdriver with a rag.
Insert the towing eyelet into the
hole and tighten partially by
hand.
Tighten down the towing eyelet
securely using a wheel nut
wrench.
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3

464 5-1. Essential information
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
Towing with a sling-type truck
Do not tow with a sling-type truck
to prevent body damage.
Towing with a wheel-lift type truck
From the front
Release the parking brake.
From the rear
Use a towing dolly under the
front wheels.