2012 TOYOTA PRIUS V warning

212 2-2. Instrument cluster
PRIUS v_U (OM47784U)
CAUTION
■If a safety system warning light does not come on
Should a safety system light such as the ABS and SRS airbag warning light
not come on when you start the hybrid system, this could mean that these
systems are not available to help protect you in an accident, which could
result in death or serious injury. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota
dealer immediately if this occurs.

241
2-4. Using other
driving systems
PRIUS v_U (OM47784U)
2
When driving
Example of constant speed cruising
When there are no vehicles ahead
The vehicle travels at the speed set by the driver. The desired vehicle-to-
vehicle distance can also be set by operating the vehicle-to-vehicle dis-
tance control.
Example of deceleration cruising
When the vehicle ahead is driving slower than the set speed
When a vehicle is detected running ahead of you, the system automati-
cally decelerates your vehicle. When a greater reduction in vehicle speed
is necessary, the system applies the brakes. A warning tone warns you
when the system cannot decelerate sufficiently to prevent your vehicle
from closing in on the vehicle ahead.
Example of follow-up cruising
When following a vehicle driv ing slower than the set speed
The system continues follow-up cruising while adjusting for changes in the
speed of the vehicle ahead in order to maintain the vehicle-to-vehicle dis-
tance set by the driver.
Example of acceleration
When there are no longer any vehi cles ahead driving slower than
the set speed
The system accelerates until the set speed is reached. The system then
returns to constant speed cruising.

242 2-4. Using other driving systems
PRIUS v_U (OM47784U)
Approach warningWhen your vehicle is too close to a vehicle ahead, and sufficient
automatic deceleration via the cruise control is not possible, the dis-
play will flash and the bu zzer will sound to alert the driver. An exam-
ple of this would be if another driver cuts in front of you while you are
following a vehicle. Apply the brakes to ensure an appropriate vehi-
cle-to-vehicle distance.
■ Warnings may not occur when
In the following instan ces, there is a possibility that the warnings
will not occur:
● When the speed of the vehicl e ahead matches or exceeds your
vehicle speed
● When the vehicle ahead is traveling at an extremely slow speed
● Immediately after the cruise control speed was set
● At the instant the accelerator is applied
Selecting conventional constant speed control mode
Constant speed control mode differ s from vehicle-to-vehicle distance
control mode. When constant speed mode is selected, your vehicle
will maintain a set speed regardless of whether or not there are other
vehicles in the lane ahead.

246 2-4. Using other driving systems
PRIUS v_U (OM47784U)
■Warning lights, warning code and buzzers for dynamic radar cruise
control
Warning lights, warning code and buzzers are used to indicate a system
malfunction or to inform the driver of the need for caution while driving.
The warning codes displayed on the meter indicate the following situations.
Fix each problem in accordance with the correction procedure, and check
that the system is operating normally.
If the warning code persists even after fixing, have the vehicle inspected by
your Toyota dealer.
Warning code/
warning lightDetailsCorrection procedure

(yellow) Indicates that the radar
cruise control sensor is
dirty or covered with
ice.
Clean the sensor.

(yellow)Indicates that the radar
cruise control system is
unable to judge vehi-
cle-to-vehicle distance.
If the windshield wip-
ers are on, turn them
off or set them to either
the intermittent or the
slow mode.

(yellow)
Indicates a malfunction
in the radar cruise con-
trol system. Press the “ON-OFF”
button once to deacti-
vate the system, and
then press the button
again to reactivate the
system.

247
2-4. Using other
driving systems
PRIUS v_U (OM47784U)
2
When driving
■Certification
For vehicles sold in the U.S.A.
FCC ID: HYQDNMWR005
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interfer-
ence, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation.
FCC WARNING
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible
for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
Radiofrequency radiation exposure Information:
This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an
uncontrolled environment.
This equipment should be installed and operated with minimum distance of
20 cm between the radiator (antenna) and your body.
This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any
other antenna or transmitter.
For vehicles sold in Canada
Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not
cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference, includ-
ing interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

249
2-4. Using other
driving systems
PRIUS v_U (OM47784U)
2
When driving
CAUTION
■To avoid inadvertent cruise control activation
Switch the cruise control off using the “ON-OFF” button when not in use.
■ Situations unsuitable for dynamic radar cruise control
Do not use dynamic radar cruise control in any of the following situations.
Doing so may result in inappropriate speed control and could cause an acci-
dent resulting in death or serious injury.
● In heavy traffic
● On roads with sharp bends
● On winding roads
● On slippery roads, such as those covered with rain, ice and snow
● On steep downhills, or where there are sudden changes between sharp up
and down gradients
Vehicle speed may exceed the set speed when driving down a steep hill.
● At entrances to expressways
● When weather conditions are bad enough that they may prevent the sen-
sors from functioning correctly (fog, snow, sandstorm, heavy rain, etc.)
● When an approach warning buzzer is heard often
● During emergency towing

250 2-4. Using other driving systems
PRIUS v_U (OM47784U)
CAUTION
■When the sensor may not be correctly detecting the vehicle ahead
Apply the brakes as necessary when any of the following types of vehicles
are in front of you.
As the sensor may not be able to correctly detect these types of vehicles,
the approach warning ( P. 242) will not be activated, and a fatal or serious
accident may result.
● Vehicles that cut in suddenly
● Vehicles traveling at low speeds
● Vehicles that are not moving
● Vehicles with small rear ends (trailers with no load on board etc.)
● Motorcycles traveling in the same lane
■ Conditions under which the vehicle -to-vehicle distance control may
not function correctly
Apply the brakes as necessary in the following conditions as the radar sen-
sor may not be able to correctly detect vehicles ahead, and a fatal or serious
accident may result:
● When water or snow thrown up by the surrounding vehicles hinders the
functioning of the sensor
● When your vehicle is pointing upwards (caused by a heavy load in the lug-
gage compartment etc.)
● When the road curves or when the lanes are narrow
● When steering wheel operation or your position in the lane is unstable
● When the vehicle ahead of you decelerates suddenly

254 2-4. Using other driving systems
PRIUS v_U (OM47784U)
■Reduced effectiveness of the EPS system
The effectiveness of the EPS system is reduced to prevent the system from
overheating when there is frequent steering input over an extended period of
time. The steering wheel may feel heavy as a result. Should this occur,
refrain from excessive steering input or stop the vehicle and turn the hybrid
system off. The EPS system should return to normal within 10 minutes.
■ Electric power steering system warning light (warning buzzer)
 P. 453
CAUTION
■The ABS does not operate effectively when
● Tires with inadequate gripping ability are used (such as excessively worn
tires on a snow covered road).
● The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on wet or slick road.
■ Stopping distance when the ABS is operating may exceed that of nor-
mal conditions
The ABS is not designed to shorten the vehicle’s stopping distance. Always
maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you in the following situ-
ations:
● When driving on dirt, gravel or snow-covered roads
● When driving with tire chains
● When driving over bumps in the road
● When driving over roads with potholes or uneven surfaces
■ TRAC may not operate effectively when
Directional control and power may not be achievable while driving on slip-
pery road surfaces, even if the TRAC system is operating.
Do not drive the vehicle in conditions where stability and power may be lost.
■ When the VSC is activated
The slip indicator light flashes. Always drive carefully. Reckless driving may
cause an accident. Exercise particular care when the indicator light flashes.