2012 TOYOTA PRIUS V Owners Manual (in English)

5
When trouble arises
449
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS v_U (OM47784U)
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 time Because 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. 487)

(Only outer
frame flashes) Low hybrid battery (traction
battery) warning light (warning
buzzer)
Hybrid battery (traction battery)
level becomes low because the
shift position is in N for long
time Because 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.

450 5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS v_U (OM47784U)
Warning lightWarning light/DetailsCorrection procedure

(Turns on)
(If equipped) Pre-collision system warning
light
Indicates that the PCS is not
currently functional because
the grille cover or the radar sen-
sor is dirty, or the system has
overheated. • Clean the grille
cover and the radar
sensor.
• Once the system cools down, the sys-
tem became func-
tional.

(U.S.A.) Maintenance required
reminder light
Indicates that maintenance is
required according to the driven
distance on the maintenance
schedule.
*1
Illuminates for about 3 seconds
and then flashes for about 15
seconds approximately 4500
miles (7200 km) after the main-
tenance data has been reset. If necessary, perform
maintenance.
Comes on and remains on if the
distance driven exceeds 5000
miles (8000 km) after the main-
tenance data has been reset.
(The indicator will not work
properly unless the mainte-
nance data has been reset.) Perform the neces-
sary maintenance.
Please reset the
maintenance data
after the mainte-
nance is performed.
(
P. 356)
Open door warning light
(warning buzzer)
*2
Indicates that a door is not fully
closed Check that all the
doors are closed.

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When trouble arises
451
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS v_U (OM47784U)
Warning lightWarning light/DetailsCorrection procedure
Low fuel level warning light Indicates remaining fuel is
approximately 1.6 gal. (6.0 L,
1.3 Imp.gal.) or less Refuel the vehicle.
Seat belt reminder light (warn-
ing buzzer)
*3
Warns the driver and/or front
passenger to fasten their seat
belts. Fasten the seat belt.
If the front passen-
ger’s seat is occu-
pied, the front
passenger’s seat
belt also needs to
be fastened to
make the reminder
light (warning
buzzer) off.
Tire pressure warning light
When the light comes on:
Low tire inflation pressure
such as
• Natural causes ( P. 453)
• Flat tire ( P. 462) Adjust the tire infla-
tion pressure to the
specified level.
The light will turn
off after a few min-
utes. In case the
light does not turn
off even if the tire
inflation pressure
is adjusted, have
the system
checked by your
Toyota dealer.
When the light comes on after
blinking for 1 minute:
Malfunction in the tire pres-
sure warning system
(  P. 455) Have the system
checked by your
Toyota dealer.

452 5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS v_U (OM47784U)
*1: Refer to the separate “Scheduled Maintenance Guide” or “Owner’s ManualSupplement” for the maintenance interval applicable to your vehicle.
*2: Open door warning buzzer:
The open door warning buzzer sounds to alert one or more of the doors is
not fully closed (with the vehicle having reached a speed of 3 mph [5km/h]).
*3: Seat belt warning buzzer:The seat belt warning buzzer sounds to alert the driver and/or front passen-
ger that their seat belts are not fastened. If the driver’s seat belt is not fas-
tened, the buzzer will sound for 6 seconds once the “POWER” switch is
turned to ON mode. If the vehicle reaches a speed of 12 mph (20 km/h), the
buzzer will sound once. If the seat belt is still unfastened after 30 seconds,
the buzzer will sound intermittently for 10 seconds. Then, if the seat belt is
still unfastened, the buzzer will sound in a different tone for 20 more sec-
onds.
■ SRS warning light
This warning light system monitors the airbag sensor assembly, front impact
sensors, side impact sensors (front door), side impact sensors (front), side
impact sensors (rear), driver’s seat position sensor, driver’s seat belt buckle
switch, front passenger occupant classification system (ECU and sensors),
“AIR BAG ON” indicator light, “AIR BA G OFF” indicator light, front passen-
ger’s seat belt buckle switch, seat belt pretensioner assemblies, airbags,
interconnecting wiring and power sources. ( P. 124)
■ Front passenger occupant classifi cation system (ECU and sensors),
seat belt reminder and warning buzzer
● If luggage is placed on the front passenger seat, the front passenger
occupant classification system (ECU and sensors) may cause the warn-
ing light to flash and the warning buzzer to sound even if a passenger is
not sitting in the seat.
● If a cushion is placed on the seat, the front passenger occupant classifi-
cation system (ECU and sensors) may not detect a passenger, and the
warning light may not operate properly.

5
When trouble arises
453
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS v_U (OM47784U)
■
Electric power steering system warning light
When the 12-volt battery charge becomes insufficient or the voltage tempo-
rarily drops, the electric power steering system warning light may come on.
■ If the malfunction indicator lamp comes on while driving
First check the following:
● Is the fuel tank empty?
If it is, fill the fuel tank immediately.
● Is the fuel tank cap loose?
If it is, tighten it securely.
The malfunction indicator lamp will go off after several driving trips.
If the malfunction indicator lamp does not go off even after several trips, con-
tact your Toyota dealer as soon as possible.
■
When the tire pressure warning light comes on
Check the tire inflation pressure and adjust to the appropriate level.
Pushing the tire pressure warning re set switch will not turn off the tire
pressure warning light.
■The tire pressure warning light may come on due to natural causes
The tire pressure warning light may come on due to natural causes such
as natural air leaks and tire inflat ion pressure changes caused by tem-
perature. In this case, adjusting the tire inflation pressure will turn off the
warning light (after a few minutes).
■When a tire is replaced with a spare tire
The compact spare tire is not equipped with a tire pressure warning
valve and transmitter. If a tire goes flat, the tire pressure warning light will
not turn off even though the flat tire has been replaced with the spare
tire. Replace the spare tire with the re paired tire and adjust the tire infla-
tion pressure. The tire pressure wa rning light will go off after a few min-
utes.

454 5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS v_U (OM47784U)
■If the tire pressure warning system is not functioning
The tire pressure warning system will be disabled in the following condi-
tions:
(When the condition becomes normal, the system will work properly.)
●If tires not equipped with tire pressure warning valves and transmit-
ters are used
●If the ID code on the tire pressure warning valves and transmitters is
not registered in the tire pressure warning computer
●If the tire inflation pressure is 73 psi (500 kPa, 5.1 kgf/cm2 or bar) or
higher
The tire pressure warning system may be disabled in the following condi-
tions:
(When the condition becomes normal, the system will work properly.)
●If electronic devices or facilities using similar radio wave frequencies
are nearby
●If a radio set at a similar frequency is in use in the vehicle
●If a window tint that affects the radio wave signals is installed
●If there is a lot of snow or ice on the vehicle, particularly around the
wheels or wheel housings
●If non-genuine Toyota wheels are used (Even if you use Toyota
wheels, the tire pressu re warning system may not work properly with
some types of tires.)
●If tire chains are used

5
When trouble arises
455
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS v_U (OM47784U)
■If the tire pressure warning light frequently comes on after blinking
for 1 minute
If the tire pressure warning light frequently comes on after blinking for 1
minute when the “POWER” switch
is turned to ON mode, have it
checked by your Toyota dealer.
■ Customization
The vehicle speed linked seat belt reminder buzzer can be disabled.
(Customizable features  P. 525) However, Toyota recommends that the
seat belt reminder buzzer be operational to alert the driver and front passen-
ger when seat belts are not fastened.
CAUTION
■ If both the ABS and the brake system warning lights remain on
Stop your vehicle in a safe place immediately and contact your Toyota
dealer. The vehicle will become extremely unstable during braking, and the
ABS system may fail, which could cause an accident resulting in death or
serious injury.
■ When the electric power steerin g system warning light comes on
The steering wheel may become extremely heavy.
If the steering wheel becomes heavier than usual when operating, hold
firmly and operate using more force than usual.

456 5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS v_U (OM47784U)
CAUTION
■If the tire pressure warning light comes on
Be sure to observe the following precautions. Failure to do so could
cause a loss of vehicle control and result in death or serious injury.
●Stop your vehicle in a safe place as soon as possible. Adjust the tire
inflation pressure immediately.
●If the tire pressure warning light comes on even after tire inflation pres-
sure adjustment, it is pr obable that you have a flat tire. Check the tires.
If a tire is flat, change it with th e spare tire and have the flat tire
repaired by the nearest Toyota dealer.
●Avoid abrupt maneuvering and braking. If the vehicle tires deteriorate,
you could lose control of the steering wheel or the brakes.
■If a blowout or sudden air leakage should occur
The tire pressure warning syste m may not activate immediately.
■Maintenance of the tires
Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked monthly
when cold and inflated to the inflation pressure recommended by the
vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure
label (tire and load information label). (If your vehicle has tires of a differ-
ent size than the size indicated on the vehicle placard or tire inflation
pressure label [tire and load information label], you should determine the
proper tire inflation pr essure for those tires.)