2013 TOYOTA PRIUS C Owners Manual

When trouble arises5
425
5-1. Essential informationEmergency flashers ......... 426
If your vehicle needs to be towed ........................ 427
If you think something is wrong ............................. 432
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If a warning light turns on or a warning buzzer
sounds ........................... 433
If a warning message is displayed........................ 443
If you have a flat tire......... 459
If the hybrid system will not start .......................... 471
If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P............ 473
If you lose your keys ........ 474
If the electronic key does not operate properly....... 475
If the vehicle 12-volt battery is discharged ...... 477
If your vehicle overheats ....................... 482
If the vehicle becomes stuck .............................. 487
If your vehicle has to be stopped in an
emergency ..................... 488

426
5-1. Essential information
Emergency flashers
■Emergency flashers
If the emergency flashers are used for a long time while the hybrid system is
not operating (while the “READY” indicator is not illuminated), the 12-volt
battery may discharge.
The emergency flashers are used to warn other drivers when the
vehicle has to be stopped in the road due to a breakdown, etc.
Press the switch.
All the turn signal lights will
flash. To turn them off, press
the switch once again.

5
When trouble arises
427
5-1. Essential information
If your vehicle needs to be towed
Before towingThe following may indicate a problem with your hybrid transmission.
Contact your Toyota dealer before towing.
● The hybrid system is operating but the vehicle will not move.
● The vehicle makes an abnormal sound.
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. This
should only be attempted on
hard surfaced roads for short
distances at under 18 mph (30
km/h).
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.
If towing is necessary, we recommend having your vehicle towed by
your Toyota dealer or a commerci al towing service, using a lift-type
truck or flatbed truck.
Use a safety chain system for all to wing, and abide by all state/pro-
vincial and local laws.

428 5-1. Essential information
Installing towing eyeletPush the eyelet cover and then
open it.
Insert the towing eyelet into the
hole and tighten partially by
hand.
Tighten down the towing eyelet
securely using a wheel nut
wrench.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3

5
When trouble arises
429
5-1. Essential information
Towing with a sling-type truck
Do not tow with a sling-type truck
to prevent body damage.
Towing with a wheel-lift type truckFrom the front Release the parking brake.
From the rear Use a towing dolly under the
front wheels.

430 5-1. Essential information
Using a flatbed truckIf you use chains or cables to tie
down your vehicle, the angles
shaded in black must be 45.
Do not overly tighten the tie
downs or the vehicle may be
damaged.
■ Before emergency towing
Vehicles without a smart key system
Turn the engine switch to the “ACC” (hybrid system off) or “ON”
(hybrid system operating) position.
Vehicles with a smart key system
Turn the “POWER” switch to ACCESSORY (hybrid system off) or
ON (hybrid system operating) mode.
Shift the shift lever to N.
Release the parking brake.
■ Emergency towing eyelet location
P. 459
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3

5
When trouble arises
431
5-1. Essential information
CAUTION
■
Caution while towing
●Use extreme caution when towing the vehicle.
Avoid sudden starts or erratic driving maneuvers which place excessive
stress on the emergency towing eyelet and the cables or chains. Always
be cautious of the surroundings and other vehicles while towing.
● Do not turn the engine switch off (vehicles without a smart key system) or
the “POWER” switch off (vehicles with a smart key system).
This may lead to accidents because the steering wheel will be locked and
you will not be able to operate the steering wheel.
● If the hybrid system is off, the power assist for the brakes and steering will
not function, making steering and braking more difficult.
■ Installing towing eyelet to the vehicle
Make sure that towing eyelet is installed securely.
If not securely installed, towing eyelet may come loose during towing. This
may lead to accidents that cause serious injury or even death.
NOTICE
■To prevent causing serious damage to the transmission when towing
using a wheel-lift type truck
Never tow this vehicle from the rear with the front wheels on the ground.
■ To prevent damage to the vehicle when towing using a wheel-lift type
truck
When raising the vehicle, ensure adequate ground clearance for towing at
the opposite end of the raised vehicle. Without adequate clearance, the
vehicle could be damaged while being towed.
■ To prevent body damage when towing with a sling-type truck
Do not tow with a sling-type truck, either from the front or rear.
■ To prevent causing serious damage to the transmission in emergency
towing
Never tow a vehicle from the rear with four wheels on the ground. This may
cause serious damage to the transmission.

432
5-1. Essential information
If you think something is wrong
If you notice any of the following symptoms, your vehicle probably
needs adjustment or repair. Contact your Toyota dealer as soon as
possible.
■ Visible symptoms
●Fluid leaks under the vehicle
(Water dripping from the air cond itioning after use is normal.)
● Flat-looking tires or uneven tire wear
● is shown on the multi-information display
■ Audible symptoms
●Changes in exhaust sound
● Excessive tire squeal when cornering
● Strange noises related to the suspension system
● Pinging or other noises related to the hybrid system
■ Operational symptoms
●Engine missing, stumbling or running roughly
● Appreciable loss of power
● Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when braking
● Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when driving on a level road
● Loss of brake effectiveness, s pongy feeling, pedal almost
touches the floor