Page 330 of 684

330 2-4. Using other driving systems
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47787U_(U)
■Sounds  and  vibrations  caused  by   the  ABS,  brake  assist,  VSC  and
TRAC
● 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.
■ 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. 540 
         
        
        
     
        
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333
2-4. Using other driving systems
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47787U_(U)
2
When driving
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
● 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 vehicl e 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  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. 
         
        
        
     
        
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334 2-4. Using other driving systems
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47787U_(U)
■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 your Toyota dealer.
CAUTION
■Hill-start assist control
● Do not overly rely on the hill-start assist control. Hill-start assist control
may not operate effectively on extremely steep inclines or roads covered
in ice.
● Unlike the parking brake, hill-start assist control is not intended to hold the
vehicle stationary for an extended period of time. Do not attempt to use
hill-start assist control to hold the vehicle on an incline for an extended
period of time, as doing so may lead to an accident. 
         
        
        
     
        
        Page 367 of 684

367
3-1. Using the air conditioning system
 and defogger
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47787U_(U)
3
Interior features
■If air flow from the vents decreases dramatically
The filter may be clogged. Contact your Toyota dealer.
■ Operation of the air conditio ning system in Eco drive mode
In the Eco drive mode, the air conditioning system is controlled as follows to
prioritize fuel efficiency:
● Engine speed and compressor operation controlled to restrict heating/
cooling capacity
● Fan speed restricted when automatic mode is selected
To improve air conditioning performance, perform the following operations:
● Adjust the fan speed
● Turn off Eco drive mode ( P. 247)
● Customize the air conditioning control of Eco drive mode. ( P. 639)
■ When outside air temperature is below 32 °F (0 °C)
The cooling and dehumidification function may not operate even when
 is pressed.
■ Air conditioning odors
● During use, various odors from inside and outside the vehicle may enter
into and accumulate in the air conditioning system. This may then cause
odor to be emitted from the vents.
● To reduce potential odors from occurring:
• It is recommended that the air conditioning system be set to outside air
mode prior to turning the vehicle off.
• The start timing of the blower may be delayed for a short period of time immediately after the air conditioning system is started in automatic
mode.
■ Customization
Settings (e.g. enable/disable automatic operation of the air conditioning
compressor when the “AUTO” switch ON) can be changed.
(Customizable features  P. 639) 
         
        
        
     
        
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372 3-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47787U_(U)
■Operating conditions
The system will only operate if all of the following conditions are met:
● The shift position is in P.
● The “POWER” switch is OFF.
● All doors are closed.
● The hood is closed.
● The brake pedal is not being depressed.
■ When leaving the vehicle
● Check that the headlights are switched to either off or “AUTO”.
● Check that the wiper switch is turned off.
● Check that all windows are closed.
■ Remote Air Conditioning System automatic shut-off
The system will automatically shut off under the following conditions:
● About 10 minutes have passed since operation began
● Any one of the operating conditions is not met
● There is only a slight difference between the air conditioning set temper-
ature and the inside temperature.
The system may also shut off if the charge level of the hybrid battery (trac-
tion battery) drops to low. ( P. 60)
■ Conditions affecting operation
The system may not start in the following situations:
● The charge level of the hybrid battery (traction battery) is low (P. 60)
● The air conditioning temperature is set  at a high level or outside tempera-
ture is low
● When the hybrid system is cool (for example, after being left for a long
time in low temperatures) 
         
        
        
     
        
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373
3-1. Using the air conditioning system
 and defogger
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47787U_(U)
3
Interior features
■Security feature
Any unlocked doors will be automatically locked when the system is operat-
ing. The buzzer will beep and the emergency flashers flash when the doors
have been locked or the system has been turned off.
(The doors locked: Once; The system turned off: Twice)
■ Conditions aff ecting operation
 P.  1 1 9
■ When using the Remote Air Conditioning System
A charging message will be displayed on the multi-information display. Dif-
ferent messages will be displayed depending on when the Remote Air Con-
ditioning System was started (after  charging or during charging). 
( P. 562)
■ While the Remote Air Conditio ning System is operating
● Depending on the operating condition of the Remote Air Conditioning
System, the electric fan may spin and an operating noise may be heard.
However, this does not indicate a malfunction.
● The Remote Air Conditioning System may stop operating temporarily if
other features that use electricity (for example, the seat heater, lights,
windshield wipers) are in operation or if the charge level of the 12-volt
battery becomes low.
■ Electronic key battery depletion
 P. 123
■ When the electronic key battery is fully depleted
 P. 123
■ Customization
Setting (e.g. Operation using the   on the wireless remote control) can
be changed.
(Customizable features  P. 645) 
         
        
        
     
        
        Page 411 of 684

411
3-5. Other interior features
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47787U_(U)
3
Interior features
■
Programming  an  entry  gate  (f or  U.S.A.  owners)/Programming
a devices in the Canadian market
Place the remote control transmitter 1 to 3 in. (25 to 75 mm)
away from the HomeLink
® buttons.
Keep the HomeLink® indicator light in view while programming.
Press and hold the selected HomeLink® button.
Repeatedly press and release (cycle) the remote control
transmitter for 2 seconds each until step 4 is completed.
When the HomeLink
® indicator light starts to flash rapidly,
release the buttons.
Test the HomeLink
® operation by pressing the newly pro-
grammed button. Check to see if the gate/device operates
correctly.
Repeat the steps above to program another device for any of
the remaining HomeLink
® buttons.
■ Programming other devices
To program other devices such  as home security systems, home
door locks and lighting, contact your Toyota dealer for assistance.
■ Reprogramming a button
The individual HomeLink
® buttons cannot be  erased but can be
reprogrammed. To reprogram a button, follow the “Reprogramming
a HomeLink
® button” instructions.
STEP 1 
STEP 2 
STEP 3 
STEP 4 
STEP 5 
STEP 6  
         
        
        
     
        
        Page 412 of 684
412 3-5. Other interior features
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47787U_(U)
Operating HomeLink®
Press the appropriate HomeLink® button. The HomeLink® indicator
light should come on.
The HomeLink® compatible transceiver in your vehicle continues to send
a signal for up to 20 seconds as long as the button is pressed.
Reprogramming a HomeLink® button
Press and hold the desired HomeLink
® button. After 20 seconds, the
HomeLink® indicator light will start flashing slowly. Keep pressing the
HomeLink® button and press and hold the transmitter button until the
HomeLink® indicator light changes from a slow to a rapid flash.
Release the buttons.
Erasing the entire HomeLink® memory (all three programs)
Press and hold the 2 outside but-
tons for 10 seconds until the indi-
cator light flashes.
If you sell your vehicle, be sure to
erase the programs stored in the
HomeLink
® memory.