Page 453 of 572
5When trouble arises
453
PRIUS +_OM_OM47841E_(EE)
5-1. Essential information
Emergency flashers .......... 454
If your vehicle needs to
be towed ......................... 455
If you think something is
wrong .............................. 462
5-2. Steps to take in an
emergency
If a warning light turns on
or a warning buzzer
sounds ............................ 463
If you have a flat tire
(vehicles with spare
tire) ................................. 476
If you have a flat tire
(vehicles without a
spare tire) ....................... 488
If the hybrid system
will not start..................... 510
If you lose your keys ......... 512
If the electronic key does
not operate properly ....... 513
If the 12-volt battery is
discharged ...................... 516
If your vehicle
overheats ........................ 522
If the vehicle becomes
stuck ............................... 528
If your vehicle has to
be stopped in an
emergency ...................... 530
Page 454 of 572
454
PRIUS +_OM_OM47841E_(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.
Page 462 of 572

462
5-1. Essential information
PRIUS +_OM_OM47841E_(EE)
If you think something is wrong
If you notice any of the following symptoms, your vehicle probably
needs adjustment or repair. Contact any authorized Toyota dealer or
repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional as
soon as possible.
Visible symptoms
Fluid leaks under the vehicle
(Water dripping from the air conditioning after use is normal.)
Flat-looking tires or uneven tire wear
High engine coolant temperature warning light flashes or
comes on
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, spongy feeling, pedal almost
touches the floor
Page 463 of 572

5
463
When trouble arises
PRIUS +_OM_OM47841E_(EE)
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If a warning light tur ns on or a warning buzzer sounds
Stop the vehicle immediately. Continuing to drive the vehicle
may be dangerous.
The following warning indicates a possible problem in the brake sys-
tem. Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and contact any
authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and
equipped professional.
*1: Brake system warning buzzer:
When there is a possible problem that could affect braking performance, the
warning light will come on and a warning buzzer will sound.
*2: Parking brake engaged warning buzzer:
A buzzer will sound if the vehicle is driven at a speed of approximately 5 km/h
(3 mph) or more.
Warning lightWarning light/Details
Brake system warning light and warning buzzer (red
indicator)
*1, 2
• Low brake fluid
• Malfunction in the brake system
This light also comes on when the parking brake is not
released. If the light turns off after the parking brake is
fully released, the system is operating normally.
Calmly perform the following actions if any of the warning lights
comes on or flashes. If a light comes on or flashes, but then goes
off, this does not necessarily indicate a malfunction in the system.
However, if this continues to occur, have the vehicle inspected by
any authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified
and equipped professional.
Page 464 of 572
464 5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS +_OM_OM47841E_(EE)
Stop the vehicle immediately.
The following warning indicates the possibility of damage to the vehi-
cle that may lead to an accident. Immediately stop the vehicle in a
safe place and contact any authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or
another duly qualified and equipped professional.
Warning lightWarning light/Details
Charging system warning light
Indicates a malfunction in the vehicle’s charging system
Low engine oil pressure warning light
Indicates that the engine oil pressure is too low
High coolant temperature warning light
Indicates that the coolant temperature is too high
Changes from a flashing to a solid light when the engine
coolant temperature increases.
Hybrid system warning light (warning buzzer)
Indicates a malfunction in the hybrid system
Page 465 of 572

5
465 5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
When trouble arises
PRIUS +_OM_OM47841E_(EE)
Have the vehicle inspected by any authorized Toyota dealer or repairer,
or another duly qualified and equipped professional immediately.
Failure to investigate the cause of the following warnings may lead to
the system operating abnormally and possibly cause an accident.
Have the vehicle inspected by any authorized Toyota dealer or
repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional immedi-
ately.
Warning lightWarning light/Details
Malfunction indicator lamp
Indicates a malfunction in:
• The hybrid system;
• The electronic engine control system; or
• The electronic throttle control system
SRS warning light
Indicates a malfunction in:
• The SRS airbag system;
• The seat belt pretensioner system
ABS warning light
Indicates a malfunction in:
• The ABS; or
• The brake assist system
Electric power steering system warning light (warn-
ing buzzer)
Indicates a malfunction in the EPS system
Page 466 of 572
466 5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS +_OM_OM47841E_(EE)
Warning lightWarning light/Details
(Flashes)
(If equipped)Pre-crash safety system warning light
Indicates a malfunction in the pre-crash safety system
The warning light will operate as follows, even when the
system is not malfunctioning:
• The light will flash quickly when the system is operating.
(P. 300)
• The light will turn on when the pre-crash braking is dis-
abled. (P. 301)
• The light will turn on when the system cannot temporar-
ily be used. (P. 470)
(Turns on)Slip indicator light
Indicates a malfunction in:
•VSC;
• TRC; or
• Hill-start assist control
Flashes when the above systems and/or ABS are oper-
ating. (P. 293)
Brake system warning light (yellow indicator)
Indicates a malfunction in:
• The regenerative braking system; or
• The electronically controlled brake system
Page 467 of 572

5
467 5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
When trouble arises
PRIUS +_OM_OM47841E_(EE)
Warning lightWarning light/Details
Parking lock system warning light (warning buzzer)
Indicates a malfunction in the P position control system
• In this situation, there is a possibility that the parking
lock mechanism will not work. When parking, park the
vehicle on a flat surface and apply the parking brake
securely.
• The “POWER” switch may not be turned off. If this hap-
pens, applying the parking brake will enable the switch
to be turned off.
Parking lock system warning message (warning
buzzer)
Indicates a malfunction in the P position control system
when the vehicle is stopped
• In this situation, there is a possibility that the parking
lock mechanism will not work. When parking, park the
vehicle on a flat surface and apply the parking brake
securely.
• The “POWER” switch may not be turned off. If this hap-
pens, applying the parking brake will enable the switch
to be turned off.
Hybrid battery indicator light
The hybrid battery (traction battery) will soon need to be
inspected or replaced
Have the hybrid battery (traction battery) inspected by
any authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or another
duly qualified and equipped professional immediately.
*