Page 254 of 568

254 2-4. Using other driving systems
PRIUS v_OM_OM47820U_(U)
■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. 455
CAUTION
■The ABS does not operate effectively when
● The limits of tire gripping performance have been exceeded (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, especially in the fol-
lowing situations:
● 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.
Page 270 of 568
270 2-5. Driving information
PRIUS v_OM_OM47820U_(U)
CAUTION
●Secure all items in the occupant compartment, as they may shift and
injure someone in the event of an accident or sudden braking.
●When you fold down the rear seats, long items should not be place
directly behind the front seats.
●Never allow anyone to ride in the luggage compartment. It is not
designed for passengers. They should ride in their seats with their seat
belts properly fastened. Otherwise, they are much more likely to suffer
death or serious bodily injury, in the event of sudden braking or an
accident.
■Capacity and distribution
●Do not exceed the maximum axle weight rating or the total vehicle
weight rating.
●Even if the total load of occupant’s weight and the cargo load is less
than the total load capacity, do not apply the load unevenly. Improper
loading may cause deterioration of steering or braking control which
may cause death or serious injury.
Page 272 of 568
272
2-5. Driving information
PRIUS v_OM_OM47820U_(U)
Vehicle load limits
■Total load capacity and seating capacity
These details are also described on the tire and loading information
label. (P. 400)
CAUTION
■Overloading the vehicle
Do not overload the vehicle.
It may not only cause damage to the ti res, but also degrade steering and
braking ability, resulting in an accident.
Vehicle load limits include total load capacity, seating capacity,
towing capacity and cargo capacity.
■ Total load capacity (vehicle capacity weight): P. 498
Total load capacity means the combined weight of occupants,
cargo and luggage.
■ Seating capacity: 5 occupants (Front 2, Rear 3)
Seating capacity means the ma ximum number of occupants
whose estimated average weight is 150 lb. (68 kg) per person.
■ Towing capacity
Toyota does not recommend towing a trailer with your vehicle.
■ Cargo capacity
Cargo capacity may increase or decrease depending on the
weight and the number of occupants.
Page 279 of 568

Interior features3
279
PRIUS v_OM_OM47820U_(U)
3-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
Automatic air conditioning system ........................... 280
Using the steering wheel climate remote control
switches ......................... 293
Rear window and outside rear view mirror defogger
switch ............................. 295
3-2. Using the audio system Audio system types .......... 296 3-3. Using the interior lights
Interior lights list ............... 301
• Interior lights .................. 302
• Personal lights ............... 303
3-4. Using the storage features List of storage features .... 305
• Glove boxes ................... 307
• Console box ................... 308
• Cup holders ................... 309
• Bottle holders ................. 311
• Auxiliary boxes ............... 312
• Door pockets .................. 313
• Card holder .................... 313
3-5. Other interior features Sun visors ........................ 314
Vanity mirrors ................... 315
Clock ................................ 316
Power outlets ................... 317
Seat heaters..................... 319
Armrest ............................ 321
Panoramic roof shades .... 322
Assist grips....................... 326
Floor mats ........................ 327
Luggage compartment features .......................... 329
Garage door opener......... 333
Safety Connect ................ 341
Page 293 of 568
293
3-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
PRIUS v_OM_OM47820U_(U)
3
Interior features
Using the steering wheel climate remote control switches
Adjusting the temperature settingPress “ ” on to increase the temperature and “ ” to decrease
the temperature.
Changing the outside air or recirculated air modes
Press .
The mode switches between outside air mode and recirculated air mode
each time the switch is pressed.
Some air conditioning features can be controlled using the switches
on the steering wheel.
Temperature control
Outside air or recirculated
air mode
Page 294 of 568
294 3-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
PRIUS v_OM_OM47820U_(U)
■When changing the temperature set ting using the steering switches
The temperature will change, however the position of the selection frame on
the air conditioning display will remain the same.
CAUTION
■ To reduce the risk of an accident
Exercise care when operating the air conditioning switches on the steering
wheel.
Page 297 of 568
297
3-2. Using the audio system
PRIUS v_OM_OM47820U_(U)
3
Interior features
Steering wheel audio switches
Some audio features can be contro lled using the switches on the
steering wheel. For details, refe r to the “Display Audio System
Owner’s Manual” or “Navigation System Owner’s Manual”.
Operation may differ and usage may not be possible with audio/navi-
gation systems that are not compatib le with the steering switches in
this vehicle.
Vehicles with a navigation system
Refer to the “Navigation System Owner’s Manual”.
Canada
Page 362 of 568
362 4-2. Maintenance
PRIUS v_OM_OM47820U_(U)
Head restraints• Do the head restraints move
smoothly and lock securely?
Indicators/buzzers • Do the indicators and buzzers
function properly?
Lights • Do all the lights come on?
Parking brake • Does the parking brake pedal
move smoothly?
• When parked on a slope and the parking brake is on, is the vehicle
securely stopped?
Seat belts • Do the seat belts operate
smoothly?
• The seat belts should not be dam- aged.
Seats • Do the seat controls operate
properly?
Steering wheel • Does the steering wheel rotate
smoothly?
• Does the steering wheel have the correct amount of free play?
• There should not be any strange sounds coming from the steering
wheel.
ItemsCheck points