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5-1. Essential information
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47856U_(U)
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.
If there is a malfunction in the P position control system, the smart
key system or the immobilizer system , or if the 12-volt battery is dis-
charged, the vehicle cannot be tow ed with the front wheels on the
ground, as the front wheels may be locked. In this case, transport the
vehicle with both front wheels or all four wheels lifted.
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 flat bed truck.
Use a safety chain system for all to wing, and abide by all state/pro-
vincial and local laws.
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542 5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47856U_(U)
■Electric power steering system wa rning light (warning buzzer)
When the 12-volt battery charge becomes insufficient or the voltage tempo-
rarily drops, the electric power steering system warning light may come on
and the warning buzzer may sound.
■ If the malfunction indicator lamp comes on while driving
First check the following:
● 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 reset 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).
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MessageDetailsCorrection
procedure
Charging has been
stopped because of the
high energy consumption
of electrical compo-
nents, such as the head-
lights. Switch the electrical
appliance OFF, and
restart charging by fol-
lowing the procedure on
P. 84.
If the message is still
displayed, the 12-volt
battery may have a low
charge.
In this event, turn the
“POWER” switch OFF
approximately 15 min-
utes after starting the
hybrid system, and
restart charging.
Charging has been
stopped because of
extremely low voltage,
possibly caused by the
plug not being inserted
correctly. Check that the plug is
inserted correctly, and
restart charging by fol-
lowing the procedure on
P. 84.
Check that the plug is
not connected to a
power strip and that an
extension cord, multi-
outlet etc. is not being
used.
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5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47856U_(U)
If the hybrid system will not start
Reasons for the hybrid system not starting vary depending on the
situation. Check the following a nd perform the appropriate proce-
dure:
■ The hybrid system will not start even though the correct
starting procedure is being followed ( P. 240)
One of the following may be the cause of the problem:
● The charging cable may be attached to the vehicle. ( P. 95)
● The electronic key may not be functioning properly.
*
( P. 594)
● There may not be sufficient fuel in the vehicle’s tank.
Refuel the vehicle. ( P. 4 6 )
● There may be a malfunction in the immobilizer system.
*
( P. 183)
● There may be a malfunction in the P position control system.
*
( P. 245, 550)
*: It may not be possible to shift the shift position from P to other posi-
tion.
■ The interior lights and headlight s are dim, or the horn does
not sound or sounds at a low volume
One of the following may be the cause of the problem:
● The 12-volt battery may be discharged. ( P. 597)
● The 12-volt battery terminal c onnections may be loose or cor-
roded.
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592 5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47856U_(U)
Emergency start functionWhen the hybrid system does not start, the following steps can be
used as an interim measure to start the hybrid system if the
“POWER” switch is functioning normally: Set the parking brake.
Turn the “POWER” switch to ACCESSORY mode.
Press and hold the “POWER” switch for about 15 seconds
while depressing the brake pedal firmly.
Even if the hybrid system can be started using the above steps, the
system may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle inspected by your
Toyota dealer.
■ The interior lights and headlights do not turn on, or the horn
does not sound
One of the following may be the cause of the problem:
●One or both of the 12-volt ba ttery terminals may be discon-
nected.
● The 12-volt battery may be discharged. ( P. 597)
Contact your Toyota dealer if the problem cannot be repaired, or if
repair procedures are unknown.
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3
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If the 12-volt batter y is discharged
The following procedures may be used to start the hybrid system if
the vehicle’s 12-volt battery is discharged.
You can also call your Toyota deal er or a qualified repair shop.
If you have a set of jumper (or booster) cables and a second vehi-
cle with a 12-volt battery, you can jump start your vehicle by follow-
ing the steps below.
Open the hood and fuse block
cover.
When closing, first hook the lid
onto the two rear tabs.
Open the exclusive jump start-
ing terminal cover.
ITO43P127
STEP 1
STEP 2
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600 5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
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■Starting the hybrid system when the 12-volt battery is discharged
The hybrid system cannot be started by push-starting.
■ To prevent 12-volt battery discharge
●Turn off the headlights and the audio system while the hybrid system is
off.
● Turn off any unnecessary electrical components when the vehicle is run-
ning at a low speed for an extended period, such as in heavy traffic.
■ When the 12-volt battery is removed or discharged
●The hybrid system may not start. ( P. 476)
● If the 12-volt battery is depleted with the shift position in P, it will not be
possible to shift the shift position other than P. In this case, the vehicle
cannot be towed without lifting both front wheels because the front
wheels are locked by the parking lock. ( P. 527)
● When the 12-volt battery is reconnected, start the hybrid system, depress
the brake pedal, and confirm that it is possible to shift into each shift posi-
tion.
■ Charging the 12-volt battery
The electricity stored in the 12-volt battery will discharge gradually even
when the vehicle is not in use, due to natural discharge and the draining
effects of certain electrical appliances. If the vehicle is left for a long time, the
12-volt battery may discharge, and the hybrid system may be unable to start.
(The 12-volt battery charges automatically while the hybrid system is operat-
ing.)
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CAUTION
■
Avoiding 12-volt battery fires or explosions
Observe the following precautions to prevent accidentally igniting the flam-
mable gas that may be emitted from the 12-volt battery:
●Make sure each jumper cable is connected to the correct terminal and that
it is not unintentionally in contact with any other than the intended terminal.
● Do not allow the other end of the jumper cable connected to the “+” termi-
nal to come into contact with any other parts or metal surfaces in the area,
such as brackets or unpainted metal.
● Do not allow the + and - clamps of the jumper cables to come into contact
with each other.
● Do not smoke, use matches, cigarette lighters or allow open flame near
the 12-volt battery.
■ 12-volt battery precautions
The 12-volt battery contains poisonous and corrosive acidic electrolyte,
while related parts contain lead and lead compounds. Observe the following
precautions when handling the 12-volt battery:
●When working with the 12-volt battery, always wear safety glasses and
take care not to allow any battery fluids (acid) to come into contact with
skin, clothing or the vehicle body.
● Do not lean over the 12-volt battery.
● In the event that battery fluid comes into contact with the skin or eyes,
immediately wash the affected area with water and seek medical attention.
Place a wet sponge or cloth over the affected area until medical attention
can be received.
● Always wash your hands after handling the battery support, terminals, and
other battery-related parts.
● Do not allow children near the 12-volt battery.
