Page 532 of 688
532 5-1. Essential information
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47856U_(U)
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 eyelets and the cables or chains. Always
be cautious of the surroundings and other vehicles while towing.
● Do not turn the “POWER” switch off. 
This may lead to an accident as the front wheels will be locked by the
parking lock.
● 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 eyelets to the vehicle
Make sure that towing eyelets are installed securely.
If not securely installed, towing eyelets may come loose during towing. This
may lead to accidents that cause serious injury or even death. 
         
        
        
     
        
        Page 533 of 688
5
When trouble arises
533
5-1. Essential information
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47856U_(U)
NOTICE
■
To prevent damaging the vehicle
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  causing  serious  damage  to   the  hybrid  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 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  hybrid  transmission  in
emergency towing
Never tow a vehicle from the rear with four wheels on the ground. This may
cause serious damage to the hybrid transmission. 
         
        
        
     
        
        Page 600 of 688

600 5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47856U_(U)
■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.) 
         
        
        
     
        
        Page 609 of 688
5
When trouble arises
609
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47856U_(U)
NOTICE
■
To avoid damage to the hybrid  transmission and other components
● Avoid spinning the wheels and depressing the accelerator pedal more
than necessary.
● If the vehicle remains stuck even after these procedures are performed,
the vehicle may require towing to be freed. 
         
        
        
     
        
        Page 675 of 688

675
Alphabetical index
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47856U_(U)
Daytime running light 
system ................................... 297
Deck board............................... 405
Defogger
Rear window......................... 377
Side mirrors .......................... 377
Dimensions .............................. 614
Dinghy towing ......................... 357
Display Dynamic radar cruise control ................................ 314
Multi-information ................... 268
Warning messages............... 548
Do-it-yourself maintenance .... 442
Door lock Back door ............................. 144
Side doors ............................ 138
Smart key system ... .............. 112
Wireless remote control........ 136
Doors Back door ............................. 144
Door glasses ........................ 175
Door lock .............. 112, 136, 138
Rear door child-protector...... 139
Side doors ............................ 138
Driver’s seat belt reminder  light ........................................ 539
Driving
Break-in tips ......................... 228
Correct posture..................... 185
Procedures ........................... 226
Winter driving tips ................. 351 Eco drive mode switch ............249
Electric power steering ...........330
Electronic key
If the electronic key does not operate properly..................594
Replacing battery ..................496
Emergency, in case of If a warning buzzer sounds ................................535
If a warning light turns on ......535
If the electronic key does not  operate properly..................594
If the hybrid system will not  start .....................................591
If the 12-volt battery is 
discharged ..........................597
If you have a flat tire  .............569
If you lose your keys .............593
If you think something is  wrong ..................................534
If your vehicle becomes  stuck ...................................608
If your vehicle has to be  stopped in an 
emergency ..........................610
If your vehicle needs to be  towed ..................................527
If your vehicle overheats .......603
Emergency flashers  Switch....................................526DE 
         
        
        
     
        
        Page 682 of 688

682 Alphabetical index
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47856U_(U)
Tonneau cover ......................... 406
Tools ......................................... 451
Total load capacity................... 350
Touch tracer display ................260
TowingDinghy towing........................ 357
Emergency towing................. 528
Trailer towing......................... 356
TRAC ......................................... 330
Traction control........................ 330
Trailer towing ........................... 356
Transmission
Hybrid transmission............... 247
P position switch ................... 250
Trip information ....................... 276
Trip meter ................................. 259
Turn signal lights Replacing light bulbs ............. 510
Switch.................................... 256
Wattage ................................. 624
USB port
*................................. 383
Vanity lights Vanity lights ........................... 395
Wattage ................................. 624
Vanity mirrors........................... 395
Vehicle data recordings ............24
Vehicle identification  number ................................... 615
Vehicle proximity notification  system ......................................38
Vehicle stability control........... 330
VSC............................................ 330 Warning buzzers
Brake system ........................ 535
Open door  ............................ 539
Seat belt reminder................. 539
Warning lights Anti-lock brake system 
(ABS) .................................. 537
Automatic headlight leveling  system ................................ 538
Brake system ................ 535, 538
Charging system .... ............... 536
Cruise control ........................ 538
Electric power steering 
system ................................ 537
High coolant temperature...... 536
Hybrid system ....................... 537
Low fuel level ........................ 539
Low tire pressure .................. 540
Malfunction indicator lamp .... 537
Open door ............................. 539
Pre-collision system .............. 538
Radar cruise control. ............. 538
Seat belt warning light........... 539
Slip indicator ......................... 538
SRS airbags .......................... 537
Tire pressure warning light.... 540U
V
W