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PRIUS +_OM_OM47888E_(EE)
This mode employs a radar sensor to detect the presence of vehicles
up to approximately 120 m (400 ft.) ahead, determines the current
vehicle-to-vehicle following distance, and operates to maintain a suit-
able following distance from the vehicle ahead.
Note that vehicle-to-vehicle distance will close in when traveling on long
downhill slopes.
Driving in vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode
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2404-5. Using the driving support systems
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Automatic cancelation of vehicle -to-vehicle distance control
Vehicle-to-vehicle distance control driving is automatically canceled in the fol-
lowing situations:
● Actual vehicle speed falls below approximately 40 km/h (25 mph).
● VSC is activated.
● The sensor cannot operate correctly because it is covered in some way.
● The windshield wipers are operating at high speed (when the wiper switch is
set to the AUTO mode or the high speed wiper operation position).
If vehicle-to-vehicle distance control driving is automatically canceled for any
other reason, there may be a malfunction in the system. Contact any autho-
rized Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped profes-
sional.
■ Automatic cancelation of constant speed control
The cruise control will stop maintaining the vehicle speed in the following situ-
ations:
● Actual vehicle speed is more than approximately 16 km/h (10 mph) below
the set vehicle speed.
At this time, the memorized set speed is not retained.
● Actual vehicle speed falls below approximately 40 km/h (25 mph).
● VSC is activated.
■ Radar sensor and grille cover
Always keep the sensor and grille cover clean to ensure that the vehicle-to-
vehicle distance control operates properly. (Some obstructions, such as
snow, ice and plastic objects, cannot be detected by the obstruction sensor.)
Dynamic radar cruise control (vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode) is
canceled if an obstruction is detected. (Constant speed control mode can be
used.)
■ Warning lights, warning messages and buzzers for dynamic radar cruise
control
Warning lights, warning messages and buzzers are used to indicate a system
malfunction or to inform the driver of the need for caution while driving.
(→ P. 391)
Grille cover
Radar sensor
1
2
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2444-5. Using the driving support systems
PRIUS +_OM_OM47888E_(EE)
WARNING
■ Situations unsuitable for dynamic radar cruise control
Do not use dynamic radar cruise control in any of the following situations.
Doing so may result in inappropriate speed control and could cause an acci-
dent resulting in death or serious injury.
●Except on highways or expressways
● In heavy traffic
● On roads with sharp bends
● On winding roads
● On slippery roads, such as those covered with rain, ice or snow
● On steep downhills, or where ther e are sudden changes between sharp up
and down gradients
Vehicle speed may exceed the set speed when driving down a steep hill.
● At entrances to expressways
● When weather conditions are bad enough that they may prevent the sen-
sors from functioning correctly (fog, snow, sandstorm, heavy rain, etc.)
● When an approach warning buzzer is heard often
■ When the sensor may not be correctly detecting the vehicle ahead
Apply the brakes (or accelerator pedal) as necessary when any of the fol-
lowing types of vehicles are in front of you.
As the sensor may not be able to correctly detect these types of vehicles,
the approach warning ( →P. 238) will not be activated, and a fatal or serious
accident may result.
● Vehicles that cut in suddenly
● Vehicles traveling at low speeds
● Vehicles that are not moving in the same lane
● Vehicles with small rear ends (trailers with no load on board etc.)
● Motorcycles traveling in the same lane
● When water or snow thrown up by the surrounding vehicles hinders the
detecting of the sensor
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Driving
PRIUS +_OM_OM47888E_(EE)
WARNING
■ Conditions under which the vehicle-to-vehicle distance control may
not function correctly
Apply the brakes (or accelerator pedal) as necessary in the following condi-
tions as the radar sensor may not be able to correctly detect vehicles
ahead, and a fatal or serious accident may result:
●When the vehicle ahead of you decelerates suddenly
When your vehicle is pointing upwards
(caused by a heavy load in the luggage
compartment, etc.)
●When the road curves or when the
lanes are narrow
● When steering wheel operation or your
position in the lane is unstable
Accelerate
Accelerate
Decelerate
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WARNING
■ Handling the radar sensor
Observe the following to ensure the cruise control system can function
effectively.
Otherwise, the system may not function correctly and could result in an
accident.
●Keep the sensor and grille cover clean at all times.
Clean the sensor and grille cover with a soft cloth so you do not mark or
damage them.
● Do not subject the sensor or surrounding area to a strong impact.
If the sensor moves even slightly off position, the system may become
inaccurate or malfunction. If the sensor or surrounding area is subject to a
strong impact, always have the area inspected and adjusted by any autho-
rized Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped pro-
fessional.
● Do not disassemble the sensor.
● Do not attach accessories or stickers to the sensor, grille cover or sur-
rounding area.
● Do not modify or paint the sensor and grille cover.
● Do not replace them with non-genuine parts.
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2544-5. Using the driving support systems
PRIUS +_OM_OM47888E_(EE)
PCS (Pre-Crash Safety system)∗
◆Pre-crash warning
When a high possibility of a
frontal collision is detected, a
buzzer sounds and a message
is shown on the multi-informa-
tion display to urge the driver to
take evasive action.
◆Pre-crash brake assist
When there is a high possibility of a frontal collision, the system
applies greater braking force in relation to how strongly the brake
pedal is depressed.
◆Pre-crash braking
When there is a high possibility of a frontal collision, the system
warns the driver using a warning display and buzzer. If the system
determines that a collision is unavoidable, the brakes are automati-
cally applied to reduce the collision speed.
∗: If equipped
When the radar sensor detects possibility of a frontal collision,
brakes are automatically engaged to lessen impact as well as
vehicle damage.The alert timing for the pre-crash safety system can be changed or
turned ON/OFF, as necessary, by operating the switch. ( →P. 255)
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2564-5. Using the driving support systems
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The radar sensor detects vehi-
cles or other obstacles on or near
the road ahead and determines
whether a collision is imminent
based on the position, speed, and
heading of the obstacles.
■The pre-crash safety system is operational when
The pre-crash safety system is on ( →P. 255) and the following conditions are
met:
● Pre-crash warning:
• Vehicle speed is greater than about 15 km/h (10 mph).
• The speed at which your vehicle is approaching the obstacle or the vehi-
cle running ahead of you is greater than about 10 km/h (7 mph).
● Pre-crash brake assist:
• Vehicle speed is greater than about 30 km/h (19 mph).
• The speed at which your vehicle is approaching the obstacle or the vehi-
cle running ahead of you is greater than about 30 km/h (19 mph).
• The brake pedal is depressed.
● Pre-crash braking:
• Vehicle speed is greater than about 15 km/h (10 mph).
• The speed at which your vehicle is approaching the obstacle or the vehi-
cle running ahead of you is greater than about 10 km/h (7 mph).
Radar sensor
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Driving
PRIUS +_OM_OM47888E_(EE)■
Conditions that may trigger the system even if there is no possibility of a
collision
If the following obstructs the front of the sensor, the system judges that a col-
lision may be possible and operates.
● When passing by a vehicle while making left or right turns or passing a vehi-
cle in an opposite lane.
● When the vehicle rapidly approaches an object in front of it (such as another
vehicle, toll gate, etc.)
● When climbing a steep hill, etc., and there are structures in the upper region
of the road (billboards, low ceilings, street lamps, etc.)
● When driving through narrow passages or places with low ceilings (bridges,
tunnels, overhead passes, etc.)
● When driving on an uneven road surface
● When metal objects are on the road surface causing level differences or
protrusions in the road
● When an extreme change in vehicle height occurs
● When the radar sensor moves off position due to its surrounding area being
subjected to a strong impact.
● When there is an obstacle (guardrails, etc.) on the roadside at a curve
entrance
● When the front of your vehicle is pointing upwards (caused by putting a
heavy load in the luggage compartment)
When the system is activated in the situations described above, there is also
a possibility that the brakes will be applied with a force greater than normal.
■ Obstacles not detected
The sensor cannot detect plastic obstacles such as traffic cones. There may
also be occasions when the sensor cannot detect pedestrians, animals, bicy-
cles, motorcycles, trees, or snowdrifts.
■ Situations in which the pre-crash safety system does not function prop-
erly
The system may not function effectively in situations such as the following:
● On roads with sharp bends or uneven surfaces
● If a vehicle suddenly moves in front of your vehicle, such as at an intersec-
tion
● If a vehicle suddenly cuts in front of your vehicle, such as when overtaking
● In inclement weather such as heavy rain, fog, snow or sand storms
● When your vehicle is skidding with the VSC system off
● When an extreme change in vehicle height occurs
● When the radar sensor moves off position due to its surrounding area being
subjected to a strong impact
● Due to greatly turning the steering wheel when an obstacle suddenly
appears ahead