2454-5. Using the driving support systems
4
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
2484-5. Using the driving support systems
PRIUS +_OM_OM47888E_(EE)
Driving assist systems
◆ECB (Electronically Controlled Brake System)
The electronically controlled system generates braking force corre-
sponding to the brake operation
◆ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
Helps to prevent wheel lock when the brakes are applied suddenly,
or if the brakes are applied while driving on a slippery road surface
◆Brake assist
Generates an increased level of braking force after the brake pedal
is depressed when the system detects a panic stop situation
◆VSC (Vehicle Stability Control)
Helps the driver to control skidding when swerving suddenly or
turning on slippery road surfaces
◆TRC (Traction Control)
Helps to maintain drive power and prevent the drive wheels from
spinning when starting the vehicle or accelerating on slippery roads
◆EPS (Electric Power Steering)
Employs an electric motor to reduce the amount of effort needed to
turn the steering wheel
To help enhance driving safety and performance, the following
systems operate automatically in response to various driving
situations. Be aware, however, that these systems are supple-
mentary and should not be relied upon too heavily when operat-
ing the vehicle.
2494-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
PRIUS +_OM_OM47888E_(EE)
◆VSC + (Vehicle Stability Control +)
Provides cooperative control of the ABS, TRC, VSC and EPS.
Helps to maintain directional stability when swerving on slippery
road surfaces by controlling steering performance.
◆Hill-start assist control
Helps to prevent the vehicle from rolling backward when starting on
an incline or slippery slope
◆PCS (Pre-Crash Safety system) (if equipped)
→P. 2 5 4
◆Emergency brake signal
When the brakes are applied suddenly, the emergency flashers
automatically flash to alert the vehicle behind.
The slip indicator light will flash
while the VSC/TRC/ABS systems
are operating.
When the VSC/TRC/ABS systems are operating
2504-5. Using the driving support systems
PRIUS +_OM_OM47888E_(EE)
■Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, brake assist, VSC, TRC and
hill-start assist control systems
Any of the following conditions may occur when the above systems are oper-
ating. None of these indicates that a malfunction has occurred.
●Vibrations may be felt through the vehicle body and steering.
● A motor sound may be heard after the vehicle comes to a stop.
● The brake pedal may pulsate slightly after the ABS is activated.
● The brake pedal may move down slightly after the ABS is activated.
■ ECB operating sound
ECB operating sound may be heard in the following cases, but it does not
indicate that a malfunction has occurred.
●Operating sound heard from the engine compartment when the brake pedal
is operated.
● Motor sound of the brake system heard from the front part of the vehicle
when the driver’s door is opened.
● Operating sound heard from the engine compartment when 1-2 minutes
passed after the stop of the hybrid system.
■ EPS operation sound
When the steering wheel is operated, a motor sound (whirring sound) may be
heard. This does not indicate a malfunction.
■ 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. 377
2574-5. Using the driving support systems
4
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
2604-5. Using the driving support systems
PRIUS +_OM_OM47888E_(EE)
WARNING
■ Limitations of the pre-crash safety system
It is the driver’s responsibility to drive safely. The driver should be aware of
the surroundings and strive for safe driving.
Do not rely on the pre-crash safety system instead of normal braking opera-
tions. This system does not avoid or reduce collisions in every situation.
Overly relying on the system and entrusting it with safety may cause an
unexpected accident which could lead to death or serious injury.
Although the system is designed for the purpose to support in avoiding colli-
sions or reducing the damage of a collision, the effect changes according to
various conditions.( →P. 256)
Therefore, it does not always provi de the same performance. Also, the pre-
crash braking does not work depending on the operating conditions of the
driver. When the driver has stepped on the brake pedal and is operating the
steering wheel, the system judges that the driver is taking avoiding action
and the automatic braking may not operate.
■ Handling the radar sensor
Observe the following to ensure the pre-crash safety 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 not work
normally 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.
● If the radar sensor needs to be replaced, contact any authorized Toyota
dealer or repairer, or another dul y qualified and equipped professional.
2674-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
PRIUS +_OM_OM47888E_(EE)
WARNING
■ Driving with snow tires
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents.
Failure to do so may result in a loss of vehicle control and cause death or
serious injury.
●Use tires of the specified size.
● Maintain the recommended level of air pressure.
● Do not drive at speeds in excess of the speed limit or the speed limit spec-
ified for the snow tires being used.
● Use snow tires on all, not just some wheels.
■ Driving with tire chains
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents.
Failure to do so may result in the vehicle being unable to be driven safely,
and may cause death or serious injury.
●Do not drive in excess of the speed limit specified for the tire chains being
used, or 50 km/h (30 mph), whichever is lower.
● Avoid driving on bumpy road surfaces or over potholes.
● Avoid sudden acceleration, abrupt steering, sudden braking and shifting
operations that cause sudden engine braking.
● Slow down sufficiently before entering a curve to ensure that vehicle con-
trol is maintained.
■ When parking the vehicle
When parking the vehicle without applying the parking brake, make sure to
chock the wheels. If you do not chock the wheels, the vehicle may move
unexpectedly, possibly resulting in an accident.
NOTICE
■Repairing or replacing snow tires
Request repairs or replacement of snow tires from any authorized Toyota
dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional or
legitimate tire retailers.
This is because the removal and attachment of snow tires affects the opera-
tion of the tire pressure warning valves and transmitters.
■ Fitting tire chains
The tire pressure warning valves and transmitters may not function correctly
when tire chains are fitted.
269
5Interior features
PRIUS +_OM_OM47888E_(EE)5-1. Using the air conditioning
system and defogger
Automatic air conditioning system ............................. 270
Using the steering wheel climate remote control
switches ........................... 278
Seat heaters ......................279
5-2. Using the interior lights Interior lights list ................. 280• Front interior light .......... 281
• Front personal lights ...... 281
• Rear interior light ........... 282
5-3. Using the storage features List of storage features ...... 283• Glove boxes .................. 284
• Console box .................. 284
• Cup holders/ bottle holders/
door pockets .................. 285
• Auxiliary boxes .............. 287
• Card holders .................. 288
Luggage compartment features............................ 289
5-4. Using the other interior features
Other interior features ........ 292 • Sun visors...................... 292
• Vanity mirrors ................ 292
• Clock ............................. 293
• Power outlet .................. 294
• Assist grips .................... 295
• Panoramic roof shades ........................... 296
• Rear sunshades ............ 298