
255
2-4. Using other
driving systems
PRIUS v_OM_OM47840U_(U)
2
When driving
■Hill-start assist control buzzer
●When hill-start assist control is activated, the buzzer will sound once.
● In the following situations, hill-start assist control will be canceled and the
buzzer will sound twice.
• No attempt is made to drive the vehicle within approximately 2 seconds
of releasing the brake pedal.
• Push the P position switch.
• The parking brake is applied.
• The brake pedal is depressed again.
• The brake pedal has been depressed for more than approximately 3 minutes.
■ If the slip indicator light comes on
It may indicate a malfunction in the system. Contact your Toyota dealer.
CAUTION
■Hill-start assist control
●Do not overly rely on the hill-start assist control. Hill-start assist control
may not operate effectively on extremely steep inclines or roads covered
in ice.
● Unlike the parking brake, hill-start assist control is not intended to hold the
vehicle stationary for an extended period of time. Do not attempt to use
hill-start assist control to hold the vehicle on an incline for an extended
period of time, as doing so may lead to an accident.

290 3-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
PRIUS v_OM_OM47840U_(U)
■When outside air temperature is below 32 F (0 C)
The cooling and dehumidification function may not operate even when
is pressed.
■ Air conditioning odors
●During use, various odors from inside and outside the vehicle may enter
into and accumulate in the air conditioning system. This may then cause
odor to be emitted from the vents.
● To reduce potential odors from occurring:
• It is recommended that the air conditioning system be set to outside air
mode prior to turning the vehicle off.
• The start timing of the blower may be delayed for a short period of time immediately after the air conditioning system is started in automatic
mode.
■ Customization
Settings (e.g. enable/disable automatic operation of the air conditioning
compressor when the “AUTO” switch ON) can be changed.
(Customizable features P. 529)
CAUTION
■To prevent the windshield from fogging up
Do not use
during cool air operation in extremely humid weather. The
difference between the temperature of the outside air and that of the wind-
shield can cause the outer surface of the windshield to fog up, blocking your
vision.
NOTICE
■ To prevent 12-volt battery discharge
Do not leave the air conditioning system on longer than necessary when the
hybrid system is off.

342 3-5. Other interior features
PRIUS v_OM_OM47840U_(U)
Safety Connect LED light IndicatorsWhen the “POWER” switch is turned to ON mode, the red indicator
light comes on for 2 seconds then turns off. Afterward, the green indi-
cator light comes on, indicating that the service is active.
The following indicator light patter ns indicate specific system usage
conditions:
● Green indicator light on = Active service
● Green indicator light flashing = Safety Connect call in process
● Red indicator light (except at v ehicle start-up) = System malfunc-
tion (contact your Toyota dealer)
● No indicator light (off) = Safe ty Connect service not active
Safety Connect services
■ Automatic Collision Notification
In case of either airbag deployment or severe rear-end collision,
the system is design ed to automatically call the response center.
The responding agent receives th e vehicle’s location and attempts
to speak with the vehicle occup ants to assess the level of emer-
gency. If the occupants are unable to communicate, the agent
automatically treats the call as an emergency, contacts the nearest
emergency services provider to describe the situation, and
requests that assistance be sent to the location.

356 4-2. Maintenance
PRIUS v_OM_OM47840U_(U)
■Repair and replacement
It is recommended that genuine Toyota parts be used for repairs to ensure
performance of each system. If non-Toyota parts are used in replacement or
if a repair shop other than a Toyota dealer performs repairs, confirm the war-
ranty coverage.
■ Reset the maintenance data (U.S.A. only)
After the required maintenance is performed according to the maintenance
schedule, please reset the maintenance data.
To reset the data, follow the procedures described below:
Switch the display to the trip meter “A” ( P. 198) when the hybrid
system is operating.
Turn the “POWER” switch off.
While pressing the MPH or km/h button ( P. 199), turn the
“POWER” switch to ON mode (do not start the hybrid system
because otherwise the reset mode will be canceled). Continue to
press and hold the button until the trip meter displays “000000” and
the indicator stops flashing to indicate that the reset is complete.
■ Allow inspection and repairs to be performed by a Toyota dealer
●Toyota technicians are well-trained specialists and are kept up to date
with the latest service information. They are well informed about the
operation of all systems on your vehicle.
● Keep a copy of the repair order. It proves that the maintenance that has
been performed is under warranty coverage. If any problem should arise
while your vehicle is under warranty, your Toyota dealer will promptly
take care of it.
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3

365
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
PRIUS v_OM_OM47840U_(U)
4
Maintenance and care
CAUTION
The engine compartment contains many mechanisms and fluids that may
move suddenly, become hot, or become electrically energized. To avoid death
or serious injury, observe the following precautions.
■
When working on the engine compartment
●Make sure that the indicator on the “POWER” switch and the “READY”
indicator are both off.
● Keep hands, clothing and tools away from the moving fan.
● Be careful not to touch the engine, power control unit, radiator, exhaust
manifold, etc. right after driving as they may be hot. Oil and other fluids
may also be hot.
● Do not leave anything that may burn easily, such as paper and rags, in the
engine compartment.
● Do not smoke, cause sparks or expose an open flame to fuel. Fuel fumes
are flammable.
■ When working near the electric c ooling fans or radiator grille
Be sure the “POWER” switch is off.
With the “POWER” switch in ON mode, the electric cooling fans may auto-
matically start to run if the air conditioning is on and/or the coolant tempera-
ture is high. ( P. 379)
■ Safety glasses
Wear safety glasses to prevent flying or falling material, fluid spray, etc. from
getting in your eyes.
NOTICE
■If you remove the air cleaner filter
Driving with the air cleaner filter removed may cause excessive engine wear
due to dirt in the air.

386 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
PRIUS v_OM_OM47840U_(U)
■After recharging/reconnecting the 12-volt battery
●Unlocking the doors using the smart key system may not be possible
immediately after reconnecting the 12-volt battery. If this happens, use
the wireless remote control or the mechanical key to lock/unlock the
doors.
● Start the hybrid system with the “POWER” switch in ACCESSORY mode.
The hybrid system may not start with the “POWER” switch turned off.
However, the hybrid system will operate normally from the second
attempt.
● The “POWER” switch mode is recorded by the vehicle. If the 12-volt bat-
tery is reconnected, the vehicle will return the “POWER” switch mode to
the status it was in before the 12-volt battery was disconnected. Make
sure to turn off the power before disconnect the 12-volt battery. Take
extra care when connecting the 12-volt battery if the “POWER” switch
mode prior to discharge is unknown.
● Restart the hybrid system, depress the brake pedal, and confirm that it is
possible to shift into each shift position.
If the system will not start even after multiple attempts at all methods above,
contact your Toyota dealer.
CAUTION
■ Chemicals in the 12-volt battery
The 12-volt battery contains poisonous and corrosive sulfuric acid and may
produce hydrogen gas which is flammable and explosive. To reduce the risk
of death or serious injury, take the following precautions while working on or
near the 12-volt battery:
●Do not cause sparks by touching the 12-volt battery terminals with tools.
● Do not smoke or light a match near the 12-volt battery.
● Avoid contact with eyes, skin and clothes.
● Never inhale or swallow electrolyte.
● Wear protective safety glasses when working near the 12-volt battery.
● Keep children away from the 12-volt battery.

442 5-1. Essential information
PRIUS v_OM_OM47840U_(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.
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.

5
When trouble arises
447
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS v_OM_OM47840U_(U)
Warning lightWarning light/Details
(Flashes)
(If equipped) Pre-collision syst
em warning light
Indicates a malfunction in the pre-collision system
The warning light will operate as follows, even when the
system is not malfunctioning:
• The light will flash quickly when the system is operating. (P. 256)
• The light will turn on when the pre-collision braking is disabled. ( P. 257)
• The light will turn on when the system cannot tempo- rarily be used. ( P. 450)
(Turns on) Slip indicator light
Indicates a malfunction in:
•VSC;
• TRAC; or
• Hill-start assist control
Flashes when the above systems are operating.
(P. 251)
Brake system warning light (yellow indicator)
Indicates a malfunction in:
• The regenerative braking system; or
• The electronically controlled brake system
Parking lock system warnin
g light (warning buzzer)
Indicates a malfunction in the P position control system
• In this situation, there is a possibility that the parking lock mechanism will not work. When parking, park the
vehicle on a flat surface and apply the parking brake
securely.
• The “POWER” switch may not be turned off. If this hap- pens, applying the parking brake will enable the switch
to be turned off.