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172 2-1. Driving procedures
PRIUS v_OM_OM47840U_(U)
CAUTION
■Exhaust gases
Exhaust gases include harmful carbon monoxide (CO), which is colorless
and odorless. Inhaling exhaust gases may lead to death or a serious health
hazard.
●If the vehicle is in a poorly ventilated area, stop the hybrid system. In a
closed area, such as a garage, exhaust gases may collect and enter the
vehicle. This may lead to death or a serious health hazard.
● The exhaust system should be checked occasionally. If there is a hole or
crack caused by corrosion, damage to a joint or abnormal exhaust noise,
be sure to have the vehicle inspected and repaired by your Toyota dealer.
Failure to do so may allow exhaust gases to enter the vehicle, resulting in
death or a serious health hazard.
■ When taking a nap in the vehicle
Always turn the hybrid system off. Otherwise, if you accidentally move the
shift lever or depress the accelerator pedal, this could cause an accident or
fire due to hybrid system overheating. Additionally, if the vehicle is parked in
a poorly ventilated area, exhaust gases may collect and enter the vehicle,
leading to death or a serious health hazard.
■ When braking
●When the brakes are wet, drive more cautiously.
Braking distance increases when the brakes are wet, and this may cause
one side of the vehicle to brake differently than the other side. Also, the
parking brake may not securely hold the vehicle.
● If the electronically controlled assist function does not operate, do not fol-
low other vehicles closely and avoid downhill or sharp turns that require
braking.
In this case, braking is still possible, but the brake pedal should be
depressed more firmly than usual. Also, the braking distance will increase.
Have your brakes fixed immediately.
● The brake system consists of 2 or more individual hydraulic systems; if
one of the systems fails, the other(s) will still operate. In this case, the
brake pedal should be depressed more firmly than usual and the braking
distance will increase. Have your brakes fixed immediately.
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2-1. Driving procedures
PRIUS v_OM_OM47840U_(U)
2
When driving
NOTICE
■
Hybrid battery (tract ion battery) charge
If the shift position is in N, the hybrid battery (traction battery) will not be
charged. To help prevent the battery from discharging, avoid leaving the N
position selected for an extended period of time.
■ Situations where P position contro l system malfunctions are possible
If any of the following situations occurs, P position control system malfunc-
tions are possible.
Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place on level ground, apply the park-
ing brake, and then contact your Toyota dealer.
● When the “P LOCK MALFUNCTION WHEN PARKING, PARK IN FLAT
PLACE AND APPLY PARKING BRAKE SECURELY” warning message
appears on the instrument cluster. ( P. 448)
● When the parking lock system warning light is illuminated.
● When everything except the shift position indicator selection frame is illu-
minated.
● When the shift position indicator remains off.
■ Notes regarding shift lever an d P position switch operation
Avoid repeatedly operating the shift lever and P position switch in quick suc-
cession.
The system protection function may activate and it will not be temporarily
possible to shift the shift position other than P. If this happens, please wait
for a while before attempting to change the shift position again.
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2-1. Driving procedures
PRIUS v_OM_OM47840U_(U)
Hor n
■After adjusting the steering wheel
Make sure that the steering wheel is securely locked.
The horn may not sound if the steering wheel is not securely locked.
(P. 107)
To sound the horn, press on or
close to the mark.
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209
2-2. Instrument cluster
PRIUS v_OM_OM47840U_(U)
2
When driving
■
Indicators
The indicators inform the driver of the operating state of the
vehicle’s various systems.
Turn signal indicator
(P. 194)Eco Driving Indicator
Light ( P. 203)
(U.S.A.)
Headlight indicator
(P. 213)“ECO MODE”
indicator (P. 187)
(Canada)
Tail light indicator
(P. 213)Power mode indicator
(P. 187)
Headlight high beam
indicator ( P. 216)
(if equipped)(green)
Cruise control indicator
(P. 229, 233)
Front fog light indicator
(P. 219)
(if equipped)(green)
Radar cruise control
indicator (P. 233)
Security indicator
(P. 1 1 9 )“SET” indicator
(P. 229, 233)
“READY” indicator
(P. 175)Slip indicator
(P. 251, 254)
*1
*1, 2
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219
2-3. Operating the lights and windshield wipers
PRIUS v_OM_OM47840U_(U)
2
When driving
Fog light switch
: If equipped
The fog lights secure excellent visibility in difficult driving condi-
tions, such as in rain and fog.
Ty p e ATurns the fog lights
off
Turns the fog lights
on
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264
PRIUS v_OM_OM47840U_(U)
2-5. Driving information
Cargo and luggage
Take notice of the following information about storage precau-
tions, cargo capacity and load:
●Stow cargo and luggage in the luggage compartment whenever
possible.
● Be sure all items are secured in place.
● To maintain vehicle balance while driving, position luggage
evenly within the luggage compartment.
● For better fuel economy, do no t carry unnecessary weight.
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268 2-5. Driving information
PRIUS v_OM_OM47840U_(U)
CAUTION
●Secure all items in the occupant compartment, as they may shift and
injure someone during sudden braking, sudden swerving or an acci-
dent.
●When you fold down the rear seats, long items should not be place
directly behind the front seats.
●Never allow anyone to ride in the luggage compartment. It is not
designed for passengers. They should ride in their seats with their seat
belts properly fastened. Otherwise, they are much more likely to suffer
death or serious bodily injury, in t he event of sudden braking, sudden
swerving or an accident.
■Capacity and distribution
●Do not exceed the maximum axle weight rating or the total vehicle
weight rating.
●Even if the total load of occupant’s weight and the cargo load is less
than the total load capacity, do not apply the load unevenly. Improper
loading may cause deterioration of steering or braking control which
may cause death or serious injury.
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3-5. Other interior features
PRIUS v_OM_OM47840U_(U)
3
Interior features
Floor mats
Use only floor mats designed specifically for vehicles of the same
model and model year as your vehicle. Fix them securely in place
onto the carpet.
Insert the retaining hooks
(clips) into the floor mat eye-
lets.
Turn the upper knob of each
retaining hook (clip) to secure
the floor mats in place.
*: Always align the marks.
The shape of the retaining hooks (clips) may differ from that shown in the
illustration.
STEP 1
STEP 2
*