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178 2-1. Driving procedures
PRIUS v_OM_OM47840U_(U)
■Auto power off function
If the vehicle is left in ACCESSORY mode for more than 20 minutes or ON
mode (the hybrid system is not operating) for more than an hour with the
shift position in P, the “POWER” switch will automatically turn off. However,
this function cannot entirely prevent the 12-volt battery from discharging. Do
not leave the vehicle with the “POWER” switch in ACCESSORY or ON mode
for long periods of time when the hybrid system is not operating.
■ Sounds and vibrations specific to a hybrid vehicle
P. 3 4
■ Electronic key battery depletion
P. 6 9
■ When the ambient temperature is lo w, such as during winter driving
conditions
The “READY” indicator may flash for a long time when the hybrid system is
starting. Driving will become possible once the “READY” indicator has illumi-
nated. Wait until the “READY” indicator has illuminated.
■ Conditions affecting operation
P. 6 5
■ Notes for the entry function
P. 6 6
■ If the hybrid system does not start
The immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. ( P. 119)
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179
2-1. Driving procedures
PRIUS v_OM_OM47840U_(U)
2
When driving
■
When the “POWER” switch indicator flashes in amber
The system may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle inspected by your
Toyota dealer immediately.
■ If the “READY” indicator does not come on
If the “READY” indicator does not come on when you press the “POWER”
switch with the shift position in P and the brake pedal depressed, contact
your Toyota dealer immediately.
■ If the hybrid system is malfunctioning
P. 445
■ If the electronic key battery is depleted
P. 407
■ Operation of the “POWER” switch
●When operating the “POWER” switch, one short, firm press is enough. If
the switch is pressed improperly, the hybrid system may not start or the
“POWER” switch mode may not change. It is not necessary to press and
hold the switch.
● If attempting to restart the hybrid system immediately after turning the
“POWER” switch off, the hybrid system may not start in some cases.
After turning the “POWER” switch off, please wait a few seconds before
restarting the hybrid system.
■ Automatically P position selection function
P. 190
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217
2-3. Operating the lights and windshield wipers
PRIUS v_OM_OM47840U_(U)
2
When driving
■
Headlight control sensor (if equipped)
■ Automatic light off system
●When the headlights come on: The headlights and tail lights turn off 30
seconds after a door is opened and closed if the “POWER” switch is
turned to ACCESSORY mode or turned off. (The lights turn off immedi-
ately if on the key is pressed after all the doors are locked.)
● When only the tail lights come on: The tail lights turn off automatically if
the “POWER” switch is turned to ACCESSORY mode or turned off and
the driver’s door is opened.
To turn the lights on again, turn the “POWER” switch to ON mode, or turn the
light switch off once and then back to or .
The sensor may not function properly if
an object is placed on the sensor, or any-
thing that blocks the sensor is affixed to
the windshield.
Doing so interferes with the sensor
detecting the level of ambient light and
may cause the automatic headlight sys-
tem to malfunction.
Air conditioning operation may also be
interrupted.
Page 302 of 568
302 3-3. Using the interior lights
PRIUS v_OM_OM47840U_(U)
■Illuminated entry system
The lights automatically turn on/off according to “POWER” switch mode, the
presence of the electronic key, whether the doors are locked/unlocked, and
whether the doors are opened/closed.
■ To prevent 12-volt battery discharge
If the interior lights remain on when the door is not fully closed and the inte-
rior light switch (door position on/off) is on, the lights will go off automatically
after 20 minutes.
■ Customization
Settings (e.g. the time elapsed before the lights turn off) can be changed.
(Customizable features P. 525)
Personal lights
Page 347 of 568
Maintenance and care4
347
PRIUS v_OM_OM47840U_(U)
4-1. Maintenance and careCleaning and protecting the vehicle exterior ......... 348
Cleaning and protecting the vehicle interior .......... 352
4-2. Maintenance Maintenance requirements .................. 355
General maintenance....... 358
Emission inspection and maintenance (I/M)
programs........................ 362
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance Do-it-yourself service precautions .................... 363
Hood ................................ 366
Positioning a floor jack ..... 369
Engine compartment ........ 372
12-volt battery .................. 384
Tires ................................. 389
Tire inflation pressure ...... 398
Wheels ............................. 402
Air conditioning filter......... 405
Electronic key battery....... 407
Checking and replacing fuses .............................. 409
Light bulbs........................ 420
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349
4-1. Maintenance and care
PRIUS v_OM_OM47840U_(U)
4
Maintenance and care
■
Note for a smart key system
If the door handle becomes wet while the electronic key is within the effec-
tive range, the door may lock and unlock repeatedly. Place the key in a posi-
tion 6 ft. (2 m) or more separate from the vehicle while the vehicle is being
washed. (Take care to ensure that the key is not stolen.)
■ Aluminum wheels
●Remove any dirt immediately by using a neutral detergent. Do not use
hard brushes or abrasive cleaners. Do not use strong or harsh chemical
cleaners.
Use the same mild detergent and wax as used on the paint.
● Do not use detergent on the wheels when they are hot, for example after
driving for long distance in the hot weather.
● Wash detergent from the wheels immediately after use.
■ Bumpers
Do not scrub with abrasive cleaners.
CAUTION
■When washing the vehicle
Do not apply water to the inside of the engine compartment. Doing so may
cause the electrical components etc. to catch fire.
■ Precautions regardin g the exhaust pipe
Exhaust gasses cause the exhaust pipe to become quite hot.
When washing the vehicle, be careful not to touch the pipe until it has cooled
sufficiently, as touching a hot exhaust pipe can cause burns.
Page 386 of 568

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.
Page 407 of 568
407
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
PRIUS v_OM_OM47840U_(U)
4
Maintenance and care
Electronic key batter y
Replace the battery with a new one if it is depleted.
■You will need the following items:
●Flathead screwdriver
● Lithium battery CR1632
■ Replacing the battery
Take out the mechanical key.
Remove the cover.
To prevent damage, cover the
tip of the screwdriver with a
rag.
Remove the depleted battery.
Insert a new battery with the
“+” terminal facing up.
STEP 1
STEP 2
ITO43P194
STEP 3