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5-1. Essential informationEmergency flashers ......... 436
If your vehicle needs to be towed ........................ 437
If you think something is wrong ......................... 443
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If a warning light turns on or a warning buzzer
sounds ........................... 444
If you have a flat tire......... 462
If the hybrid system will not start .......................... 476
If you lose your keys ........ 478
If the electronic key does not operate properly....... 479
If the 12-volt battery is discharged .................. 481
If your vehicle overheats ....................... 487
If the vehicle becomes stuck .............................. 491
If your vehicle has to be stopped in an
emergency ..................... 493
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5-1. Essential information
Emergency flashers
NOTICE
■To prevent 12-volt battery discharge
Do not leave the emergency flashers on longer than necessary when the
hybrid system is not operating.
Use the emergency flashers if th e vehicle malfunctions or is
involved in an accident.
Press the switch to flash all
the turn signal lights. To turn
them off, press the switch
once again.
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PRIUS v_OM_OM47840U_(U)
If your vehicle needs to be towed
Before towingThe following may indicate a problem with your hybrid transmission.
Contact your Toyota dealer before towing.
● The hybrid system is operating but the vehicle will not move.
● The vehicle makes an abnormal sound.
If there is a malfunction in the P position control system, the smart
key system or the immobilizer system , or if the 12-volt battery is dis-
charged, the vehicle cannot be tow ed with the front wheels on the
ground, as the front wheels may be locked. In this case, transport the
vehicle with both front wheels or all four wheels lifted.
If towing is necessary, we recommend having your vehicle towed by
your Toyota dealer or a commerci al towing service, using a lift-type
truck or flat bed truck.
Use a safety chain system for all to wing, and abide by all state/pro-
vincial and local laws.
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5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS v_OM_OM47840U_(U)
Follow the correction procedures.
After taking the specified steps to correct the suspected problem,
check that the warning light goes off.
Warning lightWarning light/DetailsCorrection procedure
(Flashes) P position request indicator
light (warning buzzer)
The amount of charge remain-
ing in the hybrid battery (trac-
tion battery) has fallen because
the shift position has been left
in N for a long time Because recharging
is not possible when
the shift position is in
N, shift the shift posi-
tion to P when park-
ing the vehicle for a
long time.
The driver’s door has been
opened while the shift position
is in N, D or B Shift the shift posi-
tion to P.
An attempt has been made to
start the hybrid system while
the shift position is in anything
other than P
Hybrid system overheat warn-
ing light (warning buzzer)
The hybrid system has over-
heated
This light may come on when
driving under severe operating
conditions. (For example, when
driving up a long steep hill.) Stop and check.
(
P. 487)
(Only outer
frame flashes) Low hybrid battery (traction
battery) warning light (warning
buzzer)
Hybrid battery (traction battery)
level becomes low because the
shift position is in N for long
time Because recharging
is not possible when
the shift position is in
N, shift the shift posi-
tion to P when park-
ing the vehicle for a
long time.
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PRIUS v_OM_OM47840U_(U)
If the hybrid system will not start
Reasons for the hybrid system not starting vary depending on the
situation. Check the following a nd perform the appropriate proce-
dure:
■ The hybrid system will not start even though the correct
starting procedure is being followed ( P. 175)
One of the following may be the cause of the problem:
● The electronic key may not be functioning properly.
*
( P. 479)
● There may not be sufficient fuel in the vehicle’s tank.
Refuel the vehicle. ( P. 3 8 )
● There may be a malfunction in the immobilizer system.
*
( P. 1 1 9 )
● There may be a malfunction in the P position control system.
*
( P. 180, 447, 448)
*: It may not be possible to shift the shift position from P to other posi-
tion.
■ The interior lights and headlights are dim, or the horn does
not sound or sounds at a low volume
One of the following may be the cause of the problem:
●The 12-volt battery may be discharged. ( P. 481)
● The 12-volt battery terminal c onnections may be loose or cor-
roded.
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Emergency start function
When the hybrid system does not start, the following steps can be
used as an interim measure to st art the hybrid system if the
“POWER” switch is functioning normally:
Set the parking brake.
Turn the “POWER” switch to ACCESSORY mode.
Press and hold the “POWER” switch for about 15 seconds
while depressing the brake pedal firmly.
Even if the hybrid system can be started using the above steps, the
system may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle inspected by your
Toyota dealer.
■ The interior lights and headlights do not turn on, or the horn
does not sound
One of the following may be the cause of the problem:
●One or both of the 12-volt ba ttery terminals may be discon-
nected.
● The 12-volt battery may be discharged. ( P. 481)
Contact your Toyota dealer if the problem cannot be repaired, or if
repair procedures are unknown.
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3
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5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
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If the electronic key does not operate properly
Locking and unlocking the doorsUse the mechanical key (P. 54)
in order to perform the following
operations:
Locks all the doors
Unlocks the door
Turning the key rearward unlocks
the driver’s door. Turning the key
once again within 3 seconds
unlocks the other doors.
If communication between the electronic key and vehicle is inter-
rupted ( P. 65) or the electronic key cannot be used because the
battery is depleted, the smart key system and wireless remote con-
trol cannot be used. In such cases, the doors can be opened and the
hybrid system can be started by following the procedure below.
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Starting the hybrid systemDepress the brake pedal. Touch the Toyota emblem side of
the electronic key to the
“POWER” switch.
If any of the doors is opened or
closed while the key is being
touched to the switch, an alarm
will sound to indicate that the start
function cannot detect the elec-
tronic key.
Press the “POWER” switch within 10 seconds of the buzzer
sounding, keeping the brake pedal depressed.
In the event that the hybrid system still cannot be operated, contact
your Toyota dealer.
STEP 1
STEP 2
■ Stopping the hybrid system
Set the parking brake, shift the shift position to P and press the “POWER”
switch as you normally do when stopping the hybrid system.
■ Replacing the key battery
As the above procedure is a temporary measure, it is recommended that the
electronic key battery be replaced immediately when the battery is depleted.
(P. 407)
■ Changing “POWER” switch modes
Within 10 seconds of the buzzer sounding, release the brake pedal and
press the “POWER” switch.
The hybrid system does not start and modes will be changed each time the
switch is pressed. ( P. 177)
STEP 3