Page 346 of 552

3466-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
PRIUS c_U (OM52E68U)■
Outside/recirculated air mode
●When driving on dusty roads such as tunnels or in heavy traffic, set the out-
side/recirculated air mode button to the recirculated air mode. This is effec-
tive in preventing outside air from entering the vehicle interior. During
cooling operation, setting the recirculated air mode will also cool the vehicle
interior effectively.
● Outside/recirculated air mode may automatically switch depending on the
temperature setting or the inside temperature.
■ When the outside temperature exceeds 75 F (24C) and the air condition-
ing system is on
● In order to reduce the air conditioning power consumption, the air condition-
ing system may switch to recirculat ed air mode automatically. This may also
reduce fuel consumption.
● Recirculated air mode is selected as a default mode when the engine switch
is turned to the “ON” position (vehicles without a smart key system) or the
“POWER” switch is turned to ON mode (vehicles with a smart key system).
● It is possible to switch to outside air mode at any time by pressing .
■ When the outside temperature falls to nearly 32 F (0 C)
The dehumidification function may not operate even when is pressed.
■ Ventilation and air conditioning odors
●To let fresh air in, set the air condi tioning system to the outside air mode.
● 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 conditioni ng system is started in automatic
mode.
Page 347 of 552

3476-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
6
Interior features
PRIUS c_U (OM52E68U)■
Air conditioning filter
P. 4 1 1
■ Customization
The air conditioning control of Eco drive mode can be changed to the same
setting as that used in normal drive mode.
(Customizable features P. 515)
WARNING
■To prevent the windshield from fogging up
●Do not use during cool air operat ion in extremely humid weather.
The difference between the temperature of the outside air and that of the
windshield can cause the outer surface of the windshield to fog up, block-
ing your vision.
■ When the outside rear view mirror defoggers are on (if equipped)
Do not touch the outside surface of the rear view mirrors, as they can
become very hot and burn you.
NOTICE
■To prevent 12-volt battery discharge
Do not leave the air conditioning system on longer than necessary when the
hybrid system is off.
●Do not place anything on the instrument
panel which may cover the air outlets.
Otherwise, air flow may be obstructed,
preventing the windshield defoggers
from defogging.
Page 348 of 552

3486-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
PRIUS c_U (OM52E68U)
Turns on the front left seat
heater
Turns on the front right seat
heater
The indicator light comes on.
Push the switch once again to turn
off the seat heater.
■The seat heaters can be used when
The “POWER” switch is in ON mode.
■ When not in use
Turn the seat heater off. The indicator light goes off.
Seat heaters
: If equipped
WARNING
●Care should be taken to prevent injury if anyone in the following categories
comes in contact with the seats when the heater is on:
• Babies, small children, the elderly, the sick and the physically chal-
lenged
• Persons with sensitive skin
• Persons who are fatigued
• Persons who have taken alcohol or drugs that induce sleep (sleeping drugs, cold remedies, etc.)
● Observe the following precautions to prevent the minor burns or overheat-
ing
• Do not cover the seat with a blanket or cushion when using the seat
heater.
• Do not use seat heater more than necessary.
NOTICE
● Do not put heavy objects that have an uneven surface on the seat and do
not stick sharp objects (needles, nails, etc.) into the seat.
● To prevent 12-volt battery discharge, do not use the functions when the
hybrid system is off.
1
2
Page 365 of 552
365
7Maintenance and care
PRIUS c_U (OM52E68U)7-1. Maintenance and care
Cleaning and protecting the vehicle exterior .......... 366
Cleaning and protecting the vehicle interior ........... 369
7-2. Maintenance Maintenance requirements ................... 372
General maintenance........ 375
Emission inspection and maintenance (I/M)
programs ......................... 378
7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Do-it-yourself service precautions ..................... 379
Hood ................................. 382
Positioning a floor jack ...... 384
Engine compartment ......... 385
12-volt battery ................... 394
Tires .................................. 398
Tire inflation pressure ....... 406
Wheels .............................. 409
Air conditioning filter.......... 411
Wireless remote control/ electronic key battery ...... 413
Checking and replacing fuses ............................... 416
Light bulbs......................... 420
Page 380 of 552

3807-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
PRIUS c_U (OM52E68U)
Washer fluid (P. 393)
• Water or washer fluid containing antifreeze
(for winter use)
• Funnel (used only for adding water or washer
fluid)
WARNING
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
●Vehicles without a smart key system: Make sure that the engine switch is
in the “LOCK” position and the “READY” indicator is off.
Vehicles with a smart key system: 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 and engine
drive belt.
● 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 cooling fan or radiator grille
Vehicles without a smart key system: The electric cooling fan may keep
rotating for about 3 minutes even after the engine switch is turned to the
“LOCK” position.
With the engine switch in the “ON” position, the electric cooling fan may
automatically start to run if the air conditioning is on and/or the coolant tem-
perature is high. Be sure the engine switch is in the “LOCK” position when
working near the electric cool ing fan or radiator grille.
Vehicles with a smart key system: The electric cooling fan may keep rotat-
ing for about 3 minutes even after the “POWER” switch is off.
With the “POWER” switch in ON mode, the electric cooling fan may auto-
matically start to run if the air conditioning is on and/or the coolant tempera-
ture is high. Be sure the “POWER” switch is off when working near the
electric cooling fan or radiator grille.
ItemsCheck points
Page 411 of 552
4117-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
PRIUS c_U (OM52E68U)
Vehicles without a smart key system: Turn the engine switch to the
“LOCK” position.
Vehicles with a smart key system: Turn the “POWER” switch off.
Open the glove box. Slide off
the damper.
Push in each side of the glove
box to disconnect the upper
claws.
Pull out the glove box and dis-
connect the lower claws.
Air conditioning filter
The air conditioning filter must be changed regularly to maintain
air conditioning efficiency.
Replacement method
1
2
3
4
Page 412 of 552
4127-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
PRIUS c_U (OM52E68U)
Remove the filter cover.
Remove the air conditioning fil-
ter and replace it with a new
one.
The “UP” mark shown on the filter
should be pointing up.
■ Checking interval
Inspect and replace the air conditioning filter according to the maintenance
schedule. In dusty areas or areas with heavy traffic flow, more frequent clean-
ing or early replacement may be requi red. (For scheduled maintenance infor-
mation, please refer to the “Scheduled Maintenance Guide” or “Owner's
Manual Supplement”.)
■ If air flow from the vents decreases dramatically
The filter may be clogged. Check the filter and replace if necessary.
5
6
NOTICE
■When using the air conditioning system
Make sure that a filter is always installed.
Using the air conditioning system without a filter may cause damage to the
system.
Page 440 of 552
4408-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS c_U (OM52E68U)
●Fluid leaks under the vehicle
(Water dripping from the air conditioning after use is normal.)
● Flat-looking tires or uneven tire wear
● is shown on the multi-information display
● Changes in exhaust sound
● Excessive tire squeal when cornering
● Strange noises related to the suspension system
● Pinging or other noises related to the hybrid system
● Engine missing, stumbling or running roughly
● Appreciable loss of power
● Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when braking
● Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when driving on a level road
● Loss of brake effectiveness, spongy feeling, pedal almost touches
the floor
If you think something is wrong
If you notice any of the following symptoms, your vehicle proba-
bly needs adjustment or repair. Contact your Toyota dealer as
soon as possible.
Visible symptoms
Audible symptoms
Operational symptoms