Page 184 of 552

1844-2. Driving procedures
PRIUS c_U (OM52E68U)■
If the hybrid system does not start (vehicles with immobilizer system)
The immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. ( P. 82)
Contact your Toyota dealer.
■ When the steering lock cannot be released
■ If the “READY” indicator does not come on
In the event that the “READY” indicator does not come on even after perform-
ing the proper procedures for starting the vehicle, contact your Toyota dealer
immediately.
■ If the hybrid system is malfunctioning
P. 450
■ Key reminder function
A buzzer sounds if the driver’s door is opened while the engine switch is in
the “LOCK” or “ACC” position to remind you to remove the key. When starting the hybrid system, the
engine switch may seem stuck in the
“LOCK” position. To free it, turn the key
while turning the steering wheel slightly
left and right.
WARNING
■When starting the hybrid system
Always start the hybrid system while sitting in the driver’s seat. Do not
depress the accelerator pedal while starting the hybrid system under any
circumstances.
Doing so may cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.
■ Caution when driving
Do not turn the engine switch to the “LOCK” position while driving. If, in an
emergency, you must turn the hybrid system off while the vehicle is moving,
turn the engine switch only to the “ACC” position to stop the hybrid system.
An accident may result if the hybrid system is stopped while driving.
(P. 431)
Page 187 of 552

1874-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
PRIUS c_U (OM52E68U)
Check that the “READY” indicator is illuminated.
If the “READY” indicator changes from a flashing light to a solid light and a
beep sound, the hybrid system is starting normally.
The vehicle will not move when the “READY” indicator is off.
The vehicle can move when the “READY” indicator is on even if the engine
is stopped. (The engine starts or stops automatically in accordance with
the state of the vehicle.)
Stop the vehicle completely.
Shift the shift lever to P.
Set the parking brake. ( P. 200)
Press the “POWER” switch.
Slowly release the brake pedal and check that on the multi-
information display is off.
Modes can be changed by pressing the “POWER” switch with brake
pedal released. (The mode changes each time the switch is pressed.) Off
*
The emergency flashers can be
used.
ACCESSORY mode
Some electrical components such
as the power outlet can be used.
will be displayed on the
multi-information display.
ON mode
All electrical components can be
used.
will be displayed on the
multi-information display.
*: If the shift lever is in a position other than P when turning off the hybrid sys- tem, the “POWER” switch will be turned to ACCESSORY mode, not to off.
Stopping the hybrid system
Changing “POWER” switch modes
5
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
Page 188 of 552

1884-2. Driving procedures
PRIUS c_U (OM52E68U)
If the hybrid system is stopped with the shift lever in a position other
than P, the “POWER” switch will not be turned off but instead be
turned to ACCESSORY mode. Perform the following procedure to
turn the switch off:Check that the parking brake is set.
Shift the shift lever to P.
Check that is displayed on the multi-information display and
then press the “POWER” switch once.
Check that on the multi-information display is off.
■Auto power off function
When the shift lever is in P, if the vehicle is left in ACCESSORY or ON mode
with the hybrid system not operating for more than 20 minutes (ACCESSORY
mode) or one hour (ON mode), the “POWER” switch will automatically turn
off. However, this function cannot entirely prevent 12-volt battery discharge.
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. 7 5
■ Electronic key battery depletion
P. 121
■ When the ambient temperature is low, such as during winter driving con-
ditions
When starting the hybrid system, the flashing time of the “READY” indicator
may be long. Leave the vehicle as it is until the “READY” indicator is steady
on, as steady means the vehicle is able to move.
■ Conditions affecting operation
P. 140
When stopping the hybrid system with the shift lever in a posi-
tion other than P
1
2
3
4
Page 191 of 552

1914-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
PRIUS c_U (OM52E68U)
WARNING
■When starting the hybrid system
Always start the hybrid system while sitting in the driver’s seat. Do not
depress the accelerator pedal while starting the hybrid system under any
circumstances.
Doing so may cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.
■ Caution while driving
If a hybrid system failure occurs while the vehicle is moving, do not lock or
open the doors until the vehicle reaches a safe and complete stop. Doing so
may cause activation of the steering lock which may lead to an accident,
resulting in death or serious injury.
■ When “CHECK SMART KEY SYSTEM” is displayed on the multi-infor-
mation display
The system may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle inspected by your
Toyota dealer immediately. Failure to do so may lead to the system operat-
ing abnormally and possibly cause an accident or damage to the vehicle.
■ Stopping the hybrid system in an emergency
If you want to stop the hybrid system in an emergency while driving the
vehicle, press and hold the “POWER” switch for more than 2 seconds, or
press it briefly 3 times or more in succession. ( P. 431)
However, do not touch the “POWER” switch while driving except in an
emergency. Turning the hybrid system off while driving will not cause loss of
steering or braking control, however, power assist to the steering will be
lost. This will make it more difficult to steer smoothly, so you should pull over
and stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.
Page 192 of 552

1924-2. Driving procedures
PRIUS c_U (OM52E68U)
NOTICE
■To prevent 12-volt battery discharge
●Do not leave the “POWER” switch in ACCESSORY or ON mode for long
periods of time without the hybrid system on.
● If is displayed on the multi-information display, the “POWER”
switch is not off. Exit the vehicle after turning the “POWER” switch off.
● Do not stop the hybrid system when the shift lever is in a position other
than P. If the hybrid system is stopped in another shift lever position, the
“POWER” switch will not be turned off but instead be turned to ACCES-
SORY mode. If the vehicle is left in ACCESSORY mode, 12-volt battery
discharge may occur.
■ When starting the hybrid system
●Do not depress the accelerator pedal unnecessarily.
● If the hybrid system becomes difficult to start, have your vehicle checked
by your Toyota dealer immediately.
■ Symptoms indicating a malfunction with the “POWER” switch
If the “POWER” switch seems to be operating somewhat differently than
usual, such as the switch sticking slightly, there may be a malfunction. Con-
tact your Toyota dealer immediately.
Page 232 of 552

2324-5. Using the driving support systems
PRIUS c_U (OM52E68U)
◆ECB (Electronically Controlled Brake System)
The electronically controlled system generates braking force corre-
sponding to the brake operation
◆ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
Helps to prevent wheel lock when the brakes are applied suddenly,
or if the brakes are applied while driving on a slippery road surface
◆Brake assist
Generates an increased level of braking force after the brake pedal
is depressed when the system detects a panic stop situation
◆VSC (Vehicle Stability Control)
Helps the driver to control skidding when swerving suddenly or
turning on slippery road surfaces
◆TRAC (Traction Control)
Helps to maintain drive power and prevent the drive wheels from
spinning when starting the vehicle or accelerating on slippery roads
◆Hill-start assist control
Helps to prevent the vehicle from rolling backward when starting on
an incline
◆EPS (Electric Power Steering)
Employs an electric motor to reduce the amount of effort needed to
turn the steering wheel
Driving assist systems
To help enhance driving safety and performance, the following
systems operate automatically in response to various driving
situations. Be aware, however, that these systems are supple-
mentary and should not be relied upon too heavily when operat-
ing the vehicle.
Page 233 of 552

2334-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
PRIUS c_U (OM52E68U)
The slip indicator light will flash
while the TRAC/VSC/ABS sys-
tems are operating.
If the vehicle gets stuck in mud, dirt or snow, the TRAC system may
reduce power from the hybrid system to the wheels. Pressing to
turn the system off may make it easier for you to rock the vehicle in
order to free it.
To turn the TRAC system off,
quickly press and release .
The “TRAC OFF” will be shown on
the multi-information display.
Press again to turn the system
back on.
■Turning off both TRAC and VSC systems
To turn the TRAC and VSC systems off, press and hold for more than 3
seconds while the vehicle is stopped.
The VSC OFF indicator light will come on and the “TRAC OFF” will be shown
on the multi-information display.
Press again to turn the systems back on.
■ When the message is displayed on th e multi-information display show-
ing that TRAC has been disabled even if has not been pressed
TRAC and hill-start assist control cannot be operated. Contact your Toyota
dealer.
When the TRAC/VSC/ABS systems are operating
Disabling the TRAC system
Page 234 of 552

2344-5. Using the driving support systems
PRIUS c_U (OM52E68U)■
Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, brake assist, TRAC, VSC and
hill-start assist control systems
Any of the following conditions may occur when the above systems are oper-
ating. None of these indicates that a malfunction has occurred.
●Vibrations may be felt through the vehicle body and steering.
● A motor sound may be heard after the vehicle comes to a stop.
● The brake pedal may pulsate slightly after the ABS is activated.
● The brake pedal may move down slightly after the ABS is activated.
■ ECB operating sound
ECB operating sound may be heard in the following cases, but it does not
indicate that a malfunction has occurred.
●Operating sound heard from engine co mpartment when the brake pedal is
operated.
● Motor sound of the brake system heard from the front part of the vehicle
when the driver’s door is opened.
● Operating sound heard from the engine compartment when one or two min-
utes passed after the stop of the hybrid system.
■ EPS operation sound
When the steering wheel is operated, a motor sound (whirring sound) may be
heard. This does not indicate a malfunction.
■ Reduced effectiven ess of the EPS system
The effectiveness of the EPS system is reduced to prevent the system from
overheating when there is frequent steer ing input over an extended period of
time. The steering wheel may feel heavy as a result. Should this occur, refrain
from excessive steering input or stop the vehicle and turn the hybrid system
off. The EPS system should return to normal within 10 minutes.
■ Automatic reactivation of TRAC and VSC systems
After turning the TRAC and VSC systems off, the systems will be automati-
cally re-enabled in the following situations:
●When the engine switch is turned to the “LOCK” position (vehicles without a
smart key system) or the “POWER” switch is turned off (vehicles with a
smart key system)
● If only the TRAC system is turned off, the TRAC will turn on when vehicle
speed increases
If both the TRAC and VSC systems are turned off, automatic re-enabling will
not occur when vehicle speed increases