Page 6 of 644
TABLE OF CONTENTSIndex
6
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6-1. SpecificationsMaintenance data (fuel, oil level, etc.) ...........  572
Fuel information .................  583
Tire information ..................  587
6-2. Customization Customizable features .......  602
6-3. Initialization Items to initialize.................  609
Reporting safety defects for U.S. owners ................  612
Seat belt instructions  for Canadian owners 
(in French) ........................  613
SRS airbag instructions  for Canadian owners 
(in French) ........................  615 Abbreviation list ...............  628
Alphabetical index ............  630
What to do if... ..................  641
6Vehicle specifications
7For owners
Index 
     
        
        Page 73 of 644

73
1-3. Opening, closing and locking the doors
1
Before driving
PRIUS_OM_OM47A17U_DVD_(U)
■
Conditions aff ecting operation
The smart key system, wireless remote control and immobilizer system use
weak radio waves. In the following situations, the communication between
the electronic key and the vehicle may be affected, preventing the smart key
system, wireless remote control and immobilizer system from operating
properly. (Ways of coping:  P. 553)
● When the electronic key battery is depleted
● Near a TV tower, electric power plant, gas station, radio station, large dis-
play, airport or other facility that generates strong radio waves or electri-
cal noise
● When carrying a portable radio, ce llular phone, cordless phone or other
wireless communication devices
● When the electronic key is in contact with, or is covered by the following
metallic objects
• Cards to which aluminum foil is attached
• Cigarette boxes that have aluminum foil inside
• Metallic wallets or bags
• Coins
• Hand warmers made of metal
• Media such as CDs and DVDs
● When other wireless key (that emit radio waves) is being used nearby
● When carrying the electronic key together with the following devices that
emit radio waves
• Another vehicle’s electronic key or a wireless key that emits radio
waves
• Personal computers or personal digital assistants (PDAs)
• Digital audio players
• Portable game systems
● If window tint with a metallic content or metallic objects are attached to
the rear window 
     
        
        Page 194 of 644

194 2-1. Driving procedures
PRIUS_OM_OM47A17U_DVD_(U)
NOTICE
■When encountering flooded roads
Do not drive on a road that has flooded after heavy rain etc. Doing so may
cause the following serious damage to the vehicle:
●Engine stalling
● Short in electrical components
● Engine damage caused by water immersion
In the event that you drive on a flooded road and the vehicle is flooded, be
sure to have your Toyota dealer check the following:
● Brake function
● Changes in quantity and quality of engine oil, transmission fluid for the
hybrid system, etc.
● Lubricant condition for the bearings and suspension joints (where possi-
ble), and the function of all joints, bearings, etc.
If the shift control system is damaged by flooding, it may not be possible to
shift the shift position to P, or from P to other positions. When the shift posi-
tion cannot be changed from P to any other position, the front wheels will
lock, and you will be unable to tow the vehicle 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. 
     
        
        Page 323 of 644
323
2-5. Driving information
PRIUS_OM_OM47A17U_DVD_(U)
2
When driving
Winter driving tips
Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before driving
the vehicle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a manner appropri-
ate to the prevailing weather conditions. 
■ Pre-winter preparations
●Use fluids that are  appropriate to the prevailing outside tem-
peratures. 
• Engine oil
• Engine/power control unit coolant
• Washer fluid
● Have a service technician inspec t the condition of the 12-volt
battery.
● Have the vehicle fitted with four snow tires or purchase a set
of tire chains for the front tires. 
Ensure that all tires are the same size and brand, and that chains
match the size of the tires. 
     
        
        Page 404 of 644

404
PRIUS_OM_OM47A17U_DVD_(U)
4-1. Maintenance and care
Cleaning and protecting the vehicle exterior
■Automatic car washes
●Fold the mirrors and remove the antenna before washing the vehicle.
Start washing from the front of the vehicle. Make sure to re-install the
antenna and extend the mirrors before driving.
● Brushes used in automatic car washes may scratch the vehicle surface
and harm your vehicle’s paint.
● Roof antenna, rear spoiler may not be washable in some automatic car
washes. There may also be an increased risk of damage to vehicle.
■ High pressure car washes
●Do not allow the nozzles of the car wash to come within close proximity
of the windows. 
● Before using the car wash, check that the fuel filler door on your vehicle
is closed properly.
Perform the following to protect the  vehicle and maintain it in prime
condition:
● Working from top to bottom, liber ally apply water to the vehicle
body, wheel wells and underside of the vehicle to remove any
dirt and dust.
● Wash the vehicle body using a sponge or soft cloth, such as a
chamois.
● For hard-to-remove marks, use car wash soap and rinse thor-
oughly with water.
● Wipe away any water.
● Wax the vehicle when the waterproof coating deteriorates.
If water does not bead on a clean surface, apply wax when the vehicle
body is cool. 
     
        
        Page 406 of 644

406 4-1. Maintenance and care
PRIUS_OM_OM47A17U_DVD_(U)
NOTICE
■To  prevent  paint  deterioration  and  corrosion  on  the  body  and  compo-
nents (aluminum wheels etc.)
● Wash the vehicle immediately in the following cases:
• After driving near the sea coast
• After driving on salted roads
• If coal tar or tree sap is present on the paint surface
• If dead insects, insect droppings or bird droppings are present on the 
paint surface
• After driving in an area contaminated with soot, oily smoke, mine dust,  iron powder or chemical substances
• If the vehicle becomes heavily soiled with dust or mud
• If liquids such as benzene and gasoline are spilled on the paint surface
● If the paint is chipped or scratched, have it repaired immediately.
● To prevent the wheels from corroding, remove any dirt and store in a place
with low humidity when storing the wheels.
■ Cleaning the exterior lights
●Wash carefully. Do not use organic substances or scrub with a hard brush. 
This may damage the surfaces of the lights.
● Do not apply wax to the surfaces of the lights.
Wax may cause damage to the lenses.
■ Antenna installation and removal precautions
●Before driving, ensure that the antenna is installed.
● When the antenna is removed, such as before entering an automatic car
wash, make sure to store it in a suitable place so as not to lose it. Also,
before driving, make sure to reinstall the antenna in its original position. 
     
        
        Page 413 of 644
413
4-2. Maintenance
PRIUS_OM_OM47A17U_DVD_(U)
4
Maintenance and care
CAUTION
■
If your vehicle is not properly maintained
Improper maintenance could result in serious damage to the vehicle and
possible serious injury or death.
■ Handling of the 12-volt battery
●Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and a wide variety of automobile
components contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to
cause cancer and birth defects and other reproductive harm. Work in a
well ventilated area.
● Oils, fuels and fluids contained in vehicles as well as waste produced by
component wear contain or emit chemicals known to the State of Califor-
nia to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Avoid
exposure and wash any affected area immediately.
● 12-volt battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and
lead compounds which are known to cause brain damage. Wash your
hands after handling. ( P. 440) 
     
        
        Page 414 of 644
414
4-2. Maintenance
PRIUS_OM_OM47A17U_DVD_(U)
General maintenance
Engine compartment
ItemsCheck points
Brake fluid Is the brake fluid at the correct 
level? (
P. 436)
Engine/power control unit coolant Is the engine/power control unit 
coolant at the correct level?
(P. 433)
Engine oil Is the engine oil at the correct 
level?
(P. 429)
Exhaust system There should not be any fumes or 
strange sounds.
Radiator/condenser The radiator and condenser 
should be free from foreign 
objects. (
P. 435)
Washer fluid Is there sufficient washer fluid?
(P. 438)
Listed  below  are  the  general  maintenance  items  that  should  be  per-
formed  at  the  intervals  specified  in  the  “Owner’s  Warranty  Informa-
tion  Booklet”  or  “Owner’s  Manual  Supplement/Scheduled
Maintenance Guide”. It is recommended that any problem you notice
should be brought to the attention of your Toyota dealer or qualified
service shop for advice.