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4-5. Using the driving support systems
■Reduced effectiveness of the EPS system
The effectiveness of the EPS system is reduced to prevent the system from
overheating when there is frequent steering 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 system
After turning the TRAC system off, the system will be automatically re-
enabled in the following situations:
●When the power switch is turned off
● The TRAC will turn on when vehicle speed increases
■ Electric power steering system warning light (warning buzzer)
P. 489
■ Operating conditions of hill-start assist control
When the following four conditions are met, the hill-start assist control will
operate:
● The shift position is in a position other than P or N (when starting off forward/
backward on an upward incline).
● The vehicle is stopped.
● The accelerator pedal is not depressed.
● The parking brake is not engaged.
■ Automatic system cancelation of hill-start assist control
The hill-start assist control will turn off in any of the following situations:
● Shift the shift position to P or N.
● The accelerator pedal is depressed.
● The parking brake is engaged.
● Approximately 2 seconds elapse after the brake pedal is released.
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PRIUS v_OM_OM47887U_(U)
2494-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
WARNING
■The ABS does not operate effectively when
● The limits of tire gripping performance have been exceeded (such as
excessively worn tires on a snow covered road).
● The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on wet or slick road.
■ Stopping distance when the ABS is operating may exceed that of nor-
mal conditions
The ABS is not designed to shorten the vehicle’s stopping distance. Always
maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you, especially in the
following situations:
● When driving on dirt, gravel or snow-covered roads
● When driving with tire chains
● When driving over bumps in the road
● When driving over roads with potholes or uneven surfaces
■ TRAC may not operat e effectively when
Directional control and power may not be achievable while driving on slip-
pery road surfaces, even if the TRAC system is operating.
Drive the vehicle carefully in conditions where stability and power may be
lost.
■ Hill-start assist control does not operate effectively when
● Do not overly rely on the hill-start assist control. The hill-start assist control
may not operate effectively on steep inclines and roads covered with ice.
● Unlike the parking brake, hill-start assist control is not intended to hold the
vehicle stationary for an extended period of time. Do not attempt to use
hill-start assist control to hold the vehicle on an incline, as doing so may
lead to an accident.
■ When the VSC is activated
The slip indicator light flashes. Always drive carefully. Reckless driving may
cause an accident. Exercise particular care when the indicator light flashes.
■ When the TRAC/VSC syst em is turned off
Be especially careful and drive at a speed appropriate to the road condi-
tions. As this is the system to help ensure vehicle stability and driving force,
do not turn the TRAC/VSC system off unless necessary.
Page 253 of 621
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4-5. Using the driving support systems
■Changing the alert timing of the pre-collision system
Each time the PCS switch is
pressed, the response to the
distance changes as follows.
Far
Middle
*
Near
*: Default setting
■
Turning off the pre-collision system
Press the PCS switch for 3 sec-
onds or more seconds.
The PCS warning light turns on
and a message is shown on the
multi-information display.
To turn on the system, press the
PCS switch again. The system
is set to ON each time the power
switch is turned to ON mode.
Changing the pre-collision system
1
2
3
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PRIUS v_OM_OM47887U_(U)
2554-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
■Automatic cancelation of the pre-collision system
When a malfunction occurs due to sensor contamination, etc. that results in
the sensors being unable to detect obstacles, the pre-collision system will be
automatically disabled. In this case, the system will not activate even if there
is a collision possibility.
■ When there is a malfunction in the system, or if the system is tempo-
rarily unusable
The PCS warning light flashes and a warning message is shown on the multi-
information display. If a warning message is shown on the multi-information
display, read the message and follow the instructions. ( P. 488, 501)
■ Certification for th e pre-collision system
For vehicles sold in the U.S.A.
For vehicles sold in Canada
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4-5. Using the driving support systems
WARNING
■Limitations of the pre-collision system
It is the driver’s responsibility to drive safely. The driver should be aware of
the surroundings and strive for safe driving.
Do not rely on the pre-collision system instead of normal braking opera-
tions. This system does not avoid or reduce collisions in every situation.
Overly relying on the system and entrusting it with safety may cause an
unexpected accident which could lead to death or serious injury.
Although the system is designed for the purpose to support in avoiding colli-
sions or reducing the damage of a collision, the effect changes according to
various conditions. ( P. 253)
Therefore, it does not always provide the same performance. Also, the pre-
collision braking does not work depending on the operating conditions of the
driver. When the driver has stepped on the brake pedal and is operating the
steering wheel, the system judges that the driver is taking avoiding action
and the automatic braking may not operate.
■ Handling the radar sensor
Observe the following to ensure the pre-collision system can function effec-
tively.
Otherwise, the system may not function correctly and could result in an
accident.
● Keep the sensor and grille cover clean at all times.
Clean the sensor and grille cover with a soft cloth so you do not mark or
damage them.
● Do not subject the sensor or surrounding area to a strong impact.
If the sensor moves even slightly off position, the system may become
inaccurate or malfunction. If the sensor or surrounding area is subject to a
strong impact, always have the area inspected and adjusted by your
Toyota dealer.
● Do not disassemble the sensor.
● Do not attach accessories or stickers to the sensor, grille cover or sur-
rounding area.
● Do not modify or paint the sensor and grille cover.
● If the radar sensor needs to be replaced, contact your Toyota dealer.
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4-6. Driving tips
Hybrid vehicle driving tips
◆Using Eco drive mode
When using Eco drive mode, the torque corresponding to the accel-
erator pedal depression amount can be generated more smoothly
than it is in normal conditions. In addition, the operation of the air
conditioning system (h eating/cooling) will be minimized, improving
the fuel economy. ( P. 243)
◆Use of Hybrid System Indicator
The Eco-friendly driving is possible by keeping the Hybrid System
Indicator within Eco area. ( P. 98)
◆Shift position operation
Shift the shift position to D when sto pped at a traffic light, or driving
in heavy traffic etc. Shift the sh ift position to P when parking. When
using the N, there is no positive effect on fuel consumption. In the
N, the gasoline engine operates but electricity cannot be gener-
ated. Also, when using the air condi tioning system, etc., the hybrid
battery (traction batter y) power is consumed.
◆Accelerator pedal/brake pedal operation
●Drive your vehicle smoothly. Avoid abrupt acceleration and
deceleration. Gradual accelerati on and deceleration will make
more effective use of the electric motor (traction motor) without
having to use gasoline engine power.
● Avoid repeated acceleration. Repeated acceleration consumes
hybrid battery (traction battery) power, resulting in poor fuel con-
sumption. Battery power can be restored by driving with the
accelerator pedal slightly released.
For economical and ecological driv ing, pay attention to the fol-
lowing points:
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PRIUS v_OM_OM47887U_(U)
2594-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
◆When braking
Make sure to operate the brakes gently and in a timely manner. A
greater amount of electrical energy can be regenerated when slow-
ing down.
◆Delays
Repeated acceleration and deceleration, as well as long waits at
traffic lights, will lead to bad fu el economy. Check traffic reports
before leaving and avoid delays as much as possible. When driving
in a traffic jam, gently release the brake pedal to allow the vehicle to
move forward slightly while avoi ding overuse of the accelerator
pedal. Doing so can help control excessive gasoline consumption.
◆Highway driving
Control and maintain the vehicle at a constant speed. Before stop-
ping at a toll booth or similar, allow plenty of time to release the
accelerator and gently apply the br akes. A greater amount of elec-
trical energy can be regenerated when slowing down.
◆Air conditioning
Use the air conditioning only when necessary. Doing so can help
reduce excessive gasoline consumption.
In summer: When the ambient temperature is high, use the recircu-
lated air mode. Doing so will help to reduce the burden on the air
conditioning system and reduce fuel consumption as well.
In winter: Because the gasoline eng ine will not automatically cut out
until it and the interior of the vehi cle are warm, it will consume fuel.
Fuel consumption can be improved by avoiding overuse of the
heater.
◆Checking tire inflation pressure
Make sure to check the tire infl ation pressure frequently. Improper
tire inflation pressure can cause poor fuel economy.
Also, as snow tires can cause large amounts of friction, their use on
dry roads can lead to poor fuel economy. Use tires that are appro-
priate for the season.
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4
Driving
Winter driving tips
●Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside tempera-
tures.
• Engine oil
• Engine/power control unit coolant
• Washer fluid
● Have a service technician inspec t the condition of the 12-volt bat-
tery.
● 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.
Perform the following accordin g to the driving conditions:
● Do not try to forcibly open a window or move a wiper that is frozen.
Pour warm water over the frozen area to melt the ice. Wipe away
the water immediately to prevent it from freezing.
● To ensure proper operation of the climate control system fan,
remove any snow that has accumulated on the air inlet vents in
front of the windshield.
● Check for and remove any excess ice or snow that may have accu-
mulated on the exterior lights, ve hicle’s roof, chassis, around the
tires or on the brakes.
● Remove any snow or mud from the bottom of your shoes before
getting in the vehicle.
Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before
driving the vehicle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a man-
ner appropriate to the prevailing weather conditions.
Preparation for winter
Before driving the vehicle