2004-2. Driving procedures
PRIUS c_U (OM52F96U)
To set the parking brake, fully
pull the parking brake lever
while depressing the brake
pedal.
To release the parking brake,
slightly raise the lever and
lower it completely while press-
ing the button.
■Parking brake engaged warning buzzer
A buzzer will sound if the vehicle is driven at a speed of approximately 3 mph
(5 km/h) or more with the parking brake engaged. ( P. 474, 486)
■ Usage in winter time
P. 270
Parking brake
Operating instructions
U.S.A. Canada
1
2
NOTICE
■Before driving
Fully release the parking brake.
Driving the vehicle with the parking brake set will lead to brake components
overheating, which may affect braking performance and increase brake
wear.
2034-3. Operating the lights and wipers
4
Driving
PRIUS c_U (OM52F96U)
■Daytime running light system
●Type A: To make your vehicle more visible to other drivers during daytime
driving, the daytime running lights turn on automatically whenever the hybrid
system is started and the parking brake is released with the headlight switch
in the or position. (Illuminate dimmer than the headlights.)
Daytime running lights are not designed for use at night.
Daytime running lights can be turned off by operating the switch.
● Type B: To make your vehicle more visible to other drivers during daytime
driving, the daytime running lights turn on automatically whenever the hybrid
system is started and the parking brake is released with the headlight switch
in the or position. (Illuminate dimmer than the headlights.)
Daytime running lights are not designed for use at night.
● Compared to turning on the headlights, the daytime running light system
offers greater durability and consumes less electricity, so it can help improve
fuel economy.
■ Automatic light off system
Vehicles without a smart key system
● When the headlights are on: The headlights and tail lights turn off 30 sec-
onds after the engine switch is turned to the “ACC” or “LOCK” position and a
door is opened and closed. (Vehicles with a wireless remote control: The
lights turn off immediately if on the key is pressed after all the doors
are locked.)
● When only the tail lights are on: The tail lights turn off automatically if the
engine switch is turned to the “ACC” or “LOCK” position and the driver’s
door is opened.
To turn the lights on again, turn the engine switch to “ON” position, or turn the
light switch off once and then back to or .
If any of the doors or trunk lid is kept open, the lights automatically turn off
after 20 minutes.
Vehicles with a smart key system
● When the headlights are on: The headlights and tail lights turn off 30 sec-
onds after the “POWER” switch is turned to ACCESSORY mode or turned
off and a door is opened and closed. (The lights turn off immediately if
on the key is pressed after all the doors are locked.)
● When only the tail lights are on: The tail lights turn off automatically if the
“POWER” switch is turned to ACCESSORY mode or turned off and the
driver’s door is opened.
To turn the lights on again, turn the “POWER” switch to ON mode, or turn the
light switch off once and then back to or .
If any of the doors or trunk lid is kept open, the lights automatically turn off
after 20 minutes.
2284-5. Using the driving support systems
PRIUS c_U (OM52F96U)
■Operational conditions
The pre-collision system is enabled and determines that the possibility of a
frontal collision with a vehicle is high.
Each function is operational at the following speeds:
●Pre-collision warning:
• Vehicle speed is approximately 10 to 86 mph (15 to 140 km/h).
• The relative speed between your vehicle and a preceding vehicle is
approximately 10 mph (15 km/h) or more.
● Pre-collision brake assist:
• Vehicle speed is approximately 19 to 49 mph (30 to 80 km/h).
• The relative speed between your vehicle and a preceding vehicle is
approximately 19 mph (30 km/h) or more.
● Pre-collision braking:
• Vehicle speed is approximately 7 to 49 mph (10 to 80 km/h).
• The relative speed between your vehicle and a preceding vehicle is
approximately 7 mph (10 km/h) or more.
The system may not operate in the following situations:
● If a battery terminal has been disconnected and reconnected and then the
vehicle has not been driven for a certain amount of time
● If the shift lever is in R
● If VSC is disabled (only the pre-collision warning function will be opera-
tional)
● If the PCS warning light is flashing or illuminated
■ Cancelation of the pre-collision braking
●If either of the following occur while the pre-collision braking function is
operating, it will be canceled:
• The accelerator pedal is depressed strongly.
• The steering wheel is turned sharply or abruptly.
● If the vehicle is stopped by the operation of the pre-collision braking func-
tion, the operation of the pre-collision braking function will be canceled after
the vehicle has been stopped for approximately 2 seconds.
2364-5. Using the driving support systems
PRIUS c_U (OM52F96U)■
If the PCS warning light flashes a nd a warning message is displayed on
the multi-information display
The pre-collision system may be temporarily unavailable or there may be a
malfunction in the system.
● In the following situations, the warning light will turn off, the message will
disappear and the system will become operational when normal operating
conditions return:
• When the area around the front sensor is hot, such as in the sun
• When the windshield is fogged up or covered with condensation or ice
(P. 372)
• When the front sensor or the area around either sensor is cold, such as in an extremely cold environment
• If the area in front of the front sensor is obstructed, such as when the hood is open
● If the PCS warning light continues to flash or the warning message does not
disappear, the system may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle inspected
by your Toyota dealer immediately.
■ If VSC is disabled
●If TRC and VSC are disabled (P. 262), the pre-collision brake assist and
pre-collision braking functions are also disabled. However, the pre-collision
warning function will still operate.
● The PCS warning light illuminate s and “VSC TURNED OFF PRE-COLLI-
SION BRAKE SYSTEM UNAVAILABLE” is displayed on the multi-informa-
tion display.
2634-6. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
PRIUS c_U (OM52F96U)■
Sounds and vibrations caused by th e 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 compartment 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 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 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
267
4
Driving
PRIUS c_U (OM52F96U)
4-7. 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. 370)
◆Use of Hybrid System Indicator
The Eco-friendly driving is possible by keeping the needle of Hybrid
System Indicator within Eco area. ( P. 102)
◆Shift lever operation
Shift the shift lever to D when stopped at a traffic light, or driving in
heavy traffic etc. Shift the shift lever to P when parking. When using
the N, there is no positive effect on fuel consumption. In the N, the
gasoline engine operates but el ectricity cannot be generated. Also,
when using the air conditioning s ystem, etc., the hybrid battery
(traction battery) 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.
Hybrid vehicle driving tips
For economical and ecological driv ing, pay attention to the fol-
lowing points:
2684-7. Driving tips
PRIUS c_U (OM52F96U)
◆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.
Also, 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.
2704-7. Driving tips
PRIUS c_U (OM52F96U)
●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, vehicle'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.
Accelerate the vehicle slowly, keep a safe distance between you and
the vehicle ahead, and drive at a reduced speed suitable to road con-
ditions.
Winter driving tips
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.
Pre-winter preparations
Before driving the vehicle
When driving the vehicle