Page 422 of 588
4227-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
PRIUS c_U (OM52F96U)
Disconnect the claws and
remove the service cover.
Remove the reservoir cap.
Add brake fluid slowly while checking the fluid level.
■Brake fluid can absorb moisture from the air
Excess moisture in the brake fluid can cause a dangerous loss of braking effi-
ciency. Use only newly opened brake fluid.
2
3
WARNING
■When filling the reservoir
Take care as brake fluid can harm your hands and eyes and damage
painted surfaces.
If fluid gets on your hands or in your eyes, flush the affected area with clean
water immediately.
If you still experience discomfort, see a doctor.
NOTICE
■If the fluid level is low or high
It is normal for the brake fluid level to go down slightly as the brake pads
wear out or when the fluid level in the accumulator is high.
If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, there may be a serious problem.
4
Page 463 of 588

4638-1. Essential information
8
When trouble arises
PRIUS c_U (OM52F96U)
Steadily step on the brake pedal with both feet and firmly depress it.
Do not pump the brake pedal repeatedly as this will increase the effort
required to slow the vehicle.
Shift the shift lever to N.
If the shift lever is shifted to N
After slowing down, stop the vehicle in a safe place by the road.
Stop the hybrid system.
If the shift lever cannot be shifted to N
Keep depressing the brake pedal with both feet to reduce vehicle
speed as much as possible.
Vehicles without a smart key
system: Stop the hybrid system
by turning the engine switch to
the “ACC” position.
Vehicles with a smart key sys-
tem: To stop the hybrid system,
press and hold the “POWER”
switch for 2 consecutive sec-
onds or more, or press it briefly
3 times or more in succession.
Stop the vehicle in a safe place by the road.
If your vehicle has to be stopped in an
emergency
Only in an emergency, such as if it becomes impossible to stop
the vehicle in the normal way, st op the vehicle using the follow-
ing procedure:
1
2
3
4
3
4
Press and hold for 2 seconds or
more, or press briefly 3 times or
more
4
5
Page 466 of 588
4668-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS c_U (OM52F96U)
Do not tow with a sling-type truck
to prevent body damage.
Towing with a sling-type truck
Towing with a wheel-lift type truck
From the frontFrom the rear
Release the parking brake. Use a towing dolly under the front wheels.
Page 467 of 588
4678-2. Steps to take in an emergency
8
When trouble arises
PRIUS c_U (OM52F96U)
If your vehicle is transported by a
flatbed truck, it should be tied
down at the locations shown in the
illustration.
If you use chains or cables to tie
down your vehicle, the angles
shaded in black must be 45.
Do not overly tighten the tie
downs or the vehicle may be dam-
aged.
If a tow truck is not available in an emergency, your vehicle may be
temporarily towed using cables or chains secured to the emergency
towing eyelets. This should only be attempted on hard surfaced roads
for short distance at under 3 mph (5 km/h).
A driver must be in the vehicle to steer and operate the brakes. The
vehicle’s wheels, drive train, axles, steering and brakes must be in
good condition.
Using a flatbed truck
Emergency towing
Page 469 of 588
4698-2. Steps to take in an emergency
8
When trouble arises
PRIUS c_U (OM52F96U)
Vehicles without a smart key system: Enter the vehicle being towed
and start the hybrid system.
If the hybrid system does not start, turn the engine switch to the “ON” posi-
tion.
Vehicles with a smart key system: Enter the vehicle being towed
and start the hybrid system.
If the hybrid system does not start, turn the “POWER” switch to ON mode.
Shift the shift lever to N and release the parking brake.
When the shift lever cannot be shifted: P. 5 1 0
■While towing
If the hybrid system is off, the power assist for the brakes and steering will not
function, making steering and braking more difficult.
■ Wheel nut wrench
Wheel nut wrench is installed in luggage compartment. ( P. 497)
7
8
Page 472 of 588
4728-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS c_U (OM52F96U)
●Fluid leaks under the vehicle
(Water dripping from the air co nditioning 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, spon gy feeling, pedal almost touches
the floor
If you think something is wrong
If you notice any of the follow ing symptoms, your vehicle proba-
bly needs adjustment or repair. Contact your Toyota dealer as
soon as possible.
Visible symptoms
Audible symptoms
Operational symptoms
Page 473 of 588
4738-2. Steps to take in an emergency
8
When trouble arises
PRIUS c_U (OM52F96U)
If a warning light turns on or a warning
buzzer sounds
Calmly perform the following actions if any of the warning lights
comes on or flashes. If a light comes on or flashes, but then
goes off, this does not necessarily indicate a malfunction in the
system. However, if this continues to occur, have the vehicle
inspected by your Toyota dealer.
Warning light and warning buzzer list
Warning lightWarning light/Details/Actions
(U.S.A.)
(Canada)
Brake system warning light in red (warning buzzer)*1
• Low brake fluid
• Malfunction in the brake system
Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and con-
tact your Toyota dealer. Continuing to drive the vehi-
cle may be dangerous.
Brake system warning light in yellow
Indicates a malfunction in:
• The regenerative brake system; or
• The electronically controlled brake system
Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer
immediately.
Page 474 of 588

4748-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS c_U (OM52F96U)
Warning lightWarning light/Details/Actions
Charging system warning lightIndicates a malfunction in the vehicle's charging system
Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and con-
tact your Toyota dealer.
(U.S.A.)
(Canada)
Malfunction indicator lamp Indicates a malfunction in:
• The hybrid system;
• The electronic engine control system; or
• The electronic throttle control system
Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer
immediately.
SRS warning light
Indicates a malfunction in:
• The SRS airbag system;
• The front passenger occupant classification system; or
• The seat belt pretensioner system
Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer
immediately.
(U.S.A.)
(Canada)
ABS warning light Indicates a malfunction in:
• The ABS; or
• The brake assist system
Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer
immediately.
Electric power steering system warning light (warning
buzzer)
Indicates a malfunction in the EPS (Electric Power Steer-
ing) system
Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer
immediately.
(U.S.A.)
(Canada)Parking brake warning light (warning buzzer)*2
Indicates that the parking brake is engaged
Release the parking brake.