Page 406 of 800
406
PRIUS_OM_OM47A29U_(U)
4-5. Using the driving support systems
If the vehicle gets stuck in mud, dirt or snow, the TRAC system may
reduce power from the hybrid sy stem 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 “Traction Control Turned Off”
will be shown on the multi-informa-
tion display. Press
again to
turn the system back on.
■ Turning off both TRAC/VSC systems
To turn the TRAC/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 “Traction Control Turned
Off” will be shown on the multi-information display.
*
Press again to turn the systems back on.
*: On vehicles with pre-collision system, pre-collision brake assist and pre-
collision braking will also be disabled. The PCS warning light will come on
and the message will be shown on the multi-information display. ( P. 656)
■ When the message is displayed on th e multi-information display show-
ing that TRAC has been disable d even if has not been pressed
TRAC cannot be operated. Contact your Toyota dealer.
Disabling the TRAC system
Page 407 of 800
PRIUS_OM_OM47A29U_(U)
4074-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
■Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, brake assist, VSC, TRAC 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 also 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 the 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 1 or 2 minutes
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.
Page 408 of 800
408
PRIUS_OM_OM47A29U_(U)
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 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 power switch is turned off
● 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.
■ Electric power steering system warning light (warning buzzer)
P. 656
■ 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
Page 409 of 800
PRIUS_OM_OM47A29U_(U)
4094-5. 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/VSC may not operate effectively when
Directional control and power may not be achievable while driving on slip-
pery road surfaces, even if the TRAC/VSC systems are 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 TRAC, VSC and/or ABS is activated
The slip indicator light flashes. Always drive carefully. Reckless driving may
cause an accident. Exercise particular care when the indicator light flashes.
Page 411 of 800
411
PRIUS_OM_OM47A29U_(U)
4-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
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. 320)
◆Use of Hybrid System Indicator
The Eco-friendly driving is possible by keeping the Hybrid System
Indicator within Eco area. ( P. 1 1 9 )
◆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:
Page 412 of 800
412
PRIUS_OM_OM47A29U_(U)
4-6. Driving tips
◆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.
Page 414 of 800
414
PRIUS_OM_OM47A29U_(U)
4-6. Driving tips
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
Page 415 of 800
PRIUS_OM_OM47A29U_(U)
4154-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
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.
Park the vehicle and shift the shift position to P and block the wheel
under the vehicle without setting the parking brake. The parking brake
may freeze up, preventing it from being released.
Use the correct tire chain size when mounting the tire chains. Chain
size is regulated for each tire size.
Side chain
0.12 in. (3.0 mm)
1.18 in. (30.0 mm)
0.39 in. (10.0 mm)
Cross chain 0.16 in. (4.0 mm)
0.98 in. (25.0 mm)
0.55 in. (14.0 mm)
Regulations regarding the use of tire chains vary depending on loca-
tion and type of road. Al ways check local regulations before installing
chains.
When driving the vehicle
When parking the vehicle
Selecting tire chains
1
2
3
4
5
6
Regulations on the use of tire chains
