2016 TOYOTA PRIUS PLUS Owners Manual

2654-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
PRIUS +_OM_OM47B24E_(EE)■
Conditions that may trigger the system even if there is no possibility of a
collision
In any of the following situations wher e the frontal area of the radar sensor is
interrupted, the radar sensor may detect possibility of a frontal collision and
the system may be activated.
● When passing by an oncoming vehicle in a curve or turn to the right or the
left
● When rapidly approaching an obstacle ahead (e.g. preceding vehicle, toll
gate barrier, etc.)
● When there is a structural object (billboard, low ceiling, fluorescent light,
etc.) above the uphill road ahead
● When driving on a narrow road or th rough under a low overhead structure
(bridge, tunnel, fly-under, etc.)
● When driving on an uneven road surface
● When there is a metal object, bump, or protrusion on the road surface
● When vehicle’s front part is raised or lowered depending on loading condi-
tions
● When the direction of radar sensor is misaligned by strong impact applied
on an area around the radar sensor, etc.
● When there is an obstacle (guard rail, etc.) by the roadside at the entrance
to a curve
● When the front of your vehicle is pointing upwards (cause by putting a heavy
load in the luggage compartment etc.)
● When driving through an area filled with steam or smoke
When the system is activated in the situations described above, there is also
a possibility that the brakes may be applied with a force greater than normal.
■ Obstacles not detected
The sensor cannot detect plastic obstacles such as traffic cones. There may
also be occasions when the sensor cannot detect pedestrians, animals, bicy-
cles, motorcycles, trees, or snowdrifts.

2664-5. Using the driving support systems
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Situations in which the pre-crash safety system does not function prop-
erly
The system may not function effectively in situations such as the following:
● On roads with sharp bends or uneven surfaces
● If a vehicle suddenly moves in front of your vehicle, such as at an intersec-
tion
● If a vehicle suddenly cuts in front of your vehicle, such as when overtaking
● In inclement weather such as heavy rain, fog, snow or sand storms
● When your vehicle is skidding with the VSC system off
● When an extreme change in vehicle height occurs
● When the radar sensor moves off position due to its surrounding area being
subjected to a strong impact
● Due to greatly turning the steering wheel when an obstacle suddenly
appears ahead
● When only part of your vehicle’s front end collides with or contacts, a vehicle
or object in a frontal collision
■ Automatic cancelation of the pre-crash safety system
When a malfunction occurs due to sensor contamination, etc. that results in
the sensors being unable to detect obstacles, the pre-crash safety 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. 387, 400)

2674-5. Using the driving support systems
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Driving
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Certification for the pre-crash safety system

2684-5. Using the driving support systems
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2694-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
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WARNING
■ Limitations of the pre-crash safety system
The driver is solely responsible for safe driving. Always drive safely, taking
care to observe your surroundings.
Do not use the pre-crash safety system instead of normal braking opera-
tions under any circumstances. This system will not prevent collisions or
lessen damage or injuries in all cases. Do not overly rely on this system.
Failure to do so may cause an accident, resulting in death or serious injury.
This system has been designed to help avoid and reduce the impact of col-
lisions. However, the system operates differently depending on the situation
(→ P. 264, 265).
As a result, the same level of performance may not be expected in all
cases. Also, the pre-crash safety brakes may not operate if the driver is
depressing the brake pedal or turning the steering wheel, as the system will
determine such conditions as collision avoidance operations.
■ Handling the radar sensor
Observe the following to ensure the pre-crash safety system can function
effectively.
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 not work
normally or malfunction. If the sensor or surrounding area is subject to a
strong impact, always have the area inspected and adjusted by any autho-
rized Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped pro-
fessional.
● 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 sensor needs to be replaced, contact any authorized Toyota dealer
or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional.

2704-5. Using the driving support systems
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WARNING
■ Cautions regarding the assist contents of the system
By means of alarms and brake control, the pre-crash safety system is
intended to assist the driver in avoiding collisions through the process of
LOOK-JUDGE-ACT. There are limits to the degree of assistance the system
can provide, so please keep in mind the following important points.
● Assisting the driver in watching the road
The pre-crash safety system is only able to detect obstacles directly in
front of the vehicle, and only within a limited range. It is not a mechanism
that allows careless or inattentive driv ing, and it is not a system that can
assist the driver in low-visibility conditions. It is still necessary for the driver
to pay close attention to the vehicle’s surroundings.
● Assisting the driver in making correct judgement
When attempting to estimate the possibility of a collision, the only data
available to the pre-crash safety system is that from obstacles it has
detected directly in front of the vehicle. Therefore, it is absolutely neces-
sary for the driver to remain vigila nt and to determine whether or not there
is a possibility of collision in any given situation.
● Assisting the driver in taking action
The pre-crash safety system’s braking assist feature is designed to help
reduce the severity of a collision, and so only acts when the system has
judged that a collision is unavoidable. This system is not capable of auto-
matically avoiding a collision or bringing the vehicle to a stop safely with-
out appropriate operations performed by the driver. For this reason, when
encountering a dangerous situation the driver must take direct and imme-
diate action in order to ensure the safety of all involved.

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4
4-6. Driving tips
Driving
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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 (heating/cooling) will be minimized, improving
the fuel economy. (→P. 255)
◆Use of Hybrid System Indicator
The Eco-friendly driving is possible by keeping the Hybrid System
Indicator within Eco area. ( →P. 118)
◆Shift position operation
Shift the shift position to D when stopped at a traffic light, or driving
in heavy traffic etc. Shift the shift 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 conditioning system, etc., the hybrid
battery (traction battery) power is consumed.
◆Accelerator pedal/brake pedal operation
● Drive your vehicle smoothly. Avoid abrupt acceleration and
deceleration. Gradual acceleration 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 driving, pay attention to the fol-
lowing points:

2724-6. Driving tips
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◆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 fuel 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 avoiding 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 brakes. 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 engine will not automatically cut out
until it and the interior of the vehicle are warm, it will consume fuel.
Fuel consumption can be improved by avoiding overuse of the
heater.