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PRIUS v_OM_OM47B12U_(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 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. 491
■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_OM47B12U_(U)
2514-5. 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 operate 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 system 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.
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PRIUS v_OM_OM47B12U_(U)
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 (heating/cooling) will be minimized, improving
the fuel economy. (P. 245)
◆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 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:
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4-6. Driving tips
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. Always check local regulations before installing
chains.
■Tire chain installation
Observe the following precautions when installing and removing chains:
●Install and remove tire chains in a safe location.
●Install tire chains on the front tires only. Do not install tire chains on the rear
tires.
●Install tire chains on front tires as tightly as possible. Retighten chains after
driving 1/4 - 1/2 mile (0.5 - 1.0 km).
●Install tire chains following the instructions provided with the tire 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
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PRIUS v_OM_OM47B12U_(U)
2654-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
WARNING
■Driving with snow tires
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents.
Failure to do so may result in a loss of vehicle control and cause death or
serious injury.
●Use tires of the specified size.
●Maintain the recommended level of air pressure.
●Do not drive in excess of 75 mph (120 km/h), regardless of the type of
snow tires being used.
●Use snow tires on all, not just some wheels.
■Driving with tire chains
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents.
Failure to do so may result in the vehicle being unable to be driven safely,
and may cause death or serious injury.
●Do not drive in excess of the speed limit specified for the tire chains being
used, or 30 mph (50 km/h), whichever is lower.
●Avoid driving on bumpy road surfaces or over potholes.
●Avoid sudden acceleration, abrupt steering, sudden braking and shifting
operations that cause sudden engine braking.
●Slow down sufficiently before entering a curve to ensure that vehicle con-
trol is maintained.
●Do not use LDA (Lane departure alert).
■When parking the vehicle
When parking the vehicle without applying the parking brake, make sure to
chock the wheels. If you do not chock the wheels, the vehicle may move
unexpectedly, possibly resulting in an accident.
NOTICE
■Repairing or replacing snow tires
Request repairs or replacement of snow tires from Toyota dealers or legiti-
mate tire retailers.
This is because the removal and attachment of snow tires affects the opera-
tion of the tire pressure warning valves and transmitters.
■Fitting tire chains
The tire pressure warning valves and transmitters may not function correctly
when tire chains are fitted.
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PRIUS v_OM_OM47B12U_(U)
3776-3. Using the storage features
6
Interior features
Push the button to open the lid.
The lid can be opened by pushing
either the front or rear button.
●If the lower glove box is opened when the parking lights are illuminated, the
light illuminates.
Glove boxes
Upper glove boxLower glove box
Pull up the lever. Pull up the lever.
Console box
●The tray slides forward/backward and
can be removed.
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PRIUS v_OM_OM47B12U_(U)
7-2. Maintenance
Vehicle interior
ItemsCheck points
Accelerator pedal• The accelerator pedal should move smoothly
(without uneven pedal effort or catching).
Hybrid transmission
“Park” mechanism• When parked on a slope and the shift position
is in P, is the vehicle securely stopped?
Brake pedal
• Does the brake pedal move smoothly?
• Does the brake pedal have appropriate clear-
ance from the floor? (P. 558)
• Does the brake pedal have the correct
amount of free play? (P. 558)
Brakes
• The vehicle should not pull to one side when
the brakes are applied.
• The brakes should work effectively.
• The brake pedal should not feel spongy.
• The brake pedal should not get too close to
the floor when the brakes are applied.
Head restraints• Do the head restraints move smoothly and
lock securely?
Indicators/buzzers• Do the indicators and buzzers function prop-
erly?
Lights• Do all the lights come on?
Parking brake
• Does the parking brake pedal move
smoothly?
• When parked on a slope and the parking
brake is on, is the vehicle securely stopped?
Seat belts• Do the seat belts operate smoothly?
• The seat belts should not be damaged.
Seats• Do the seat controls operate properly?
Steering wheel
• Does the steering wheel rotate smoothly?
• Does the steering wheel have the correct
amount of free play?
• There should not be any strange sounds com-
ing from the steering wheel.
Page 467 of 620
PRIUS v_OM_OM47B12U_(U)
4677-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
■Front
■Rear
License plate lights
Back-up light
Rear turn signal light
Bulb locations
Vehicles with halogen
headlightsVehicles with LED headlights
Front turn signal light
Fog light
Headlight high beam/daytime
running lights
Headlight low beam
Front side marker light
Parking lightFog light
Front turn signal light
1
2
3
4
5
6
1
2
1
2
3