Page 430 of 596

4307-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
PRIUS c_U (OM52J11U)■
When disconnecting the 12- volt battery terminals
Always disconnect the negative (-) terminal first.
■ After recharging/reconnecting the 12-vo lt battery (vehicles with a smart
key system)
● Unlocking the doors using the smart key system may not be possible imme-
diately after reconnecting the 12-volt battery. If this happens, use the wire-
less remote control or the mechanical key to lock/unlock the doors.
● Start the hybrid system with the “POWER” switch in ACCESSORY mode.
The hybrid system may not start with the “POWER” switch turned off. How-
ever, the hybrid system will operat e normally from the second attempt.
● The “POWER” switch mode is recorded by the vehicle. If the 12-volt battery
is reconnected, the vehicle will return the “POWER” switch mode to the sta-
tus it was in before the 12-volt battery was disconnected. Make sure to turn
off the power before disconnect the 12-volt battery. Take extra care when
connecting the 12-volt battery if the “POWER” switch mode prior to dis-
charge is unknown.
If the system will not start even after multiple attempts, contact your Toyota
dealer.
WARNING
■ Chemicals in the 12-volt battery
The 12-volt battery contains poisonous and corrosive sulfuric acid and may
produce hydrogen gas which is flammable and explosive. To reduce the risk
of death or serious injury, take the following precautions while working on or
near the 12-volt battery:
● Do not cause sparks by touching the 12-volt battery terminals with tools.
● Do not smoke or light a match near the 12-volt battery.
● Avoid contact with eyes, skin and clothes.
● Never inhale or swallow electrolyte.
● Wear protective safety glasses when working near the 12-volt battery.
● Keep children away from the 12-volt battery.
■ Where to safely charge the 12-volt battery
Always charge the 12-volt battery in an open area. Do not charge the 12-
volt battery in a garage or closed room where there is insufficient ventila-
tion.
Page 431 of 596

4317-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
PRIUS c_U (OM52J11U)
WARNING
■When disconnecting the 12- volt battery terminals
Always disconnect the negative (-) terminal first. If the positive (+) terminal
is disconnected first and touches a surrounding metal surface it may cause
sparks resulting in a fire or it may result in an electric shock, death or seri-
ous injury.
■ How to recharge th e 12-volt battery
Only perform a slow charge (3.5 A or less). The 12-volt battery may explode
if charged at a quicker rate.
■ Emergency measures regarding electrolyte
● If electrolyte gets in your eyes
Flush your eyes with clean water for at least 15 minutes and get immedi-
ate medical attention. If possible, continue to apply water with a sponge or
cloth while traveling to the nearest medical facility.
● If electrolyte gets on your skin
Wash the affected area thoroughly. If you feel pain or burning, get medical
attention immediately.
● If electrolyte gets on your clothes
It can soak through clothing on to your skin. Immediately take off the cloth-
ing and follow the procedure above if necessary.
● If you accidentally swallow electrolyte
Drink a large quantity of water or milk. Get emergency medical attention
immediately.
■ When replacing the 12-volt battery
Use a 12-volt battery designed for this vehicle. Failure to do so may cause
gas (hydrogen) to enter the passenger compartment, causing a fire or
explosion.
For replacement of the 12-volt battery, contact your Toyota dealer.
NOTICE
■When recharging the 12-volt battery
Never recharge the 12-volt battery while the hybrid system is operating.
Also, be sure all accessories are turned off.
Page 465 of 596
465
8When trouble arises
PRIUS c_U (OM52J11U)8-1. Essential information
Emergency flashers .......... 466
If your vehicle has to be stopped in an
emergency ...................... 467
8-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If your vehicle needs to be towed ..................... 469
If you think something is wrong .......................... 476
If a warning light turns on or a warning buzzer
sounds ............................ 477
If a warning message is displayed ..................... 486
If you have a flat tire.......... 501
If the hybrid system will not start ..................... 514
If the electronic key does not operate
properly ........................... 516
If the vehicle 12-volt battery is discharged ....... 518
If your vehicle overheats ........................ 524
If the vehicle becomes stuck ............................... 528
Page 466 of 596
466
PRIUS c_U (OM52J11U)
8-1. Essential information
Press the switch.
All the turn signal lights will flash.
To turn them off, press the switch
once again.
■Emergency flashers
If the emergency flashers are used for a long time while the hybrid system is
not operating (while the “READY” indicator is not illuminated), the 12-volt \
bat-
tery may discharge.
Emergency flashers
The emergency flashers are used to warn other drivers when the
vehicle has to be stopped in th e road due to a breakdown, etc.
Page 467 of 596

4678-1. Essential information
8
When trouble arises
PRIUS c_U (OM52J11U)
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 468 of 596
4688-1. Essential information
PRIUS c_U (OM52J11U)
WARNING
■If the hybrid system has to be turned off while driving
● Power assist for the steering wheel will be lost, making the steering wheel
heavier to turn. Decelerate as much as possible before turning off the
hybrid system.
● Vehicles without a smart key system: Never attempt to remove the key, as
doing so will lock the steering wheel.
Page 469 of 596
469
8
When trouble arises
PRIUS c_U (OM52J11U)
8-2. Steps to take in an emergency
The following may indicate a problem with your transmission. Contact
your Toyota dealer or commercial towing service before towing.
● A warning message for the hybrid system is shown on the multi-
information display and the vehicle does not move.
● The vehicle makes an abnormal sound.
If your vehicle needs to be towed
If towing is necessary, we re commend having your vehicle
towed by your Toyota dealer or commercial towing service,
using a wheel-lift type truck or flatbed truck.
Use a safety chain system for all towing, and abide by all state/
provincial and local laws.
Situations when it is necessary to contact dealers before towing
Page 473 of 596
4738-2. Steps to take in an emergency
8
When trouble arises
PRIUS c_U (OM52J11U)
Securely attach cables or chains to the towing eyelet.
Take care not to damage the vehicle body.
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. 2 0 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. 502)
6
7
8