Page 180 of 596
1804-1. Before driving
PRIUS c_U (OM52J11U)
WARNING
■Capacity and distribution
●Do not exceed the maximum axle weight rating or the total vehicle
weight rating.
●Even if the total load of occupant's weight and the cargo load is less
than the total load capacity, do not apply the load unevenly. Improper
loading may cause deterioration of steering or braking control which
may cause death or serious injury.
Page 181 of 596
1814-1. Before driving
4
Driving
PRIUS c_U (OM52J11U)
◆Total load capacity (vehicle capacity weight): (→P. 532)
Total load capacity means the comb ined weight of occupants, cargo
and luggage.
◆Seating capacity: 5 occupants (Front 2, Rear 3)
Seating capacity means the maxi mum number of occupants whose
estimated average weight is 150 lb. (68 kg) per person.
◆Towing capacity
Toyota does not recommend towing a trailer with your vehicle.
◆Cargo capacity
Cargo capacity may increase or decrease depending on the weight
and the number of occupants.
■Total load capacity and seating capacity
These details are also described on the tire and loading information label.
( → P. 441)
Vehicle load limits
Vehicle load limits include total load capacity, seating capacity,
towing capacity and cargo capacity.
WARNING
■Overloading the vehicle
Do not overload the vehicle.
It may not only cause damage to the tires, but also degrade steering
and braking ability, resu lting in an accident.
Page 185 of 596
1854-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
PRIUS c_U (OM52J11U)
“LOCK”
The steering wheel is locked and
the key can be removed. (The key
can be removed only when the
shift lever is in P.)
“ACC”
Some electrical components such
as the power outlet can be used.
“ON”
All electrical components can be used.
“START”
For starting the hybrid system.
■Turning the key from “ACC” to “LOCK”
Shift the shift lever to P.
■ Sounds and vibrations specific to a hybrid vehicle
→P. 7 7
■ When the ambient temperature is low, such as during winter driving con-
ditions
When starting the hybrid system, the flashing time of the “READY” indicator
may be long. Leave the vehicle as it is until the “READY” indicator is steady
on, as steady means the vehicle is able to move.
Changing the engine switch positions
1
2
3
4
1
Push in the key and turn it to the
“LOCK” position.2
Page 186 of 596

1864-2. Driving procedures
PRIUS c_U (OM52J11U)■
If the hybrid system does not start (vehicles with immobilizer system)
The immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. ( →P. 84)
Contact your Toyota dealer.
■ When the steering lock cannot be released
■ If the “READY” indicator does not come on
In the event that the “READY” indicator does not come on even after perform-
ing the proper procedures for starting the vehicle, contact your Toyota dealer
immediately.
■ If the hybrid system is malfunctioning
→P. 487
■ Key reminder function
A buzzer sounds if the driver’s door is opened while the engine switch is in
the “LOCK” or “ACC” position to remind you to remove the key. When starting the hybrid system, the
engine switch may seem stuck in the
“LOCK” position. To free it, turn the key
while turning the steering wheel slightly
left and right.
WARNING
■When starting the hybrid system
Always start the hybrid system while sitting in the driver’s seat. Do not
depress the accelerator pedal while starting the hybrid system under any
circumstances.
Doing so may cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.
■ Caution when driving
Do not turn the engine switch to the “LOCK” position while driving. If, in an
emergency, you must turn the hybrid system off while the vehicle is moving,
turn the engine switch only to the “ACC” position to stop the hybrid system.
An accident may result if the hybrid system is stopped while driving.
(→P. 467)
Page 191 of 596

1914-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
PRIUS c_U (OM52J11U)■
Notes for the entry function
→P. 143
■ If the hybrid system does not start
●The immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. ( →P. 84)
Contact your Toyota dealer.
■ Steering lock
After turning the “POWER” switch off and opening and closing the doors, the
steering wheel will be locked due to the steering lock function. Operating the
“POWER” switch again automatically cancels the steering lock.
■ When the steering lock cannot be released
■ Steering lock motor o verheating prevention
To prevent the steering lock motor from overheating, the motor may be sus-
pended if the hybrid system is turned on and off repeatedly in a short period
of time. In this case, refrain from operating the hybrid system. After about 10
seconds, the steering lock motor will resume functioning. ● Check that the shift lever is securely set
in P. The hybrid system may not start if
the shift lever is not securely in the P
position. “SHIFT TO P POSITION TO
START” will be displayed on the multi-
information display.
“STEERING LOCK ACTIVE” will be dis-
played on the multi-information display.
Check that the shift lever is set in P.
Press the “POWER” switch while turning
the steering wheel left and right.
Page 193 of 596

1934-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
PRIUS c_U (OM52J11U)
WARNING
■When starting the hybrid system
Always start the hybrid system while sitting in the driver’s seat. Do not
depress the accelerator pedal while starting the hybrid system under any
circumstances.
Doing so may cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.
■ Caution while driving
If a hybrid system failure occurs while the vehicle is moving, do not lock or
open the doors until the vehicle reaches a safe and complete stop. Doing so
may cause activation of the steering lock which may lead to an accident,
resulting in death or serious injury.
■ When “CHECK SMART KEY SYSTEM” is displayed on the multi-infor-
mation display
The system may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle inspected by your
Toyota dealer immediately. Failure to do so may lead to the system operat-
ing abnormally and possibly cause an accident or damage to the vehicle.
■ Stopping the hybrid system in an emergency
If you want to stop the hybrid system in an emergency while driving the
vehicle, press and hold the “POWER” switch for more than 2 seconds, or
press it briefly 3 times or more in succession. ( →P. 467)
However, do not touch the “POWER” switch while driving except in an
emergency. Turning the hybrid system off while driving will not cause loss of
steering or braking control, however, power assist to the steering will be
lost. This will make it more difficult to steer smoothly, so you should pull over
and stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.
Page 228 of 596

2284-5. Using the driving support systems
PRIUS c_U (OM52J11U)
WARNING
■Limitations of the pre-collision system
● The driver is solely responsible for safe driving. Always drive safely, taking
care to observe your surroundings.
Do not use the pre-collision system instead of normal braking operations
under any circumstances. This system will not prevent collisions or lessen
collision damage or injury in every situation. Do not overly rely on this sys-
tem. Failure to do so may lead to an accident, resulting in death or serious
injury.
● Although this system is designed to help avoid and reduce the impact of a
collision, its effectiveness may change according to various conditions,
therefore the system may not always be able to achieve the same level of
performance.
Read the following conditions carefully. Do not overly rely on this system
and always drive carefully.
• Conditions under which the system may operate even if there is no pos-
sibility of a collision: →P. 232
• Conditions under which the system may not operate properly: →P. 236
● Do not attempt to test the operation of the pre-collision system yourself, as
the system may not operate properly, possibly leading to an accident.
■ Pre-collision braking
● The pre-collision braking function may not operate if certain operations are
performed by the driver. If the accelerator pedal is being depressed
strongly or the steering wheel is being turned, the system may determine
that the driver is taking evasive action and possibly prevent the pre-colli-
sion braking function from operating.
● In some situations, while the pre-collision braking function is operating,
operation of the function may be canceled if the accelerator pedal is
depressed strongly or the steering wheel is turned and the system deter-
mines that the driver is taking evasive action.
● A large amount of braking force is applied while the pre-collision braking
function is operating. Additionally, as the operation of the pre-collision
braking function will be canceled after the vehicle has been stopped for
approximately 2 seconds if it is stopped by the operation of the pre-colli-
sion braking function, the driver should depress the brake pedal as neces-
sary.
● If the brake pedal is being depressed, the system may determine that the
driver is taking evasive action and possibly delay the operation timing of
the pre-collision braking function.
Page 231 of 596

2314-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
PRIUS c_U (OM52J11U)
■Operational conditions
The pre-collision system is enabled and determines that the possibility of a
frontal collision with a vehicle is high.
Each function is operational at the following speeds:
●Pre-collision warning:
• Vehicle speed is approximately 10 to 86 mph (15 to 140 km/h).
• The relative speed between your vehicle and a preceding vehicle is
approximately 10 mph (15 km/h) or more.
● Pre-collision brake assist:
• Vehicle speed is approximately 19 to 49 mph (30 to 80 km/h).
• The relative speed between your vehicle and a preceding vehicle is
approximately 19 mph (30 km/h) or more.
● Pre-collision braking:
• Vehicle speed is approximately 7 to 49 mph (10 to 80 km/h).
• The relative speed between your vehicle and a preceding vehicle is
approximately 7 mph (10 km/h) or more.
The system may not operate in the following situations:
● If a battery terminal has been disconnected and reconnected and then the
vehicle has not been driven for a certain amount of time
● If the shift lever is in R
● If VSC is disabled (only the pre-collision warning function will be opera-
tional)
■ Cancelation of the pre-collision braking
●If either of the following occur while the pre-collision braking function is
operating, it will be canceled:
• The accelerator pedal is depressed strongly.
• The steering wheel is turned sharply or abruptly.
● If the vehicle is stopped by the operation of the pre-collision braking func-
tion, the operation of the pre-collision braking function will be canceled after
the vehicle has been stopped for approximately 2 seconds.