
10
PRIUS c_U (OM52J11U)Your Toyota is equipped with several sophisticated computers that will record
certain data, such as:
• Engine speed
• Electric motor speed (traction motor speed)
• Accelerator status
• Brake status
• Vehicle speed
• Shift position
• Hybrid battery (traction battery) status
The recorded data varies according to the vehicle grade level and options
with which it is equipped. These computers do not record conversations or
sounds, and only record images outside of the vehicle in certain situati\
ons.
●Data Transmission
Your vehicle may transmit the data re corded in these computers to Toyota
without notification to you.
●Data usage
Toyota may use the data recorded in these computers to diagnose malfunc-
tions, conduct research and development, and improve quality.
Toyota will not disclose the recorded data to a third party except:
• With the consent of the vehicle owner or with the consent of the lessee if the vehicle is leased
• In response to an official request by the police, a court of law or a govern- ment agency
• For use by Toyota in a law suit
• For research purposes where the data is not tied to a specific vehicle or vehicle owner
●To learn more about the vehicle data collected, used and shared by Toy-
ota, please visit www.toyota.com/privacyvts/
.
Vehicle data recordings 

421-1. For safe use
PRIUS c_U (OM52J11U)
Your vehicle is equipped with ADVANCED AIRBAGS  designed  based
on the US motor vehicle safety standards (FMVSS208). The airbag
sensor assembly (ECU ) controls airbag deployment based on infor-
mation obtained from the sensors et c. shown in the system compo-
nents diagram above. This informat ion includes crash severity and
occupant information. As the airbags deploy, a chemical reaction in
the inflators quickly fills the airbag s with non-toxic gas to help restrain
the motion of the occupants.
WARNING
■ SRS airbag precautions
Observe the following precautions regarding the SRS airbags. 
Failure to do so may cause death or serious injury.
● The driver and all passengers in the vehicle must wear their seat belts
properly.
The SRS airbags are supplemental devices to be used with the seat belts.
● The SRS driver airbag deploys with considerable force, and can cause
death or serious injury especially if the driver is very close to the airbag.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) advises:
Since the risk zone for the driver’s airbag is the first 2 - 3 in. (50 - 75 mm)
of inflation, placing yourself 10 in.  (250 mm) from your driver airbag pro-
vides you with a clear margin of safety. This distance is measured from
the center of the steering wheel to your breastbone. If you sit less than 10
in. (250 mm) away now, you can change your driving position in several
ways:
• Move your seat to the rear as far as you can while still reaching the ped- als comfortably.
• Slightly recline the back of the seat. Although vehicle designs vary,
many drivers can achieve the 10 in. (250 mm) distance, even with the
driver seat all the way forward, simply by reclining the back of the seat
somewhat. If reclining the back of your seat makes it hard to see the
road, raise yourself by using a firm, non-slippery cushion, or raise the
seat if your vehicle has that feature.
• If your steering wheel is adjustable, tilt it downward. This points the air-
bag toward your chest instead of your head and neck.
The seat should be adjusted as recommended by NHTSA above, while
still maintaining control of the foot pedals, steering wheel, and your v\
iew
of the instrument panel controls. 

73
1
For safety and security
PRIUS c_U (OM52J11U)
1-2. Hybrid system
The illustration is an example for explanation and may differ from the
actual item.Gasoline engine
Electric motor (Traction motor)
Hybrid system  features
Your vehicle is a hybrid vehicle. It has characteristics different
from conventional vehicles. Be sure you are closely familiar with
the characteristics of your vehicle, and operate it with care.
The hybrid system combines the  use of a gasoline engine and
an electric motor (traction moto r) according to driving condi-
tions, improving fuel efficien cy and reducing exhaust emis-
sions.
1
2 

741-2. Hybrid system
PRIUS c_U (OM52J11U)
◆When stopped/during start off
The gasoline engine stops* when the vehicle is stopped. During
start-off, the electric motor (tra ction motor) drives the vehicle. At
slow speeds or when traveling down a gentle slope, the engine is
stopped* and the motor is used.
When the shift lever is in N, the hybrid battery (traction battery) is
not being charged.
*When the hybrid battery (traction battery) requires charging or the engine
is warming up, etc., the gasoline engine will not automatically stop. 
( → P. 75)
◆During normal driving
The gasoline engine is predomin antly used. The electric motor
(traction motor) charges the hy brid battery as necessary.
◆When accelerating sharply
The power of the hybrid battery (traction battery) is added to that of
the gasoline engine via the electric motor (traction motor).
◆When braking (regenerative braking)
The wheels operate the electric motor (traction motor) as a power
generator, and the hybrid battery  (traction battery) is charged.
When the gasoline engine is off while driving, a sound is produced to
warn pedestrians, people riding bi cycles or other people and vehicles
in the surrounding area that the vehi cle is approaching. The pitch of
the sound adjusts according to vehi cle speed. When vehicle speed is
approximately 16 mph (25 km/h) or more, the warning system turns
off.
Vehicle Proximity Notification System 

751-2. Hybrid system
1
For safety and security
PRIUS c_U (OM52J11U)
■Regenerative braking
In the following situations, kinetic energy is converted to electric energy and
deceleration force can be obtained in conjunction with the recharging of the
hybrid battery (traction battery).
●The accelerator pedal is released with the shift lever in D or B. 
● The brake pedal is depressed with the shift lever in D or B.
■ EV drive indicator lamp
■ Conditions in which the gasoline engine may not stop
The gasoline engine starts and stops automatically. However, it may not stop
automatically in the following conditions:
●During gasoline engine warm-up
● During hybrid battery (traction battery) charging
● When the temperature of the hybrid battery (traction battery) is high or low
● When the heater is switched on
The EV drive indicator lamp comes on
when the vehicle is driven using only the
electric motor (traction motor) or the gas-
oline engine is stopped.
Displayed when “ECO Score” or the
basic display of “ECO Savings” is
selected. (
→P. 100) 

771-2. Hybrid system
1
For safety and security
PRIUS c_U (OM52J11U)■
Sounds and vibrations specific to a hybrid vehicle
There may be no engine sound or vibration even though the vehicle is able to
move with the “READY” indicator is illuminated. For safety, apply the parking
brake and make sure to shift the shift lever to P when parked.
The following sounds or vibrations may occur when the hybrid system is
operating and are not a malfunction:
●Motor sounds may be heard from the engine compartment.
● Sounds may be heard from the hybrid battery (traction battery) under t\
he
rear seats when the hybrid system starts or stops.
● Relay operating sounds such as a snap or soft clank will be emitted from the
hybrid battery (traction battery), under the rear seats, when the hybrid sys-
tem is started or stopped.
● Sounds from the hybrid system may be heard when the back door is open.
● Sounds may be heard from the transmission when the gasoline engine
starts or stops, when driving at low speeds, or during idling.
● Engine sounds may be heard when accelerating sharply.
● Sounds may be heard due to regenerative braking when the brake pedal is
depressed or as the accelerator pedal is released.
● Vibration may be felt when the gasoline engine starts or stops.
● Cooling fan sounds may be heard from the air intake vent on the side of the
lower part of the rear left seat.
■ Vehicle Proximity Notification System
In the following cases, the Vehicle Proximity Notification System sound may
be difficult for pedestrians, people ridi ng bicycles or other people and vehicles
in the surrounding area to hear:
● When there is a lot of noise in the vicinity 
● When it is raining or during strong winds
● When in the area surrounding the rear of the vehicle, rather than in front of
the vehicle
■ Maintenance, repair, recycling, and disposal
Contact your Toyota dealer regarding maintenance, repair, recycling and dis-
posal. Do not dispose of the vehicle yourself.
■ Customization that can be co nfigured at Toyota dealer
Settings (e. g. the volume of Vehicle Proximity Notification System sound)
can be changed. (Customizable features:  →P. 556) 

781-2. Hybrid system
PRIUS c_U (OM52J11U)
The illustration is an example for explanation and may differ from the
actual item.
Hybrid system precautions
Take care when handling the hybrid system, as it is a high volt-
age system (about 520 V at maximum) as well as contains parts
that become extremely hot when the hybrid system is operating.
Obey the warning labels attached to the vehicle.
Warning label
Service plug
Air conditioning compressor
Electric motor (traction motor) Power control unit with DC/DC
converter
Hybrid battery (traction bat-
tery)
High voltage cables (orange)1
2
3
4
5
6
7 

821-2. Hybrid system
PRIUS c_U (OM52J11U)
WARNING
■Road accident cautions
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of death or serious
injury:
● Pull your vehicle off the road, apply the parking brake, shift the shift lever
to P, and turn the hybrid system off.
● Do not touch the high voltage parts, cables or connectors.
● If electric wires are exposed inside or outside your vehicle, an electric
shock may occur. Never touch exposed electric wires.
● If a fluid leak occurs, do not touch the fluid as it may be strong alkaline
electrolyte from the hybrid battery (traction battery). If it comes into contact
with your skin or eyes, wash it off immediately with a large amount of water
or, if possible, boric acid solution. Seek immediate medical attention.
● If a fire occurs in the hybrid vehicle, leave the vehicle as soon as possible.
Never use a fire extinguisher that is not meant for electric fires. Using even
a small amount of water may be dangerous.
● If your vehicle needs to be towed, do so with the front wheels raised. If the
wheels connected to the electric motor (traction motor) are on the ground
when towing, the motor may continue to generate electricity. This may
cause a fire. ( →P. 469)
● Carefully inspect the ground under the vehicle. If you find that liquid has
leaked onto the ground, the fuel system may have been damaged. Leave
the vehicle as soon as possible.