
5186-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
PRIUS_OM_OM47B54U_(U)■
Outside/recirculated air mode
●When driving on dusty roads such as tunnels or in heavy traffic, set
to the recirculated air mode. This is effective in preventing outside air from
entering the vehicle interior. During cooling operation, setting the recircu-
lated air mode will also cool the vehicle interior effectively.
● Outside/recirculated air mode may automatically switch depending on the
temperature setting or the inside temperature.
■ Operation of the air conditio ning system in Eco drive mode
● In Eco drive mode, the air conditioning system is controlled as follows to pri-
oritize fuel efficiency:
• Engine speed and compressor operation controlled to restrict heating/
cooling capacity
• Fan speed restricted when automatic mode is selected
● To improve air conditioning performance, perform the following operations:
• Adjust the fan speed
• Adjust the temperature setting
• Turn off Eco drive mode
● Even when the drive mode is set to Eco drive mode, the air conditioning eco
mode can be turned off by pressing .
■ When the outside temperat ure falls to nearly 32°F (0°C)
The dehumidification function may not operate even when is pressed.
■ Ventilation and air conditioning odors
●To let the fresh air in, set the air conditioning system to the outside air mode.
● During use, various odors from inside and outside the vehicle may enter into
and accumulate in the air conditioning system. This may then cause odor to
be emitted from the vents.
● In order to suppress odors that occur when the air conditioning system
starts, fresh air is automatically taken in when parked.
● To reduce potential odors from occurring:
The start timing of the blower may be delayed for a short period of time
immediately after the air conditioning system is started in automatic mode.
■ Air conditioning filter
→P. 620
■ Customization
Settings (e.g. A/C Auto switch operation) can be changed.
(Customizable features: →P. 748)

PRIUS_OM_OM47B54U_(U)
5636-4. Using the other interior features
6
Interior features
■Enhanced Roadside Assistance
Enhanced Roadside Assistance adds GPS data to the already
included warranty-based Toyota roadside service.
Subscribers can press the “SOS” bu tton to reach a Safety Connect
response-center agent, who can help with a wide range of needs,
such as: towing, flat tire, fuel deli very, etc. For a description of the
Roadside Assistance se rvices and their limitations, please see the
Safety Connect Terms and Conditions, which are available at
Toyota.com.
Important! Read this informatio n before using Safety Connect.
■Exposure to radio frequency signals
The Safety Connect system install ed in your vehicle is a low-power
radio transmitter and receiver. It receives and also sends out radio
frequency (RF) signals.
In August 1996, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
adopted RF exposure gui delines with safety levels for mobile wire-
less phones. Those guidelines are c onsistent with the safety stan-
dards previously set by the fo llowing U.S. and international
standards bodies.
● ANSI (American National Stand ards Institute) C95.1 [1992]
● NCRP (National Council on Radi ation Protection and Measure-
ment) Report 86 [1986]
● ICNIRP (International Commiss ion on Non-Ionizing Radiation
Protection) [1996]
Those standards were based on comprehensive and periodic eval-
uations of the relevant scientific literature. Over 120 scientists, engi-
neers, and physicians from uni versities, and government health
agencies and industries reviewed t he available body of research to
develop the ANSI Standard (C95.1).
The design of Safety Connect complies with the FCC guidelines in
addition to those standards.
Safety information for Safety Connect

566
PRIUS_OM_OM47B54U_(U)
7-1. Maintenance and care
Cleaning and protecting the vehicle exterior
●Working from top to bottom, liber ally apply water to the vehicle
body, wheel wells and underside of the vehicle to remove any dirt
and dust.
● Wash the vehicle body using a sponge or soft cloth, such as a
chamois.
● For hard-to-remove marks, use car wash soap and rinse thoroughly
with water.
● Wipe away any water.
● Wax the vehicle when the wate rproof coating deteriorates.
If water does not bead on a clean surface, apply wax when the vehicle
body is cool.
■Automatic car washes
●Fold the mirrors before washing the vehicle. Start washing from the fron\
t of
the vehicle. Make sure to extend the mirrors before driving.
● Brushes used in automatic car washes may scratch the vehicle surface and
harm your vehicle’s paint.
● Rear spoiler may not be washable in some automatic car washes. There
may also be an increased risk of damage to vehicle.
■ High pressure car washes
●Do not allow the nozzles of the car wash to come within close proximity of
the windows.
● Before using the car wash, check that the fuel filler door on your vehicle is
closed properly.
Perform the following to protect the vehicle and maintain it in
prime condition:

574
PRIUS_OM_OM47B54U_(U)
7-1. Maintenance and care
■Caring for leather areas
Toyota recommends cleaning the interior of the vehicle at least twice a year to
maintain the quality of the vehicle’s interior.
■ Shampooing the carpets
There are several commercial foaming-type cleaners available. Use a sponge
or brush to apply the foam. Rub in overlapping circles. Do not use water.
Wipe dirty surfaces and let them dry. Excellent results are obtained by keep-
ing the carpet as dry as possible.
■ Seat belts
Clean with mild soap and lukewarm water using a cloth or sponge. Also
check the belts periodically for excessive wear, fraying or cuts.
■ Cleaning the air intake vent
●If the vehicle is driven further after dust has built up and clogged the air
intake vent and filter, the hybrid battery (traction battery) will overheat,
reducing the driving range of the electric motor and worsening fuel econ-
omy. Periodically clean the air intake vent to keep dust from building up in
the air intake vent and filter.
● Improper handling may result in damage to the air intake vent cover. If you
have any concerns about cleaning the part yourself, contact your Toyota
dealer.
● The necessary cleaning interval of the air intake vent will differ according to
the vehicle usage environment.
■ If “Maintenance required for Traction battery cooling parts See owner’s
manual” is shown on the multi-information display
● If “Maintenance required for Traction battery cooling parts See owner’s
manual” is shown on the multi-information display, the air intake vent and fil-
ter may be clogged due to dust build-up. Refer to the cleaning procedure
and clean the air intake vent.
● If the vehicle is driven further while “Maintenance required for Traction bat-
tery cooling parts See owner’s manual” is shown on the multi-information
display, the hybrid battery (traction battery) may overheat, reducing the driv-
ing range, worsening fuel economy and causing damage. Periodically clean
the air intake vent to keep dust from building up in the air intake vent and fil-
ter.
● If the warning message continues to be shown on the multi-information dis-
play even after cleaning the air intake vent, have the vehicle inspected by
your Toyota dealer.

PRIUS_OM_OM47B54U_(U)
5797-2. Maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
WARNING
■If your vehicle is not properly maintained
Improper maintenance could result in serious damage to the vehicle and
possible serious injury or death.
■ Handling of the 12-volt battery
● Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and a wide variety of automobile
components contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to
cause cancer and birth defects and other reproductive harm. Work in a
well ventilated area.
● Oils, fuels and fluids contained in vehicles as well as waste produced by
component wear contain or emit chemic als known to the State of Califor-
nia to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Avoid
exposure and wash any affected area immediately.
● 12-volt battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and
lead compounds which are known to cause brain damage. Wash your
hands after handling. ( →P. 597)

583
PRIUS_OM_OM47B54U_(U)
7-2. Maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
Emission inspection and maintenance (I/M)
programs
The OBD system determin es that a problem exists somewhere in the
emission control system. Your vehi cle may not pass the I/M test and
may need to be repaired. Contact your Toyota dealer to service the
vehicle.
● When the 12-volt battery is disconnected or discharged
Readiness codes that are set duri ng ordinary driving are erased.
Also, depending on your driving habits, the readiness codes may
not be completely set.
● When the fuel tank cap is loose
The malfunction indicator lamp comes on indicating a temporary
malfunction and your vehicle may not pass the I/M test.
The error code in the OBD system will not be cleared unless the vehi-
cle is driven 40 or more times.
Contact your Toyota dealer to prepare the vehicle for re-testing.
Some states have vehicle emission inspection programs which
include OBD (On Board Diagnos tics) checks. The OBD system
monitors the operation of the emission control system.
If the malfunction indicator lamp comes on
Your vehicle may not pass the I/M test in the following situations:
When the malfunction indicator la mp still remains on after sev-
eral driving trips
If your vehicle does not pass the I/M test

PRIUS_OM_OM47B54U_(U)
5857-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
Tire inflation
pressure
(→ P. 614)• Tire pressure gauge
• Compressed air source
Washer fluid
(→ P. 602)• Water or washer fluid containing antifreeze (for win-
ter use)
• Funnel (used only for adding water or washer fluid)
WARNING
The engine compartment contains many mechanisms and fluids that may
move suddenly, become hot, or become electrically energized. To avoid death
or serious injury, observe the following precautions.
■When working on the engine compartment
● Make sure that the “Accessory”, “Ignition ON” or mileage display
(→P. 108) on the main display and the “READY” indicator are both off.
● Keep hands, clothing and tools away from the moving fan.
● Be careful not to touch the engine, power control unit, radiator, exhaust
manifold, etc. right after driving as they may be hot. Oil and other fluids
may also be hot.
● Do not leave anything that may burn easily, such as paper and rags, in the
engine compartment.
● Do not smoke, cause sparks or expose an open flame to fuel. Fuel fumes
are flammable.
■ When working near the electric cooling fans or radiator grille
Be sure the power switch is off.
With the power switch in ON mode, t he electric cooling fans may automati-
cally start to run if the air conditioning is on and/or the coolant temperature
is high. ( →P. 596)
■ Safety glasses
Wear safety glasses to prevent flying or falling material, fluid spray, etc.
from getting in your eyes.
ItemsParts and tools

PRIUS_OM_OM47B54U_(U)
6157-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
Tire valve
Tire pressure gauge
Remove the tire valve cap.
Press the tip of the tire pressure gauge onto the tire valve.
Read the pressure usi ng the gauge gradations.
If the tire inflation pressure is not at the recommended level, adjust
the pressure.
If you add too much air, press the center of the valve to deflate.
After completing the tire inflation pressure measurement and
adjustment, apply soapy water to the valve and check for leakage.
Put the tire valve cap back on.
■Tire inflation pressure check interval
You should check tire inflation pressure every two weeks, or at least once
a month.
Do not forget to check the spare.
■Effects of incorrect tire inflation pressure
Driving with incorrect tire inflation pressure may result in the following:
●Reduced fuel economy
●Reduced driving comfort and poor handling
●Reduced tire life due to wear
●Reduced safety
●Damage to the drive train
If a tire needs frequent inflating, have it checked by your Toyota dealer.
Inspection and adjustment procedure
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