Page 492 of 744
4925-5. Using the driving support systems
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47A89E_(EE)
◆EPS (Electric Power Steering)
Employs an electric motor to reduce the amount of effort needed to
turn the steering wheel.
◆Emergency brake signal
When the brakes are applied suddenly, the emergency flashers
automatically flash to alert the vehicle behind.
The slip indicator light will flash
while the TRC/VSC/ABS systems
are operating.
When the TRC/VSC/ABS systems are operating
Page 493 of 744

4935-5. Using the driving support systems
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47A89E_(EE)
5
Driving
If the vehicle gets stuck in mud, dirt or snow, the TRC system may
reduce power from the hybrid system to the wheels. Pressing
to turn the system off may make it easier for you to rock the vehicle in
order to free it.
To turn the TRC system off,
quickly press and release
.
The “Traction Control Turned Off”
will be shown on the multi-informa-
tion display.
Press again to turn the sys-
tem back on.
■ Turning off both TRC and VSC systems
To turn the TRC and VSC systems off, press and hold for more than 3
seconds while the vehicle is stopped.
The VSC OFF indicator will come on and the “Traction Control Turned Off”
will be shown on the multi-information display.*
Press again to turn the systems back on.
*: Pre-crash brake assist and pre-crash braking will also be disabled. The
PCS warning light will come on and the message will be shown on the
multi-information display. ( P. 6 4 3 )
■ When the message is displayed on the multi-information display show-
ing that TRC has been disable d even if has not been pressed
TRC cannot be operated. Contact any authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or
another duly qualified and equipped professional.
Disabling the TRC system
Page 494 of 744

4945-5. Using the driving support systems
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47A89E_(EE)■Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, brake assist, VSC, TRC and
hill-start assist control systems
●A sound may be heard from the engine compartment when the brake pedal
is depressed repeatedly, when the hybrid system is started or just after the
vehicle begins to move. This sound does not indicate that a malfunction has
occurred in any of these systems.
●Any of the following conditions may occur when the above systems are
operating. None of these indicates that a malfunction has occurred.
• Vibrations may be felt through the vehicle body and steering.
• A motor sound may be heard also after the vehicle comes to a stop.
■ECB operating sound
ECB operating sound may be heard in the following cases, but it does not
indicate that a malfunction has occurred.
●Operating sound heard from the engine compartment when the brake pedal
is operated.
●Motor sound of the brake system heard from the front part of the vehicle
when the driver’s door is opened.
●Operating sound heard from the engine compartment when one or two min-
utes passed after the stop of the hybrid system.
■EPS operation sound
When the steering wheel is operated, a motor sound (whirring sound) may be
heard. This does not indicate a malfunction.
■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.
■Electric power steering system warning light (warning buzzer)
P. 642
■Automatic reactivation of TRC and VSC systems
After turning the TRC and VSC systems off, the systems will be automatically
re-enabled in the following situations:
●When the power switch is turned off
●If only the TRC system is turned off, the TRC will turn on when vehicle
speed increases
If both the TRC and VSC systems are turned off, automatic re-enabling will
not occur when vehicle speed increases.
Page 496 of 744

4965-5. Using the driving support systems
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47A89E_(EE)
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 t he 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
■ TRC/VSC may not operate effectively when
Directional control and power may not be achievable while driving on slip-
pery road surfaces, even if the TRC/VSC systems are 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 hill-start assist control. 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 TRC, VSC and/or ABS is activated
The slip indicator light flashes. Always drive carefully. Reckless driving may
cause an accident. Exercise particular care when the indicator light flashes.
Page 498 of 744

4985-6. Driving tips
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47A89E_(EE)
Winter driving tips
●Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside tempera-
tures.
• Engine oil
• Engine/power control unit coolant
• Washer fluid
●Have a service technician inspect the condition of the 12-volt bat-
tery.
●Have the vehicle fitted with four snow tires or purchase a set of tire
chains for the front tires.
Ensure that all tires are the same size and brand, and that chains match
the size of the tires.
Perform the following according to the driving conditions:
●Do not try to forcibly open a window or move a wiper that is frozen.
Pour warm water over the frozen area to melt the ice. Wipe away
the water immediately to prevent it from freezing.
●To ensure proper operation of the climate control system fan,
remove any snow that has accumulated on the air inlet vents in
front of the windshield.
●Check for and remove any excess ice or snow that may have accu-
mulated on the exterior lights, vehicle’s roof, chassis, around the
tires or on the brakes.
●Remove any snow or mud from the bottom of your shoes before
getting in the vehicle.
Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before
driving the vehicle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a man-
ner appropriate to the prevailing weather conditions.
Preparation for winter
Before driving the vehicle
Page 503 of 744

503
6Interior features
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47A89E_(EE)6-1. Using the air conditioning
system and defogger
Automatic air conditioning
system ............................. 504
Remote Air Conditioning
System............................. 516
Seat heaters ...................... 520
6-2. Using the interior lights
Interior lights list ................. 522
• Front interior light .......... 523
• Front personal lights ...... 523
• Rear interior light ........... 524
6-3. Using the storage features
List of storage features ...... 525
• Glove box ...................... 526
• Console box .................. 526
• Cup holders ................... 527
• Bottle holders/
door pockets .................. 528
• Auxiliary boxes .............. 529
Luggage compartment
features............................ 530
6-4. Using the other interior
features
Other interior features ........ 535
• Sun visors...................... 535
• Vanity mirrors ................ 535
• Power outlets................. 536
• Wireless charger ........... 537
• Coat hooks .................... 543
• Assist grips .................... 543
Page 518 of 744

5186-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47A89E_(EE)■When using the Remote Air Conditioning System
A charging message will be displayed on the multi-information display. Differ-
ent messages will be displayed depending on when the Remote Air Condi-
tioning System was started (after charging or during charging).
■While the Remote Air Conditioning System is operating
●Depending on the operating condition of the Remote Air Conditioning Sys-
tem, the electric fan may spin and an operating noise may be heard.
However, this does not indicate a malfunction.
●The Remote Air Conditioning System may stop operating temporarily if
other features that use electricity (for example, the seat heater, lights, wind-
shield wipers) are in operation or if the charge level of the 12-volt battery
becomes low.
●The headlights, windshield wiper, combination meter, etc. will not operate
while the Remote Air Conditioning System is operating.
■Electronic key battery depletion
P. 266
■When the electronic key battery is fully depleted
P. 616
■Customization
Setting (e.g. Operation using “A/C” on the wireless remote control) can be
changed. (Customizable features P. 708)
Page 521 of 744
5216-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47A89E_(EE)
6
Interior features
Heats the seat at high tempera-
ture (HI)
Heats the seat at low tempera-
ture (LO)
The indicator light comes on when
one side of the switch is pressed.
To stop operation, gently press the
other side of the switch.
●The seat heaters can be used when the power switch is in ON mode.
●When not in use, turn off the switch. The indicator light turns off.
●Passenger side operation indicator:
Operating instructions
1
2
Illuminates while the passenger side
seat heater is operating, allowing the
operating condition of the passenger
side seat heater to be checked from the
driver side as well.