4535-5. Using the driving support systems
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47A89E_(EE)
5
Driving
●Influence from other sonic waves
• An ultrasonic wave source is nearby, such as the horn or parking assist-
sensor of another vehicle, a vehicle detector, a motorcycle engine or the
air brake of a large vehicle
• Electronic components (such as a backlit license plate (especially fluo-
rescent types), fog lights, a fender pole or a wireless antenna) are
installed near the sensors
●Changes in the vehicle
• The vehicle is tilted a large amount
• The height of the vehicle has drastically changed due to the carried load
(the nose tilts up or down)
• The direction of the sensor has deviated due to a collision or other impact
■Intelligent Clearance Sonar function while the Simple Intelligent Parking
Assist System is operating
P. 458
■When removing and installing the 12-volt battery
The system needs to be initialized.
The system can be initialized by driving the vehicle straight ahead for 5 sec-
onds or more at a speed of approximately 35 km/h (22 mph) or higher.
■When “ICS Unavailable” is displayed on the multi-information display
and the ICS OFF indicator flashes
●Ice, snow, dirt, etc., may have adhered to the sensor. If this occurs, remove
the ice, snow, dirt, etc., from the sensor to return the system to normal.
Also, a warning message may be displayed at low temperatures due to ice
forming on the sensor, and the sensor may not detect obstacles. Once the
ice melts, the system will return to normal.
●If this message is shown even after removing dirt from the sensor, or shown
when the sensor was not dirty to begin with, have the vehicle inspected at
any authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and
equipped professional.
●System initialization may not have been performed after removal and instal-
lation of the 12-volt battery. Perform system initialization.
■When “ICS Malfunction Visit Your Dealer” is displayed on the multi-infor-
mation display, the ICS OFF indicator flashes and the buzzer sounds
The system may not be operating properly. Have the vehicle inspected at any
authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped
professional.
4905-5. Using the driving support systems
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47A89E_(EE)
WARNING
●Observe the following precautions, as the sensors may stop functioning
properly which may lead to an accident.
• Do not subject the sensor to strong shocks by hitting it, etc. The sen-
sors may not function properly.
• When using a high-pressure washer to wash the vehicle, do not spray
water directly on the sensors. Equipment may not function properly if
subjected to an impact from strong water pressure. If the vehicle
bumper strikes something, equipment may not operate properly due to
a sensor malfunction. Have the vehicle inspected at any authorized
Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped profes-
sional.
● In the following situations, the sensors may not operate normally and may
lead to an accident. Drive carefully.
• Obstacles cannot be detected in the side areas until a scan of the side
areas is completed. ( P. 438)
• Even after the scan of the side areas is completed, obstacles such as
other vehicles, people or animals that approach from the sides cannot
be detected.
• The sensor is frozen (if it thaws, the system returns to normal).
A warning message may display at particularly low temperatures due to
the sensor freezing and it may not detect parked vehicles.
• The sensor is blocked by someone’s hand.
• The vehicle is tilted a large amount.
• The temperature is extremely hot or cold.
• The vehicle is driven on undulating roads, slopes, gravel roads, in areas
with tall grass, etc.
• An ultrasonic wave source is nearby, such as the horn or sensors of
another vehicle, a motorcycle engine or the air brake of a large vehicle.
• Heavy rain or a water strikes the vehicle.
• The angle of the sensor may be deviated when assist control starts
even if there is a parked vehicle in the target parking spot. Have the
vehicle inspected at any authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or
another duly qualified and equipped professional.
• Do not install any accessories within the sensor detection range.
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.
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
5005-6. Driving tips
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47A89E_(EE)
■Tire chain installation
Observe the following precautions when installing and removing chains:
● Install and remove tire chains in a safe location.
● Install tire chains on the front tires only. Do not install tire chains on the rear
tires.
● Install tire chains on front tires as tightly as possible. Retighten chains after
driving 0.5 - 1.0 km (1/4 - 1/2 mile).
● Install tire chains following the instructions provided with the tire chains.
■ Consumption of fuel and electricity
In cold temperatures, resistance of the parts of a vehicle (transmission, tires,
etc.) generally increases, resulting in increase of energy consumption. As a
result, fuel economy is likely to decrease.
Consumption of fuel and electricity of this vehicle is also likely to become
worse in cold temperatures.
WARNING
■ Driving with snow tires
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents.
Failure to do so may result in a loss of vehicle control and cause death or
serious injury.
● Use tires of the specified size.
● Maintain the recommended level of air pressure.
● Do not drive at speeds in excess of the speed limit or the speed limit spec-
ified for the snow tires being used.
● Use snow tires on all, not just some wheels.
■ Driving with tire chains
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents.
Failure to do so may result in the vehicle being unable to be driven safely,
and may cause death or serious injury.
● Do not drive in excess of the speed limit specified for the tire chains being
used, or 50 km/h (30 mph), whichever is lower.
● Avoid driving on bumpy road surfaces or over potholes.
● Avoid sudden acceleration, abrupt steering, sudden braking and shifting
operations that cause sudden engine braking.
● Slow down sufficiently before entering a curve to ensure that vehicle con-
trol is maintained.
■ When parking the vehicle
When parking the vehicle without applying the parking brake, make sure to
chock the wheels. If you do not chock the wheels, the vehicle may move
unexpectedly, possibly resulting in an accident.
5116-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47A89E_(EE)
6
Interior features
■Heating
● In HV mode, the gasoline engine may operate in order to exhaust heat from
the engine coolant via the heater.
● In EV mode, heating is done by a heat pump system.
• When the outside temperature is low or it is snowing, compared to con-
ventional vehicles, heating may be less effective and warm air may not
come out.
• If frost has formed on the outside heat exchanger, the heating perfor-
mance will decline. The frost can be removed from the outside heat
exchanger by operating the Remote Ai r Conditioning System before driv-
ing ( P. 516). When frosted over, the heating operation of the Remote
Air Conditioning System starts after defrosting.
• When is turned on, the heating is controlled optimally. Therefore,
the set heating performance may not be achieved even if the fan speed
setting is increased.
● In the following situations the gasoline engine may operate in order to
exhaust heat from the engine coolant via the heater even in EV mode.
• The outside temperature is approximately -10°C or low
• is operating
■ Using automatic mode
Fan speed is adjusted automatically according to the temperature setting and
the ambient conditions.
Therefore, the fan may stop for a while until warm or cool air is ready to flow
immediately after is pressed.
• When the outside heat exchanger is
frosted over, fan speed declines and it
may become harder to heat the inte-
rior. However, it is not a malfunction.
In this situation, the air temperature
from the outlets may not change even
though the set temperature is raised.Outside heat exchanger
5136-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47A89E_(EE)
6
Interior features
■Fogging up of the windows
●The windows will easily fog up when the humidity in the vehicle is high.
Turning on will dehumidify the air from the outlets and defog the
windshield effectively.
●If you turn off, the windows may fog up more easily.
●The windows may fog up if the recirculated air mode is used.
■Windshield fog detection function
When automatic mode is set, the humidity sensor (P. 515) detects fog on
the windshield and controls the air conditioning system to prevent fog.
■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.
■Fresh air intake system while parking
When parking, the system automatically switches to outside air mode to
encourage better air circulation throughout the vehicle, helping to reduce
odors that occur when starting the vehicle.
■Operation of the air conditioning system when the blower customization
is set to “ECO”
●In the “ECO” mode, the air conditioning system is controlled as follows to
prioritize 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
• Set the blower customization to “FAST” or “NORMAL” mode.
●When the driving mode is set to Eco driving mode, the fan speed setting
mode will be changed to “ECO” mode automatically. Even in this case, the
fan speed control mode can be changed by pressing . (P. 412)
■When the outside temperature falls to nearly 0C (32F)
The dehumidification function may not operate even when is pressed.
545
7Maintenance and care
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47A89E_(EE)7-1. Maintenance and care
Cleaning and protecting
the vehicle exterior .......... 546
Cleaning and protecting
the vehicle interior ........... 551
7-2. Maintenance
Maintenance
requirements.................... 557
7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Do-it-yourself service
precautions ...................... 560
Hood .................................. 563
Positioning a floor jack ....... 565
Engine compartment.......... 566
Tires ................................... 580
Tire inflation pressure ........ 592
Wheels ............................... 594
Replacing the tire ............... 597
Air conditioning filter .......... 609
Wiper rubber
replacement ..................... 613
Electronic key battery ........ 616
Checking and replacing
fuses ................................ 619
Light bulbs ......................... 623