Page 258 of 509

2584-5. Using the driving support systems
PRIUS +_OM_OM47B24E_(EE)
■Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, brake assist, VSC, TRC and
hill-start assist control systems
Any of the following conditions may occur when the above systems are oper-
ating. 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 after the vehicle comes to a stop.
● The brake pedal may pulsate slightly after the ABS is activated.
● The brake pedal may move down slightly after the ABS is activated.
■ 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 1-2 minutes
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. 388
Page 260 of 509

2604-5. Using the driving support systems
PRIUS +_OM_OM47B24E_(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 may not operate effectively when
Directional control and power may not be achievable while driving on slip-
pery road surfaces, even if the TRC system is 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 the hill-start assist control. The 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 VSC 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 263 of 509
2634-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
PRIUS +_OM_OM47B24E_(EE)■
Changing the alert timing of the pre-crash safety system
Each time the PCS switch is pressed, the response to the distance
changes as follows.
Far
Middle
*
Near
*: Default setting
■
Turning off the pre-crash safety system
Press the PCS switch for 3 sec-
onds or more seconds.
The PCS warning light turns on
and a message is shown on the
multi-information display.
To turn on the system, press the
PCS switch again. The system
is set to ON each time the power
switch is turned to ON mode.
Changing the pre-crash safety system
XLeft-hand drive vehicles XRight-hand drive vehicles
1
2
3
Page 266 of 509

2664-5. Using the driving support systems
PRIUS +_OM_OM47B24E_(EE)■
Situations in which the pre-crash safety system does not function prop-
erly
The system may not function effectively in situations such as the following:
● On roads with sharp bends or uneven surfaces
● If a vehicle suddenly moves in front of your vehicle, such as at an intersec-
tion
● If a vehicle suddenly cuts in front of your vehicle, such as when overtaking
● In inclement weather such as heavy rain, fog, snow or sand storms
● When your vehicle is skidding with the VSC system off
● When an extreme change in vehicle height occurs
● When the radar sensor moves off position due to its surrounding area being
subjected to a strong impact
● Due to greatly turning the steering wheel when an obstacle suddenly
appears ahead
● When only part of your vehicle’s front end collides with or contacts, a vehicle
or object in a frontal collision
■ Automatic cancelation of the pre-crash safety system
When a malfunction occurs due to sensor contamination, etc. that results in
the sensors being unable to detect obstacles, the pre-crash safety system will
be automatically disabled. In this case, the system will not activate even if
there is a collision possibility.
■ When there is a malfunction in the system, or if the system is tempo-
rarily unusable
The PCS warning light flashes and a warning message is shown on the multi-
information display. If a warning message is shown on the multi-information
display, read the message and follow the instructions. ( →P. 387, 400)
Page 269 of 509

2694-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
PRIUS +_OM_OM47B24E_(EE)
WARNING
■ Limitations of the pre-crash safety system
The driver is solely responsible for safe driving. Always drive safely, taking
care to observe your surroundings.
Do not use the pre-crash safety system instead of normal braking opera-
tions under any circumstances. This system will not prevent collisions or
lessen damage or injuries in all cases. Do not overly rely on this system.
Failure to do so may cause an accident, resulting in death or serious injury.
This system has been designed to help avoid and reduce the impact of col-
lisions. However, the system operates differently depending on the situation
(→ P. 264, 265).
As a result, the same level of performance may not be expected in all
cases. Also, the pre-crash safety brakes may not operate if the driver is
depressing the brake pedal or turning the steering wheel, as the system will
determine such conditions as collision avoidance operations.
■ Handling the radar sensor
Observe the following to ensure the pre-crash safety system can function
effectively.
Otherwise, the system may not function correctly and could result in an
accident.
●Keep the sensor and grille cover clean at all times.
Clean the sensor and grille cover with a soft cloth so you do not mark or
damage them.
● Do not subject the sensor or surrounding area to a strong impact.
If the sensor moves even slightly off position, the system may not work
normally or malfunction. If the sensor or surrounding area is subject to a
strong impact, always have the area inspected and adjusted by any autho-
rized Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped pro-
fessional.
● Do not disassemble the sensor.
● Do not attach accessories or stickers to the sensor, grille cover or sur-
rounding area.
● Do not modify or paint the sensor and grille cover.
● If the sensor needs to be replaced, contact any authorized Toyota dealer
or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional.
Page 289 of 509

2895-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
PRIUS +_OM_OM47B24E_(EE)
5
Interior features
Seat heaters∗
Heats the left front seat
Heats the right front seat
The indicator light comes on when
the seat heater is operating.
●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.
∗: If equipped
1
2
WARNING
● Care should be taken to prevent injury if anyone in the following categories
comes in contact with the seats when the heater is on:
• Babies, small children, the elderly, the sick and the physically chal-
lenged
• Persons with sensitive skin
• Persons who are fatigued
• Persons who have taken alcohol or drugs that induce sleep (sleeping drugs, cold remedies, etc.)
● Observe the following precautions to prevent minor burns or overheating:
• Do not cover the seat with a blanket or cushion when using the seat heater.
• Do not use seat heater more than necessary.
NOTICE
● Do not put heavy objects that have an uneven surface on the seat and do
not stick sharp objects (needles, nails, etc.) into the seat.
● To prevent 12-volt battery discharge, do not use the functions when the
hybrid system is off.
Page 293 of 509
2935-3. Using the storage features
PRIUS +_OM_OM47B24E_(EE)
5
Interior features
List of storage features
Card holders
(if equipped: →P. 298)
Auxiliary boxes ( →P. 297)
Cup holders ( →P. 295) Glove boxes (
→P. 294)
Bottle holders/door pockets
( → P. 295)
Console box ( →P. 294)1
2
3
4
5
6
WARNING
● Do not leave glasses, lighters or spray cans in the storage spaces, as this
may cause the following when cabin temperature becomes high:
• Glasses may be deformed by heat or cracked if they come into contact
with other stored items.
• Lighters or spray cans may explode. If they come into contact with other stored items, the lighter may catch fire or the spray can may release
gas, causing a fire hazard.
● When driving or when the storage compartments are not in use, keep the
lids closed.
In the event of sudden braking or sudden swerving, an accident may occur
due to an occupant being struck by an open lid or the items stored inside.
Page 307 of 509

3075-4. Using the other interior features
PRIUS +_OM_OM47B24E_(EE)
5
Interior features
■Customization
The door lock linked automatic close function can be disabled.
(Customizable features: →P. 477)
WARNING
Observe the following precautions.
Failing to do so may result in death or serious injury.
■ When closing the panoramic roof shades
■ Jam protection function
●Never try jamming any part of your body to activate the jam protection
function intentionally.
● The jam protection function may not work if something gets caught just
before the panoramic roof shades fully close.
■ To prevent burns or injuries
Do not touch the gaps between the underside of the roof and the panoramic
roof shades.
Your hand may get caught and you could injure yourself. Also, if the vehicle
is left in direct sunlight for a long time, the underside of the roof could
become very hot and could cause burns.
NOTICE
The panoramic roof is made of resin. Follow these precautions to prevent
damage to the roof.
●When cleaning the roof, use a mild soap and a soft cloth or sponge to
remove dirt, then wash clean with plenty of water. ( →P. 314)
● When loading luggage onto the roof, make sure to use a roof rack
designed for this vehicle. ( →P. 205)
●Check to make sure that all passengers
do not have any part of their bodies in a
position where they could be caught
when the panoramic roof shades are
being operated.
● Do not allow children to operate the
panoramic roof shades.
Closing the panoramic roof shades on
someone can cause death or serious
injury.