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5-5. Using the driving support systems
Driving assist systems
◆ECB (Electronically Controlled Brake System)
The electronically controlled system generates braking force corre-
sponding to the brake operation
◆ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
Helps to prevent wheel lock when the brakes are applied suddenly,
or if the brakes are applied while driving on a slippery road surface
◆Brake assist
Generates an increased level of braking force after the brake pedal
is depressed when the system detects a panic stop situation
◆VSC (Vehicle Stability Control)
Helps the driver to control skidding when swerving suddenly or
turning on slippery road surfaces.
◆Enhanced VSC (Enhanced Ve hicle Stability Control)
Provides cooperative control of the ABS, TRAC, VSC and EPS.
Helps to maintain directional stability when swerving on slippery
road surfaces by controllin g steering performance.
◆TRAC (Traction Control)
Helps to maintain drive power and prevent the drive wheels from
spinning when starting the vehicle or accelerating on slippery roads
To help enhance driving safety and performance, the following
systems operate automatically in response to various driving
situations. Be aware, however, that these systems are supple-
mentary and should not be relied upon too heavily when operat-
ing the vehicle.
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PRIUS PRIME_OM_OM47A88U_(U)
4775-5. Using the driving support systems
5
Driving
◆Hill-start assist control
Helps to reduce the backward move ment of the vehicle when start-
ing on an uphill
◆EPS (Electric Power Steering)
Employs an electric motor to redu ce the amount of effort needed to
turn the steering wheel.
The slip indicator light will flash
while the TRAC/VSC/ABS sys-
tems are operating.
If the vehicle gets stuck in mud, di rt or snow, the TRAC system may
reduce power from the hybrid sy stem 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 TRAC 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.
When the TRAC/VSC/ABS systems are operating
Disabling the TRAC system
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PRIUS PRIME_OM_OM47A88U_(U)
5-5. Using the driving support systems
■Turning off both TRAC and VSC systems
To turn the TRAC and VSC systems off, press and hold for more than
3 seconds while the vehicle is stopped.
The VSC OFF indicator light 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-collision brake assist and pre-collision braking will also be disabled.
The PCS warning light will come on and the message will be shown on the
multi-information display. ( →P. 654)
■ When the message is displayed on th e multi-information display show-
ing that TRAC has been disable d even if has not been pressed
TRAC cannot be operated. Contact your Toyota dealer.
■ Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, brake assist, VSC, TRAC 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.
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PRIUS PRIME_OM_OM47A88U_(U)
4795-5. Using the driving support systems
5
Driving
■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. 654
■ Automatic reactivation of TRAC and VSC systems
After turning the TRAC and VSC systems off, the systems will be automati-
cally re-enabled in the following situations:
● When the power switch is turned off
● If only the TRAC system is turned off, the TRAC will turn on when vehicle
speed increases
If both the TRAC and VSC systems are turned off, automatic re-enabling will
not occur when vehicle speed increases.
■ Operating conditions of hill-start assist control
When the following four conditions are met, the hill-start assist control will
operate:
● The shift position is in a position other than P or N (when starting off forward/
backward on an upward incline)
● The vehicle is stopped
● The accelerator pedal is not depressed
● The parking brake is not engaged
■ Automatic system cancelation of hill-start assist control
The hill-start assist control will turn off in any of the following situations:
● Shift the shift position to P or N
● The accelerator pedal is depressed
● The parking brake is engaged
● Approximately 2 seconds elapse after the brake pedal is released
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PRIUS PRIME_OM_OM47A88U_(U)
5-6. Driving tips
■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 1/4 - 1/2 mile (0.5 - 1.0 km).
● Install tire chains following the instructions provided with the tire ch\
ains.
■ 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 in excess of 75 mph (120 km/h), regardless of the type of
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 30 mph (50 km/h), 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.
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6Interior features
6-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
Automatic air conditioning system (vehicles with
7-inch display) ................. 488
Automatic air conditioning system (vehicles with
11.6-inch display) ............ 498
Remote Air Conditioning System ............................ 509
Heated steering wheel/ seat heaters .................... 513 6-2. Using the interior lights
Interior lights list ................ 515• Front interior light .......... 516
• Front personal lights ..... 516
• Rear interior light .......... 517
6-3. Using the storage features List of storage features ..... 518• Glove box...................... 519
• Console box .................. 519
• Cup holders .................. 520
• Bottle holders/door pockets ................. 521
• Auxiliary boxes.............. 522
Luggage compartment features ........................... 523
6-4. Using the other interior features
Other interior features ....... 530 • Sun visors ..................... 530
• Vanity mirrors................ 530
• Power outlets ................ 531
• Wireless charger ........... 532
• Coat hooks.................... 540
• Assist grips ................... 540
Garage door opener.......... 541
Safety Connect ................. 548
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PRIUS PRIME_OM_OM47A88U_(U)
6-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
6
Interior features
Heated steering wheel∗/seat heaters
∗: If equipped
Heated steering wheel and seat heaters heat the side grips of the
steering wheel and front seats, respectively.
WARNING
●Care should be taken to prevent injury if anyone in the following categories
comes in contact with the steering wheel and 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.
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5146-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
PRIUS PRIME_OM_OM47A88U_(U)
Turns the heated steering wheel
on/off
The indicator in the instrument
cluster comes on when the heated
steering wheel is operating.
●The heated steering wheel can be used when the power switch is in ON
mode.
● The heated steering wheel will automatically turn off after about 30 minutes.
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 the 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 goes off.
● Passenger side operation indicator:
Heated steering wheel (if equipped)
Seat heaters
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.