Page 583 of 820

PRIUS_OM_OM47B89U_(U)
5837-1. Maintenance and care
7
Maintenance and care
■Note for a smart key system
If the door handle becomes wet while the electronic key is within the ef\
fective
range, the door may lock and unlock repeatedly. In that case, follow the fol-
lowing correction procedures to wash the vehicle:
●Place the key in a position 6 ft. (2 m) or more separate from the vehicle
while the vehicle is being washed. (Take care to ensure that the key is not
stolen.)
● Set the electronic key to battery-saving mode to disable the smart key sys-
tem. ( →P. 184)
■ Aluminum wheels
●Remove any dirt immediately by using a neutral detergent.
● Wash detergent off with water immediately after use.
● To protect the paint from damage, make sure to observe the following pre-
cautions.
• Do not use acidic, alkaline or abrasive detergent
• Do not use hard brushes
• Do not use detergent on the wheels when they are hot, such as after driv-
ing or parking in hot weather
■ Bumpers
Do not scrub with abrasive cleaners.
■ Front side windows water-repellent coating (if equipped)
The following precautions can extend the effectiveness of the water-repellent
coating.
●Remove any dirt, etc. from the front side windows regularly.
● Do not allow dirt and dust to accumulate on the windows for a long period.
Clean the windows with a soft, damp cloth as soon as possible.
● Do not use wax or glass cleaners that contain abrasives when cleaning the
windows.
● Do not use any metallic objects to remove condensation build up.
Page 611 of 820

PRIUS_OM_OM47B89U_(U)
6117-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
Check the 12-volt battery as follows:
■12-volt battery exterior
Make sure that the 12-volt battery terminals are not corroded and
that there are no loose connections, cracks, or loose clamps.
Terminals
■ Before recharging
When recharging, the 12-volt battery produces hydrogen gas which is flam-
mable and explosive. Therefore, observe the following precautions before
recharging:
●If recharging with the 12-volt battery installed on the vehicle, be sure to dis-
connect the ground cable.
● Make sure the power switch on the charger is off when connecting and dis-
connecting the charger cables to the 12-volt battery.
■ After recharging/reconnect ing the 12-volt battery
● Unlocking the doors using the smart key system may not be possible imme-
diately after reconnecting the 12-volt battery. If this happens, use the wire-
less remote control or the mechanical key to lock/unlock the doors.
● Start the hybrid system with the power switch in ACCESSORY mode. The
hybrid system may not start with the power switch turned off. However, the
hybrid system will operate normally from the second attempt.
● The power switch mode is recorded by the vehicle. If the 12-volt battery is
reconnected, the vehicle will return the power switch mode to the status it
was in before the 12-volt battery was disconnected. Make sure to turn off
the power before disconnect the 12-volt battery. Take extra care when con-
necting the 12-volt battery if the power switch mode prior to discharge is
unknown.
● Restart the hybrid system, depress the brake pedal, and confirm that it is
possible to shift into each shift position.
If the system will not start even after multiple attempts at all methods above,
contact your Toyota dealer.
12-volt battery
Page 646 of 820
646
PRIUS_OM_OM47B89U_(U)
7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Electronic key batter y
●Flathead screwdriver
● Lithium battery CR2032
Release the lock and take out
the mechanical key.
Remove the cover.
Use a screwdriver of an appropri-
ate size. Forcedly prying may
cause the cover damaged.
To prevent damage to the key,
cover the tip of the screwdriver with
a rag.
Replace the battery with a new one if it is depleted.
You will need the following items:
Replacing the battery
1
2
Page 647 of 820
PRIUS_OM_OM47B89U_(U)
6477-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
Remove the depleted battery.
When removing the cover, if the
battery cannot be seen due to the
electronic key module attaching to
the upper cover, remove the elec-
tronic key module from the cover
so that the battery is visible as
shown in the illustration.
When removing the battery, use a
screwdriver of an appropriate size.
Insert a new battery with the “+” terminal facing up.
When installing, reverse the steps listed.
■Use a CR2032 lithium battery
●Batteries can be purchased at your Toyota dealer, local electrical appliance
shops or camera stores.
● Replace only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manu-
facturer.
● Dispose of used batteries according to the local laws.
■ If the electronic key battery is depleted
The following symptoms may occur:
●The smart key system and wireless remote control will not function properly.
● The operational range will be reduced.
3
4
Page 663 of 820
663
PRIUS_OM_OM47B89U_(U)
8When trouble arises
8-1. Essential informationEmergency flashers .......... 664
If your vehicle has to be stopped in an
emergency ...................... 665
8-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If your vehicle needs to be towed ......................... 666
If you think something is wrong .............................. 672
If a warning light turns on or a warning buzzer
sounds ............................ 673
If a warning message is displayed......................... 684
If you have a flat tire (vehicles with
spare tire)........................ 691
If you have a flat tire (vehicles without
spare tire)........................ 705
If the hybrid system will not start ........................... 724
If the electronic key does not operate properly........ 726
If the 12-volt battery is discharged ...................... 729
If your vehicle overheats ... 735
If the vehicle becomes stuck ............................... 740
Page 666 of 820

666
PRIUS_OM_OM47B89U_(U)
8-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If your vehicle needs to be towed
In the following situations, it is not possible to be towed by another
vehicle using cables or chains, as the front wheels may be locked due
to the parking lock. Contact your Toyota dealer or commercial towing
service.
●There is a malfunction in the shift control system. ( →P. 234, 690)
● There is a malfunction in the immobilizer system. ( →P. 89)
● There is a malfunction in the smart key system. ( →P. 726)
● The 12-volt battery is discharged. ( →P. 729)
The following may indicate a problem with your hybrid transmission.
Contact your Toyota dealer or commercial towing service before tow-
ing.
● The hybrid system warning messa ge is displayed and the vehicle
does not move.
● The vehicle makes an abnormal sound.
If towing is necessary, we re commend having your vehicle
towed by your Toyota dealer or commercial towing service,
using a wheel-lift type truck or flatbed truck.
Use a safety chain system for all towing, and abide by all state/
provincial and local laws.
Situations when it is not possibl e to be towed by another vehicle
Situations when it is necessary to contact dealers before towing
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6878-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS_OM_OM47B89U_(U)
8
When trouble arises
■If “See Owner’s Manual” is shown
●If “Braking Power Low Stop in a Safe Place See Owner’s Manual” is shown,
this may be a malfunction. Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and
contact your Toyota dealer. Continuing to drive the vehicle may be danger-
ous.
● If “Engine Oil Pressure Low” is shown, this may be a malfunction. Immedi-
ately stop the vehicle in a safe place and contact your Toyota dealer.
● If the following messages are shown, there may be a malfunction. Immedi-
ately have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer.
• “Hybrid System Malfunction”
• “Check Engine”
• “Hybrid Battery System Malfunction”
• “Accelerator System Malfunction”
• “Smart Key System Malfunction See Owner’s Manual”
■ If “Shift System Not Active Apply Parking Brake Securely While Parking
See Owner’s Manual” is shown
Indicates a temporary operation failure or malfunction in the shift cont\
rol sys-
tem. Immediately have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer.
When the message is shown, the hybrid system may not be started or the
shift position may not be changed normally. (Coping method: →P. 690)
■ If “Shift System Malfunction Appl y Parking Brake Securely While Park-
ing See Owner’s Manual” is shown
Indicates a malfunction in the shift control system. Immediately have the vehi-
cle inspected by your Toyota dealer.
When the message is shown, the hybrid system may not be started or the
shift position may not be changed normally. (Coping method: →P. 690)
■ If “ Switch Malfunction Apply Pa rking Brake Securely While Parking
See Owner’s Manual” is shown
The P position switch may not operate. Immediately have the vehicle
inspected by your Toyota dealer.
When parking the vehicle, stop the vehicle on level ground and apply the
parking brake firmly.
■ If “Shift System Malfunction Shifting Unavailable See Owner’s Manual”
is shown
Indicates a malfunction in the shift control system. Immediately have the vehi-
cle inspected by your Toyota dealer.
The shift position may not be shifted from P to other than P.
■ If “Shift System Malfunction Stop in a Safe Place See Owner’s Manual”
is shown
Indicates a malfunction in the shift control system. Immediately have the vehi-
cle inspected by your Toyota dealer.
The shift position may not be changed. Stop the vehicle in a safe place.
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724
PRIUS_OM_OM47B89U_(U)
8-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If the hybrid system will not start
One of the following may be the cause of the problem:
●The electronic key may not be functioning properly.
* (→ P. 726)
● There may not be sufficient fuel in the vehicle’s tank.
Refuel the vehicle. ( →P. 84)
● There may be a malfunction in the immobilizer system.
* (→ P. 8 9 )
● There may be a malfunction in the shift control system.
*
( → P. 234, 690)
● The hybrid system may be malfunctioning due to an electrical prob-
lem such as electronic key battery depletion or a blown fuse. How-
ever, depending on the type of malfunction, an interim measure is
available to start the hybrid system. (→ P. 725)
● There is a possibility that the temperature of the hybrid battery
(traction battery) is extremely low (approximately below -22°F
[-30°C]). ( →P. 84, 234)
*: It may not be possible to shift the shift position other than P.
One of the following may be the cause of the problem:
● The 12-volt battery may be discharged. ( →P. 729)
● The 12-volt battery terminal con nections may be loose or corroded.
( → P. 6 1 1 )
Reasons for the hybrid system not starting vary depending on
the situation. Check the follo wing and perform the appropriate
procedure:
The hybrid system will not start even though the correct starting
procedure is being followed. ( →P. 231)
The interior lights and headlights are dim, or the horn does not
sound or sounds at a low volume.