Page 417 of 607
PRIUS v_OM_OM47B78U_(U)
4157-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
With the engine at operating temperature and turned off, check the oil
level on the dipstick.
■Checking the engine oilPark the vehicle on level ground. After warming up the engine
and turning off the hybrid system, wait more than 5 minutes for
the oil to drain back into the bottom of the engine.
Holding a rag under the end,
pull the dipstick out.
Wipe the dipstick clean.
Flat dipstick: Reinsert the dipstick fully.
Non-flat dipstick: Reinsert
the dipstick fully with its pro-
truding areas ( in the illus-
tration) pointing towards
engine.
Engine oil
1
2
3
4
1
Page 438 of 607

436
PRIUS v_OM_OM47B78U_(U)
7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
■Situations in which the tire pressu re warning system may not operate
properly
● In the following cases, the tire pressure warning system may not operate
properly.
• If non-genuine Toyota wheels are used.
• When a replacement tire is used, the system may not operate correctly
due to the structure of the replacement tire.
• A tire has been replaced with a tire that is not of the specified size.
• Tire chains etc. are equipped.
• An auxiliary-supported run-flat tire is equipped.
• If a window tint that affects the radio wave signals is installed.
• If there is a lot of snow or ice on the vehicle, particularly around the
wheels or wheel housings.
• If the tire inflation pressure is ex tremely higher than the specified level.
• If wheel without the tire pressure warning valve and transmitter is used.
• If the ID code on the tire pressure warning valves and transmitters is not registered in the tire pressure warning computer.
● Performance may be affected in the following situations.
• Near a TV tower, electric power plant, gas station, radio station, large dis-
play, airport or other facility that generates strong radio waves or electri-
cal noise
• When carrying a portable radio, cellular phone, cordless phone or other wireless communication device
● When the vehicle is parked, the time taken for the warning to start or go off
could be extended.
● When tire inflation pressure declines rapidly for example when a tire has
burst, the warning may not function.
Page 471 of 607
469
PRIUS v_OM_OM47B78U_(U)
8When trouble arises
8-1. Essential informationEmergency flashers .......... 470
If your vehicle has to be stopped in an
emergency ...................... 471
8-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If your vehicle needs to be towed ......................... 472
If you think something is wrong .............................. 477
If a warning light turns on or a warning buzzer
sounds ............................ 478
If a warning message is displayed ......................... 487
If you have a flat tire.......... 506
If the hybrid system will not start ........................... 519
If the electronic key does not operate properly ........ 521
If the 12-volt battery is discharged ...................... 523
If your vehicle overheats ... 528
If the vehicle becomes stuck ............................... 533
Page 474 of 607

472
PRIUS v_OM_OM47B78U_(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. 171, 489)
● There is a malfunction in the immobilizer system. ( P. 8 3 )
● There is a malfunction in the smart key system. ( P. 521)
● The 12-volt battery is discharged. ( P. 523)
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 light turns on or the hybrid system
warning message is displayed on the multi-information display and
the vehicle does not move.
● The vehicle makes an abnormal sound.
Do not tow with a sling-type truck
to prevent body damage.
If towing is necessary, we recommend having your vehicle
towed by your Toyota dealer or commercial towing service,
using a wheel-lift type truck or flat bed truck.
Use a safety chain system for all towing, and abide by all state/
provincial and local laws.
Situations when it is not possible to be towed by another vehicle
Situations when it is necessary to contact dealers before towing
Towing with a sling-type truck
Page 475 of 607
4738-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS v_OM_OM47B78U_(U)
8
When trouble arises
If your vehicle is transported by a
flat bed truck, it should be tied
down at the locations shown in the
illustration.
If you use chains or cables to tie
down your vehicle, the angles
shaded in black must be 45.
Do not overly tighten the tie
downs or the vehicle may be dam-
aged.
Towing with a wheel-lift type truck
From the front From the rear
Release the parking brake. Use a towing dolly under the front wheels.
Using a flat bed truck
Page 476 of 607
4748-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS v_OM_OM47B78U_(U)
If a tow truck is not available in an emergency, your vehicle may be
temporarily towed using cables or chains secured to the emergency
towing eyelets. This should only be attempted on hard surfaced roads
for a short distance at under 18 mph (30 km/h).
A driver must be in the vehicle to steer and operate the brakes. The
vehicle’s wheels, drive train, axles, steering and brakes must be in
good condition.Take out the towing eyelet. ( P. 507)
Remove the eyelet cover using
a flathead screwdriver.
To protect the bodywork, place a
rag between the screwdriver and
the vehicle body as shown in the
illustration.
Insert the towing eyelet into the
hole and tighten partially by
hand.
Tighten down the towing eyelet
securely using a wheel nut
wrench or hard metal bar.
Emergency towing
Emergency towing procedure
1
2
3
4
Page 477 of 607

4758-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS v_OM_OM47B78U_(U)
8
When trouble arises
Securely attach cables or chains to the towing eyelet.
Take care not to damage the vehicle body.
Enter the vehicle being towed and start the hybrid system.
If the hybrid system does not start, turn the power switch to ON mode.
Shift the shift position to N and release the parking brake.
■While towing
If the hybrid system is off, the power assist for the brakes and steering will not
function, making steering and braking more difficult.
■ Wheel nut wrench
Wheel nut wrench is instal led in luggage compartment. ( P. 507)
WARNING
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.
■When towing the vehicle
■ While towing
●When towing using cables or chains, avoid sudden starts, etc. which place
excessive stress on the towing eyelet, cables or chains. The towing eyelet,
cables or chains may become dam aged, broken debris may hit people and
cause serious damage.
● Do not turn the power switch off.
This may lead to an accident as the front wheels will be locked by the
parking lock.
■ Installing towing eyelets to the vehicle
●The towing eyelets are only for the vehicle equipped with them. Do not use
the towing eyelets for another vehicle, and do not use the towing eyelets
for this vehicle on another vehicle.
● Make sure that towing eyelets are installed securely.
If not securely installed, towing eyelets may come loose during towing.
5
6
7
Be sure to transport the vehicle with the
front wheels raised or with all four wheels
raised off the ground. If the vehicle is
towed with the front wheels contacting
the ground, the drivetrain and related
parts may be damaged or electricity gen-
erated by the operation of the motor may
cause a fire to occur depending on the
nature of the damage or malfunction.
Page 478 of 607
4768-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS v_OM_OM47B78U_(U)
NOTICE
■To prevent damage to the vehicle when towing using a wheel-lift type
truck
When raising the vehicle, ensure adequate ground clearance for towing at
the opposite end of the raised vehicle. Without adequate clearance, the
vehicle could be damaged while being towed.
■ To prevent damage to the vehicle when towing with a sling-type truck
Do not tow with a sling-type truck, either from the front or rear.
■ To prevent damage to the vehicle during emergency towing
Do not secure cables or chains to the suspension components.