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160
PRIUS v_OM_OM47B78U_(U)
4-1. Before driving
NOTICE
■When encountering flooded roads
Do not drive on a road that has flooded after heavy rain etc. Doing so may
cause the following serious damage to the vehicle:
●Engine stalling
● Short in electrical components
● Engine damage caused by water immersion
In the event that you drive on a flooded road and the vehicle is flooded, be
sure to have your Toyota dealer check the following:
● Brake function
● Changes in quantity and quality of oil and fluid used for the engine, hybrid
transmission, etc.
● Lubricant condition for the bearings and suspension joints (where possi-
ble), and the function of all joints, bearings, etc.
If the shift control system is damaged by flooding, it may not be possible to
shift the shift position to P, or from P to other positions. When the shift posi-
tion cannot be changed from P to any ot her position, the front wheels will
lock, and you will be unable to tow the vehicle with the front wheels on the
ground, as the front wheels may be locked. In this case, transport the vehi-
cle with both front wheels or all four wheels lifted.
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PRIUS v_OM_OM47B78U_(U)
1634-1. Before driving
4
Driving
WARNING
■Things that must not be carried in the luggage compartment
The following things may cause a fire if loaded in the luggage compart-
ment:
●Receptacles containing gasoline
●Aerosol cans
■Storage precautions
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may prevent the pedals from being depressed properly,
may block the driver’s vision, or may result in items hitting the driver or
passengers, possibly causing an accident.
●Stow cargo and luggage in the luggage compartment whenever possi-
ble.
●Do not stack cargo and luggage in the luggage compartment higher
than the seatbacks.
●When you fold down the rear seats, long items should not be placed
directly behind the front seats.
●Never allow anyone to ride in the luggage compartment. It is not
designed for passengers. They should ride in their seats with their seat
belts properly fastened.
●Do not place cargo or luggage in or on the following locations.
• At the feet of the driver
• On the front passenger or rear seats (when stacking items)
• On the luggage cover
• On the instrument panel
• On the dashboard
●Secure all items in the occupant compartment.
■Capacity and distribution
●Do not exceed the maximum axle weight rating or the total vehicle
weight rating.
●Even if the total load of occupant’s weight and the cargo load is less
than the total load capacity, do not apply the load unevenly. Improper
loading may cause deterioration of steering or braking control which
may cause death or serious injury.
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PRIUS v_OM_OM47B78U_(U)
1714-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
■Operation of the power switch
●If the switch is not pressed shortly and firmly, the power switch mode may
not change or the hybrid system may not start.
● If attempting to restart the hybrid system immediately after turning the power
switch off, the hybrid system may not start in some cases. After turning the
power switch off, please wait a few seconds before restarting the hybrid sys-
tem.
■ Automatically P position selection function
P. 178
■ When the shift control system malfunctions
The power switch will not be able to be turned off. In such a case, the switch
can be turned off after applying the parking brake.
Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately.
■ Meter display
When the power switch is turned off, each display will turn off as follows.
●The shift position indicator will turn off after approximately 2 seconds.
● EV driving ratio and average fuel consum ption after hybrid system started,
turn off after approximately 6 seconds.
● The odometer, clock, etc. will turn off after approximately 30 seconds.
(Each display will also turn off immediately if a door is locked before 30 sec-
onds has elapsed.)
WARNING
■ When starting the hybrid system
Always start the hybrid system while sitting in the driver’s seat. Do not
depress the accelerator pedal while starting the hybrid system under any
circumstances.
Doing so may cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.
■ Stopping the hybrid system in an emergency
If you want to stop the hybrid system in an emergency while driving the
vehicle, press and hold the power switch for more than 2 seconds, or press
it briefly 3 times or more in succession. ( P. 471)
However, do not touch the power switch while driving except in an emer-
gency. Turning the hybrid system off while driving will not cause loss of
steering or braking control, however, power assist to the steering will be
lost. This will make it more difficult to steer smoothly, so you should pull over
and stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.
Page 185 of 607

PRIUS v_OM_OM47B78U_(U)
1834-3. Operating the lights and wipers
4
Driving
With the headlights on, push
the lever away from you to turn
on the high beams.
Pull the lever toward you to the
center position to turn the high
beams off.
Pull the lever toward you and
release it to flash the high
beams once.
You can flash the high beams with the headlights on or off.
■Daytime running light system
●Vehicles with halogen headlights: The daytime running lights illuminate
using the same lights as the high beam lights and illuminate dimmer than
the high beam lights.
● Vehicles with LED headlights: The daytime running lights illuminate using
the same lights as the headlights and illuminate dimmer than the headlights.
● To make your vehicle more visible to other drivers during daytime driving,
the daytime running lights turn on automatically when all of the following
conditions are met. (The daytime running lights are not designed for use at
night.)
• The hybrid system is operating
• The parking brake is released
• The headlight switch is in the , or “AUTO”
* position
*: When the surroundings are bright
The daytime running lights remain on after they illuminate, even if the park-
ing brake is set again.
● Compared to turning on the headlights, the daytime running light system
offers greater durability and consumes less electricity, so it can help improve
fuel economy.
■ Headlight control sensor (if equipped)
Turning on the high beam headlights
1
2
The sensor may not function properly if an
object is placed on the sensor, or anything
that blocks the sensor is affixed to the
windshield.
Doing so interferes with the sensor
detecting the level of ambient light and
may cause the automatic headlight sys-
tem to malfunction.
Air conditioning operation may also be
interrupted.
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184
PRIUS v_OM_OM47B78U_(U)
4-3. Operating the lights and wipers
■Automatic light off system
●When the headlights come on: The headlights and tail lights turn off 30 sec-
onds after a door is opened and closed if the power switch is turned to
ACCESSORY mode or turned off. (The lights turn off immediately if on
the key is pressed after all the doors are locked.)
● When only the tail lights come on: The tail lights turn off automatically if the
power switch is turned to ACCESSORY mode or turned off and the driver’s
door is opened.
To turn the lights on again, turn the power switch to ON mode, or turn the light
switch off once and then back to or .
■ Automatic headlight leveling system (Vehicles with LED headlights)
The level of the headlights is automatically adjusted according to the number
of passengers and the loading condition of the vehicle to ensure that the
headlights do not interfere with other road users.
■ Customization
Settings (e.g. light sensor sensitivity) can be changed.
(Customizable features: P. 559)
NOTICE
■To prevent 12-volt battery discharge
Do not leave the lights on longer than necessary when the hybrid system is
off.
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PRIUS v_OM_OM47B78U_(U)
1934-3. Operating the lights and wipers
4
Driving
Washer/wiper dual operation
The wipers will automatically oper-
ate a couple of times after the
washer squirts.
■The windshield wipers and washer can be operated when
The power switch is in ON mode.
■ If no windshield washer fluid sprays
Check that the washer nozzles are not blocked if there is washer fluid in the
washer fluid tank.
7
WARNING
■Caution regarding the use of washer fluid
When it is cold, do not use the washer fluid until the windshield becomes
warm. The fluid may freeze on the windshield and cause low visibility. This
may lead to an accident, resulting in death or serious injury.
NOTICE
■When the windshield is dry
Do not use the wipers, as they may damage the windshield.
■ When the washer fluid tank is empty
Do not operate the switch continually as the washer fluid pump may over-
heat.
■ When a nozzle becomes blocked
In this case, contact your Toyota dealer.
Do not try to clear it with a pin or other object. The nozzle will be damaged.
■ To prevent 12-volt battery discharge
Do not leave the wipers on longer than necessary when the hybrid system
is off.
Page 196 of 607
194
PRIUS v_OM_OM47B78U_(U)
4-3. Operating the lights and wipers
Rear window wiper and washer
Turning the end of the lever turns on the rear window wiper and
washer.Intermittent operation
Normal operation
Washer/wiper dual opera-
tion
Washer/wiper dual opera-
tion
■The rear window wiper and washer can be operated when
The power switch is in ON mode.
■ If no washer fluid sprays
Check that the washer nozzles are not blocked if there is washer fluid in the
washer fluid tank.
Operating the wiper lever
1
2
3
4
NOTICE
■When the rear window is dry
Do not use the wiper, as it may damage the rear window.
■ When the washer fluid tank is empty
Do not operate the switch continually as the washer fluid pump may over-
heat.
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214
PRIUS v_OM_OM47B78U_(U)
4-5. Using the driving support systems
• When driving in inclement weather such as heavy rain, fog, snow or asandstorm
• When the vehicle is hit by water, snow, dust, etc. from a vehicle ahead
• When driving through steam or smoke
• When driving in a place where the surrounding brightness changes sud- denly, such as at the entrance or exit of a tunnel
• When a very bright light, such as the sun or the headlights of oncoming traffic, shines directly into the camera sensor
• When the surrounding area is dim, such as at dawn or dusk, or while at
night or in a tunnel
• After the hybrid system has started the vehicle has not been driven for a certain amount of time
• While making a left/right turn and for a few seconds after making a left/ right turn
• While driving on a curve and for a few seconds after driving on a curve
• If your vehicle is skidding
• If the wheels are misaligned
• If a wiper blade is blocking the camera sensor
• The vehicle is wobbling.
• The vehicle is being driven at extremely high speeds.
• When driving on a hill
• If the radar sensor or camera sensor is misaligned
● In some situations such as the following, sufficient braking force may not be
obtained, preventing the system from performing properly:
• If the braking functions cannot operate to their full extent, such as when
the brake parts are extremely cold, extremely hot, or wet
• If the vehicle is not properly maintained (brakes or tires are excessively
worn, improper tire inflation pressure, etc.)
• When the vehicle is being driven on a gravel road or other slippery sur-
face
• If the front of the vehicle is raised or
lowered