Page 182 of 596
1824-1. Before driving
PRIUS c_U
WARNING
■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, d o not apply the load unevenly. I mproper
loading may cause deterioration of steering or braking control which
may cause death or serious injury.
■Roof molding (if equipped)
Do not install a luggage rack to the roof
molding as the luggage rack may
become disengaged while driving, pos-
sibly leading to an accident.
Page 183 of 596
1834-1. Before driving
4
Driving
PRIUS c_U
◆Total load capacity (vehicle capacity weight): (P. 5 3 4 )
Total load capacity means the co mbined weight of occupants, cargo
and luggage.
◆Seating capacity: 5 occupants (Front 2, Rear 3)
Seating capacity means the max imum number of occupants whose
estimated average weight is 150 lb. (68 kg) per person.
◆Towing capacity
Toyota does not recommend towi ng a trailer with your vehicle.
◆Cargo capacity
Cargo capacity may increase or decrease depending on the weight
and the number of occupants.
■Total load capacity and seating capacity
These details are also described on the tire and loading inform ation label.
( P. 442)
Vehicle load limits
Vehicle load limits include total load capacity, seating capaci ty,
towing capacity and cargo capacity.
WARNING
■Overloading the vehicle
Do not overload the vehicle.
It may not only cause damage to the tires, but also degrade steering
and braking ability, res ulting in an accident.
Page 188 of 596

1884-2. Driving procedures
PRIUS c_U■
If the hybrid system does not star t (vehicles with immobilizer system)
The immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. ( P. 86)
Contact your Toyota dealer.
■ When the steering lock cannot be released
■ If the “READY” indicator does not come on
In the event that the “READY” indicator does not come on even a fter perform-
ing the proper procedures for starting the vehicle, contact you r Toyota dealer
immediately.
■ If the hybrid system is malfunctioning
P. 486
■ Key reminder function
A buzzer sounds if the driver’s door is opened while the power switch is in the
“LOCK” or “ACC” position to remind you to remove the key. When starting the hybrid system, the
power switch may seem stuck in the
“LOCK” position. To free it, turn the key
while turning the steering wheel slightly
left and right.
WARNING
■ When starting the hybrid system
Always start the hybrid system while sitting in the driver’s se at. 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 in jury.
■ Caution when driving
Do not turn the power switch to the “LOCK” position while drivi ng. If, in an
emergency, you must turn the hybrid system off while the vehicle is moving,
turn the power switch only to the “ACC” position to stop the hy brid system.
An accident may result if the hybrid system is stopped while dr iving.
( P. 467)
Page 195 of 596

1954-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
PRIUS c_U
WARNING
■When starting the hybrid system
Always start the hybrid system while sitting in the driver’s se at. 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 in jury.
■ Caution while driving
If a hybrid system failure occurs while the vehicle is moving, do not lock or
open the doors until the vehicle reaches a safe and complete stop. Doing so
may cause activation of the steering lock which may lead to an accident,
resulting in death or serious injury.
■ When “CHECK SMART KEY SYSTEM” is displayed on the multi-infor-
mation display
The system may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle inspected by your
Toyota dealer immediately. Failure to do so may lead to the sys tem operat-
ing abnormally and possibly cause an accident or damage to the vehicle.
■ Stopping the hybrid system in an emergency
If you want to stop the hybrid system in an emergency while dri ving the
vehicle, press and hold the power switch for more than 2 second s, or press
it briefly 3 times or more in succession. ( P. 467)
However, do not touch the power switch while driving except in an emer-
gency. Turning the hybrid system off while driving will not cau se loss of
steering or braking control, however, power assist to the steer ing will be
lost. This will make it more difficult to steer smoothly, so yo u should pull over
and stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.
Page 199 of 596

1994-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
PRIUS c_U■
Automatic cancelation of EV drive mode
When driving in EV drive mode, the gasoline engine may automati cally restart
in the following situations. When EV drive mode is canceled, a buzzer will
sound and the EV drive mode indicator will flash and go off.
● The hybrid battery (traction battery) becomes low.
The remaining battery level indicated in the energy monitor dis play is low.
( P. 110)
● Vehicle speed is high.
● The accelerator pedal is depressed firmly or the vehicle is on a hill etc.
■ Possible driving distance when driving in EV drive mode
EV drive mode’s possible driving distance ranges from a few hun dred meters
to approximately 1.3 miles (2 km). However, depending on vehicl e conditions,
there are situations when EV drive mode cannot be used.
(The distance that is possible depends on the hybrid battery [t raction battery]
level and driving conditions.)
■ Fuel economy
The hybrid system is designed to achieve the best possible fuel economy
during normal driving (using the gasoline engine and electric m otor [traction
motor]). Driving in EV drive mode more than necessary may lower fuel econ-
omy.
WARNING
■ Caution while driving
When driving in EV drive mode no engine noise is made. As such, pedestri-
ans, people riding bicycles or other people and vehicles in the surrounding
area may not be aware of the vehicle starting off or approachin g them.
Therefore, take extra care while driving even if the Vehicle Pr oximity Notifi-
cation System is active.
Page 203 of 596

2034-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
PRIUS c_U
WARNING
■When driving on slippery road surfaces
Do not accelerate or shift gears suddenly.
Sudden changes in engine braking may cause the vehicle to spin or skid,
resulting in an accident.
■ To prevent an accident when releasing the shift lock
Before pressing the shift lock override button, make sure to se t the parking
brake and depress the brake pedal.
If the accelerator pedal is accidentally depressed instead of t he brake pedal
when the shift lock override button is pressed and the shift le ver is shifted
out of P, the vehicle may suddenly start, possibly leading to a n accident
resulting in death or serious injury.
NOTICE
■ Hybrid battery (tract ion battery) charge
If the shift lever is in N, the hybrid battery (traction batter y) will not be
charged even when the engine is running. Therefore, if the vehi cle is left
with the shift lever in N for a long period of time, the hybrid battery (traction
battery) will discharge, and this may result in the vehicle not being able to
start.
Page 205 of 596
2054-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
PRIUS c_U
To set the parking brake, fully
pull the parking brake lever
while depressing the brake
pedal.
To release the parking brake,
slightly raise the lever and
lower it completely while press-
ing the button.
■Parking the vehicle
P. 170
■ Parking brake engaged warning buzzer
A buzzer will sound if the vehicle is driven at a speed of appr oximately 3 mph
(5 km/h) or more with the parking brake engaged. ( P. 478, 489)
■ Usage in winter time
P. 272
Parking brake
Operating instructions
U.S.A. Canada
1
2
NOTICE
■Before driving
Fully release the parking brake.
Driving the vehicle with the parking brake set will lead to bra ke components
overheating, which may affect braking performance and increase brake
wear.
Page 214 of 596
2144-3. Operating the lights and wipers
PRIUS c_U
Washer/wiper dual oper-
ation
Pulling the lever operates the wip-
ers and washer.
The wipers will automatically oper-
ate a couple of times after the
washer squirts.
■The windshield wipers and washer can be operated when
Vehicles without a smart key system
The power switch is in the “ON” position.
Vehicles with a smart key system
The power switch is in ON mode.
■ If no windshield washer fluid sprays
Check that the washer nozzles are not blocked if there is washe r fluid in the
windshield washer fluid reservoir.
7
WARNING
■ Caution regarding the use of washer fluid
When it is cold, do not use the washer fluid until the windshie ld becomes
warm. The fluid may freeze on the windshield and cause low visi bility. This
may lead to an accident, resulting in death or serious injury.