3796-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
6
Interior features
PRIUS c_U
■Operation of the air conditioning system in Eco drive mode
In Eco drive mode, the air conditioning system is controlled as follows to pri-
oritize fuel efficiency:
● Engine speed and compressor operation controlled to restrict heating/cool-
ing capacity
● Fan speed restricted when automatic mode is selected
To improve air conditioning perf ormance, perform the following operations:
● Adjust the fan speed
● Turn off Eco drive mode
■ Using automatic mode
Fan speed is adjusted automatically according to the temperatur e setting and
the ambient conditions.
Therefore, the fan may stop for a while until warm or cool air is ready to flow
immediately after is pressed.
■ Fogging up of the windows
●The windows will easily fog up when the humidity in the vehicle is high.
Turning on will dehumidify the air from the outlets and defog the wind-
shield effectively.
● If you turn off, the windows may fog up more easily.
● The windows may fog up if the recirculated air mode is used.
3806-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
PRIUS c_U■
Outside/recirculated air mode
●When driving on dusty roads such as tunnels or in heavy traffic, set the out-
side/recirculated air mode button to the recirculated air mode. This is effec-
tive in preventing outside air from entering the vehicle interi or. During
cooling operation, setting the recirculated air mode will also cool the vehicle
interior effectively.
● Outside/recirculated air mode may automatically switch dependin g on the
temperature setting or the inside temperature.
■ When the outside temperature exceeds 75 F (24 C) and the air condition-
ing system is on
● In order to reduce the air conditioning power consumption, the air condition-
ing system may switch to recirculated air mode automatically. This may also
reduce fuel consumption.
● Recirculated air mode is selected as a default mode when the power switch
is turned to the “ON” position (vehicles without a smart key system) or the
power switch is turned to ON mode (vehicles with a smart key system).
● It is possible to switch to outside air mode at any time by pre ssing .
■ When the outside tempera ture falls to nearly 32F (0 C)
The dehumidification function may not operate even when is pre ssed.
■ Ventilation and air conditioning odors
●To let fresh air in, set the air conditioning system to the out side air mode.
● During use, various odors from inside and outside the vehicle m ay enter into
and accumulate in the air conditioning system. This may then ca use odor to
be emitted from the vents.
● To reduce potential odors from occurring:
• It is recommended that the air conditioning system be set to o utside air
mode prior to turning the vehicle off.
• The start timing of the blower may be delayed for a short peri od of time
immediately after the air conditioning system is started in aut omatic
mode.
■ Air conditioning filter
P. 447
■ Customization
Settings (e.g. A/C auto switch operation) can be changed.
(Customizable features: P. 559)
398
PRIUS c_U
7-1. Maintenance and care
●Working from top to bottom, liberally apply water to the vehicl e
body, wheel wells and underside of the vehicle to remove any di rt
and dust.
● Wash the vehicle body using a sponge or soft cloth, such as a
chamois.
● For hard-to-remove marks, use car wash soap and rinse thoroughl y
with water.
● Wipe away any water.
● Wax the vehicle when the wate rproof coating deteriorates.
If water does not bead on a clean surface, apply wax when the v ehicle
body is cool.
■ Automatic car washes
●Fold the mirrors before washing the vehicle. Start washing from the front of
the vehicle. Make sure to extend the mirrors before driving.
● Brushes used in automatic car washes may scratch the vehicle su rface and
harm your vehicle's paint.
● In certain automatic car washes, the rear spoiler may interfere with machine
operation. This may prevent t he vehicle from being cleaned prop erly or
result in damage to the rear spoiler.
■ High pressure car washes
●Do not allow the nozzles of the car wash to come within close p roximity of
the windows.
● Before using the car wash, check that the fuel filler door on y our vehicle is
closed properly.
■ When using a car wash (vehicles with a smart key system)
If the door handle becomes wet while the electronic key is within the effective
range, the door may lock and unlock repeatedly. In that case, f ollow the fol-
lowing correction procedures to wash the vehicle:
● Place the electronic key in a location 6 ft. (2 m) or more away from the vehi-
cle. (Take care to ensure that the key is not stolen.)
● Set the electronic key to battery-saving mode to disable the sm art key sys-
tem. ( P. 140)
Cleaning and protecting the vehicle exterior
Perform the following to protect the vehicle and maintain it in
prime condition:
4087-2. Maintenance
PRIUS c_U
■Repair and replacement
It is recommended that genuine Toyota parts be used for repairs to ensure
performance of each system. If non-Toyota parts are used in rep lacement or if
a repair shop other than a Toyota dealer performs repairs, conf irm the war-
ranty coverage.
■ Resetting the message indicating ma intenance is required (U.S.A. only)
After the required maintenance is performed according to the ma intenance
schedule, please reset the message.
To reset the message, follow the procedures described below:
Vehicles without a smart key system: Turn the power switch to the “LOCK”
position with the trip meter A reading shown.
Vehicles with a smart key system: Turn the power switch off wit h the trip
meter A reading shown.
Vehicles without a smart key system: While pressing the “trip” switch (P.
98), turn the power switch to the “ON” position (do not start t he hybrid sys-
tem, reset mode will be canceled).
Vehicles with a smart key system: While pressing the trip meter reset but-
ton ( P. 98), turn the power switch to the ON mode (do not start the hybrid
system, otherwise the reset mode will be canceled).
Continue to press and hold the button until the trip meter disp lays “000000”.
■ Allow inspection and repairs to be performed by a Toyota dealer
●Toyota technicians are well-trained specialists and are kept up to date with
the latest service information. They are well informed about th e operations
of all systems on your vehicle.
● Keep a copy of the repair order. It proves that the maintenance that has
been performed is under warranty coverage. If any problem should arise
while your vehicle is under warranty, your Toyota dealer will p romptly take
care of it.
1
2
3
4157-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
PRIUS c_U
Washer fluid (P. 428)
• Water or washer fluid containing antifreeze
(for winter use)
• Funnel (used only for adding water or washer
fluid)
WARNING
The engine compartment contains many mechanisms and fluids that may
move suddenly, become hot, or become electrically energized. To avoid death
or serious injury, observe the following precautions:
■ When working on the engine compartment
● Vehicles without a smart key system: Make sure that the power s witch is in
the “LOCK” position and the “READY” indicator is off.
Vehicles with a smart key system: Make sure that the indicator on the
power switch and the “READY” indicator are both off.
● Keep hands, clothing and tools away from the moving fan and eng ine
drive belt.
● Be careful not to touch the engine, power control unit, radiator, exhaust
manifold, etc. right after driving as they may be hot. Oil and other fluids
may also be hot.
● Do not leave anything that may burn easily, such as paper and r ags, in the
engine compartment.
● Do not smoke, cause sparks or expose an open flame to fuel. Fuel fumes
are flammable.
■ When working near the electric cooling fan or radiator grille
Vehicles without a smart key system: The electric cooling fan m ay keep
rotating for about 3 minutes even after the power switch is tur ned to the
“LOCK” position.
With the power switch in the “ON” position, the electric coolin g fan may
automatically start to run if the air conditioning is on and/or the coolant tem-
perature is high. Be sure the power switch is in the “LOCK” position when
working near the electric cooling fan or radiator grille.
Vehicles with a smart key system: The electric cooling fan may keep rotat-
ing for about 3 minutes even after the power switch is off.
With the power switch in ON mode, the electric cooling fan may automati-
cally start to run if the air conditioning is on and/or the coolant temperature
is high. Be sure the power switch is off when working near the electric cool-
ing fan or radiator grille.
ItemsCheck points
4317-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
PRIUS c_U■
After recharging/reconnecting the 12-volt battery (vehicles wit h a smart
key system)
● Unlocking the doors using the smart key system may not be possi ble 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 do ors.
● 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-vol t battery is
reconnected, the vehicle will return the power switch mode to t he status it
was in before the 12-volt battery was disconnected. Make sure t o turn off
the power before disconnect the 12-volt battery. Take extra car e when con-
necting the 12-volt battery if the power switch mode prior to d ischarge is
unknown.
If the system will not start even after multiple attempts, contact your Toyota
dealer.
WARNING
■ Chemicals in the 12-volt battery
The 12-volt battery contains poisonous and corrosive sulfuric a cid and may
produce hydrogen gas which is flammable and explosive. To reduce the risk
of death or serious injury, take the following precautions while working on or
near the 12-volt battery:
● Do not cause sparks by touching the 12-volt battery terminals w ith tools.
● Do not smoke or light a match near the 12-volt battery.
● Avoid contact with eyes, skin and clothes.
● Never inhale or swallow electrolyte.
● Wear protective safety glasses when working near the 12-volt ba ttery.
● Keep children away from the 12-volt battery.
■ Where to safely charge the 12-volt battery
Always charge the 12-volt battery in an open area. Do not charg e the 12-
volt battery in a garage or closed room where there is insuffic ient ventila-
tion.
4387-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
PRIUS c_U■
If the tire pressure warning system is not functioning
The tire pressure warning syst
em will be disabled in the follow ing condi-
tions:
(When the condition becomes normal, the system will work properly.)
●If tires not equipped with tire pressure warning valves and tra nsmitters
are used
●If the ID code on the tire pressure warning valves and transmit ters is not
registered in the tire pr essure warning computer
●If the tire inflation pressure is 70 psi (480 kPa, 4.9 kgf/cm2 or bar) or
higher
The tire pressure warning system may be disabled in the followi ng condi-
tions:
(When the condition becomes normal, the system will work properly.)
●If electronic devices or facilitie s using similar radio wave frequencies are
nearby
●If a radio set at a similar frequ ency is in use in the vehicle
●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 non-genuine Toyota wheels are used (Even if you use Toyota wheels,
the tire pressure warning system may not work properly with som e types
of tires.)
●If tire chains are used
■The initialization operation
●Make sure to carry out initializ ation after adjusting the tire inflation pres-
sure.
Also, make sure the tires are co ld before carrying out initialization or tire
inflation pressure adjustment.
●If you have accidentally turned the power switch to off during initializa-
tion, it is not necessary to press the reset switch again as in itialization
will restart automatically when the power switch has been turned to the
ON mode for th e next time.
●If you accidentally press the reset switch when initialization is not neces-
sary, adjust the tire inflation pressure to the specified level when the
tires are cold, and cond uct initialization again.
4407-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
PRIUS c_U
WARNING
■When inspecting or replacing tires
Observe the following precautions to prevent accidents.
Failure to do so may cause damage to parts of the drive train as well as
dangerous handling characteristics, which may lead to an accide nt
resulting in death o r serious injury.
●Do not mix tires of different ma kes, models or tread patterns.
Also, do not mix tires of re markably different treadwear.
●Do not use tire sizes other th an those recommended by Toyota.
●Do not mix differently constructed tires (radial, bias-belted o r bias-ply
tires).
●Do not mix summer, all season and snow tires.
●Do not use tires that have b een used on another vehicle.
Do not use tires if you do not kn ow how they were used previous ly.
●Do not tow if your vehicle has a compact spare tire installed.
■When initializing the tire pressure warning system
Do not operate the tire pressure warning reset switch without first
adjusting the tire inflation pressure to the specified level. O therwise, the
tire pressure warning light may not come on even if the tire in flation
pressure is low, or it may come on when the tire inflation pres sure is
actually normal.