Page 411 of 596

4117-2. Maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
PRIUS c_U
Brakes
• The vehicle should not pull to one side whenthe brakes are applied.
• The brakes should work effectively.
• The brake pedal should not feel spongy.
• The brake pedal should not get too close to the floor when the brakes are applied.
Head restraints
(Adjustable type)• Do the head restraints move smoothly andlock securely?
Hybrid transmission
“Park” mechanism• When parked on a slope and the parkingbrake is on, is the vehicle securely stopped?
Indicators/buzzers• Do the indicators and buzzers function prop-erly?
Lights• Do all the lights come on?
Parking brake
• Does the parking brake lever operate nor-mally?
• When parked on a slope and the parking
brake is on, is the vehicle securely stopped?
Seat belts• Do the seat belts operate smoothly?
• The seat belts should not be damaged.
Seats• Do the seat controls operate properly?
Steering wheel
• Does the steering wheel rotate smoothly?
• Does the steering wheel have the correctamount of free play?
• There should not be any strange sounds com-
ing from the steering wheel.
ItemsCheck points
Page 468 of 596
4688-1. Essential information
PRIUS c_U
WARNING
■If the hybrid system has to b e turned off while driving
● Power assist for the steering wheel will be lost, making the st eering wheel
heavier to turn. Decelerate as much as possible before turning off the
hybrid system.
● Vehicles without a smart key system: Never attempt to remove the key, as
doing so will lock the steering wheel.
Page 471 of 596
4718-2. Steps to take in an emergency
8
When trouble arises
PRIUS c_U
If your vehicle is transported by a
flatbed 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.
If a tow truck is not available in an emergency, your vehicle m ay be
temporarily towed using cables or chains secured to the emergen cy
towing eyelets. This should only be attempted on hard surfaced roads
for short distance at u nder 18 mph (30 km/h).
A driver must be in the vehicle to steer and operate the brakes . The
vehicle’s wheels, drive train, a xles, steering and brakes must be in
good condition.
Using a flatbed truck
Emergency towing
Page 473 of 596
4738-2. Steps to take in an emergency
8
When trouble arises
PRIUS c_U
Securely attach cables or chains to the towing eyelet.
Take care not to damage the vehicle body.
Vehicles without a smart key system: Enter the vehicle being to wed
and start the hybrid system.
If the hybrid system does not start, turn the power switch to t he “ON” posi-
tion.
Vehicles with a smart key system : Enter the vehicle being towed
and start the hybrid system.
If the hybrid system does not start, turn the power switch to O N mode.
Shift the shift lever to N and release the parking brake.
When the shift lever cannot be shifted: P. 2 0 2
■While towing
If the hybrid system is off, the power assist for the brakes an d steering will not
function, making steering and braking more difficult.
■ Wheel nut wrench
Wheel nut wrench is installed in luggage compartment. (P. 503)
5
6
7
Page 474 of 596

4748-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS c_U
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. w hich place
excessive stress on the towing eyelets, cables or chains. The towing eye-
lets, cables or chains may become damaged, broken debris may hi t peo-
ple, and cause serious damage.
● Do not turn the power switch to the “LOCK” position (vehicles w ithout a
smart key system) or the power switch off (vehicles with a smart key sys-
tem).
There is a possibility that the steering wheel is locked and ca nnot be oper-
ated.
■ Installing towing eyelets to the vehicle
Make sure that towing eyelets are installed securely.
If not securely installed, towing eyelets may come loose during towing.
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 475 of 596

4758-2. Steps to take in an emergency
8
When trouble arises
PRIUS c_U
NOTICE
■To prevent damage to the vehicle when towing using a wheel-lift type
truck
● Vehicles without a smart key system: Do not tow the vehicle fro m the rear
when the power switch is in the “LOCK” position or the key is r emoved.
The steering lock mechanism is not strong enough to hold the front wheels
straight.
● Vehicles with a smart key system: Do not tow the vehicle from the rear
when the power switch off. The steering lock mechanism is not s trong
enough to hold the front wheels straight.
● 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 re ar.
■ To prevent damage to the vehic le during emergency towing
Do not secure cables or chains to the suspension components.
Page 478 of 596

4788-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS c_U
Warning lightWarning light/Details/Actions
(U.S.A.)
(Canada)
Malfunction indicator lamp Indicates a malfunction in:
• The hybrid system;
• The electronic engine control system; or
• The electronic throttle control system
Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer
immediately.
SRS warning light
Indicates a malfunction in:
• The SRS airbag system;
• The front passenger occupant classification system; or
• The seat belt pretensioner system
Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer
immediately.
(U.S.A.)
(Canada)
ABS warning light Indicates a malfunction in:
• The ABS; or
• The brake assist system
Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer
immediately.
Electric power steering system warning light (warning
buzzer)
Indicates a malfunction in the EPS (Electric Power Steer-
ing) system
Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer
immediately.
(U.S.A.)
(Canada)Parking brake warning light (warning buzzer)*2
Indicates that the parking brake is engaged
Release the parking brake.
Page 481 of 596

4818-2. Steps to take in an emergency
8
When trouble arises
PRIUS c_U
■SRS warning light
This warning light system monitors the airbag sensor assembly, front impact
sensors, side impact sensors (front door), side impact sensors (front), side
impact sensors (rear), driver’s seat belt buckle switch, front passenger occu-
pant classification system, “AIR BAG ON” indicator light, “AIR BAG OFF” indi-
cator light, front passenger’s seat belt buckle switch, seat be lt pretensioners
(front), airbags, interconnecting wiring and power sources. ( P. 41)
■ Front passenger detection senso r, passenger seat belt reminder and
warning buzzer
● If luggage is placed on the front passenger seat, the front pas senger detec-
tion sensor may cause the warning light to flash and the warnin g buzzer to
sound even if a passenger is not sitting in the seat.
● If a cushion is placed on the seat, the sensor may not detect a passenger,
and the warning light may not operate properly.
■ Electric power steering system wa rning light (warning buzzer)
When the 12-volt battery charge becomes insufficient or the vol tage tempo-
rarily drops, the electric power steering system warning light may come on
and the warning buzzer may sound.
■ If the malfunction indicator lamp comes on while driving
First check the following:
●Is the fuel tank empty?
If it is, fill the fuel tank immediately.
● Is the fuel tank cap loose?
If it is, tighten it securely.
The light will go off after several driving trips.
If the light does not go off even after several trips, contact your Toyota dealer
as soon as possible.
■
When the tire pressure warning light comes on
Check the tire inflation pressure and adjust to the appropriate level. Push-
ing the tire pressur e warning reset switch will not turn off the tire pressure
warning light.
■The tire pressure warning light may come on due to natural caus es
The tire pressure warning light may come on due to natural caus es such
as natural air leaks and tire inflation pressure changes caused by tem-
perature. In this case, adjusting the tire inflation pressure w ill turn off the
warning light (afte r a few minutes).
■When a tire is replace d with a spare tire
The compact spare tire is not equipped with a tire pressure war ning valve
and transmitter. If a tire goes flat, the tire pressure warning light will not
turn off even though the flat tire has been replaced with the s pare tire.
Replace the spare tire with the repaired tire and adjust the ti re inflation
pressure. The tire pressure war ning light will go off after a few minutes.