Page 465 of 600

4657-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
PRIUS c_U
■LED light bulbs
The headlights/daytime running lights, front fog lights (if equipped), side
marker lights, side turn signal lights, stop/tail lights and hi gh mounted stop-
light consist of a number of LEDs. If any of the LEDs burn out, take your vehi-
cle to your Toyota dealer to have the light replaced.
■ Condensation build-up on the inside of the lens
Temporary condensation build-up on the inside of the headlight lens does not
indicate a malfunction. Contact your Toyota dealer for more information in the
following situations:
● Large drops of water have built up on the inside of the lens.
● Water has built up inside the headlight.
WARNING
■Replacing light bulbs
● Turn off the lights. Do not attempt to replace the bulb immedia tely after
turning off the lights.
The bulbs become very hot and may cause burns.
● Do not touch the glass portion of the light bulb with bare hands. When it is
unavoidable to hold the glass portion, use and hold with a clea n dry cloth
to avoid getting moisture and oils on the bulb.
Also, if the bulb is scratched or dropped, it may blow out or crack.
● Fully install light bulbs and any parts used to secure them. Fa ilure to do so
may result in heat damage, fire, or water entering the headligh t unit. This
may damage the headlights or cause condensation to build up on the lens.
■ To prevent damage or fire
Make sure bulbs are fully seated and locked.
Page 467 of 600
467
8When trouble arises
PRIUS c_U8-1. Essential information
Emergency flashers .......... 468
If your vehicle has to be stopped in
an emergency ................. 469
If the vehicle is trapped in rising water.................. 471
8-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If your vehicle needs to be towed ..................... 472
If you think something is wrong .......................... 479
If a warning light turns on or a warning buzzer
sounds ............................ 480
If a warning message is displayed ..................... 488
If you have a flat tire.......... 505
If the hybrid system will not start ..................... 518
If the electronic key does not operate properly ........ 520
If the vehicle 12-volt battery is discharged ....... 522
If your vehicle overheats ........................ 529
If the vehicle becomes stuck ................ 533
Page 470 of 600
4708-1. 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 600

4718-1. Essential information
8
When trouble arises
PRIUS c_U
●Remove the seat belt first.
● If the door can be opened, open the door and exit the vehicle.
● If the door can not be opened, open the window using the power
window switch and exit the vehicle through the window.
● If the window can not be opened using the power window switch,
remain calm, wait until the water level inside the vehicle rise s to the
point that the water pressure i nside of the vehicle equals the water
pressure outside of the vehicl e, and then open the door and exi t the
vehicle.
If the vehicle is trapped in rising water
In the event the vehicle is submerged in water, remain calm and
perform the following.
WARNING
■ Using an emergency hammer* for emergency escape
The front side windows and rear side windows, as well as the re ar window
can be shattered with an emergency hammer
* used for emergency escape.
However, an emergency hammer
* can not shatter the windshield as it is
laminated glass.
*: Contact your Toyota dealer or aftermarket accessory manufacturer for fur-
ther information about an emergency hammer.
■ Escaping the vehicle from the window
There are cases where escaping the vehicle from the window is n ot possi-
ble due to seating position, passenger body type, etc.
When using an emergency hammer, consider your seat location and the
size of the window opening to ensure that the opening is accessible and
large enough to escape.
Page 472 of 600
472
PRIUS c_U
8-2. Steps to take in an emergency
The following may indicate a problem with your transmission. Contact
your Toyota dealer or commercial towing service before towing.
● A warning message for the hybrid system is shown on the multi-
information display and the vehicle does not move.
● The vehicle makes an abnormal sound.
If your vehicle needs to be towed
If towing is necessary, we recommend having your vehicle
towed by your Toyota dealer o r commercial towing service,
using a wheel-lift type t ruck or flatbed truck.
Use a safety chain system for all towing, and abide by all stat e/
provincial and local laws.
Situations when it is necessary to contact dealers before towing
Page 477 of 600

4778-2. Steps to take in an emergency
8
When trouble arises
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 hit 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 480 of 600
4808-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS c_U
If a warning light turns on or a war ning
buzzer sounds
Calmly perform the following actions if any of the warning ligh ts
comes on or flashes. If a light comes on or flashes, but then
goes off, this does not necessarily indicate a malfunction in the
system. However, if this continues to occur, have the vehicle
inspected by your Toyota dealer.
Warning light and w arning buzzer list
Warning lightWarning light/Details/Actions
(U.S.A.)
(Canada)
Brake system warning light in red (warning buzzer)*1
•Low brake fluid
• Malfunction in the brake system
Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and con-
tact your Toyota dealer. Continuing to drive the vehi-
cle may be dangerous.
Brake system warning light in yellow
Indicates a malfunction in:
• The regenerative brake system; or
• The electronically controlled brake system
Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer
immediately.
Page 481 of 600

4818-2. Steps to take in an emergency
8
When trouble arises
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.