Page 473 of 600
4738-2. Steps to take in an emergency
8
When trouble arises
PRIUS c_U
Do not tow with a sling-type truck
to prevent body damage.
Towing with a sling-type truck
Towing with a wheel-lift type truck
From the frontFrom the rear
Release the parking brake. Us e a towing dolly under the
front wheels.
Page 474 of 600
4748-2. Steps to take in an emergency
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 475 of 600
4758-2. Steps to take in an emergency
8
When trouble arises
PRIUS c_U
Take out the towing eyelet. (P. 505)
Remove the eyelet cover usi ng a flathead screwdriver.
To protect the bodywork, place a rag between the screwdriver an d the
vehicle body as shown in the illustration.
Insert the towing eyelet into the
hole and tighten partially by
hand.
Tighten down the towing eyelet
securely using a wheel nut
wrench or hard metal bar.
Emergency towing procedure
1
2
Ty p e AType B
3
4
Page 476 of 600
4768-2. Steps to take in an emergency
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 the “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 4
■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. 506)
5
6
7
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 478 of 600

4788-2. Steps to take in an emergency
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 479 of 600
4798-2. Steps to take in an emergency
8
When trouble arises
PRIUS c_U
●Fluid leaks un der the vehicle
(Water dripping from the air conditioning a fter use is normal.)
● Flat-looking tires or uneven tire wear
● is shown on the multi-information display
● Changes in exhaust sound
● Excessive tire squeal when cornering
● Strange noises related to the suspension system
● Pinging or other noises related to the hybrid system
● Engine missing, stumb ling or running roughly
● Appreciable loss of power
● Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when braking
● Vehicle pulls heavily to one s ide when driving on a level road
● Loss of brake effectiveness, spongy feeling, pedal almost touch es
the floor
If you think something is wrong
If you notice any of the followi ng symptoms, your vehicle proba -
bly needs adjustment or repair. Contact your Toyota dealer as
soon as possible.
Visible symptoms
Audible symptoms
Operational symptoms
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.