
1663-5. Opening and closing the windows
PRIUS c_U
WARNING
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.
■Closing the windows
● The driver is responsible for all the power window operations, including the
operation for the passengers. In order to prevent accidental op eration,
especially by a child, do not let a child operate the power win dows. It is
possible for children and other passengers to have body parts c aught in
the power window. Also, when riding with a child, it is recomme nded to use
the window lock switch. (
P. 163)
● Check to make sure that all passengers do not have any part of their body
in a position where it could be caught when a window is being o perated.
● When exiting the vehicle, turn the power switch off, carry the key and exit
the vehicle along with the child. There may be accidental operation, due to
mischief, etc., that may possibly lead to an accident.
■ Jam protection function (driver’s window only)
● Never use any part of your body to intentionally activate the j am protection
function.
● The jam protection function may not work if something gets jamm ed just
before the window is fully closed. Be careful not to get any pa rt of your
body jammed in the window.
■ Catch protection function (driver’s window only)
● Never use any part of your body or clothing to intentionally activate the
catch protection function.
● The catch protection function may not work if something gets caught just
before the window is fully opened. Be careful not to get any pa rt of your
body or clothing caught in the window.

172
PRIUS c_U
4-1. Before driving
P. 188, 192
With the brake pedal depressed , shift the shift lever to D.
( P. 202)
Release the parking brake. ( P. 2 0 7 )
Gradually release the brake pedal and gently depress the accele ra-
tor pedal to accelerate the vehicle.
With the shift leve r in D, depress the brake pedal.
If necessary, set the parking brake.
If the vehicle is to be stopped for an extended period of time, shift the shift
lever to P. ( P. 202)
With the shift leve r in D, depress the brake pedal.
Set the parking brake ( P. 207), and shift the shift lever to P ( P.
202).
Vehicles without a smart key sys tem: Turn the power switch to the
“LOCK” position to stop the hybrid system.
Vehicles with a smart key system : Press the power switch to stop
the hybrid system.
Lock the door, making sure that you have the key on your person.
If parking on a hill, block the wheels as needed.
Driving the vehicle
The following procedures should be observed to ensure safe
driving:
Starting the hybrid system
Driving
Stopping
Parking the vehicle
1
2
3
1
2
1
2
3
4

1784-1. Before driving
PRIUS c_U
WARNING
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.
■When the vehicle is parked
● Do not leave glasses, cigarette lighters, spray cans, or soft d rink cans in
the vehicle when it is in the sun.
Doing so may result in the following:
• Gas may leak from a cigarette lighter or spray can, and may le ad to a
fire.
• The temperature inside the vehicle may cause the plastic lenses and plastic material of glasses to deform or crack.
• Soft drink cans may fracture, causing the contents to spray ov er the
interior of the vehicle, and may also cause a short circuit in the vehicle's
electrical components.
● Do not leave cigarette lighters in the vehicle. If a cigarette lighter is in a
place such as the glove box or on the floor, it may be lit acci dentally when
luggage is loaded or the seat is adjusted, causing a fire.
● Do not attach adhesive discs to the windshield or windows. Do n ot place
containers such as air fresheners on the instrument panel or da shboard.
Adhesive discs or containers may act as lenses, causing a fire in the vehi-
cle.
● Do not leave a door or window open if the curved glass is coate d with a
metallized film such as a silver-colored one. Reflected sunligh t may cause
the glass to act as a lens, causing a fire.
● Always apply the parking brake, shift the shift lever to P, stop the hybrid
system and lock the vehicle.
Do not leave the vehicle unattended while the “READY” indicator is illumi-
nated.
Sound or shuddering may not be noticed even when the hybrid veh icle is
ready to drive (when the “READY” indicator is illuminated).
If the vehicle is parked with the shift lever in P but the park ing brake is not
set, the vehicle may start to move, possibly leading to an acci dent.
● Do not touch the exhaust pipes while the “READY” indicator is i lluminated
or immediately after turning the hybrid system off.
Doing so may cause burns.

1834-1. Before driving
4
Driving
PRIUS c_U
As shown in the example above, if the number of occupants
increases, the cargo and luggage load will be reduced by an amount
that equals the increased weight due to the additional occupant s. In
other words, if an increase in the number of occupants causes a n
excess of the total load capacity (combined weight of occupants plus
cargo and luggage load), you must reduce the cargo and luggage on
your vehicle.
WARNING
■Things that must not be carried in the luggage compartment
The following things may cause a fire if loaded in the luggage compart-
ment:
●Receptacles containing gasoline
●Aerosol cans
■Storage precautions
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may prevent the pedals from being depressed pr operly,
may block the driver’s vision, or may result in items hitting t he driver or
passengers, possibly causing an accident.
●Stow cargo and luggage in the luggage compartment whenever poss i-
ble.
●Do not stack cargo and luggage in the luggage compartment highe r
than the seatbacks.
●Do not place cargo or luggage in or on the following locations.
• At the feet of the driver
• On the front passenger or rea r seats (when stacking items)
• On the luggage cover (if equipped)
• On the instrument panel
• On the dashboard
●Secure all items in the occupant compartment.
●When you fold down the rear seats, long items should not be pla ced
directly behind the front seats.
●Never allow anyone to ride in the luggage compartment. It is no t
designed for passengers. They should ride in their seats with t heir seat
belts properly fastened.

1894-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
PRIUS c_U
“LOCK”
The steering wheel is locked and
the key can be removed. (The key
can be removed only when the
shift lever is in P.)
“ACC”
Some electrical components such
as the power outlet can be used.
“ON”
All electrical components can be used.
“START”
For starting the hybrid system.
■Turning the key from “ACC” to “LOCK”
Shift the shift lever to P.
■ Sounds and vibrations sp ecific to a hybrid vehicle
P. 80
■ When the ambient temperature is low, such as during winter driv ing con-
ditions
When starting the hybrid system, the flashing time of the “READ Y” indicator
may be long. Leave the vehicle as it is until the “READY” indic ator is steady
on, as steady means the vehicle is able to move.
Changing the power switch positions
1
2
3
4
1
Push in the key and turn it to the
“LOCK” position.2

1904-2. Driving procedures
PRIUS c_U■
If the hybrid system does not start (vehicles with immobilizer system)
The immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. ( P. 88)
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. 489
■ 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. 469)

1954-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
PRIUS c_U■
Notes for the entry function
P. 144
■ If the hybrid system does not start
●The immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. ( P. 88)
Contact your Toyota dealer.
■ Steering lock
After turning the power switch off and opening and closing the doors, the
steering wheel will be locked due to the steering lock function. Operating the
power switch again automatically cancels the steering lock.
■ When the steering lock cannot be released
■ Steering lock motor overheating prevention
To prevent the steering lock motor from overheating, the motor may be sus-
pended if the hybrid system is turned on and off repeatedly in a short period
of time. In this case, refrain from operating the hybrid system . After about 10
seconds, the steering lock motor will resume functioning. ● Check that the shift lever is securely set
in P. The hybrid system may not start if
the shift lever is not securely in the P
position. “SHIFT INTO P POSITION TO
START” will be displayed on the multi-
information display.
“STEERING LOCK ACTIVE” will be dis-
played on the multi-information display.
Check that the shift lever is set in P.
Press the power switch while turning the
steering wheel left and right.

1974-2. 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. 469)
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.