Page 522 of 600
5228-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS c_U
If  you  have  a  set  of  jumper  (or  booster)  cables  and  a  second  vehicle
with a 12-volt battery, you can jump start your vehicle by foll owing the
steps below.
Open the hood and remove the
fuse box cover.
Push  the  tab  in  and  lift  the  cover
off.
Open  the  exclusive  jump  start-
ing terminal cover.
Push the tab in and open the cover.
If  the vehicle 12-volt batter y is discharged
The  following  procedures  may  be  used  to  start  the  hybrid  sys-
tem if the 12-volt battery is discharged.
You can also call your Toyota de aler or a qualified repair shop.
1
2 
     
        
        Page 523 of 600
5238-2. Steps to take in an emergency
8
When trouble arises
PRIUS c_U
Connect the jumper cables according to the following procedure:Connect  a  positive  jumper  cable  clamp  to  the  exclusive  jump
starting terminal on your vehicle.
Connect  the  clamp  on  the  other  end  of  the  positive  cable  to  the
positive (+) battery termi nal on the second vehicle.
Connect a negative cable clamp to the negative (-) battery term i-
nal on the s econd vehicle.
Connect  the  clamp  at  the  other  e nd  of  the  negative  cable  to  a
solid, stationary, unpainted meta llic point away from the exclusive
jump  starting  terminal  and  any  moving  parts,  as  shown  in  the
illustration.
Start  the  engine  of  the  second  v ehicle.  Increase  the  engine  speed
slightly  and  maintain  at  that  lev el  for  approximately  5  minutes to
recharge the 12-volt battery of your vehicle.
Vehicles  with  a  smart  key  system  only:  Open  and  close  any  of  th e
doors of your vehicle wi th the power switch off.3
1
2
3
4
4
5 
     
        
        Page 524 of 600
5248-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS c_U
Vehicles without a smart key system: 
Maintain  the  engine  speed  of  the  second  vehicle  and  start  the
hybrid  system  of  your  vehicle  by  turning  the  power  switch  to  the
“ON” position.
Vehicles with a smart key system: 
Maintain  the  engine  speed  of  the  second  vehicle  and  start  the
hybrid  system  of  your  vehicle  by  turning  the  power  switch  to  ON
mode.
Make  sure  the  “READY”  indicator  comes  on.  If  the  indicator  does
not come on, contact  your Toyota dealer.
Once  the  hybrid  system  has  started,  remove  the  jumper  cables  in
the exact reverse order from  which they were connected.
Close  the  exclusive  jump  starting  terminal  cover,  and  reinstall  the
fuse box cover to it s original position.
When installing, first hook the fuse box cover onto the two rea r tabs.
Once  the  hybrid  system  starts,  have  the  vehicle  inspected  at  yo ur
Toyota dealer as soon as possible.
6
7
8
9 
     
        
        Page 527 of 600

5278-2. Steps to take in an emergency
8
When trouble arises
PRIUS c_U
WARNING
■When removing the 12-vo lt battery terminals
Always remove the negative (-) terminal first. If the positive  (+) terminal con-
tacts  any  metal  in  the  surrounding  area  when  the  positive  (+)  terminal  is
removed, a spark may occur, leading to a fire in addition to el ectrical shocks
and death or serious injury.
■ Avoiding 12-volt batte ry fires or explosions
Observe  the following  precautions  to prevent accidentally ignit ing  the flam-
mable gas that may be emitted from the 12-volt battery:
● Make sure each jumper cable is connected to the correct terminal and that
it is not unintentionally in contact with any other than the in tended terminal.
● Do not allow the other end of the jumper cable connected to the  “+” termi-
nal to come into contact with any other parts or metal surfaces  in the area,
such as brackets or unpainted metal.
● Do not allow the + and - clamps of the jumper cables to come in to contact
with each other.
● Do  not  smoke,  use  matches,  cigarette  lighters  or  allow  open  fla me  near
the 12-volt battery.
■ After recharging the 12-volt battery
Have the 12-volt battery inspected at your Toyota dealer as soo n as possi-
ble.
If  the  12-volt  battery  is  deteriorating,  continued  use  may  caus e  the  12-volt
battery to emit a malodorous gas, which may be detrimental to the health of
passengers. 
     
        
        Page 528 of 600

5288-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS c_U
WARNING
■12-volt battery precautions
The  12-volt  battery  contains  poisonous  and  corrosive  acidic  ele ctrolyte,
while related parts contain lead and lead compounds. Observe th e following
precautions when handling the 12-volt battery:
● When  working  with  the  12-volt  battery,  always  wear  safety  glass es  and
take  care  not  to  allow  any  battery  fluids  (acid)  to  come  into  c ontact  with
skin, clothing or the vehicle body.
● Do not lean over the 12-volt battery.
● In  the  event  that  battery  fluid  comes  into  contact  with  the  skin  or  eyes,
immediately wash the affected area with water and seek medical  attention.
Place a wet sponge or cloth over the affected area until medica l attention
can be received.
● Always wash your hands after handling the 12-volt battery suppo rt, termi-
nals, and other 12-volt battery-related parts.
● Do not allow children near the 12-volt battery.
■ When replacing the 12-volt battery
After replacing,  securely  attach  the exhaust  hose and  exhaust h ole  plug  to
the  exhaust  hole  of  the  exchanged  12-volt  battery.  If  not  properly  installed,
gases (hydrogen) may leak into the vehicle interior, and there  is a possible
danger of the gas igniting and exploding.
NOTICE
■ When handling jumper cables
When connecting the jumper cables, ensure that they do not beco me entan-
gled in the cooling fan or belt.
■ To prevent damaging the vehicle
The exclusive jump starting terminal is to be used when chargin g the 12-volt
battery  from  another  vehicle  in  an  emergency.  It  cannot  be  used  to jump
start another vehicle.