
TABLE OF CONTENTS6
PRIUS c_U7-1.  Maintenance and care
Cleaning and protecting the vehicle exterior .......... 400
Cleaning and protecting  the vehicle interior ........... 403
7-2.  Maintenance Maintenance requirements ................... 409
General maintenance ........ 412
Emission inspection and  maintenance (I/M) 
programs ......................... 415
7-3.  Do-it-yourself  maintenance
Do-it-yourself service  precautions ..................... 416
Hood.................................. 419
Positioning a floor jack ...... 421
Engine compartment ......... 422
12-volt battery ................... 431
Tires .................................. 435
Tire inflation pressure........ 444
Wheels .............................. 447
Air conditioning filter .......... 449
Wireless remote control/ electronic key battery ...... 451
Checking and  replacing fuses ................ 454
Light bulbs ......................... 458 8-1.  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
7Maintenance and care8When trouble arises 

12
PRIUS c_UThe  SRS  airbag  and  seat  belt  pretensioner  devices  in  your  Toyot
a  contain
explosive chemicals. If the vehicle is scrapped with the airbag s and seat belt
pretensioners  left  as  they  are,  this  may  cause  an  accident  such  as fire. Be
sure  to  have  the  systems  of  the  SRS  airbag  and  seat  belt  preten sioner
removed and disposed of by a qualified service shop or by your  Toyota dealer
before you scrap your vehicle.
Special handling may apply, See www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/ perchlorate.
Your  vehicle  has  components  that  may  contain  perchlorate.  These   compo-
nents  may  include  airbag,  seat  belt  pretensioners,  and  wireless   remote  con-
trol batteries.
Scrapping of your Toyota
Perchlorate Material
WARNING
■ General precautions while driving
Driving under the  influence:  Never drive  your vehicle when  unde r  the  influ-
ence of alcohol or drugs that have impaired your ability to operate your vehi-
cle.  Alcohol  and  certain  drugs  delay  reaction  time,  impair  judg ment  and
reduce  coordination,  which  could  lead  to  an  accident  that  could   result  in
death or serious injury.
Defensive  driving: Always  drive  defensively. Anticipate  mistake s  that  other
drivers or pedestrians might make and be ready to avoid acciden ts.
Driver  distraction:  Always  give  your  full  attention  to  driving.  Anything  that
distracts the driver, such as adjusting controls, talking on a  cellular phone or
reading can result in a collision with resulting death or serio us injury to you,
your occupants or others.
■ General precaution regar ding children’s safety
Never leave children unattended in the vehicle, and never allow  children to
have or use the key.
Children  may  be  able  to  start  the  vehicle  or  shift  the  vehicle  into  neutral.
There is also a  danger that  children  may  injure  themselves  by p laying with
the  cigarette  lighter,  the  windows,  the  moon  roof,  or  other  fea tures  of  the
vehicle. In addition, heat build-up or extremely cold temperatu res inside the
vehicle can be fatal to children. 

1443-2. Opening, closing and locking the doors
PRIUS c_U■
Notes for the entry function
●Even when the electronic key is within the effective range (det ection areas),
the system may not operate properly in the following cases:
• The electronic key is too close to the window or outside door  handle, near
the ground, or in a high place when the doors are locked or unl ocked.
• The  electronic  key  is  on  the  instrument  panel,  luggage  cover  o r  floor,  in
the door pockets or glove box when the hybrid system is started  or power
switch modes are changed.
● Do  not  exit  the  vehicle  with  the  electronic  key  placed  on  the  i nstrument
panel or near the door pockets. Depending on the radio wave reception con-
ditions,  it  may  be  detected  by  the  antenna  outside  the  cabin  and  the  door
will  become  lockable  from  the  outside,  possibly  trapping  the  electronic  key
inside the vehicle.
● As long as the electronic key is within the effective range, th e doors may be
locked or unlocked by anyone. However, only the doors detecting  the elec-
tronic key can be used to unlock the vehicle.
● Whether  or  not  the  electronic  key  is  inside  the  vehicle,  the  hy brid  system
could be started if the electronic key is near the window.
● The doors may unlock if a large amount of water splashes on the  door han-
dle, such as in the rain or in a car wash when the electronic k ey is within the
effective  range.  (The  door  will  automatically  be  locked  after  a pproximately
60 seconds if the doors are not opened and closed.)
● The  lock  and  unlock  sensors  may  not  work  properly  if  they  come  into  con-
tact  with  ice,  snow,  mud,  etc.  Clean  the  sensors  and  attempt  to  operate
them again.
● If  the  wireless  remote  control  is  used  to  lock  the  doors  when  t he  electronic
key  is  near  the  vehicle,  there  is  a  possibility  that  the  door  m ay  not  be
unlocked by the entry function. (Using the wireless remote cont rol to unlock
the doors may resume the function.)
● If the  door  handle becomes  wet while the  electronic  key  is with in the  effec-
tive range, the door may lock and unlock repeatedly. In that ca se, follow the
following correction procedures to wash the vehicle:
• Place  the  electronic  key  in  a  location  6  ft.  (2  m)  or  more  awa y  from  the
vehicle. (Take care to ensure that the key is not stolen.)
• Set  the  electronic  key  to  battery-saving  mode  to  disable  the  s mart  key
system. ( P. 142) 

1453-2. Opening, closing and locking the doors
3
Operation of each component
PRIUS c_U■
Notes for locking the doors
●Touching  the  door  lock  sensor  while  wearing  gloves  may  delay  or  prevent
lock operation. Remove the gloves and touch the lock sensor aga in.
● When the lock operation is performed using the lock sensor, rec ognition sig-
nals  will  be  shown  up  to  two  consecutive  times. After  this,  no  recognition
signals will be given. 
● If  the  electronic  key  is  inside  the  vehicle  and  a  door  handle  b ecomes  wet
during  a  car  wash,  a  buzzer  will  sound  outside  the  vehicle.  To  turn off the
alarm, lock all the doors.
■ Notes for the un locking function
● A  sudden  approach  to  the  effective  range  or  door  handle  may  prevent  the
doors from being unlocked. In this case, return the door handle to the origi-
nal position and check that the doors unlock before pulling the  door handle
again.
● Gripping  the  door  handle  when  wearing  a  glove  may  not  unlock  th e  door.
Remove the gloves and touch the sensor on the back of the handle again.
● If  there  is  another  electronic  key  in  the  detection  area,  it  ma y  take  slightly
longer to unlock the doors after the door handle is gripped. 
■ When the vehicle is not driven for extended periods
●To prevent theft of the vehicle, do not leave the electronic ke y within 6 ft. (2
m) of the vehicle.
● The  smart  key  system  can  be  deactivated  in  advance.  Ask  your  To yota
dealer for details.
■ To operate the smart key system properly
Make sure to carry the electronic key when operating the system. Do not get
the electronic key too close to the vehicle when operating the  system from the
outside of the vehicle.
Depending on the position and holding condition of the electron ic key, the key
may not be detected correctly and the system may not operate pr operly. (The
alarm  may  go  off  accidentally,  or  the  door  lock  prevention  func tion  may  not
operate.)
■ If the smart key system does not operate properly
●Locking and unlocking the doors: Use the mechanical key. ( P. 520)
● Starting the hybrid system: P. 520
■ If the smart key system has been d eactivated in a customized setting
● Locking  and  unlocking  the  doors:  Use  the  wireless  remote  contro l  or
mechanical key. ( P. 128, 520)
● Starting the hybrid system and changing power switch modes: 
P. 520
● Stopping the hybrid system:  P. 193
■ Customization
Settings (e.g. operation signals) can be changed. 
(Customizable features:  P. 560) 

2104-3. Operating the lights and wipers
PRIUS c_U
■Daytime running light system
●The daytime running lights illuminate using the same lights as the headlights
and illuminate darker than the headlights. 
● Type A:  To  make  your  vehicle  more  visible  to  other  drivers  during  daytime
driving,  the  daytime  running  lights  turn  on  automatically  when  all  of  the  fol-
lowing conditions are met. (The daytime running lights are not  designed for
use at night.)
• The hybrid system is started
• The parking brake is released
• The headlight switch is in the   or   position
The daytime running lights remain on after they illuminate, even if the parking
brake is set again.
● Type  B:  To  make  your  vehicle  more  visible  to  other  drivers  during  daytime
driving,  the  daytime  running  lights  turn  on  automatically  when  all  of  the  fol-
lowing conditions are met. (The daytime running lights are not  designed for
use at night.)
• The hybrid system is started
• The parking brake is released
• The headlight switch is in the   or   position
The daytime running lights remain on after they illuminate, even if the parking
brake is set again.
● For  the  U.S.A.:  Daytime  running  lights  can  be  turned  off  by  ope rating  the
switch.
● Compared  to  turning  on  the  headlights,  the  daytime  running  ligh t  system
offers greater durability and consumes less electricity, so it  can help improve
fuel economy.
■ Automatic light off system
Vehicles without a smart key system
● When  the  headlights  are  on:  The  headlights  and  tail  lights  turn   off  30  sec-
onds after the power switch is turned to the “ACC” or “LOCK” po sition and a
door  is  opened  and  closed.  (Vehicles  with  a  wireless  remote  con trol:  The
lights  turn  off  immediately  if    on  the  key is pressed  after  all   the  doors
are locked.)
● When  only  the  tail  lights  are  on:  The  tail  lights  turn  off  automatically  if  the
power switch is turned to the “ACC” or “LOCK” position and the driver’s door
is opened.
To turn the lights on again, turn the power switch to “ON” posi tion, or turn the
light switch off once and then back to   or  .
If  any  of  the  doors  or  trunk  lid  is  kept  open,  the  lights  automatically  turn  off
after 20 minutes. 

4337-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
PRIUS c_U■
After  recharging/reconnecting  the  12-volt  battery  (vehicles  wit h  a  smart
key system)
● Unlocking the doors using the smart key system may not be possi ble imme-
diately  after  reconnecting  the  12-volt  battery.  If  this  happens,  use  the  wire-
less remote control or the mechanical key to lock/unlock the do ors.
● Start  the  hybrid  system  with  the  power  switch  in ACCESSORY  mode .  The
hybrid system  may  not start with the power  switch turned off.  However,  the
hybrid system will operate normally from the second attempt.
● The  power  switch  mode  is  recorded  by  the  vehicle.  If  the  12-vol t  battery  is
reconnected,  the  vehicle  will  return  the  power  switch  mode  to  t he  status  it
was  in  before  the  12-volt  battery  was  disconnected.  Make  sure  t o  turn  off
the power before disconnect the 12-volt battery. Take extra car e when con-
necting  the  12-volt  battery  if  the  power  switch  mode  prior  to  d ischarge  is
unknown.
If  the  system  will  not  start  even  after  multiple  attempts,  contact  your  Toyota
dealer.
WARNING
■ Chemicals in the 12-volt battery
The 12-volt battery contains poisonous and corrosive sulfuric a cid and may
produce hydrogen gas which is flammable and explosive. To reduce the risk
of death or serious injury, take the following precautions while working on or
near the 12-volt battery:
● Do not cause sparks by touching the 12-volt battery terminals w ith tools.
● Do not smoke or light a match near the 12-volt battery.
● Avoid contact with eyes, skin and clothes.
● Never inhale or swallow electrolyte.
● Wear protective safety glasses when working near the 12-volt ba ttery.
● Keep children away from the 12-volt battery.
■ Where to safely charge the 12-volt battery
Always  charge  the  12-volt  battery  in  an  open  area.  Do  not  charg e  the  12-
volt  battery  in  a  garage  or  closed  room  where  there  is  insuffic ient  ventila-
tion. 

5208-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS c_U
Use  the  mechanical  key  (P.
121)  in  order  to  perform  the  fol-
lowing  operations  (driver’s  door
only):
Unlocks the doors
Locks all the doors
Turning  the  key  rearward  unlocks
the  driver’s  door.  Turning  the  key
once  again  within  5  seconds
unlocks the other doors.
Ensure that the shift lever is in  P and depress the brake pedal.
Touch  the  Toyota  emblem  side
of  the  electronic  key  to  the
power switch.
When  the  electronic  key  is
detected, a buzzer sounds and the
power switch will turn to ON mode. 
When  the  smart  key  system  is
deactivated  in  customization  set-
ting,  the  power  switch  will  turn  to
ACCESSORY mode.
If  the electronic key does not operate prop-
erly (vehicles with a smar t key system)
If  communication  between  the  electronic  key  and  vehicle  is
interrupted  ( P.  143)  or  the  electronic  key  cannot  be  used
because the battery is depleted, the smart key system and wire-
less  remote  control  cannot  be  used.  In  such  cases,  the  doors
can  be  opened  and  the  hybrid  system  can  be  started  by  follow-
ing the procedure below.
Locking and unlocking the doors
1
2
Starting the hybrid system
1
2 

5258-2. Steps to take in an emergency
8
When trouble arises
PRIUS c_U
■Starting the hybrid system when  the 12-volt battery is discharged
The hybrid system cannot be started by push-starting.
■ To prevent 12-volt battery discharge
●Turn off the headlights and the audio system while the hybrid s ystem is off.
● Turn off any unnecessary electrical components when the vehicle  is running
at a low speed for an extended period, such as in heavy traffic .
■ Precautions  when  the  12-volt  batte ry  is  discharged  (vehicles  with  a
smart key system)
● In  some  cases,  it  may  not  be  possible  to  unlock  the  doors  using  the smart
key system immediately after the 12-volt battery has been disco nnected and
reconnected. Use the wireless remote control or the mechanical  key to lock
or unlock the doors.
● The hybrid system may not start on the first attempt after the  12-volt battery
has recharged but will start normally after the second attempt. This is not a
malfunction.
● The power switch mode is memorized by the vehicle. When the 12- volt bat-
tery  is  reconnected,  the  system  will  return  to  the  mode  it  was  in  before  the
12-volt  battery  was  discharged.  Before  disconnecting  the  12-volt  battery,
turn the power switch off. 
If the power switch was in ACCESSORY or ON mode before the 12-volt bat-
tery  was  discharged,  the  audio  system  and/or  air  conditioning  system  may
operate when the 12-volt battery is reconnected.
■ When the 12-volt battery  is removed or discharged
● Information  stored  in  the  ECU  is  cleared.  When  the  12-volt  batt ery  is
depleted, have the vehicle inspected at your Toyota dealer.
● Some systems may require initialization. ( P. 565)
■ When removing the 12-vo lt battery terminals
When the 12-volt battery terminals are removed, the information  stored in the
ECU  is  cleared.  Before  removing  the  12-volt  battery  terminals,  contact  your
Toyota dealer.
■ Charging the 12-volt battery
The electricity stored in the 12-volt battery will discharge gr adually even when
the vehicle is not in use, due to natural discharge and the dra ining effects of
certain  electrical  appliances.  If  the  vehicle  is  left  for  a  lon g  time,  the  12-volt
battery  may  discharge,  and  the  hybrid  system  may  be  unable  to  s tart.  (The
12-volt battery recharges automatically while the hybrid system  is operating.)