5635-5. Using the driving support systems
Prius Plug-in Hybrid_OM_OM47D72E_(EE)
5
Driving
■Automatic reactivation of TRC and VSC systems
After turning the TRC and VSC systems off, the systems will be automatically
re-enabled in the following situations:
●When the power switch is turned off
●If only the TRC system is turned off, the TRC will turn on when vehicle
speed increases
If both the TRC and VSC systems are turned off, automatic re-enabling will
not occur when vehicle speed increases.
■Reduced effectiveness of the EPS system
The effectiveness of the EPS system is reduced to prevent the system from
overheating when there is frequent steering input over an extended period of
time. The steering wheel may feel heavy as a result. Should this occur, refrain
from excessive steering input or stop the vehicle and turn the hybrid system
off. The EPS system should return to normal within 10 minutes.
■Electric power steering system warning light (warning buzzer)
P. 715
■Operating conditions of emergency brake signal
When the following conditions are met, the emergency brake signal will oper-
ate:
●The emergency flashers are off.
●Actual vehicle speed is over 55 km/h (35 mph).
●The system judges from the vehicle deceleration that this is a sudden brak-
ing operation.
■Automatic system cancelation of emergency brake signal
The emergency brake signal will be canceled in any of the following situa-
tions:
●The emergency flashers are turned on.
●The system judges from the vehicle deceleration that is not a sudden brak-
ing operation.
5645-5. Using the driving support systems
Prius Plug-in Hybrid_OM_OM47D72E_(EE)
WARNING
■The ABS does not operate effectively when
● The limits of tire gripping performance have been exceeded (such as
excessively worn tires on a snow covered road).
● The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on wet or slick roads.
■ Stopping distance when the ABS is operating may exceed that of nor-
mal conditions
The ABS is not designed to shorten t he vehicle’s stopping distance. Always
maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you, especially in the
following situations:
● When driving on dirt, gravel or snow-covered roads
● When driving with tire chains
● When driving over bumps in the road
● When driving over roads with potholes or uneven surfaces
■ TRC/VSC may not operate effectively when
Directional control and power may not be achievable while driving on slip-
pery road surfaces, even if the TRC/VSC system is operating. Drive the
vehicle carefully in conditions where stability and power may be lost.
■ Hill-start assist control does not operate effectively when
● Do not overly rely on hill-start assist control. Hill-start assist control may
not operate effectively on steep inclines and roads covered with ice.
● Unlike the parking brake, hill-start assist control is not intended to hold the
vehicle stationary for an extended period of time. Do not attempt to use
hill-start assist control to hold the vehicle on an incline, as doing so may
lead to an accident.
■ When the TRC/ABS/VSC is activated
The slip indicator light flashes. Always drive carefully. Reckless driving may
cause an accident. Exercise particular care when the indicator light flashes.
5946-3. Using the storage features
Prius Plug-in Hybrid_OM_OM47D72E_(EE)
List of storage features
Auxiliary boxes ( P. 598)
Glove box ( P. 595)
Bottle holders/door pockets
( P. 597)
Cup holders ( P. 596)
Seat back pockets ( P. 599)
Console box ( P. 595)
WARNING
●Do not leave glasses, lighters or spray cans in the storage spaces, as this
may cause the following when cabin temperature becomes high:
• Glasses may be deformed by heat or cracked if they come into contact
with other stored items.
• Lighters or spray cans may explode. If they come into contact with other
stored items, the lighter may catch fire or the spray can may release
gas, causing a fire hazard.
● When driving or when the storage compartments are not in use, keep the
lids closed.
In the event of sudden braking or sudden swerving, an accident may occur
due to an occupant being struck by an open lid or the items stored inside.
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6267-1. Maintenance and care
Prius Plug-in Hybrid_OM_OM47D72E_(EE)
WARNING
■Water in the vehicle
● Do not splash or spill liquid in the vehicle, such as on the floor, in the
hybrid battery (traction battery) air intake vent, and in the luggage com-
partment.
Doing so may cause the hybrid battery (traction battery), electrical compo-
nents, etc. to malfunction or catch fire.
● Do not get any of the SRS components or wiring in the vehicle interior wet.
( P. 40)
An electrical malfunction may cause the airbags to deploy or not function
properly, resulting in death or serious injury.
● Vehicles with wireless charger:
Do not let the wireless charger ( P. 607) get wet. Failure to do so may
cause the charger to become hot and cause burns or could cause electric
shock resulting in death or serious injury.
■ Cleaning the interior (especially instrument panel)
Do not use polish wax or polish cleaner. The instrument panel may reflect
off the windshield, obstructing the driver’s view and leading to an accident,
resulting in death or serious injury.
NOTICE
■ Cleaning detergents
● Do not use the following types of detergent, as they may discolor the vehi-
cle interior or cause streaks or damage to painted surfaces:
• Non-seat portions: Organic substances such as benzene or gasoline,
alkaline or acidic solutions, dye, and bleach
• Seats: Alkaline or acidic solutions, such as thinner, benzene, and alco-
hol
● Do not use polish wax or polish cleaner. The instrument panel’s or other
interior part’s painted surface may be damaged.
■ Preventing damage to leather surfaces
Observe the following precautions to avoid damage to and deterioration of
leather surfaces:
● Remove any dust or dirt from leather surfaces immediately.
● Do not expose the vehicle to direct sunlight for extended periods of time.
Park the vehicle in the shade, especially during summer.
● Do not place items made of vinyl, plastic, or containing wax on the uphol-
stery, as they may stick to the leather surface if the vehicle interior heats
up significantly.
6467-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Prius Plug-in Hybrid_OM_OM47D72E_(EE)
WARNING
■Chemicals in the 12-volt battery
The 12-volt battery contains poisonous and corrosive sulfuric acid 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 with 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 battery.
● 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 charge the 12-
volt battery in a garage or closed room where there is insufficient ventila-
tion.
■ Emergency measures regarding electrolyte
● If electrolyte gets in your eyes
Flush your eyes with clean water for at least 15 minutes and get immedi-
ate medical attention. If possible, continue to apply water with a sponge or
cloth while traveling to the nearest medical facility.
● If electrolyte gets on your skin
Wash the affected area thoroughly. If you feel pain or burning, get medical
attention immediately.
● If electrolyte gets on your clothes
It can soak through clothing on to your skin. Immediately take off the cloth-
ing and follow the procedure above if necessary.
● If you accidentally swallow electrolyte
Drink a large quantity of water or milk. Get emergency medical attention
immediately.
6517-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Prius Plug-in Hybrid_OM_OM47D72E_(EE)
7
Maintenance and care
Your vehicle is equipped with a tire pressure warning system that uses
tire pressure warning valves and transmitters to detect low tire infla-
tion pressure before serious problems arise.
If the tire pressure drops below a predetermined level, the driver is
warned by a warning light. (P. 718)
◆Installing tire pressure warning valves and transmitters
When replacing tires or wheels, tire pressure warning valves and
transmitters must also be installed.
When new tire pressure warning valves and transmitters are
installed, new ID codes must be registered in the tire pressure
warning computer and the tire pressure warning system must be
initialized. Have tire pressure warning valve and transmitter ID
codes registered by any authorized Toyota retailer or Toyota autho-
rized repairer, or any reliable repairer. (P. 653)
◆Initializing the tire pressure warning system
■The tire pressure warning system must be initialized in the fol-
lowing circumstances:
●When rotating front and rear tires which have different tire infla-
tion pressures
●When the tire inflation pressure is changed such as when chang-
ing traveling speed or load weight
When the tire pressure warning system is initialized, the current tire
inflation pressure is set as the benchmark pressure.
Tire pressure warning system
6527-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Prius Plug-in Hybrid_OM_OM47D72E_(EE)
■How to initialize the tire pressure warning system
Park the vehicle in a safe place and turn the power switch off.
Initialization cannot be performed while the vehicle is moving.
Adjust the tire inflation pressure to the specified cold tire inflation
pressure level. (P. 779)
Make sure to adjust the tire pressure to the specified cold tire inflation
pressure level. The tire pressure warning system will operate based on
this pressure level.
Turn the power switch to ON mode.
Switch the multi-information display to the screen.
(P. 257)
Press or of the meter control switches, select
(“Vehicle Settings”), and then press .
Press or of the meter control switches, select “Mainte-
nance System”, and then press .
Press or of the meter control switches, select “TPMS”,
and then press .
Press and hold .
When initialization com-
pletes, a message is dis-
played on the multi-
information display and the
tire pressure warning light
illuminates.
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Until Complete
9
6537-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Prius Plug-in Hybrid_OM_OM47D72E_(EE)
7
Maintenance and care
◆Registering ID codes
The tire pressure warning valve and transmitter is equipped with a
unique ID code. When replacing a tire pressure warning valve and
transmitter, it is necessary to register the ID code. Have the ID code
registered by any authorized Toyota retailer or Toyota authorized
repairer, or any reliable repairer.
■When to replace your vehicle’s tires
Tires should be replaced if:
●The treadwear indicators are showing on a tire.
●You have tire damage such as cuts, splits, cracks deep enough to expose
the fabric, and bulges indicating internal damage.
●A tire goes flat repeatedly or cannot be properly repaired due to the size or
location of a cut or other damage.
If you are not sure, consult with any authorized Toyota retailer or Toyota
authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer.
■Replacing tires and wheels
If the ID code of the tire pressure warning valve and transmitter is not regis-
tered, the tire pressure warning system will not work properly. After driving for
about 10 minutes, the tire pressure warning light blinks for 1 minute and stays
on to indicate a system malfunction.
■Tire life
Any tire over 6 years old must be checked by a qualified technician even if it
has seldom or never been used or damage is not obvious.
■Routine tire inflation pressure checks
The tire pressure warning system does not replace routine tire inflation pres-
sure checks. Make sure to check tire inflation pressure as part of your routine
of daily vehicle checks.
■If the tread on snow tires wears down below 4 mm (0.16 in.)
The effectiveness of the tires as snow tires is lost.
■Low profile tires (vehicles with 215/45R17 tires)
Generally, low profile tires will wear more rapidly and tire grip performance
will be reduced on snowy and/or icy roads when compared to standard tires.
Be sure to use snow tires or tire chains on snowy and/or icy roads and drive
carefully at a speed appropriate for road and weather conditions.