Page 340 of 818

3385-3. Operating the lights and wipers
Prius Plug-in Hybrid_OM_OM47F38E_(EE)
This system allows the headlights and front position lights to be turned
on for 30 seconds when the power switch is off.
Pull the lever toward you and
release it with the light switch in
the position after turning
the power switch off.
Pull the lever toward you and
release it again to turn off the
lights.
■ Daytime running light system
To make your vehicle more visible to other drivers during daytime driving, the
daytime running lights turn on automatically whenever the hybrid system is
started and the parking brake is released with the headlight switch in the
position. Daytime running lights are not designed for use at night.
■ Headlight control sensor
Extended Headlight Lighting system
IO53PH031
The sensor may not function properly if an
object is placed on the sensor, or anything
that blocks the sensor is affixed to the
windshield.
Doing so interferes with the sensor
detecting the level of ambient light and
may cause the automatic headlight sys-
tem to malfunction.
Air conditioning operation may also be interrupted.
Page 351 of 818

3495-3. Operating the lights and wipers
Prius Plug-in Hybrid_OM_OM47F38E_(EE)
5
Driving
Washer/wiper dual
operation
Pulling the lever operates the wip-
ers and washer.
The wipers will automatically oper-
ate a couple of times after the
washer squirts.
■ The windshield wipers and washer can be operated when
The power switch is in ON mode.
■ Dripping prevention wiper sweep
After washing and wiping operation se veral times, the wipers operate one
more time after a short delay to prevent dripping. However, this function will
not operate while driving.
■ Raindrop sensor
● If the wiper switch is turned to the position while the power switch is in
ON mode, the wipers will operate once to show that AUTO mode is acti-
vated.
● If the wiper sensitivity is adjusted to higher, the wiper may operate once to
indicate the change of sensitivity.
● If the temperature of the raindrop sensor is 85C (185F) or higher, or -15C
(5°F) or lower, automatic operation may not occur. In this case, operate the
wipers in any mode other than AUTO mode.
■ If no windshield washer fluid sprays
Check that the washer nozzles are not blocked if there is washer fluid in the
washer fluid tank.
■ Customization
Settings of AUTO mode operation can be changed. (Customizable features:
P. 726)
8
●The raindrop sensor judges the amount
of raindrops.
An optical sensor is adopted. It may not
operate properly when sunlight from the
rising or setting of the sun intermittently
strikes the windshield, or if bugs etc. are
present on the windshield.IO53PH040
Page 352 of 818

3505-3. Operating the lights and wipers
Prius Plug-in Hybrid_OM_OM47F38E_(EE)
WARNING
■Caution regarding the use of windshield wipers in AUTO mode
The windshield wipers may operate unexpectedly if the sensor is touched or
the windshield is subject to vibration in AUTO mode. Take care that your fin-
gers etc. do not become caught in the windshield wipers.
■ Caution regarding the use of washer fluid
When it is cold, do not use the washer fluid until the windshield becomes
warm. The fluid may freeze on the windshield and cause low visibility. This
may lead to an accident, resulting in death or serious injury.
NOTICE
■ When the windshield is dry
Do not use the wipers, as they may damage the windshield.
■ When the washer fluid tank is empty
Do not operate the switch continually as the washer fluid pump may over-
heat.
■ When a nozzle becomes blocked
In this case, contact any authorized Toyota retailer or Toyota authorized
repairer, or any reliable repairer.
Do not try to clear it with a pin or other object. The nozzle will be damaged.
■ To prevent 12-volt battery discharge
Do not leave the wipers on longer than necessary when the hybrid system
is off.
Page 380 of 818

3785-5. Using the driving support systems
Prius Plug-in Hybrid_OM_OM47F38E_(EE)
• While driving on a curve and for a few seconds after driving on a curve
• If your vehicle is skidding
• If the wheels are misaligned
• If a wiper blade is blocking the front camera
• The vehicle is being driven at extremely high speeds
• When driving on a hill
• If the radar sensor or front camera is misaligned
●In some situations such as the following, sufficient braking force may not be
obtained, preventing the system from performing properly:
• If the braking functions cannot operate to their full extent, such as when
the brake parts are extremely cold, extremely hot, or wet
• If the vehicle is not properly maintained (brakes or tires are excessively
worn, improper tire inflation pressure, etc.)
• When the vehicle is being driven on a gravel road or other slippery sur-
face
■If VSC is disabled
●If VSC is disabled (P. 511), the pre-collision brake assist and pre-collision
braking functions are also disabled.
●The PCS warning light will turn on and “VSC Turned Off Pre-Collision Brake
System Unavailable” will be displayed on the multi-information display. • If the front of the vehicle is raised or
lowered
Page 509 of 818

5075-5. Using the driving support systems
Prius Plug-in Hybrid_OM_OM47F38E_(EE)
5
Driving
WARNING
●Observe the following precautions, as the sensors may stop functioning
properly which may lead to an accident.
• Do not subject the sensor to strong shocks by hitting it, etc. The sen-
sors may not function properly.
• When using a high-pressure washer to wash the vehicle, do not spray
water directly on the sensors. Equipment may not function properly if
subjected to an impact from strong water pressure. If the vehicle
bumper strikes something, equipment may not operate properly due to
a sensor malfunction. Have the vehicle inspected at any authorized
Toyota retailer or Toyota authoriz ed repairer, or any reliable repairer.
● In the following situations, the sensors may not operate normally and may
lead to an accident. Drive carefully.
• Obstacles cannot be detected in the side areas until a scan of the side
areas is completed. ( P. 456)
• Even after the scan of the side areas is completed, obstacles such as
other vehicles, people or animals that approach from the sides cannot
be detected.
• The sensor is frozen (if it thaws, the system returns to normal).
A warning message may display at particularly low temperatures due to
the sensor freezing and it may not detect parked vehicles.
• The sensor is blocked by someone’s hand.
• The vehicle is tilted a large amount.
• The temperature is extremely hot or cold.
• The vehicle is driven on undulating roads, slopes, gravel roads, in areas
with tall grass, etc.
• An ultrasonic wave source is nearby, such as the horn or sensors of
another vehicle, a motorcycle engine or the air brake of a large vehicle.
• Heavy rain or a water strikes the vehicle.
• The angle of the sensor may be deviated when assist control starts
even if there is a parked vehicle in the target parking spot. Have the
vehicle inspected at any authorized Toyota retailer or Toyota authorized
repairer, or any reliable repairer.
• Do not install any accessories within the sensor detection range.
Page 511 of 818

5095-5. Using the driving support systems
Prius Plug-in Hybrid_OM_OM47F38E_(EE)
5
Driving
Driving assist systems
◆ECB (Electronically Controlled Brake System)
The electronically controlled system generates braking force corre-
sponding to the brake operation
◆ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
Helps to prevent wheel lock when the brakes are applied suddenly,
or if the brakes are applied while driving on a slippery road surface
◆Brake assist
Generates an increased level of braking force after the brake pedal
is depressed when the system detects a panic stop situation
◆VSC (Vehicle Stability Control)
Helps the driver to control skidding when swerving suddenly or
turning on slippery road surfaces.
◆VSC+ (Vehicle Stability Control+)
Provides cooperative control of the ABS, TRC, VSC and EPS.
Helps to maintain directional stability when swerving on slippery
road surfaces by controlling steering performance.
◆TRC (Traction Control)
Helps to maintain drive power and prevent the drive wheels from
spinning when starting the vehicle or accelerating on slippery roads
◆Hill-start assist control
Helps to reduce the backward movement of the vehicle when start-
ing on an uphill
To keep driving safety and performance, the following systems
operate automatically in response to various driving situations.
Be aware, however, that these systems are supplementary and
should not be relied upon too heavily when operating the vehi-
cle.
Page 519 of 818

5175-6. Driving tips
5
Driving
Prius Plug-in Hybrid_OM_OM47F38E_(EE)
Accelerate the vehicle slowly, keep a safe distance between you and
the vehicle ahead, and drive at a reduced speed suitable to road con-
ditions.
Park the vehicle and shift the shift position to P and block the wheel
under the vehicle without setting the parking brake. The parking brake
may freeze up, preventing it from being released. If the vehicle is
parked without setting the parking brake, make sure to block the
wheels.
Failure to do so may be dangerous because it may cause the vehicle
to move unexpectedly, possibly leading to an accident.
Use the correct tire chain size when mounting the tire chains. Chain
size is regulated for each tire size.
Side chain
3.0 mm (0.12 in.)
30.0 mm (1.18 in.)
10.0 mm (0.39 in.)
Cross chain
4.0 mm (0.16 in.)
25.0 mm (0.98 in.)
14.0 mm (0.55 in.)
Regulations regarding the use of tire chains vary depending on loca-
tion and type of road. Always check local regulations before installing
chains.
When driving the vehicle
When parking the vehicle
Selecting tire chains
1
2
3
4
5
6
Regulations on the use of tire chains
Page 535 of 818
5336-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
Prius Plug-in Hybrid_OM_OM47F38E_(EE)
6
Interior features
WARNING
■To prevent the windshield from fogging up
● Do not use during cool air operation in extremely humid weather.
The difference between the temperature of the outside air and that of the
windshield can cause the outer surface of the windshield to fog up, block-
ing your vision.
■ To prevent burns
Do not touch the rear view mirror surfaces when the outside rear view mirror
defoggers are on.
● Do not place anything on the instrument
panel which may cover the air outlets.
Otherwise, air flow may be obstructed,
preventing the windshield defoggers
from defogging.