Page 513 of 818

5115-5. Using the driving support systems
Prius Plug-in Hybrid_OM_OM47F38E_(EE)
5
Driving
If the vehicle gets stuck in mud, dirt or snow, the TRC system may
reduce power from the hybrid system to the wheels. Pressing to
turn the system off may make it easier for you to rock the vehicle in
order to free it.
To turn the TRC system off, quickly press and release .
The “Traction Control Turned Off” will be shown on the multi-information
display.
Press again to turn the system back on.
■ Turning off both TRC and VSC systems
To turn the TRC and VSC systems off, press and hold for more than 3
seconds while the vehicle is stopped.
The VSC OFF indicator will come on and the “Traction Control Turned Off”
will be shown on the multi-information display.*
Press again to turn the systems back on.
*: Pre-collision brake assist and pre-collision braking will also be disabled.
The PCS warning light will come on and the message will be shown on the
multi-information display. ( P. 6 6 1 )
■ When the message is displayed on the multi-information display show-
ing that TRC has been disable d even if has not been pressed
TRC is temporary deactivated. If the information continues to show, contact
any authorized Toyota retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable
repairer.
Disabling the TRC system
Vehicles without panoramic
view monitor
Vehicles with panoramic view
monitor
Page 515 of 818

5135-5. Using the driving support systems
Prius Plug-in Hybrid_OM_OM47F38E_(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. 660
■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.
Page 516 of 818

5145-5. Using the driving support systems
Prius Plug-in Hybrid_OM_OM47F38E_(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 the 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.
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5155-5. Using the driving support systems
Prius Plug-in Hybrid_OM_OM47F38E_(EE)
5
Driving
WARNING
■When the TRC/VSC systems are turned off
Be especially careful and drive at a speed appropriate to the road condi-
tions. As these are the systems to help ensure vehicle stability and driving
force, do not turn the TRC/VSC systems off unless necessary.
■ Replacing tires
Make sure that all tires are of the specified size, brand, tread pattern and
total load capacity. In addition, make sure that the tires are inflated to the
recommended tire inflation pressure level.
The ABS, TRC and VSC systems will not function correctly if different tires
are installed on the vehicle.
Contact any authorized Toyota retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any
reliable repairer for further information when replacing tires or wheels.
■ Handling of tires and the suspension
Using tires with any kind of problem or modifying the suspension will affect
the driving assist systems, and may cause a system to malfunction.
Page 521 of 818

5195-6. Driving tips
5
Driving
Prius Plug-in Hybrid_OM_OM47F38E_(EE)
WARNING
■Driving with snow tires
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents.
Failure to do so may result in a loss of vehicle control and cause death or
serious injury.
● Use tires of the specified size.
● Maintain the recommended level of air pressure.
● Do not drive at speeds in excess of the speed limit or the speed limit spec-
ified for the snow tires being used.
● Use snow tires on all, not just some wheels.
■ Driving with tire chains
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents.
Failure to do so may result in the vehicle being unable to be driven safely,
and may cause death or serious injury.
● Do not drive in excess of the speed limit specified for the tire chains being
used, or 50 km/h (30 mph), whichever is lower.
● Avoid driving on bumpy road surfaces or over potholes.
● Avoid sudden acceleration, abrupt steering, sudden braking and shifting
operations that cause sudden engine braking.
● Slow down sufficiently before entering a curve to ensure that vehicle con-
trol is maintained.
● Do not use LTA (Lane Tracing Assist).
■ When parking the vehicle
When parking the vehicle without applying the parking brake, make sure to
chock the wheels. If you do not chock the wheels, the vehicle may move
unexpectedly, possibly resulting in an accident.
NOTICE
■ Repairing or replacing snow tires
Request repairs or replacement of snow tires from any authorized Toyota
retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer or legitimate
tire retailers.
This is because the removal and attachment of snow tires affects the opera-
tion of the tire pressure warning valves and transmitters.
■ Fitting tire chains
The tire pressure warning valves and transmitters may not function correctly
when tire chains are fitted.
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.
Page 540 of 818
5386-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
Prius Plug-in Hybrid_OM_OM47F38E_(EE)
WARNING
■Precautions for the Remote Air Conditioning System
● Do not use the system if people are in the vehicle.
Even when the system is in use, the internal temperature may still reach a
high or low level due to features such as the automatic shut-off. Children
and pets left inside the vehicle may suffer heatstroke dehydration or hypo-
thermia, or could result in death or serious injury.
● Depending on the surrounding environment, signals from the wireless
switch may transmit further than expected. Pay appropriate attention to
the vehicle’s surroundings and use the switch only when necessary.
● Do not operate “A/C” if the hood is open. The air conditioning may operate
unintentionally and objects may be drawn into the electrical cooling fan.
NOTICE
■ To prevent the hybrid battery (traction battery) from being discharged
through incorrect operation
Use “A/C” only when necessary.
Page 541 of 818
5396-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
Prius Plug-in Hybrid_OM_OM47F38E_(EE)
6
Interior features
Seat heaters
Seat heaters heat the front seats.
WARNING
●Care should be taken to prevent injury if anyone in the following categories
comes in contact with the seats when the heater is on:
• Babies, small children, the elderly, the sick and the physically chal-
lenged
• Persons with sensitive skin
• Persons who are fatigued
• Persons who have taken alcohol or drugs that induce sleep (sleeping
drugs, cold remedies, etc.)
● Observe the following precautions to prevent minor burns or overheating:
• Do not cover the seat with a blanket or cushion when using the seat
heater.
• Do not use seat heater more than necessary.
NOTICE
● Do not put heavy objects that have an uneven surface on the seat and do
not stick sharp objects (needles, nails, etc.) into the seat.
● To prevent 12-volt battery discharge, do not use the functions when the
hybrid system is off.