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.
Page 518 of 818

5165-6. Driving tips
Prius Plug-in Hybrid_OM_OM47F38E_(EE)
Winter driving tips
●Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside tempera-
tures.
• Engine oil
• Engine/power control unit coolant
• Washer fluid
●Have a service technician inspect the condition of the 12-volt bat-
tery.
●Have the vehicle fitted with four snow tires or purchase a set of tire
chains for the front tires.
Ensure that all tires are the same size and brand, and that chains match
the size of the tires.
Perform the following according to the driving conditions:
●Do not try to forcibly open a window or move a wiper that is frozen.
Pour warm water over the frozen area to melt the ice. Wipe away
the water immediately to prevent it from freezing.
●To ensure proper operation of the climate control system fan,
remove any snow that has accumulated on the air inlet vents in
front of the windshield.
●Check for and remove any excess ice or snow that may have accu-
mulated on the exterior lights, vehicle’s roof, chassis, around the
tires or on the brakes.
●Remove any snow or mud from the bottom of your shoes before
getting in the vehicle.
Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before
driving the vehicle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a man-
ner appropriate to the prevailing weather conditions.
Preparation for winter
Before driving the vehicle
Page 585 of 818
5837-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Prius Plug-in Hybrid_OM_OM47F38E_(EE)
7
Maintenance and care
NOTICE
■If you remove the air cleaner filter
Driving with the air cleaner filter removed may cause excessive engine wear
due to dirt in the air.
■ If the brake fluid level is low or high
It is normal for the brake fluid level to go down slightly as the brake pads
wear or when the fluid level in the accumulator is high.
If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, it may indicate a serious problem.
Page 660 of 818

6588-2. Steps to take in an emergency
Prius Plug-in Hybrid_OM_OM47F38E_(EE)
If you think something is wrong
●Fluid leaks under the vehicle
(Water dripping from the air conditioning after use is normal.)
● Flat-looking tires or uneven tire wear
● High coolant temperature warning light flashes or comes on
● Changes in exhaust sound
● Excessive tire squeal when cornering
● Strange noises related to the suspension system
● Pinging or other noises related to the hybrid system
● Engine missing, stumbling or running roughly
● Appreciable loss of power
● Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when braking
● Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when driving on a level road
● Loss of brake effectiveness, spongy feeling, pedal almost touches
the floor
If you notice any of the following symptoms, your vehicle proba-
bly needs adjustment or repair. Contact any authorized Toyota
retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer as
soon as possible.
Visible symptoms
Audible symptoms
Operational symptoms
Page 661 of 818

6598-2. Steps to take in an emergency
Prius Plug-in Hybrid_OM_OM47F38E_(EE)
8
When trouble arises
If a war ning light tur ns on or a warning
buzzer sounds
Calmly perform the following actions if any of the warning lights
comes on or flashes. If a light comes on or flashes, but then
goes off, this does not necessarily indicate a malfunction in the
system. However, if this continues to occur, have the vehicle
inspected by any authorized Toyota retailer or Toyota authorized
repairer, or any reliable repairer.
Warning light and warning buzzer list
Warning lightWarning light/Details/Actions
Brake system warning light and warning buzzer (red
indicator)*1
Indicates that:
• The brake fluid level is low; or
• The brake system is malfunctioning
Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and con-
tact any authorized Toyota retailer or Toyota autho-
rized repairer, or any reliable repairer. Continuing to
drive the vehicle may be dangerous.
Brake system warning light (yellow indicator)
Indicates a malfunction in:
• The regenerative braking system; or
• The electronically controlled brake system
Have the vehicle inspected by any authorized Toyota
retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable
repairer immediately.
Charging system warning light
Indicates a malfunction in the vehicle’s charging system
Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and con-
tact any authorized Toyota retailer or Toyota autho-
rized repairer, or any reliable repairer.
Page 662 of 818

6608-2. Steps to take in an emergency
Prius Plug-in Hybrid_OM_OM47F38E_(EE)
Low engine oil pressure warning light
(warning buzzer)*2
Indicates that the engine oil pressure is too low
Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and con-
tact any authorized Toyota retailer or Toyota autho-
rized repairer, or any reliable repairer.
Malfunction indicator lamp
Indicates a malfunction in:
• The hybrid system;
• The electronic engine control system; or
• The electronic throttle control system
Have the vehicle inspected by any authorized Toyota
retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable
repairer immediately.
SRS warning light
Indicates a malfunction in:
• The SRS airbag system; or
• The seat belt pretensioner system
Have the vehicle inspected by any authorized Toyota
retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable
repairer immediately.
ABS warning light
Indicates a malfunction in:
• The ABS; or
• The brake assist system
Have the vehicle inspected by any authorized Toyota
retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable
repairer immediately.
(Red/yellow)
Electric power steering system warning light (warning
buzzer)
Indicates a malfunction in the EPS (Electric Power Steer-
ing) system
Have the vehicle inspected by any authorized Toyota
retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable
repairer immediately.
Warning lightWarning light/Details/Actions
Page 664 of 818

6628-2. Steps to take in an emergency
Prius Plug-in Hybrid_OM_OM47F38E_(EE)
(Flashes) (If equipped)
PKSB OFF indicator
Indicates a malfunction in the Parking Support Brake func-
tion
Have the vehicle inspected by any authorized Toyota
retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable
repairer.
The warning light will operate as follows, even when the
system is not malfunctioning:
• The light will come on when the Parking Support Brake
function is turned off ( P. 464)
• The light will come on when the Parking Support Brake
function is operating ( P. 468)
• The light will flash when the system cannot temporarily
be used ( P. 470)
Open door warning light (warning buzzer)*3
Indicates that a door is not fully closed
Check that all the doors are closed.
Low fuel level warning light
Indicates that remaining fuel is approximately 6.4 L
(1.7 gal., 1.4 Imp.gal.) or less
Refuel the vehicle.
Driver’s and front passenger’s seat belt reminder light
(warning buzzer)*4
Warns the driver and/or front passenger to fasten their
seat belts
Fasten the seat belt.
If the front passenger’s seat is occupied, the front
passenger’s seat belt also needs to be fastened to
make the warning light (warning buzzer) turn off.
Rear passengers’ seat belt reminder light (warning
buzzer)*5
Warns the rear passengers to fasten their seat belts
Fasten the seat belt.
Master warning light
A buzzer sounds and the warning light comes on and
flashes to indicate that the master warning system has
detected a malfunction.
P. 667
Warning lightWarning light/Details/Actions
Page 665 of 818

6638-2. Steps to take in an emergency
Prius Plug-in Hybrid_OM_OM47F38E_(EE)
8
When trouble arises
Tire pressure warning light
When the light comes on:
Low tire inflation pressure such as
• Natural causes ( P. 665)
• Flat tire ( P. 675)
Adjust the tire inflation pressure to the specified
level.
The light will turn off after a few minutes. In case the
light does not turn off even if the tire inflation pres-
sure is adjusted, have the system checked by any
authorized Toyota retailer or Toyota authorized
repairer, or any reliable repairer.
When the light comes on after blinking for 1 minute:
Malfunction in the tire pressure warning system ( P. 665)
Have the system checked by any authorized Toyota
retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable
repairer.
Inappropriate pedal operation warning light*6 (warning
buzzer)
When a buzzer sounds:
Indicates a malfunction in:
• The Brake Override System
• The Drive-Start Control
Have the vehicle inspected by any authorized Toyota
retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable
repairer.
Indicates that the shift position was changed and Drive-
Start Control was operated while depressing the accelera-
tor pedal.
Momentarily release the accelerator pedal.
Indicates that the Parking Support Brake function (if
equipped) is operating ( P. 468)
Follow the instruction that is displayed on the multi-
information display.
When a buzzer does not sound:
Indicates that the accelerator and brake pedals are being
depressed simultaneously, and the Brake Override Sys-
tem is operating.
Release the accelerator pedal and depress the brake
pedal.
Warning lightWarning light/Details/Actions