towing TOYOTA PRIUS 2010 3.G User Guide

5
When trouble arises
487
5-1. Essential information
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
If your vehicle needs to be towed
Before towingThe following may indicate a problem with your transmission. Contact
your Toyota dealer before towing.
● The hybrid system is operating, but the vehicle will not move.
● The vehicle makes an abnormal sound.
Emergency towing
If a tow truck is not available, in an emergency your vehicle may be
temporarily towed using a cable or chain secured to the emergency
towing eyelet. This should only be attempted on hard, surfaced roads
for short distances below 18 mph (30 km/h). 
A driver must be in the vehicle to steer and operate the brakes. The
vehicle’s wheels, drive train, axles, steering and brakes must be in
good condition.
If towing is necessary, we recommend having your vehicle towed by
your Toyota dealer or a commerci al towing service, using a lift-type
truck or a flat bed truck. 
Use a safety chain system for all to wing, and abide by all state/pro-
vincial and local laws.
If towing from the front, the vehicle ’s rear wheel and axles must be in
good condition. ( P. 491)
If they are damaged, use a towing dolly or flat bed truck.

488 5-1. Essential information
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.Towing eyelet
ITO51P107
■
Emergency towing procedure
Release the parking brake.
Turn the “POWER” switch to ON mode.
Put the shift lever in “N”.
CAUTION
■While towing
● Use extreme caution when towing the vehicle.
Avoid sudden starts or erratic driving maneuvers which place excessive
stress on the emergency towing eyelet and the cable or chain.
● If the hybrid system is not operating, the power assist for the brakes and
steering will not function, making steering and braking more difficult.
NOTICE
■To prevent causing serious dama ge to the transmission
Never tow this vehicle from the rear with the four wheels on the ground. 
This may cause serious damage to the transmission.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3

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When trouble arises
489
5-1. Essential information
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
Installing towing eyelet
Remove the eyelet cover using a
flathead screwdriver.
To protect the bodywork, place a
rag between the screwdriver and
the vehicle body, as shown in the
illustration.
Insert the towing eyelet into the
hole and tighten partially by
hand.
Tighten down the towing eyelet
securely using a wheel nut
wrench.
ITO51P108
STEP1
ITO51P109
STEP2
ITO51P110
STEP3
■Location of the emer gency towing eyelet
 P. 524

490 5-1. Essential information
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
Towing with a sling-type truck
CAUTION
■Installing towing eyelet to the vehicle
Make sure that towing eyelet is installed securely. 
If not securely installed, towing eyelet may come loose during towing. This
may lead to accidents that cause serious injury or even death.
ITO51P103
NOTICE
■ To prevent body damage
Do not tow with a sling-type truck, either from the front or rear.

5
When trouble arises
491
5-1. Essential information
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
Towing with a wheel lift-type truck
From front Release the parking brake.
From rear Use a towing dolly under the
front wheel.
ITO51P104
ITO51P105

492 5-1. Essential information
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
Using a flat bed truckIf you use chains or cables to tie
down your vehicle, the angles
shaded in black must be 45°.
Do not overly tighten the tie
downs or the vehicle may be
damaged.
NOTICE
■To prevent causing serious damage to the transmission
Never tow this vehicle from the rear with the front wheels on the ground.
■ To prevent damaging the vehicle
When raising the vehicle, ensure adequate ground clearance for towing at
the opposite end of the raised vehicle. Without adequate clearance, the
vehicle could be damaged while being towed.
ITO51P106

524
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
If you have a flat tire
Remove the flat tire and replace it with the spare provided.
■Before jacking up the vehicle
●Stop the vehicle on a hard, flat surface.
● Set the parking brake.
● Shift the shift position to “P”.
● Stop the hybrid system.
● Turn on the emergency flashers.
■ Location of the spare tire, jack and tools
Center auxiliary box
Wheel nut
wrench
Jack handle
Spare tire Towing
eyelet
Jack

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When trouble arises
531
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
Stowing the flat tire
Vehicles with a 17 inch wheel:
Before stowing the flat tire,
remove the center wheel orna-
ment by pushing from the
reverse side.
Place the flat tire on the deck
board, and pass the belt through
the lower-right cargo hook and
then through the hole in the cen-
ter of the tire.
Pass the belt through the lower-
left cargo hook.
ITO52P123
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3

536 5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
CAUTION
■When the spare tire is attached
The vehicle speed may not be correctly detected, and the following sys-
tems may not operate correctly:
●ABS & Brake assist
●Enhanced VSC
●Navigation system (if equipped)
●TRAC
●Dynamic radar cruise control (if equipped)
●Cruise control (if equipped)
●PCS (if equipped)
●LKA (if equipped)
●Rear view monitor system (if equipped)
●Advanced parking guidance system (if equipped)
■After using the tools and jack
Before driving, make sure all the tools and jack are securely in place in their
storage location to reduce the possibility of personal injury during a collision
or sudden braking.
■ When stowing the flat tire
● Make sure the rear seats are in their original position.
● Secure it using a tire tie-down belt. Otherwise, the flat tire may fly out in
case of the sudden braking or an accident, resulting in death or serious
injury.

554 5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
NOTICE
■To avoid damaging the transmission and other components
● Avoid spinning the wheels.
● If the vehicle remains stuck after trying these procedures, the vehicle may
require towing to be freed.