ECU TOYOTA PRIUS PHV 2012 Owner's Manual

220 1-9. Safety information
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
CAUTION
■When installing a child restraint system
● When a booster seat is installed, always ensure that the shoulder belt is
positioned across the center of the child’s shoulder. The belt should be
kept away from the child’s neck, but not so that it could fall off the child’s
shoulder. Failing to do so may result in death or serious injury in the event
of sudden braking, sudden swerving or an accident.
● Ensure that the belt and plate are securely locked and the seat belt is not
twisted.
● Shake the child restraint system left and right, and forward and backward
to ensure that it has been securely installed.
● After securing a child restraint system, never adjust the seat.
● Follow all installation instructions provided by the child restraint system
manufacturer. ●
Only put a forward-facing child restraint
system on the front seat when unavoid-
able.
When installing a forward-facing child
restraint system on the front passenger
seat, move the seat as far back as pos-
sible even if the “AIR BAG OFF” indica-
tor light is illuminated. Failure to do so
may result in death or serious injury if
the airbags deploy (inflate).

221
1-9. Safety information
1
Before driving
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
CAUTION
■
Do not use a seat belt extender
If a seat belt extender is used when installing a child restraint system, the
seat belt will not securely hold the child restraint system, which could cause
death or serious injury to the child or other passengers in the event of sud-
den braking, sudden swerving or an accident.
■ To correctly attach a child r estraint system to the anchors
When using the LATCH anchors, be sure that there are no foreign objects
around the anchors and that the seat belt is not caught behind the child
restraint system. Make sure the child restraint system is securely attached,
or it may cause death or serious injury to the child or other passengers in the
event of a sudden braking, sudden swerve or accident.

232 2-1. Driving procedures
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
CAUTION
■When the vehicle is stopped
● Do not depress the accelerator pedal unnecessarily.
If the vehicle is in any shift position other than P or N, the vehicle may
accelerate suddenly and unexpectedly, causing an accident.
● Do not leave the vehicle with the hybrid system on for a long time.
If such a situation cannot be avoided, park the vehicle in an open space
and check that exhaust fumes do not enter the vehicle interior.
● In order to prevent accidents due to the vehicle rolling away, always keep
depressing the brake pedal while the “READY” indicator is on. Apply the
parking brake as necessary.
● If the vehicle is stopped on an incline, in order to prevent accidents caused
by the vehicle rolling forward or backward, always depress the brake pedal
and securely apply the parking brake as needed.
● Avoid revving or racing the engine.
Running the engine at high speed while the vehicle is stopped may cause
the exhaust system to overheat, which could result in a fire if combustible
material is nearby.

235
2-1. Driving procedures
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
2
When driving
CAUTION
■
When taking a nap in the vehicle
Always turn the hybrid system off. Otherwise, if you accidentally move the
shift lever or depress the accelerator pedal, this could cause an accident or
fire due to hybrid system overheating. Additionally, if the vehicle is parked in
a poorly ventilated area, exhaust gases may collect and enter the vehicle,
leading to death or a serious health hazard.
■ When braking
● When the brakes are wet, drive more cautiously.
Braking distance increases when the brakes are wet, and this may cause
one side of the vehicle to brake differently than the other side. Also, the
parking brake may not securely hold the vehicle.
● If the electronically controlled assist function does not operate, do not fol-
low other vehicles closely and avoid downhill or sharp turns that require
braking.
In this case, braking is still possible, but the brake pedal should be
depressed more firmly than usual. Also, the braking distance will increase.
● The brake system consists of 2 individual hydraulic systems; if one of the
systems fails, the others will still operate. In this case, the brake pedal
should be depressed more firmly than usual and the braking distance will
increase. If this happens, do not continue to drive the vehicle. If the brake
system warning light (red indicator) comes on while driving, immediately
stop the vehicle in a safe place and contact your Toyota dealer.

256
2-1. Driving procedures
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
Hor n
■After adjusting the steering wheel
Make sure that the steering wheel is securely locked.
The horn may not sound if the steering wheel is not securely locked.
(P. 165)
To sound the horn, press on or
close to the mark.

263
2-2. Instrument cluster
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
2
When driving
■
Indicators
The indicators inform the driver of the operating state of the
vehicle’s various systems.
Turn signal indicator
(P. 254)Eco Driving Indicator
Light ( P. 268)
(U.S.A.)
Headlight indicator
(P. 292)“ECO MODE”
indicator ( P. 247)
(Canada)
Tail light indicator
(P. 292)Power mode indicator
(P. 247)
Headlight high beam
indicator ( P. 295)
(if equipped)
Cruise control indicator
(P. 308, 320)
Front fog light indicator
(P. 298)
(if equipped)
Radar cruise control
indicator ( P. 312)
Security indicator
(P. 179)
(if equipped)
“SET” indicator
(P. 308, 320)
“READY” indicator
(P. 238)Slip indicator
(P. 329, 333)
EV indicator ( P. 268)
(if equipped)
“PCS” warning
(P. 336)
EV drive mode indica-
tor ( P. 35)Charging timer indicator
(P. 86)
*1, 2
*1, 3

298
2-3. Operating the lights and windshield wipers
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
Fog light switch
: If equipped
The fog lights secure excellent visibility in difficult driving condi-
tions, such as in rain and fog.
Ty p e A
Turns the fog lights
off
Turns the fog lights
on

343
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
2
When driving
2-5. Driving information
Cargo and luggage
Take notice of the following information about storage precau-
tions, cargo capacity and load:
●Stow cargo and luggage in the luggage compartment whenever
possible.
● Be sure all items are secured in place.
● To maintain vehicle balance while driving, position luggage
evenly within the luggage compartment.
● For better fuel economy, do no t carry unnecessary weight.

347
2-5. Driving information
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
2
When driving
CAUTION
●Secure all items in the occupant compartment, as they may shift and
injure someone in the event of an accident or sudden braking.
●When you fold down the rear seats, long items should not be place
directly behind the front seats.
●Never allow anyone to ride in the luggage compartment. It is not
designed for passengers. They should ride in their seats with their seat
belts properly fastened. Otherwise,
they are much more likely to suffer
death or serious bodily injury, in the event of sudden braking or an
accident.
■Capacity and distribution
●Do not exceed the maximum axle weight rating or the total vehicle
weight rating.
●Even if the total load of occupant’s weight and the cargo load is less
than the total load capacity, do no t apply the load unevenly. Improper
loading may cause deterioration of st eering or braking control which
may cause death or serious injury.

373
3-1. Using the air conditioning system
and defogger
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
3
Interior features
■Security feature
Any unlocked doors will be automatically locked when the system is operat-
ing. The buzzer will beep and the emergency flashers flash when the doors
have been locked or the system has been turned off.
(The doors locked: Once; The system turned off: Twice)
■ Conditions aff ecting operation
 P. 1 1 9
■ When using the Remote Air Conditioning System
A charging message will be displayed on the multi-information display. Dif-
ferent messages will be displayed depending on when the Remote Air Con-
ditioning System was started (after charging or during charging).
( P. 562)
■ While the Remote Air Conditio ning System is operating
● Depending on the operating condition of the Remote Air Conditioning
System, the electric fan may spin and an operating noise may be heard.
However, this does not indicate a malfunction.
● The Remote Air Conditioning System may stop operating temporarily if
other features that use electricity (for example, the seat heater, lights,
windshield wipers) are in operation or if the charge level of the 12-volt
battery becomes low.
■ Electronic key battery depletion
 P. 123
■ When the electronic key battery is fully depleted
 P. 123
■ Customization
Setting (e.g. Operation using the on the wireless remote control) can
be changed.
(Customizable features P. 645)