tow TOYOTA PRIUS PHV 2012 Service Manual

530 5-1. Essential information
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
CAUTION
■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 eyelets and the cables or chains. Always
be cautious of the surroundings and other vehicles while towing.
● Do not turn the “POWER” switch off.
This may lead to an accident as the front wheels will be locked by the
parking lock.
● If the hybrid system is off, the power assist for the brakes and steering will
not function, making steering and braking more difficult.
■ Installing towing eyelets to the vehicle
Make sure that towing eyelets are installed securely.
If not securely installed, towing eyelets may come loose during towing. This
may lead to accidents that cause serious injury or even death.

5
When trouble arises
531
5-1. Essential information
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
NOTICE
■
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.
■ To prevent causing serious damage to the hybrid transmission when
towing using a wheel-lift type truck
Never tow this vehicle from the rear with the front wheels on the ground.
■ To prevent body damage when towing with a sling-type truck
Do not tow with a sling-type truck, either from the front or rear.
■ To prevent causing serious damage to the hybrid transmission in
emergency towing
Never tow a vehicle from the rear with four wheels on the ground. This may
cause serious damage to the hybrid transmission.

5
When trouble arises
597
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
■
Starting the hybrid system when the 12-volt battery is discharged
The hybrid system cannot be started by push-starting.
■ To prevent 12-volt battery discharge
● Turn off the headlights and the audio system while the hybrid system is
off.
● Turn off any unnecessary electrical components when the vehicle is run-
ning at a low speed for an extended period, such as in heavy traffic.
■ When the 12-volt battery is removed or discharged
● The hybrid system may not start. ( P. 473)
● If the 12-volt battery is depleted with the shift position in P, it will not be
possible to shift the shift position other than P. In this case, the vehicle
cannot be towed without lifting both front wheels because the front
wheels are locked by the parking lock. ( P. 525)
● When the 12-volt battery is reconnected, start the hybrid system, depress
the brake pedal, and confirm that it is possible to shift into each shift posi-
tion.
■ Charging the 12-volt battery
The electricity stored in the 12-volt battery will discharge gradually even
when the vehicle is not in use, due to natural discharge and the draining
effects of certain electrical appliances. If the vehicle is left for a long time, the
12-volt battery may discharge, and the hybrid system may be unable to start.
(The 12-volt battery charges automatically while the hybrid system is operat-
ing.)

606 5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
NOTICE
■To avoid damage to the hybrid transmission and other components
● Avoid spinning the wheels and depressing the accelerator pedal more
than necessary.
● If the vehicle remains stuck even after these procedures are performed,
the vehicle may require towing to be freed.

671
Alphabetical index
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
Daytime running light
system ................................... 295
Deck board............................... 403
Defogger
Rear window......................... 375
Side mirrors .......................... 375
Dimensions .............................. 610
Dinghy towing ......................... 355
Display Dynamic radar cruise control ................................ 312
Multi-information ................... 266
Warning messages............... 546
Do-it-yourself maintenance .... 439
Door lock Back door ............................. 140
Side doors ............................ 134
Smart key system ... .............. 108
Wireless remote control........ 132
Doors Back door ............................. 140
Door glasses ........................ 171
Door lock .............. 108, 132, 134
Rear door child-protector...... 135
Side doors ............................ 134
Driver’s seat belt reminder light ........................................ 537
Driving
Break-in tips ......................... 226
Correct posture..................... 182
Procedures ........................... 224
Winter driving tips ................. 349 Eco drive mode switch ............247
Electric power steering ...........328
Electronic key
If the electronic key does not operate properly..................591
Replacing battery ..................493
Emergency, in case of If a warning buzzer sounds ................................533
If a warning light turns on ......533
If the electronic key does not operate properly..................591
If the hybrid system will not start .....................................588
If the 12-volt battery is
discharged ..........................594
If you have a flat tire .............566
If you lose your keys .............590
If you think something is wrong ..................................532
If your vehicle becomes stuck ...................................605
If your vehicle has to be stopped in an
emergency ..........................607
If your vehicle needs to be towed ..................................525
If your vehicle overheats .......600
Emergency flashers Switch....................................524DE
GW Refer to

678 Alphabetical index
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
Tonneau cover .........................404
Tools ......................................... 448
Total load capacity...................348
Touch tracer display ................258
TowingDinghy towing........................355
Emergency towing.................526
Trailer towing.........................354
TRAC ......................................... 328
Traction control........................328
Trailer towing ...........................354
Transmission
Hybrid transmission............... 245
P position switch ...................248
Trip information ....................... 274
Trip meter .................................257
Turn signal lights Replacing light bulbs ............. 507
Switch.................................... 254
Wattage .................................620
USB port
*.................................381
Vanity lights Vanity lights ...........................393
Wattage .................................620
Vanity mirrors...........................393
Vehicle data recordings ............ 24
Vehicle identification number ...................................611
Vehicle proximity notification system ...................................... 38
Vehicle stability control...........328
VSC............................................ 328 Warning buzzers
Brake system ........................ 533
Open door ............................ 537
Seat belt reminder................. 537
Warning lights Anti-lock brake system
(ABS) .................................. 535
Automatic headlight leveling system ................................ 536
Brake system ................ 533, 536
Charging system .... ............... 534
Cruise control ........................ 536
Electric power steering
system ................................ 535
High coolant temperature...... 534
Hybrid system ....................... 535
Low fuel level ........................ 537
Low tire pressure .................. 538
Malfunction indicator lamp .... 535
Open door ............................. 537
Pre-collision system .............. 536
Radar cruise control. ............. 536
Seat belt warning light........... 537
Slip indicator ......................... 536
SRS airbags .......................... 535
Tire pressure warning light.... 538U
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