towing TOYOTA PRIUS PLUG-IN 2012 User Guide

451
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
4
Maintenance and care
■Storing the jack and tools
St ore the jack and tools in a reverse way a s taking out the
jack.
After storing the jack, make sure it is securely held by the tight-
ening strap.
Reinstall the lid.
Insert the tab on far side of the
lid first, then insert the tab on
the near side.
STEP 1
STEP 2
■When using a towing eyelet
Remove the towing eyelet after following the procedure on P. 449 to
remove the jack, jack handle and wheel nut wrench.

5
When trouble arises
525
5-1. Essential information
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
If your vehicle needs to be towed
Before towing
The following may indicate a problem with your hybrid transmission.
Contact your Toyota dealer before towing.
●The hybrid system is operating but the vehicle will not move.
●The vehicle makes an abnormal sound.
If there is a malfunction in the P position control system, the smart
key system or the immobilizer system, or if the 12-volt battery is dis-
charged, the vehicle cannot be towed with the front wheels on the
ground, as the front wheels may be locked. In this case, transport the
vehicle with both front wheels or all four wheels lifted.
If towing is necessary, we recommend having your vehicle towed by
your Toyota dealer or a commercial towing service, using a lift-type
truck or flat bed truck.
Use a safety chain system for all towing, and abide by all state/pro-
vincial and local laws.

526
5-1. Essential information
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
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(s).
This should only be attempted
on hard surfaced roads for short
distances at under 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.

5
When trouble arises
527
5-1. Essential information
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
Installing towing eyelets
Remove the eyelet cover using a
flathead screwdriver.
To p r e v e n t d a m a g e , c o v e r t h e t i p
of the screwdriver with a rag.
Insert the towing eyelet into the
hole and tighten partially by
hand.
Tighten down the towing eyelet
securely using a wheel nut
wrench.
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3

528
5-1. Essential information
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
To w i n g w i t h a s l i n g - t y p e t r u c k
Do not tow with a sling-type truck
to prevent body damage.
Towing with a wheel-lift type truck
From the front
Release the parking brake.
From the rear
Use a towing dolly under the
front wheels.

5
When trouble arises
529
5-1. Essential information
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
Using a flat bed truck
If 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.
■Before emergency towing
Turn the “POWER” switch to ON mode.
Do not turn the “POWER” switch to ACCESSORY mode.
Shift the shift position to N.
Release the parking brake.
■Emergency towing eyelet location
→P. 4 4 8
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3

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 p r e v e n t d a m a g i n g t h e v e h i c l e
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 p r e v e n t c a u s i n g s e r i o u s d a m a g e t o 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 p r e v e n t b o d y d a m a g e w h e n t owing with a sling-type truck
Do not tow with a sling-type truck, either from the front or rear.
■To p r e v e n t c a u s i n g s e r i o u s d a m a g e 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.

606
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
NOTICE
■To a v o i d d a m a g e t o t h e h y b r i d 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....................................524
DE
*: Refer to “Display Audio System Owner’s Manual”
or “Navigation System Owner’s Manual”.