brake light TOYOTA PRIUS PLUG-IN HYBRID 2018 Owner's Guide

5195-5. Using the driving support systems
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47C99E_(EE)
5
Driving
◆EPS (Electric Power Steering)
Employs an electric motor to reduce the amount of effort needed to
turn the steering wheel.
◆Emergency brake signal
When the brakes are applied suddenly, the emergency flashers
automatically flash to alert the vehicle behind.
The slip indicator light will flash
while the TRC/VSC/ABS systems
are operating.
When the TRC/VSC/ABS systems are operating

5205-5. Using the driving support systems
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47C99E_(EE)
If the vehicle gets stuck in mud, dirt or snow, the TRC system may
reduce power from the hybrid system to the wheels. Pressing
to turn the system off may make it easier for you to rock the vehicle in
order to free it.
To turn the TRC system off,
quickly press and release
.
The “Traction Control Turned Off”
will be shown on the multi-informa-
tion display.
Press again to turn the sys-
tem back on.
■ Turning off both TRC and VSC systems
To turn the TRC and VSC systems off, press and hold for more than 3
seconds while the vehicle is stopped.
The VSC OFF indicator will come on and the “Traction Control Turned Off”
will be shown on the multi-information display.*
Press again to turn the systems back on.
*: Pre-crash brake assist and pre-crash braking will also be disabled. The
PCS warning light will come on and the message will be shown on the
multi-information display. ( P. 6 7 3 )
■ When the message is displayed on the multi-information display show-
ing that TRC has been disable d even if has not been pressed
TRC cannot be operated. Contact any authorized Toyota retailer or Toyota
authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer.
Disabling the TRC system

5215-5. Using the driving support systems
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47C99E_(EE)
5
Driving
■Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, brake assist, VSC, TRC and
hill-start assist control systems
●A sound may be heard from the engine compartment when the brake pedal
is depressed repeatedly, when the hybrid system is started or just after the
vehicle begins to move. This sound does not indicate that a malfunction has
occurred in any of these systems.
●Any of the following conditions may occur when the above systems are
operating. None of these indicates that a malfunction has occurred.
• Vibrations may be felt through the vehicle body and steering.
• A motor sound may be heard also after the vehicle comes to a stop.
■ECB operating sound
ECB operating sound may be heard in the following cases, but it does not
indicate that a malfunction has occurred.
●Operating sound heard from the engine compartment when the brake pedal
is operated.
●Motor sound of the brake system heard from the front part of the vehicle
when the driver’s door is opened.
●Operating sound heard from the engine compartment when one or two min-
utes passed after the stop of the hybrid system.
■EPS operation sound
When the steering wheel is operated, a motor sound (whirring sound) may be
heard. This does not indicate a malfunction.
■Reduced effectiveness of the EPS system
The effectiveness of the EPS system is reduced to prevent the system from
overheating when there is frequent steering input over an extended period of
time. The steering wheel may feel heavy as a result. Should this occur, refrain
from excessive steering input or stop the vehicle and turn the hybrid system
off. The EPS system should return to normal within 10 minutes.
■Electric power steering system warning light (warning buzzer)
P. 672
■Automatic reactivation of TRC and VSC systems
After turning the TRC and VSC systems off, the systems will be automatically
re-enabled in the following situations:
●When the power switch is turned off
●If only the TRC system is turned off, the TRC will turn on when vehicle
speed increases
If both the TRC and VSC systems are turned off, automatic re-enabling will
not occur when vehicle speed increases.

5235-5. Using the driving support systems
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47C99E_(EE)
5
Driving
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 road.
■ Stopping distance when the ABS is operating may exceed that of nor-
mal conditions
The ABS is not designed to shorten t he 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 systems are 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, VSC and/or ABS is activated
The slip indicator light flashes. Always drive carefully. Reckless driving may
cause an accident. Exercise particular care when the indicator light flashes.

5255-6. Driving tips
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47C99E_(EE)
5
Driving
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

5887-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47C99E_(EE)
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.

6708-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47C99E_(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

6718-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47C99E_(EE)
8
When trouble arises
If a warning light turns 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.

6728-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47C99E_(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

6768-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47C99E_(EE)
Brake Override System/Drive-Start Control/
Intelligent Clearance Sonar (symbol display)*5
Brake Override System
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.
Indicates a malfunction in the Brake Override System
(with warning buzzer)
 Have the vehicle inspected by any authorized Toyota
retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable
repairer immediately.
Drive-Start Control
Indicates that the shift position was changed and Drive-
Start Control was operated while depressing the accelera-
tor pedal (with warning buzzer)
 Momentarily release the accelerator pedal.
Indicates a malfunction in the Drive-Start Control system
(with warning buzzer)
 Have the vehicle inspected by any authorized Toyota
retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable
repairer immediately.
Intelligent Clearance Sonar
Indicates that the Intelligent Clearance Sonar (if equipped)
is operating ( P. 476)
 Follow the instruction that is displayed on the multi-
information display.
Warning lightWarning light/Details/Actions