sensor TOYOTA PRIUS PLUS 2012 Owner's Manual

270 2-3. Operating the lights and windshield wipers
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
The windshield wipers and washer can be operated when
The “POWER” switch is in ON mode.
Raindrop sensor
If the wiper switch is turned to the “AUTO” position while the “POWER”
switch is in ON mode, the wiper will operate once to show that “AUTO”
mode is activated.
If the wiper sensitivity is adjusted to higher, the wiper may operate once
to indicate the change of sensitivity.
If the temperature of the raindrop sensor is 85 °C (185 °F) or higher,
or -10 °C (14 °F) or lower, the automatic operation may not occur. In
this case, operate the wipers in any mode other than “AUTO”.
If no windshield washer fluid sprays
Check that the washer nozzles are not blocked if there is washer fluid in the
windshield washer fluid reservoir.
The raindrop sensor judges the amount
of raindrops.

271 2-3. Operating the lights and windshield wipers
2
When driving
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
CAUTION
Caution regarding the use of windshield wipers in “AUTO” mode
The windshield wipers may operate unexpectedly if the sensor is touched or
the windshield is subject to vibration in “AUTO” mode. Take care that your
fingers or anything else do not become caught in the windshield wipers.
NOTICE
When the windshield is dry
Do not use the wipers, as they may damage the windshield.
When the washer fluid tank is empty
Do not operate the switch continually as the washer fluid pump may over-
heat.
When a nozzle becomes blocked
In this case, contact any authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or another
duly qualified and equipped professional.
Do not try to clear it with a pin or other object. The nozzle will be damaged.
To prevent 12-volt battery discharge
Do not leave the wipers on longer than necessary when the hybrid system is
off.

285 2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
Driving in vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode
This mode employs a radar sensor to detect the presence of vehicles
up to approximately 120 m (400 ft.) ahead, determines the current
vehicle-to-vehicle following distance, and operates to maintain a suit-
able following distance from the vehicle ahead.
Note that vehicle-to-vehicle distance will close in when traveling on long
downhill slopes.

289 2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
Dynamic radar cruise control can be set when
The shift position is in D.
Vehicle speed is above approximately 50 km/h (30 mph).
Set speed
Depending on vehicle conditions and the driving environment, it may not be
possible to maintain the set speed.
Accelerating after setting the vehicle speed
The vehicle can accelerate normally. After acceleration, the set speed
resumes. However, during vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode, the
vehicle speed may decrease below the set speed in order to maintain the
distance to the vehicle ahead.
Automatic cancelation of vehicle-to-vehicle distance control
Vehicle-to-vehicle distance control driving is automatically canceled in the
following situations:
Actual vehicle speed falls below approximately 40 km/h (25 mph).
VSC is activated.
The sensor cannot operate correctly because it is covered in some way.
The windshield wipers are operating at high speed (when the wiper
switch is set to the “AUTO” mode or the high speed windshield wiper
operation position).
If vehicle-to-vehicle distance control driving is automatically canceled for any
other reason, there may be a malfunction in the system. Contact any autho-
rized Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped pro-
fessional.

290 2-4. Using other driving systems
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
Automatic cancelation of constant speed control
The cruise control will stop maintaining the vehicle speed in the following sit-
uations:
Actual vehicle speed is more than approximately 16 km/h (10 mph)
below the set vehicle speed.
At this time, the memorized set speed is not retained.
Vehicle speed falls below approximately 40 km/h (25 mph).
VSC is activated.
Radar sensor and grille cover
Always keep the sensor and grille cover clean to ensure that the vehicle-to-
vehicle distance control operates properly. (Some obstructions, such as
snow, ice and plastic objects, cannot be detected by the obstruction sensor.)
Dynamic radar cruise control (vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode) will
be canceled if dirt is detected. (Constant speed control mode can be used).
Grille cover
Radar sensor

291 2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
Warning lights, warning code and buzzers for dynamic radar cruise
control
Warning lights, warning code and buzzers are used to indicate a system
malfunction or to inform the driver of the need for caution while driving.
The warning codes displayed on the meter indicate the following situations.
Fix each problem in accordance with the correction procedure, and check
that the system is operating normally.
If the warning code persists even after fixing, have the vehicle inspected by
any authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and
equipped professional.
Warning code/
warning lightDetailsCorrection procedure
(yellow)Indicates that the radar
cruise control sensor is
dirty or covered with
ice.Clean the sensor.
(yellow)Indicates that the radar
cruise control system is
unable to judge vehi-
cle-to-vehicle distance.If the windshield wip-
ers are on, turn them
off or set them to either
the intermittent or the
slow mode.
(yellow)Indicates a malfunction
in the radar cruise con-
trol system.Press the “ON-OFF”
button once to deacti-
vate the system, and
then press the button
again to reactivate the
system.

296 2-4. Using other driving systems
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
CAUTION
When the sensor may not be correctly detecting the vehicle ahead
Apply the brakes as necessary when any of the following types of vehicles
are in front of you.
As the sensor may not be able to correctly detect these types of vehicles,
the approach warning (P. 287) will not be activated, and a fatal or serious
accident may result.
Vehicles that cut in suddenly
Vehicles traveling at low speeds
Vehicles that are not moving
Vehicles with small rear ends (trailers with no load on board etc.)
Motorcycles traveling in the same lane
Conditions under which the vehicle-to-vehicle distance control may
not function correctly
Apply the brakes as necessary in the following conditions as the radar sen-
sor may not be able to correctly detect vehicles ahead, and a fatal or serious
accident may result:
When water or snow thrown up by the surrounding vehicles hinders the
functioning of the sensor
When your vehicle is pointing upwards (caused by a heavy load in the lug-
gage compartment etc.)
When the road curves or when the lanes are narrow
When steering wheel operation or your position in the lane is unstable
When the vehicle ahead of you decelerates suddenly

297 2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
CAUTION
Handling the radar sensor
Observe the following to ensure the cruise control system can function effec-
tively.
Otherwise, the system may not function correctly and could result in an acci-
dent.
Keep the sensor and grille cover clean at all times.
Clean the sensor and grille cover with a soft cloth so you do not mark or
damage them.
Do not subject the sensor or surrounding area to a strong impact.
If the sensor moves even slightly off position, the system may become
inaccurate or malfunction. If the sensor or surrounding area is subject to a
strong impact, always have the area inspected and adjusted by any autho-
rized Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped pro-
fessional.
Do not disassemble the sensor.
Do not attach accessories or stickers to the sensor, grille cover or sur-
rounding area.
Do not modify or paint the sensor and grille cover.
Do not replace them with non-genuine parts.

307
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
PCS (Pre-Crash Safety System)
: If equipped
When the radar sensor detects possibility of a frontal collision, the
pre-crash safety systems such as the brakes and seat belts are auto-
matically engaged to lessen impact to occupants as well as vehicle
damage.
Pre-crash seat belts (front seat belts only)
If the pre-crash sensor detects that a collision is unavoidable, the pre-
crash safety system will retract the seat belt before the collision occurs.
The same will happen if the driver makes an emergency braking or
loses control of the vehicle. (P. 124)
However, when the VSC system is disabled, the system will not oper-
ate in the event of skidding.
Pre-crash brake assist
When there is a high possibility of a frontal collision, the system applies
greater braking force in relation to how strongly the brake pedal is
depressed.
Pre-crash braking
When there is a high possibility of a frontal collision, the system warns
the driver using a warning light, warning display and buzzer. If the sys-
tem determines that a collision is unavoidable, the brakes are automat-
ically applied to reduce the collision speed. Pre-crash braking can be
disabled using the pre-crash braking off switch.

308 2-4. Using other driving systems
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
Disabling pre-crash braking
Pre-crash braking enabled
Pre-crash braking disabled
The “PCS” warning light will
turn on when pre-crash brak-
ing is disabled.
Radar sensor
The radar sensor detects vehi-
cles or other obstacles on or
near the road ahead and deter-
mines whether a collision is
imminent based on the position,
speed, and heading of the obsta-
cles.