warning TOYOTA PRIUS PLUS 2012 Owner's Manual

287 2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
Approach warning
When your vehicle is too close to a vehicle ahead, and sufficient
automatic deceleration via the cruise control is not possible, the dis-
play will flash and the buzzer will sound to alert the driver. An exam-
ple of this would be if another driver cuts in front of you while you are
following a vehicle. Apply the brakes to ensure an appropriate vehi-
cle-to-vehicle distance.
Warnings may not occur when
In the following instances, there is a possibility that the warnings
will not occur:
When the speed of the vehicle ahead matches or exceeds your
vehicle speed
When the vehicle ahead is traveling at an extremely slow speed
Immediately after the cruise control speed was set
At the instant the accelerator is applied
Selecting conventional constant speed control mode
Constant speed control mode differs from vehicle-to-vehicle distance
control mode. When constant speed mode is selected, your vehicle
will maintain a set speed regardless of whether or not there are other
vehicles in the lane ahead.

291 2-4. Using other driving systems
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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.

295 2-4. Using other driving systems
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When driving
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
CAUTION
To avoid inadvertent cruise control activation
Switch the cruise control off using the “ON-OFF” button when not in use.
Situations unsuitable for dynamic radar cruise control
Do not use dynamic radar cruise control in any of the following situations.
Doing so may result in inappropriate speed control and could cause an acci-
dent resulting in death or serious injury.
In heavy traffic
On roads with sharp bends
On winding roads
On slippery roads, such as those covered with rain, ice or snow
On steep downhills, or where there are sudden changes between sharp up
and down gradients
Vehicle speed may exceed the set speed when driving down a steep hill.
At entrances to expressways
When weather conditions are bad enough that they may prevent the sen-
sors from functioning correctly (fog, snow, sandstorm, heavy rain, etc.)
When an approach warning buzzer is heard often
During emergency towing

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

301 2-4. Using other driving systems
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When driving
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
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. 478
Operating conditions of emergency brake signal
When the following three conditions are met, the emergency brake signal
will operate:
The emergency flashers are off.
Actual vehicle speed is over 55 km/h (35 mph).
The brake pedal is depressed in a manner that cause the system to
judge from the vehicle deceleration that this is a sudden braking opera-
tion.
Automatic system cancelation of emergency brake signal
The emergency brake signal will turn off in any of the following situations:
The emergency flashers are turned on.
The brake pedal is released.
The system judges from the vehicle deceleration that is not a sudden
braking operation.

307
2-4. Using other driving systems
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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
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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.

311 2-4. Using other driving systems
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When driving
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
Situations in which the pre-crash safety system does not function
properly
The system may not function effectively in situations such as the following:
On roads with sharp bends or uneven surfaces
If a vehicle suddenly moves in front of your vehicle, such as at an inter-
section
If a vehicle suddenly cuts in front of your vehicle, such as when overtak-
ing
In inclement weather such as heavy rain, fog, snow or sand storms
When your vehicle is skidding with the VSC system off
When an extreme change in vehicle height occurs
When the axis of the radar is out of adjustment
Automatic cancelation of the pre-crash safety system
When a malfunction occurs due to sensor contamination, etc. that results in
the sensors being unable to detect obstacles, the pre-crash safety system
will be automatically disabled. In this case, the system will not activate even
if there is a collision possibility.
When there is a malfunction in the system, or if the system is tempo-
rarily unusable
Warning lights will turn on or flash. (P. 472, 476)

5When trouble arises
459
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
5-1. Essential information
Emergency flashers .......... 460
If your vehicle needs
to be towed ..................... 461
If you think something is
wrong .............................. 468
5-2. Steps to take
in an emergency
If a warning light turns
on or a warning
buzzer sounds ................ 469
If you have a flat tire
(vehicles with
spare tire) ....................... 482
If you have a flat tire
(vehicles without
a spare tire) .................... 494
If the hybrid system
will not start..................... 516
If you lose your keys ......... 518
If the electronic key does not
operate properly ............. 519
If the 12-volt battery is
discharged ...................... 522
If your vehicle
overheats ........................ 528
If the vehicle becomes
stuck ............................... 534
If your vehicle has
to be stopped in
an emergency ................. 536

468
5-1. Essential information
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
If you think something is wrong
If you notice any of the following symptoms, your vehicle probably
needs adjustment or repair. Contact any authorized Toyota dealer or
repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional as
soon as possible.
Visible symptoms
Fluid leaks under the vehicle
(Water dripping from the air conditioning after use is normal.)
Flat-looking tires or uneven tire wear
High engine coolant temperature warning light flashes or
comes on
Audible symptoms
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
Operational symptoms
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