warning TOYOTA PRIUS PRIME 2023 Owners Manual

2435-1. Before driving
5
Driving
WARNING
■If you hear a squealing or
scraping noise (brake pad
wear limit indicators)
Have the brake pads checked and
replaced by your Toyota dealer as
soon as possible.
Rotor damage may result if the
pads are not replaced when
needed.
It is dangerous to drive the vehicle
when the wear limits of the brake
pads and/or those of the brake
discs are exceeded.
■When the vehicle is stopped
●Do not depress the accelerator
pedal unnecessarily.
If the shift position is in any
position other than P or N, the
vehicle may accelerate sud-
denly and unexpectedly, caus-
ing an accident.
●In order to prevent accidents
due to the vehicle rolling away,
always keep depressing the
brake pedal while stopped with
the “READY” indicator is illumi-
nated, and apply the parking
brake as necessary.
●If the vehicle is stopped on an
incline, in order to prevent acci-
dents caused by the vehicle roll-
ing forward or backward, always
depress the brake pedal and
securely apply the parking
brake as needed.
●Avoid revving or racing the
engine.
Running the engine at high
speed while the vehicle is
stopped may cause the exhaust
system to overheat, which could
result in a fire if combustible
material is nearby.
■When the vehicle is parked
●Do not leave glasses, cigarette
lighters, spray cans, or soft
drink cans in the vehicle when it
is in the sun.
Doing so may result in the fol-
lowing:
• Gas may leak from a cigarette lighter or spray can, and may
lead to a fire.
• The temperature inside the vehicle may cause the plastic
lenses and plastic material of
glasses to deform or crack.
• Soft drink cans may fracture, causing the contents to spray
over the interior of the vehicle,
and may also cause a short cir-
cuit in the vehicle’s electrical
components.
●Do not leave cigarette lighters in
the vehicle. If a cigarette lighter
is in a place such as the glove
box or on the floor, it may be lit
accidentally when luggage is
loaded or the seat is adjusted,
causing a fire.
●Do not attach adhesive discs to
the windshield or windows. Do
not place containers such as air
fresheners on the instrument
panel or dashboard. Adhesive
discs or containers may act as
lenses, causing a fire in the
vehicle.
●Do not leave a door or window
open if the curved glass is
coated with a metallized film
such as a silver-colored one.
Reflected sunlight may cause
the glass to act as a lens, caus-
ing a fire.

2445-1. Before driving
WARNING
●Always apply the parking brake,
shift the shift position to P, stop
the hybrid system and lock the
vehicle.
Do not leave the vehicle unat-
tended while the “READY” indi-
cator is illuminated.
If the vehicle is parked with the
shift position in P but the park-
ing brake is not set, the vehicle
may start to move, possibly
leading to an accident.
●Do not touch the exhaust pipes
while the “READY” indicator is
illuminated or immediately after
turning the hybrid system off.
Doing so may cause burns.
■When taking a nap in the
vehicle
Always turn the hybrid system off.
Otherwise, if you accidentally shift
the shift position or depress the
accelerator pedal, this could
cause an accident or fire due to
hybrid system overheating. Addi-
tionally, if the vehicle is parked in
a poorly ventilated area, exhaust
gases may collect and enter the
vehicle, leading to death or a seri-
ous health hazard.
■When braking
●When the brakes are wet, drive
more cautiously.
Braking distance increases
when the brakes are wet, and
this may cause one side of the
vehicle to brake differently than
the other side. Also, the parking
brake may not securely hold the
vehicle.
●If the electronically controlled
brake system does not operate,
do not follow other vehicles
closely and avoid hills or sharp
turns that require braking.
In this case, braking is still pos-
sible, but the brake pedal
should be depressed more
firmly than usual. Also, the brak-
ing distance will increase. Have
your brakes fixed immediately.
●The brake system consists of 2
or more individual hydraulic sys-
tems; if one of the systems fails,
the other(s) will still operate. In
this case, the brake pedal
should be depressed more
firmly than usual and the brak-
ing distance will increase. Have
your brakes fixed immediately.
NOTICE
■When driving the vehicle
●Do not depress the accelerator
and brake pedals at the same
time during driving, as this may
restrain the hybrid system out-
put.
●Do not use the accelerator
pedal or depress the accelera-
tor and brake pedals at the
same time to hold the vehicle on
a hill.
■Avoiding damage to vehicle
parts
●Do not turn the steering wheel
fully in either direction and hold
it there for an extended period
of time.
Doing so may damage the
power steering.
●When driving over bumps in the
road, drive as slowly as possible
to avoid damaging the wheels,
underside of the vehicle, etc.

2465-1. Before driving
due to sudden start restraint con-
trol operation, deactivate TRAC
( P.425) so that the vehicle may
become able to escape from the
mud or fresh snow.Cargo and luggage
Take notice of the following
information about storage
precautions, cargo capacity
and load:
WARNING
■Things that must not be car-
ried in the luggage compart-
ment
The following things may cause a
fire if loaded in the luggage com-
partment:
●Receptacles containing gaso-
line
●Aerosol cans
■Storage precautions
Observe the following precau-
tions.
Failure to do so may prevent the
pedals from being depressed
properly, may block the driver’s
vision, or may result in items hit-
ting the driver or passengers, pos-
sibly causing an accident.
●Stow cargo and luggage in the
luggage compartment when-
ever possible.
●Do not stack cargo and luggage
in the luggage compartment
higher than the seatbacks.
●When you fold down the rear
seats, long items should not be
placed directly behind the front
seats.
●Never allow anyone to ride in
the luggage compartment. It is
not designed for passengers.
They should ride in their seats
with their seat belts properly
fastened.

2475-1. Before driving
5
Driving
Cargo capacity depends on the
total weight of the occupants.
(Cargo capacity) = (Total load
capacity) - (Total weight of occu-
pants)
Steps for Determining Correct
Load Limit 
(1) Locate the statement “The
combined weight of occupants
and cargo should never exceed
XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your
vehicle’s placard.
(2) Determine the combined
weight of the driver and passen-
gers that will be riding in your
vehicle.
(3) Subtract the combined
weight of the driver and passen-
gers from XXX kg or XXX lbs.
(4) The resulting figure equals
the available amount of cargo
and luggage load capacity.
For example, if the “XXX”
amount equals 1400 lbs. and
there will be five 150 lb passen-
gers in your vehicle, the amount
of available cargo and luggage
load capacity is 650 lbs. (1400 -
750 (5  150) = 650 lbs.)
(5) Determine the combined
weight of luggage and cargo
being loaded on the vehicle.
That weight may not safely
exceed the available cargo and
luggage load capacity calcu-
lated in Step 4.
WARNING
●Do not place cargo or luggage
in or on the following locations.
• At the feet of the driver
• On the front passenger or rear seats (when stacking items)
• On the luggage cover
• On the instrument panel
• On the dashboard
●Secure all items in the occupant
compartment.
NOTICE
■If luggage is loaded on the
roof (vehicles with solar
charging system)
Observe the following precau-
tions. Failure to observe them
could lead to the solar roof being
damaged, or the roof rack falling
off.
●Do not install a roof rack which
interferes with the solar roof.
●Do not load luggage directly
onto the solar roof.
Capacity and distribution

2485-1. Before driving
(6) If your vehicle will be towing
a trailer, load from your trailer
will be transferred to your vehi-
cle. Consult this manual to
determine how this reduces the
available cargo and luggage
load capacity of your vehicle.
(P.249)
Toyota does not recommend
towing a trailer with your vehicle.
Your vehicle is not designed for
trailer towing.
Cargo capacity
Total load capacity (vehicle
capacity weight) ( P.600) When 2 people with the com-
bined weight of A lb. (kg) are rid-
ing in your vehicle, which has a
total load capacity (vehicle
capacity weight) of B lb. (kg),
the available amount of cargo
and luggage load capacity will
be C lb. (kg) as follows:
B
*2 lb. (kg) - A*1 lb. (kg) = C*3 lb.
(kg)
*1: A = Weight of people
*2: B = Total load capacity
*3: C = Available cargo and luggage load
In this condition, if 3 more passen-
gers with the combined weight of D
lb. (kg) get on, the available cargo
and luggage load will be reduced E
lb. (kg) as follows:
C lb. (kg) - D*4 lb. (kg) = E*5 lb.
(kg)
*4: D = Additional weight of people
*5: E = Available cargo and luggage load
As shown in the example above,
if the number of occupants
increases, the cargo and lug-
gage load will be reduced by an
amount that equals the
increased weight due to the
additional occupants. In other
words, if an increase in the num-
ber of occupants causes an
excess of the total load capacity
(combined weight of occupants
plus cargo and luggage load),
you must reduce the cargo and
luggage on your vehicle.
WARNING
■Capacity and distribution
●Do not exceed the maximum
axle weight rating or the total
vehicle weight rating.
●Even if the total load of occu-
pant’s weight and the cargo
load is less than the total load
capacity, do not apply the load
unevenly. Improper loading may
cause deterioration of steering
or braking control which may
cause death or serious injury.
Calculation formula for
your vehicle
A
B

2495-1. Before driving
5
Driving
■Total load capacity and seating
capacity
These details are also described on
the tire and loading information
label. ( P.532)
Vehicle load limits
Vehicle load limits include
total load capacity, seating
capacity, towing capacity
and cargo capacity.
 Total load capacity (vehicle
capacity weight): P.600
Total load capacity means the
combined weight of occu-
pants, cargo and luggage.
 Seating capacity: P.600
Seating capacity means the
maximum number of occu-
pants whose estimated aver-
age weight is 150 lb. (68 kg)
per person.
 Towing capacity
Toyota does not recommend
towing a trailer with your vehi-
cle.
 Cargo capacity
Cargo capacity may increase
or decrease depending on the
weight and the number of
occupants.
WARNING
■Overloading the vehicle
Do not overload the vehicle. It
may not only cause damage to
the tires, but also degrade steer-
ing and braking ability, resulting in
an accident.

2535-2. Driving procedures
5
Driving
1Stop the vehicle completely.
2 If the parking brake is in man-
ual mode, set the parking
brake. ( P.263)
3 Press the P position switch.
( P.257)
Check that the shift position indica-
tor shows P and the parking brake
indicator is illuminated.
4Press the power switch.
The hybrid system will stop, and the meter display will
be extinguished
(the shift position indicator will be
extinguished a few seconds after
the meter display).
5 Release the brake pedal and
check that “ACCESSORY” or
“POWER ON” is not shown
on the meter.
■When the shift control system
malfunctions
If the shift control system is malfunc-
tioning, when attempting to turn the
power switch off, it may not be able
to be turned off. In this situation, it
may be possible to turn the power
switch off by applying the parking
brake and then operating the power
switch.
If there is a malfunction in the sys-
tem, have the vehicle inspected by
your Toyota dealer immediately.
■Automatic hybrid system shut
off feature
●The vehicle is equipped with a
feature that automa tically shuts off
the hybrid system when the shift
position is in P with the hybrid sys-
tem operating for an extended
period.
●The hybrid system will automati-
cally shut off after approximately 1
hour if it has been left operating
while the shift position is in P.
●The timer for the automatic hybrid
system shut off fe ature will reset if
the brake pedal is depressed or if
the shift position is in a position
other than P.
●After the vehicle is parked, if the
door is locked with the door lock
switch ( P.187) from the inside
or the mechanical key ( P.587)
from the outside, the automatic
hybrid system shut off feature will
be disabled. The timer for the
automatic hybrid system shut off
feature will be re- enabled if the
driver’s door is opened.
WARNING
■When starting the hybrid sys-
tem
Always start the hybrid system
while sitting in the driver’s seat.
Do not depress the accelerator
pedal while starting the hybrid
system under any circumstances.
Doing so may cause an accident
resulting in death or serious
injury.
NOTICE
■When starting the hybrid sys-
tem
If the hybrid system becomes diffi-
cult to start, have your vehicle
checked by your Toyota dealer
immediately.
■Symptoms indicating a mal-
function with the power
switch
If the power switch seems to be
operating somewhat differently
than usual, such as the switch
sticking slightly, there may be a
malfunction. Contact your Toyota
dealer immediately.
Stopping the hybrid sys-
tem

2545-2. Driving procedures
Modes can be changed by
pressing the power switch with
the brake pedal released. (The
mode changes each time the
switch is pressed.)
WARNING
■Stopping the hybrid system
in an emergency
●If you want to stop the hybrid
system in an emergency while
driving the vehicle, press and
hold the power switch for more
than 2 seconds, or press it
briefly 3 times or more in suc-
cession. (P.547)
However, do not touch the
power switch while driving
except in an emergency. Turn-
ing the hybrid system off while
driving will not cause loss of
steering or braking control.
However, power assist for the
steering wheel may be lost mak-
ing it difficult to steer smoothly
before stopping the vehicle
depending on the remaining
charge in the 12-volt battery or
usage conditions. In this situa-
tion, you should pull over and
stop the vehicle as soon as it is
safe to do so.
●If the power switch is operated
while the vehicle is running, a
warning message will be shown
on the multi-information display
and a buzzer sounds.
●When restarting the hybrid sys-
tem after an emergency shut-
down, shift the shift position to
N and press the power switch
shortly and firmly.
■When parking
Exhaust gases include harmful
carbon monoxide (CO), which is
colorless and odorless. Observe
the following precautions.
Failure to do so may cause
exhaust gases to enter the vehicle
and may lead to an accident
caused by light-headedness, or
may lead to death or a serious
health hazard.
●If the vehicle is in a poorly venti-
lated area or a closed area,
such as a garage, stop the
hybrid system.
●Do not leave the vehicle with
the hybrid system operating for
a long time. If such a situation
cannot be avoided, park the
vehicle in an open space and
ensure that exhaust fumes do
not enter the vehicle interior.
●Do not leave the hybrid system
operating in an area with snow
build-up, or where it is snowing.
If snowbanks build up around
the vehicle while the hybrid sys-
tem is operating, exhaust gases
may collect and enter the vehi-
cle.
Changing power switch
modes

2565-2. Driving procedures
*: To improve fuel efficiency and reduce noise, set the shift posi-
tion in D for normal driving.
■When driving with dynamic
radar cruise control activated
Even when switching the driving
mode to sport mode with the intent
of enabling engine braking, engine
braking will not activate because
dynamic radar cruise control will not
be canceled.
■If a message about a shift oper-
ation is shown
To prevent the shift position from
being selected incorrectly or the
vehicle from moving unexpectedly,
the shift position may be changed
automatically or operating the shift
lever may be required . In this case,
change the shift position following
the messages on the multi-informa-
tion display.
■Restraining sudden start (Drive-
Start Control)
 P.245
Transmission
Select the shift position
depending on your purpose
and situation.
Shift position purpose
and functions
Shift posi-
tionObjective or function
P
Parking the vehi-
cle/starting the hybrid system
RReversing
N
Neutral
(Condition in which the power is not transmit- ted)
DNormal driving*
B
Applying engine brak-ing or strong braking
when the accelerator pedal has been
released on steep
downward slopes etc.
WARNING
■When driving on slippery
road surfaces
Do not accelerate or shift the shift
position suddenly.
Sudden changes in engine brak-
ing may cause the vehicle to spin
or skid, resulting in an accident.
NOTICE
■Hybrid battery (traction bat-
tery) charge
If the shift position is in N, the
hybrid battery (traction battery)
will not be charged. To help pre-
vent the battery from discharging,
avoid leaving the N position
selected for an extended period of
time.
■Situations where shift con-
trol system malfunctions are
possible
If any of the following situations
occurs, shift control system mal-
functions are possible.
Immediately stop the vehicle in a
safe place on level ground, apply
the parking brake, and then con-
tact your Toyota dealer.

2575-2. Driving procedures
5
Driving
Shift lever
Operate the shift lever gently and
securely in the direction of the
arrow on the shift position indicator.
To shift to N, slide the shift lever in
the direction of the arrow and hold
it.
Release the shift lever after each
shifting operation to allow it to
return to its regular position ( ).
Shifting to B is only possible when the shift position is in D.
When shifting from P to N, D or R,
from N, D, B or R to P, from D or B
to R, or from R to
D, ensure that the
brake pedal is being depressed and
the vehicle is stationary.
Shift position indicator
Meter display:
The current shift po sition is illumi-
nated.
Shift lever display:
The current shift po sition is illumi-
nated.
When selecting the shift position,
make sure that the shift position
has been changed to the desired
position by checking the shift posi-
tion indicator provided on the
instrument cluster.
P position switch
Fully stop the vehicle and set the
parking brake, and then press the P
position switch.
When the shift position is changed
to P, the switch illuminates.
Check that the shift position indica-
tor shows P.
■Changing the shift position in
each power switch mode
●The shift position cannot be
changed when the power switch is
in ACC or off.
●When the power switch is in ON, if
the READY indicator is not illumi-
nated, the shift position can only
be changed to N.
●When the READY indicator is illu-
minated, the shift position can be
changed from P to D, N, or R.
●When the READY indicator is
flashing, the shift position cannot
be changed from P to any other
NOTICE
●When the warning message
indicating the shift control sys-
tem appears on the multi-infor-
mation display. ( P.566)
●The display indicates that no
shift position is selected for
more than a few seconds.
Shift position display and
how to change the shift
position
A
B
C