Toyota Prius Prime (2022 year). Manual in english — page 20

WARNING

Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.

■

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 following:
• 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 circuit 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 con-
tainers such as air fresheners on the instrument panel or dashboard. Adhe-
sive 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, causing a fire.

●

Always apply the parking brake, shift the shift position to P, stop the hybrid
system and lock the vehicle.
Do not leave the vehicle unattended while the “READY” indicator is illumi-
nated.
If the vehicle is parked with the shift position in P but the parking brake is
not set, the vehicle may start to move, possibly leading to an accident.

●

Do not touch the exhaust pipe while the “READY” indicator is illuminated
or immediately after turning the hybrid system off.
Doing so may cause burns.

323

WARNING

Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.

■

When taking a nap in the vehicle

Always turn the hybrid system off. Otherwise, if you accidentally move the
shift lever or depress the accelerator pedal, this could cause an accident or
fire due to hybrid system overheating. Additionally, if the vehicle is parked in
a poorly ventilated area, exhaust gases may collect and enter the vehicle,
leading to death or a serious 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 assist function does not operate, do not fol-
low other vehicles closely and avoid downhill or sharp turns that require
braking.
In this case, braking is still possible, but the brake pedal should be
depressed more firmly than usual. Also, the braking distance will increase.
Have your brakes fixed immediately.

●

The brake system consists of 2 or more individual hydraulic systems; 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 braking
distance will increase. Have your brakes fixed immediately.

324

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 output.

●

Do not use the accelerator pedal or depress the accelerator and brake
pedals at the same time to hold the vehicle on a hill.

■

When parking the vehicle

Always set the parking brake, and shift the shift position to P. Failure to do
so may cause the vehicle to move or the vehicle may accelerate suddenly if
the accelerator pedal is accidentally depressed.

■

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 motor.

●

When driving over bumps in the road, drive as slowly as possible to avoid
damaging the wheels, underside of the vehicle, etc.

■

If you get a flat tire while driving

A flat or damaged tire may cause the following situations. Hold the steering
wheel firmly and gradually depress the brake pedal to slow down the vehi-
cle.

●

It may be difficult to control your vehicle.

●

The vehicle will make abnormal sounds or vibrations.

●

The vehicle will lean abnormally.

Information on what to do in case of a flat tire:



P. 689

325

NOTICE

■

When encountering flooded roads

Do not drive on a road that has flooded after heavy rain etc. Doing so may
cause the following serious damage to the vehicle:

●

Engine stalling

●

Short in electrical components

●

Engine damage caused by water immersion

In the event that you drive on a flooded road and the vehicle is flooded, be
sure to have your Toyota dealer check the following:

●

Brake function

●

Changes in quantity and quality of oil and fluid used for the engine, hybrid
transmission, etc.

●

Lubricant condition for the bearings and suspension joints (where possi-
ble), and the function of all joints, bearings, etc.

If the shift control system is damaged by flooding, it may not be possible to
shift the shift position to P, or from P to other positions. When the shift posi-
tion cannot be changed from P to any other position, the front wheels will
lock, and you will be unable to tow the vehicle with the front wheels on the
ground. In this case, transport the vehicle with both front wheels or all four
wheels lifted. (



P. 664)

326

Cargo and luggage

Cargo capacity depends on the total weight of the occupants.
(Cargo capacity) = (Total load capacity) — (Total weight of occupants)

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 passengers that

will be riding in your vehicle.

(3) Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from

XXX kg or XXX lbs.

(4) The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and lug-

gage load capacity.
For example, if the “XXX” amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will be
five 150 lb passengers 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 calculated in Step 4.

(6) If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be

transferred to your vehicle. Consult this manual to determine how
this reduces the available cargo and luggage load capacity of your
vehicle. (



P. 329)

Toyota does not recommend towing a trailer with your vehicle. Your

vehicle is not designed for trailer towing.

Take notice of the following information about storage precau-
tions, cargo capacity and load.

Capacity and distribution

327

Drivin

Cargo capacity
Total load capacity (vehicle
capacity weight) (

P. 726)

When 2 people with the combined weight of A lb. (kg) are riding 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

lb. (kg)



lb. (kg) = C

lb. (kg)

: A = Weight of people

: B = Total load capacity

: C = Available cargo and luggage load

In this condition, if 3 more passengers 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)



lb. (kg) = E

lb. (kg)

: D = Additional weight of people

: E = Available cargo and luggage load

As shown in the example above, if the number of occupants
increases, the cargo and luggage 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 number 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.

Calculation formula for your vehicle

1
2

328

WARNING

■

Things that must not be carried in the luggage compartment

The following things may cause a fire if loaded in the luggage compart-

ment:

●

Receptacles containing gasoline

●

Aerosol cans

■

Storage precautions

Observe the following precautions.

Failure to do so may prevent the pedals from being depressed properly,

may block the driver’s vision, or may result in items hitting the driver or

passengers, possibly causing an accident.

●

Stow cargo and luggage in the luggage compartment whenever possi-

ble.

●

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.

●

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.

■

Capacity and distribution

●

Do not exceed the maximum axle weight rating or the total vehicle

weight rating.

●

Even if the total load of occupant’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.

329

Vehicle load limits

◆

Total load capacity (vehicle capacity weight):

P. 726

Total load capacity means the combined weight of occupants, cargo
and luggage.

◆

Seating capacity:



P. 726

Seating capacity means the maximum number of occupants whose
estimated average weight is 150 lb. (68 kg) per person.

◆

Towing capacity

Toyota does not recommend towing a trailer with your vehicle.

◆

Cargo capacity

Cargo capacity may increase or decrease depending on the weight
and the number of occupants.

■

Total load capacity and seating capacity

These details are also described on the tire and loading information label.

(

P. 620)

Vehicle load limits include total load capacity, seating capacity,
towing capacity and cargo capacity.

WARNING

■

Overloading the vehicle

Do not overload the vehicle.

It may not only cause damage to the tires, but also degrade steering

and braking ability, resulting in an accident.

330

Trailer towing

Toyota does not recommend towing a trailer with your vehicle.
Toyota also does not recommend the installation of a tow hitch
or the use of a tow hitch carrier for a wheelchair, scooter, bicy-
cle, etc. Your vehicle is not designed for trailer towing or for the
use of tow hitch mounted carriers.

IO51PH002

331

Dinghy towing

Your vehicle is not designed to be dinghy towed (with 4 wheels
on the ground) behind a motor home.

IO51PH003

NOTICE

■

To avoid serious damage to your vehicle

Do not tow your vehicle with the four wheels on the ground.

332

Power (ignition) switch

Check that the charging cable is disconnected. (

P. 147)

Check that the parking brake is set.
Firmly depress the brake pedal.

and a message will be dis-

played on the multi-information dis-
play.
When the shift position is N, the
hybrid system cannot start. Shift
the shift position to P when starting
the hybrid system. (



P. 340)

Press the power switch shortly
and firmly.

When operating the power switch,
one short, firm press is enough. It
is not necessary to press and hold
the switch.
If the “READY” indicator turns on,
the hybrid system will operate nor-
mally.
Continue depressing the brake pedal until the “READY” indicator is illumi-
nated.
The hybrid system can be started from any power switch mode.

Check that the “READY” indicator is illuminated.

If the “READY” indicator changes from a flashing light to a solid light and
the buzzer sounds, the hybrid system is starting normally.
The vehicle will not move when the “READY” indicator is off.
The vehicle can move when the “READY” indicator is on even if the engine
is stopped. (The gasoline engine starts or stops automatically in accor-
dance with the state of the vehicle.)

Performing the following operations when carrying the elec-
tronic key on your person starts the hybrid system or changes
power switch modes.

Starting the hybrid system

333

Drivin

Stop the vehicle completely.
Set the parking brake. (



P. 346)

Shift the shift position to P.
(

P. 340)

Check that the shift position indica-
tor shows P. (



P. 339)

Press the power switch.

The hybrid system will stop.

Slowly release the brake pedal and check that the display on the
instrument cluster is off.

The meter display sequentially turns off after the hybrid system stops.
(

P. 336)

Stopping the hybrid system

334

Modes can be changed by pressing the power switch with the brake
pedal released. (The mode changes each time the switch is pressed.)

Off

The emergency flashers can be
used.

ACCESSORY mode

Some electrical components such
as the audio system can be used.
“Accessory” is displayed on the
main display.

ON mode

All electrical components can be
used.
“Ignition ON” is displayed on the
main display.

■

Auto power off function

If the vehicle is left in ACCESSORY mode for more than 20 minutes or ON
mode (the hybrid system is not operating) for more than an hour with the shift
position in P, the power switch will automatically turn off. However, this func-
tion cannot entirely prevent the 12-volt battery discharge. Do not leave the
vehicle with the power switch in ACCESSORY or ON mode for long periods
of time when the hybrid system is not operating.

■

Sounds and vibrations specific to a hybrid vehicle

P. 97

■

Electronic key battery depletion

P. 276

■

When the ambient temperature is low, such as during winter driving con-
ditions

●

When starting the hybrid system, the flashing time of the “READY” indicator
may be long. Leave the vehicle as it is until the “READY” indicator is steady
on, as steady means the vehicle is able to move.

●

When the hybrid battery (traction battery) is extremely cold (below approxi-
mately -22°F [-30°C]) under the influence of the outside temperature, it may
not be possible to start the hybrid system. In this case, try to start the hybrid
system again after the temperature of the hybrid battery increases due to
the outside temperature increase etc.

Changing power switch modes

335

Drivin

■

Conditions affecting operation

P. 293

■

Note for the entry function

P. 294

■

If the hybrid system does not start

●

The immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. (

P. 83)

Contact your Toyota dealer.

●

The charging cable may be connected to the vehicle. (



P. 143)

●

If a message related to start-up is shown on the multi-information display,
read the message and follow the instructions.

■

If the “READY” indicator does not come on

In the event that the “READY” indicator does not come on even after perform-
ing the proper procedures for starting the vehicle, contact your Toyota dealer
immediately.

■

If the hybrid system is malfunctioning

P. 100

■

If the electronic key battery is depleted

P. 644

■

Operation of the power switch

●

If the switch is not pressed shortly and firmly, the power switch mode may
not change or the hybrid system may not start.

●

If attempting to restart the hybrid system immediately after turning the power
switch off, the hybrid system may not start in some cases. After turning the
power switch off, please wait a few seconds before restarting the hybrid sys-
tem.

■

Automatic hybrid system shut off feature

●

The vehicle is equipped with a feature that automatically shuts off the hybrid
system when the shift position is in P with the hybrid system operating for an
extended period.

●

The hybrid system will automatically shut off after approximately 1 hour if it
has been left running while the shift position is in P.

●

The timer for the automatic hybrid system shut off feature 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. 281) from the inside or the mechanical key (

P. 708) 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.

336

■

Automatic P position selection function

P. 342

■

When the shift control system malfunctions

When attempting to turn the power switch off while there is a malfunction in
the shift control system, the power switch mode may change to ACCES-
SORY mode. In this case, ACCESSORY mode may be turned off by applying
the parking brake and pressing the power switch again. If there is a malfunc-
tion in the system, have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immedi-
ately.

■

Meter display

When the power switch is turned off, each display will turn off as follows.

●

The shift position indicator will turn off after approximately 2 seconds.

●

The multi-information display, clock, etc. will turn off after approximately 30
seconds. (Each display will also turn off immediately if a door is locked
before 30 seconds has elapsed.)

■

If the smart key system has been deactivated in a customized setting