Toyota Prius Prime (2020 year). Owner's manual - part 20

312

4-5. Opening and closing the windows

Power windows

The power windows can be opened and closed using the switches.
Operating the switch moves the side windows as follows:

Closing
One-touch closing

*

Opening
One-touch opening

*

*

: To  stop  the  side  window  partway,

operate  the  switch  in  the  opposite
direction.

Press  the  switch  to  lock  the  pas-
senger windows.

The indicator will come on.
Use this switch to prevent children
from  accidentally  opening  or  clos-
ing a passenger window.

■

The power windows can be operated when
The power switch is in ON mode.

■

Operating the power windows after turning the hybrid system off
The  power  windows  can  be  operated  for  approximately  45  seconds  even
after  the  power  switch  is  turned  to ACCESSORY  mode  or  turned  off. They
cannot, however, be operated once either front door is opened. 

Opening and closing procedures

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Window lock switch

Indicator

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4-5. Opening and closing the windows

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■

Jam protection function
If  an  object  becomes  jammed  between  the  side  window  and  the  window
frame  while  the  side  window  is  closing,  side  window  movement  is  stopped
and the side window is opened slightly.

■

Catch protection function
If  an  object  becomes  caught  between  the  door  and  side  window  while  the
side window is opening, side window movement is stopped.

■

When the window cannot be opened or closed
When  the  jam  protection  function  or  catch  protection  function  operates
unusually and the side window cannot be opened and closed, perform the fol-
lowing operations with the power window switch of that door.

●

Stop the vehicle. With the power switch in ON mode, within 4 seconds of the
jam protection function or catch protection function activating, continuously
operate the power window switch in the one-touch closing direction or one-
touch opening direction so that the side window can be opened and closed.

●

If the side window cannot be opened and closed even when performing the
above operations, perform the following procedure for function initialization.

Turn the power switch to ON mode.
Pull and hold the power window switch in the one-touch closing direction
and completely close the side window.
Release  the  power  window  switch  for  a  moment,  resume  pulling  the
switch  in  the  one-touch  closing  direction,  and  hold  it  there  for  approxi-
mately 6 seconds or more.
Press and hold the power window switch in the one-touch opening direc-
tion. After  the  side  window  is  completely  opened,  continue  holding  the
switch for an additional 1 second or more.
Release  the  power  window  switch  for  a  moment,  resume  pressing  the
switch in the one-touch opening direction, and hold it there for approxi-
mately 4 seconds or more.
Pull and hold the power window switch in the one-touch closing direction
again. After the side  window is completely closed,  continue holding the
switch for a further 1 second or more.

If you release the switch while the side window is moving, start again from
the beginning. 
If the side window reverses and cannot be fully closed or opened, have the
vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer.

■

Door lock linked window operation

●

The power windows can be opened and closed using the mechanical key.

*

(

P. 699)

●

The  power  windows  can  be  opened  using  the  wireless  remote  control.

*

(

P. 280)

*

: These settings must be customized at your Toyota dealer.

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4-5. Opening and closing the windows

■

When the 12-volt battery is disconnected
The  window  lock  switch  is  disabled.  If  necessary,  press  the  window  lock
switch after reconnecting the 12-volt battery.

■

Power window open reminder function
The buzzer sounds and a message is shown on the multi-information display
in the instrument cluster when the power switch is turned off and the driver’s
door is opened with the power windows open.

■

Customization
Settings (e.g. linked door lock operation) can be changed. 
(Customizable features: 

P. 741)

WARNING

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

■

Closing the windows

●

The driver is responsible for all the power window operations, including the
operation  for  the  passengers.  In  order  to  prevent  accidental  operation,
especially by a child, do not let a child operate the power windows. It is
possible for children and other passengers to have body parts caught in
the power window. Also, when riding with a child, it is recommended to use
the window lock switch. (

P. 312)

●

When using the wireless remote control or mechanical key and operating
the  power  windows,  operate  the  power  window  after  checking  to  make
sure that there is no possibility of any passenger having any of their body
parts caught in the side window. Also do not let a child operate side win-
dow  by  the  wireless  remote  control  or  mechanical  key.  It  is  possible  for
children and other passengers to get caught in the power window.

●

When exiting the vehicle, turn the power switch off, carry the key and exit
the vehicle along with the child. There may be accidental operation, due to
mischief, etc., that may possibly lead to an accident.

●

Check to make sure that all passengers
do not have any part of their body in a
position where it could be caught when
a side window is being operated.

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WARNING

■

Jam protection function

●

Never use any part of your body to intentionally activate the jam protection
function.

●

The jam protection function may not work if something gets jammed just
before  the  side  window  is  fully  closed.  Be  careful  not  to  get  any  part  of
your body jammed in the side window.

■

Catch protection function

●

Never  use  any  part  of  your  body  or  clothing  to  intentionally  activate  the
catch protection function.

●

The catch protection function may not work if something gets caught just
before the side window is fully opened. Be careful not to get any part of
your body or clothing caught in the side window.

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4-5. Opening and closing the windows

317

5

Driving

5-1. Before driving

Driving the vehicle............. 318
Cargo and luggage ........... 330
Vehicle load limits ............. 333
Trailer towing..................... 334
Dinghy towing ................... 335

5-2. Driving procedures

Power (ignition) switch ...... 336
Hybrid transmission........... 342
Turn signal lever................ 348
Parking brake .................... 349

5-3. Operating the lights 

and wipers

Headlight switch ................ 350
Automatic High Beam ....... 355
Fog light switch ................. 360
Windshield wipers and 

washer ............................ 362

5-4. Refueling

Opening the fuel tank 

cap .................................. 368

5-5. Using the driving support 

systems

Toyota Safety Sense P ..... 373
PCS (Pre-Collision 

System)........................... 381

LDA (Lane Departure 

Alert with steering 
control)............................ 393

Dynamic radar cruise 

control with full-speed 
range............................... 403

Driving mode select 

switch.............................. 419

BSM 

(Blind Spot Monitor) ........ 421
• The Blind Spot Monitor 

function ......................... 425

• The Rear Cross Traffic 

Alert function................. 428

Intuitive parking assist....... 433
Parking Support Brake 

function ........................... 443

S-APGS (Simple 

Advanced Parking 
Guidance System) .......... 455

Driving assist systems ...... 489

5-6. Driving tips

Winter driving tips ............. 495

318

5-1. Before driving

Driving the vehicle

Check that the charging cable is disconnected. (

P. 146)

P. 336

With the brake pedal depressed, shift the shift position to D. 
(

P. 342) 

Check that the shift position indicator shows D.

Release the parking brake. (

P. 349)

Gradually release the brake pedal and gently depress the accelera-
tor pedal to accelerate the vehicle. 

With the shift position in D, depress the brake pedal.
If necessary, set the parking brake. 

If the vehicle is to be stopped for an extended period of time, shift the shift
position to P. (



P. 343)

The  following  procedures  should  be  observed  to  ensure  safe
driving: 

Before starting the hybrid system

Starting the hybrid system 

Driving

Stopping

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5-1. Before driving

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Stop the vehicle completely.
Set the parking brake. (

P. 349)

Shift the shift position to P. (

P. 343)

Check that the shift position indicator shows P.

Press the power switch to stop the hybrid system.
Slowly release the brake pedal.
Lock the door, making sure that you have the electronic key on your
person.

If parking on a hill, block the wheels as needed.

Firmly set the parking brake with the brake pedal depressed, and
then shift the shift position to D.
Release the brake pedal and gently depress the accelerator pedal. 
Release the parking brake.

■

When starting off on an uphill
The hill-start assist control will activate. (

P. 490)

■

For electricity-saving and fuel-efficient driving
Understand the system characteristics of the vehicle to use the functions of
the hybrid system. Also, keep in mind that hybrid vehicles are similar to con-
ventional vehicles, and it is necessary to refrain from activities such as sud-
den acceleration. Refer to “Plug-in hybrid vehicle driving tips” (

P. 105).

■

Driving in the rain

●

Drive carefully when it is raining, because visibility will be reduced, the win-
dows may become fogged-up, and the road will be slippery.

●

Drive carefully when it starts to rain, because the road surface will be espe-
cially slippery.

●

Refrain  from  high  speeds  when  driving  on  an  expressway  in  the  rain,
because there may be a layer of water between the tires and the road sur-
face, preventing the steering and brakes from operating properly.

Parking the vehicle

Starting off on a steep uphill

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5-1. Before driving

■

Restraining the hybrid system output (Brake Override System)

●

When the accelerator and brake pedals are depressed at the same time, the
hybrid system output may be restrained.

●

A warning message is displayed on the multi-information display while the
system is operating. (

P. 677)

■

“ECO Accelerator Guidance” (

P. 226)

It is easier to drive in an Eco-friendly manner by driving while referring to the
“ECO Accelerator  Guidance”  display. Also,  by  using  the  “ECO Accelerator
Guidance”, it is easier to increase the Eco score evaluation.

●

When starting off:
While  staying  within  the  “ECO  Accelerator  Guidance”  range,  gradually
depress the accelerator pedal and accelerate to the desired speed. If exces-
sive acceleration is avoided, the “Eco-Start” score will increase.

●

When driving:
After accelerating to the desired speed, release the accelerator pedal and
drive  at  a  stable  speed  within  the  “ECO Accelerator  Guidance”  range.  By
keeping the vehicle within the “ECO Accelerator Guidance” range, the “Eco-
Cruise” score will increase.

●

When stopping:
When stopping the vehicle, early releasing the accelerator pedal will cause
the “Eco-Stop” score to increase.

■

Restraining sudden start (Drive-Start Control)

●

When the following unusual operation is performed, the hybrid system out-
put may be restrained.
• When the shift position is shifted from R to D/B, D/B to R, N to R, P to D/

B

*

,  P  to  R

*

  with  the  accelerator  pedal  depressed,  a  warning  message

appears on the multi-information display. If a warning message is shown
on the multi-information display, read the message and follow the instruc-
tions.

• When the accelerator pedal is depressed too much while the vehicle is in

reverse.

●

While  Drive-Start  Control  is  being  activated,  your  vehicle  may  have  trou-
ble escaping from the mud or fresh snow. In such case, deactivate TRAC
(

P.  490)  to  cancel  Drive  Start  Control  so  that  the  vehicle  may  become

able to escape from the mud or fresh snow.

*

: Depending on the situation, the shift position may not be changed.

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5-1. Before driving

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■

Breaking in your new Toyota
To extend the life of the vehicle, observing the following precautions is recom-
mended:

●

For the first 200 miles (300 km): 
Avoid sudden stops.

●

For the first 600 miles (1000 km):
• Do not drive at extremely high speeds.
• Avoid sudden acceleration.
• Do not drive at a constant speed for extended periods.

■

Operating your vehicle in a foreign country
Comply with the relevant vehicle registration laws and confirm the availability
of the correct fuel. (

P. 720)

■

For efficient use

●

Shift the shift position to D when driving.
In the N position, the gasoline engine operates but electricity cannot be gen-
erated. The hybrid battery (traction battery) will discharge, requiring unnec-
essary engine power to charge.

●

Drive your vehicle smoothly.
Avoid abrupt acceleration and deceleration. Gradual acceleration and decel-
eration  will  make  more  effective  use  of  the  electric  motor  (traction  motor)
without having to use gasoline engine power.

●

Avoid repeated acceleration.
Repeated  acceleration  consumes  hybrid  battery  (traction  battery)  power,
resulting in poor acceleration. Battery power can be restored by driving with
the accelerator pedal slightly released.

●

Shift the shift position to P when parking.
In the N position, the hybrid battery (traction battery) does not charge. Leav-
ing the shift position in the N position for an extended period of time may
discharge the hybrid battery (traction battery). The vehicle cannot run if the
hybrid battery (traction battery) is discharged.

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5-1. Before driving

WARNING

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

■

When starting the vehicle
Always keep your foot on the brake pedal while stopped with the “READY”
indicator is illuminated. This prevents the vehicle from creeping.

■

When driving the vehicle

●

Do not drive if you are unfamiliar with the location of the brake and accel-
erator pedals to avoid depressing the wrong pedal. 
• Accidentally  depressing  the  accelerator  pedal  instead  of  the  brake

pedal will result in sudden acceleration that may lead to an accident.

• When backing up, you may twist your body around, leading to a  diffi-

culty in operating the pedals. Make sure to operate the pedals properly.

• Make  sure  to  keep  a  correct  driving  posture  even  when  moving  the

vehicle only slightly. This allows you to depress the brake and accelera-
tor pedals properly.

• Depress  the  brake  pedal  using  your  right  foot.  Depressing  the  brake

pedal using your left foot may delay response in an emergency, result-
ing in an accident.

●

The driver should  pay extra attention to  pedestrians when  the  vehicle  is
powered only by the electric motor (traction motor). As there is no engine
noise,  the  pedestrians  may  misjudge  the  vehicle’s  movement.  Even
though the vehicle is equipped with the vehicle proximity notification sys-
tem, drive with care as pedestrians in the vicinity may still not notice the
vehicle if the surrounding area is noisy.

●

Do not drive the vehicle over or stop the vehicle near flammable materials
such as leaves, paper or rags. 
The exhaust system and exhaust gases can be extremely hot. These hot
parts may cause a fire if there is any flammable material nearby.

●

During normal driving, do not turn off the hybrid system. Turning the hybrid
system off while driving will not cause loss of steering or braking control,
however, power assist to the steering will be lost. This will make it more
difficult to steer smoothly, so you should pull over and stop the vehicle as
soon as it is safe to do so.
In the event of an emergency, such as if it becomes impossible to stop the
vehicle in the normal way: 

P. 653

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5-1. Before driving

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WARNING

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

■

When driving the vehicle

●

Use engine braking (shift position B instead of shift position D) to maintain
a safe speed when driving down a steep hill.
Using the brakes continuously may cause the brakes to overheat and lose
effectiveness. (

P. 343)

●

Do not adjust the positions of the steering wheel, the seat, or the inside or
outside rear view mirrors while driving. 
Doing so may result in a loss of vehicle control.

●

Always check that all passengers’ arms, head or other parts of their body
are not outside the vehicle.

●

Do not drive across river crossings or through other bodies of water.
This  may  cause  electric/electronic  components  to  short  circuit,  damage
the hybrid system or cause other serious damage to the vehicle.

●

Do not drive in excess of the speed limit. Even if the legal speed limit per-
mits it, do not drive over 85 mph (140 km/h) unless your vehicle has high-
speed capability tires. Driving over 85 mph (140 km/h) may result in tire
failure, loss of control and possible injury. Be sure to consult a tire dealer
to  determine whether the  tires on your  vehicle are high-speed capability
tires or not before driving at such speeds.

■

When driving on slippery road surfaces

●

Sudden  braking,  acceleration  and  steering  may  cause  tire  slippage  and
reduce your ability to control the vehicle.

●

Sudden acceleration, engine braking due to shifting, or changes in engine
speed could cause the vehicle to skid, resulting in an accident.

●

After driving through a puddle, depress the brake pedal to make sure that
the  brakes  are  functioning  properly.  Wet  brake  pads  may  prevent  the
brakes  from  functioning properly.  If the  brakes on  only  one  side are  wet
and not functioning properly, steering control may be affected.

324

5-1. Before driving

WARNING

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

■

When shifting the shift position

●

Do  not  let  the  vehicle  roll  backward  while  a  forward  driving  position  is
selected, or roll forward while the shift position is in R. 
Doing so may result in an accident or damage to the vehicle.

●

Do not shift the shift position to P while the vehicle is moving.
Doing so can damage the transmission and may result in a loss of vehicle
control.

●

Do not shift the shift position to R while the vehicle is moving forward.
Doing so can damage the transmission and may result in a loss of vehicle
control.

●

Do not shift the shift position to a driving position while the vehicle is mov-
ing backward.
Doing so can damage the transmission and may result in a loss of vehicle
control.

●

Changing the shift position to N while the vehicle is moving will disengage
the hybrid system. Engine braking is not available with the hybrid system
disengaged.

●

Be  careful  not  to  change  the  shift  position  with  the  accelerator  pedal
depressed. 
Changing the shift position to any position other than P or N may lead to
unexpected rapid acceleration of the vehicle that may cause an accident
and result in death or serious injury.
After  changing  the  shift  position,  make  sure  to  confirm  the  current  shift
position displayed on the shift position indicator inside the meter.

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5-1. Before driving

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WARNING

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

■

If you hear a squealing or scraping noise (brake pad wear limit indica-
tors)
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 suddenly and unexpectedly, causing 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
illuminated, and apply the parking brake as necessary.

●

If the vehicle is stopped on an incline, in order to prevent accidents caused
by the vehicle rolling 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.

326

5-1. Before driving

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.

327

5-1. Before driving

5

D

riv

in

g

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.