Toyota Prius Prime (2020 year). Owner's manual - part 41

648

7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

■

Replacing the following bulbs
If any of the lights listed below has burnt out, have it replaced by
your Toyota dealer.
● Headlights and daytime running lights
● Front side marker lights
● Parking lights
● Fog lights (if equipped)
● LED accent lights (if equipped)
● Front turn signal lights
● Rear turn signal lights
● Rear side marker lights
● Tail lights
● Stop lights
● High mounted stoplight
● License plate lights

■

LED lights
The lights other than the back-up lights each consist of a number of LEDs. If
any of the LEDs burn out, take your vehicle to your Toyota dealer to have the
light replaced.

■

Condensation build-up on the inside of the lens
Temporary condensation build-up on the inside of the lens does not indicate a
malfunction. Contact your Toyota dealer for more information in the following
situations:

●

Large drops of water have built up on the inside of the lens.

●

Water has built up inside the light.

■

When replacing light bulbs
P. 640

649

7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

7

Mainten

ance an

d ca

re

WARNING

■

Replacing light bulbs

●

Be sure to stop the hybrid system and turn off the lights. Do not attempt to
replace the bulb immediately after turning off the lights. 
The bulbs become very hot and may cause burns.

●

Do not touch the glass portion of the light bulb with bare hands. When it is
unavoidable to hold the glass portion, use and hold with a clean dry cloth
to avoid getting moisture and oils on the bulb.
Also, if the bulb is scratched or dropped, it may blow out or crack.

●

Fully install light bulbs and any parts used to secure them. Failure to do so
may result in heat damage, fire, or water entering the light unit. This may
damage the back-up lights or cause condensation to build up on the lens.

●

Do  not  attempt  to  repair  or  disassemble  light  bulbs,  connectors,  electric
circuits or component parts.
Doing so may result in death or serious injury due to electric shock.

●

Do not replace the right-hand back-up light immediately after the vehicle
has been driven.
After the vehicle has been driven the exhaust pipe will be extremely hot,
and touching the exhaust pipe may result in burns.

●

Use gloves and other protection to prevent injuries on vehicle parts.
There is the danger of being injured on the edges of parts.

■

To prevent damage or fire 

●

Make sure bulbs are fully seated and locked. 

●

Check the wattage of the bulb before installing to prevent heat damage.

650

7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

651

8

When trouble arises

8-1. Essential information

Emergency flashers .......... 652
If your vehicle has to 

be stopped in an 
emergency ...................... 653

If the vehicle is trapped 

in rising water.................. 654

8-2. Steps to take in an 

emergency

If your vehicle needs to 

be towed ......................... 655

If you think something is 

wrong .............................. 661

If a warning light turns on 

or a warning buzzer 
sounds ............................ 662

If a warning message is 

displayed......................... 672

If you have a flat tire.......... 680
If the hybrid system will 

not start........................... 697

If the electronic key does 

not operate properly........ 699

If the 12-volt battery is 

discharged ...................... 703

If your vehicle overheats ... 709
If the vehicle becomes 

stuck ............................... 714

652

8-1. Essential information

Emergency flashers

Press the switch.

All the turn signal lights will flash. To turn them off, press the switch once
again.

■

Emergency flashers

●

If the emergency flashers are used for a long time while the hybrid system is
not  operating  (while  the  “READY”  indicator  is  not  illuminated),  the  12-volt
battery may discharge.

●

If  any  of  the  SRS  airbags  deploy  (inflate)  or  in  the  event  of  a  strong  rear
impact, the emergency flashers will turn on automatically.
The  emergency  flashers  will  turn  off  automatically  after  operating  for
approximately  20  minutes.  To  manually  turn  the  emergency  flashers  off,
press the switch twice.
(The emergency flashers may not turn on automatically depending on the
force of the impact and conditions of the collision.)

The emergency flashers are used to warn other drivers when the
vehicle has to be stopped in the road due to a breakdown, etc.



Vehicles with 7-inch display



Vehicles with 11.6-inch display

653

8

Wh
en tro

uble

 a

ris

es

8-1. Essential information

If your vehicle has to be stopped in an 

emergency

Steadily step on the brake pedal with both feet and firmly depress it.

Do  not  pump  the  brake  pedal  repeatedly  as  this  will  increase  the  effort
required to slow the vehicle.

Shift the shift position to N.



If the shift position is shifted to N
After slowing down, stop the vehicle in a safe place by the road.
Stop the hybrid system.



If the shift position cannot be shifted to N
Keep depressing the brake pedal with both feet to reduce vehicle
speed as much as possible.
To  stop  the  hybrid  system,
press  and  hold  the  power
switch  for  2  consecutive  sec-
onds or more, or press it briefly
3 times or more in succession.

Stop the vehicle in a safe place by the road.

Only in an emergency, such as if it becomes impossible to stop
the vehicle in the normal way, stop the vehicle using the follow-
ing procedure:

1

2

3

4

3

Press and hold for 2 seconds or 
more, or press briefly 3 times or 
more

4

WARNING

■

If the hybrid system has to be turned off while driving
Power assist for the steering wheel will be lost, making the steering wheel
heavier to turn. Decelerate as much as possible before turning off the hybrid
system.

5

654

8-1. Essential information

If the vehicle is trapped in rising water

● Remove the seat belt first.
● If the door can be opened, open the door and exit the vehicle.
● If the door can not be opened, open the window using the power

window switch and exit the vehicle through the window.

● If the window can not be opened using the power window switch,

remain calm, wait until the water level inside the vehicle rises to the
point that the water pressure inside of the vehicle equals the water
pressure outside of the vehicle, and then open the door and exit the
vehicle.

In the event the vehicle is submerged in water, remain calm and
perform the following.

WARNING

■

Using an emergency hammer

*

 for emergency escape

The rear side windows and rear window of this vehicle can be shattered by
an  emergency  hammer

*

  used  for  emergency  escape,  however,  since  the

windshield  and  front  side  windows  are  laminated  glass  they  can  not  be
shattered by an emergency hammer

*

.

*

: Contact your Toyota dealer or aftermarket accessory manufacturer for fur-

ther information about an emergency hammer.

■

Escaping the vehicle from the window
There are cases where escaping the vehicle from the window is not possi-
ble due to seating position, passenger body type, etc.
When  using  an  emergency  hammer,  consider  your  seat  location  and  the
size  of  the  window  opening  to  ensure  that  the  opening  is  accessible  and
large enough to escape.

655

8

Wh
en tro

uble

 a

ris

es

8-2. Steps to take in an emergency

If your vehicle needs to be towed

In  the  following  situations,  it  is  not  possible  to  be  towed  by  another
vehicle using cables or chains, as the front wheels may be locked due
to the parking lock. Contact your Toyota dealer or commercial towing
service.
● There is a malfunction in the shift control system. (P. 339, 678)
● There is a malfunction in the immobilizer system. (P. 83)
● There is a malfunction in the smart key system. (P. 699)
● The 12-volt battery is discharged. (P. 703)

The following may indicate a problem with your hybrid transmission.
Contact your Toyota dealer or commercial towing service before tow-
ing.
● The hybrid system warning message is displayed and the vehicle

does not move.

● The vehicle makes an abnormal sound.

If  towing  is  necessary,  we  recommend  having  your  vehicle
towed  by  your  Toyota  dealer  or  commercial  towing  service,
using a wheel-lift type truck or flatbed truck.
Use a safety chain system for all towing, and abide by all state/
provincial and local laws.

Situations when it is not possible to be towed by another vehicle

Situations when it is necessary to contact dealers before towing

656

8-2. Steps to take in an emergency

Do not tow with a sling-type truck
to prevent body damage.

Towing with a sling-type truck

Towing with a wheel-lift type truck



From the front 



From the rear

Release the parking brake.

Use  a  towing  dolly  under  the
front wheels.

657

8-2. Steps to take in an emergency

8

Wh
en tro

uble

 a

ris

es

If your vehicle is transported by a
flatbed  truck,  it  should  be  tied
down at the locations shown in the
illustration.

If  you  use  chains  or  cables  to  tie
down  your  vehicle,  the  angles
shaded in black must be 45

.

Do  not  overly  tighten  the  tie
downs or the vehicle may be dam-
aged.

If a tow truck is not available in an emergency, your vehicle may be
temporarily towed using cables or chains secured to the emergency
towing eyelets. This should only be attempted on hard surfaced roads
for a short distance at under 18 mph (30 km/h).
A driver must be in the vehicle to steer and operate the brakes. The
vehicle’s  wheels,  drive  train,  axles,  steering  and  brakes  must  be  in
good condition.

Using a flatbed truck

Front

Emergency towing

658

8-2. Steps to take in an emergency

Take out the towing eyelet. (

P. 618)

Remove the eyelet cover using
a flathead screwdriver. 

To  protect  the  bodywork,  place  a
rag  between  the  screwdriver  and
the  vehicle  body  as  shown  in  the
illustration.

Insert the towing eyelet into the
hole  and  tighten  partially  by
hand.

Tighten down the towing eyelet
securely  using  a  wheel  nut
wrench or hard metal bar.

When  tightening  with  a  wheel  nut
wrench  or  hard  metal  bar,  make
sure  not  to  damage  the  vehicle
body.

Securely attach cables or chains to the towing eyelet.

Take care not to damage the vehicle body.

Enter the vehicle being towed and start the hybrid system.

If the hybrid system does not start, turn the power switch to ON mode.
Turn off the Parking Support Brake function. (if equipped): 

P. 444

Shift the shift position to N

*

 and release the parking brake.

*

: If the shift position cannot be changed or the current shift position can

not be confirmed, contact your Toyota dealer or commercial towing ser-
vice before towing.

Emergency towing procedure

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

659

8-2. Steps to take in an emergency

8

Wh
en tro

uble

 a

ris

es

■

While towing
If the hybrid system is off, the power assist for the brakes and steering will not
function, making steering and braking more difficult.

■

Wheel nut wrench
Wheel nut wrench is installed in luggage compartment. (

P. 618)

■

Towing eyelet installation hole on the rear of the vehicle
The  hole  is  equipped  for  fastening  the
vehicle  while  shipping.  Your  vehicle  can-
not tow another vehicle.

WARNING

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

■

When towing the vehicle

■

While towing

●

When towing using cables or chains, avoid sudden starts, etc. which place
excessive stress on the towing eyelets, cables or chains. The towing eye-
lets, cables or chains may become damaged, broken debris may hit peo-
ple, and cause serious damage.

●

Do not turn the power switch off. 
This  may  lead  to  an  accident  as  the  front  wheels  will  be  locked  by  the
parking lock.

■

Installing towing eyelets to the vehicle

●

The towing eyelets are only for the vehicle equipped with them. Do not use
the towing eyelets for another vehicle, and do not use the towing eyelets
for this vehicle on another vehicle.

●

Make sure that towing eyelets are installed securely.
If not securely installed, towing eyelets may come loose during towing.

Be sure to transport the vehicle with the
front wheels raised or with all four wheels
raised  off  the  ground.  If  the  vehicle  is
towed  with  the  front  wheels  contacting
the  ground,  the  drivetrain  and  related
parts may be damaged or electricity gen-
erated by the operation of the motor may
cause  a  fire  to  occur  depending  on  the
nature of the damage or malfunction.

660

8-2. Steps to take in an emergency

NOTICE

■

To prevent damage to the vehicle when towing using a wheel-lift type
truck
When raising the vehicle, ensure adequate ground clearance for towing at
the  opposite  end  of  the  raised  vehicle.  Without  adequate  clearance,  the
vehicle could be damaged while being towed.

■

To prevent damage to the vehicle when towing with a sling-type truck
Do not tow with a sling-type truck, either from the front or rear.

■

To prevent damage to the vehicle during emergency towing
Do not secure cables or chains to the suspension components.

661

8

Wh
en tro

uble

 a

ris

es

8-2. Steps to take in an emergency

If you think something is wrong

● Fluid leaks under the vehicle

(Water dripping from the air conditioning after use is normal.)

● Flat-looking tires or uneven tire wear
● High coolant temperature warning light flashes or comes on

● 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

● 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

If you notice any of the following symptoms, your vehicle proba-
bly  needs  adjustment  or  repair.  Contact  your  Toyota  dealer  as
soon as possible.

Visible symptoms

Audible symptoms

Operational symptoms

662

8-2. Steps to take in an emergency

If a warning light turns on or a warning 

buzzer sounds

Calmly perform the following actions if any of the warning lights
comes  on  or  flashes.  If  a  light  comes  on  or  flashes,  but  then
goes off, this does not necessarily indicate a malfunction in the
system.  However,  if  this  continues  to  occur,  have  the  vehicle
inspected by your Toyota dealer.

Warning light and warning buzzer list

Warning light

Warning light/Details/Actions

(U.S.A.)

(Canada)

Brake  system  warning  light  and  warning  buzzer  (red
indicator)

*

1

Indicates that:
• The brake fluid level is low; or
• The brake system is malfunctioning

 Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and con-

tact your Toyota dealer. Continuing to drive the vehi-
cle may be dangerous.

Brake system warning light (yellow indicator)

Indicates a malfunction in:
• The regenerative braking system; or
• The electronically controlled brake system

 Have  the  vehicle  inspected  by  your  Toyota  dealer

immediately.

Charging system warning light

Indicates a malfunction in the vehicle’s charging system

 Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and con-

tact your Toyota dealer.

Low engine oil pressure warning light 
(warning buzzer)

*

2

Indicates that the engine oil pressure is too low

 Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and con-

tact your Toyota dealer.

(U.S.A.)

(Canada)

Malfunction indicator lamp

Indicates a malfunction in:
• The hybrid system;
• The electronic engine control system; or
• The electronic throttle control system

 Have  the  vehicle  inspected  by  your  Toyota  dealer

immediately.

663

8-2. Steps to take in an emergency

8

Wh
en tro

uble

 a

ris

es

SRS warning light

Indicates a malfunction in:
• The SRS airbag system;
• The front passenger occupant classification system; or
• The seat belt pretensioner system

 Have  the  vehicle  inspected  by  your  Toyota  dealer

immediately.

(U.S.A.)

(Canada)

ABS warning light

Indicates a malfunction in:
• The ABS; or
• The brake assist system

 Have  the  vehicle  inspected  by  your  Toyota  dealer

immediately.

(Red/yellow)

Electric  power  steering  system  warning  light  (warning
buzzer)

Indicates a malfunction in the EPS (Electric Power Steer-
ing) system

 Have  the  vehicle  inspected  by  your  Toyota  dealer

immediately.

(Flashes or 

illuminates)

PCS warning light

Indicates a malfunction in the PCS (Pre-Collision System)
or  that  the  system  is  temporarily  unavailable  due  to  the
vehicle  being  extremely  hot/cold,  or  dirt  around  a  front
sensor, etc. (

P. 392, 672)

 Follow the instructions displayed on the multi-infor-

mation display. (

P. 392, 672)

If the PCS (Pre-Collision System) or VSC (Vehicle Stability
Control) system is disabled, the PCS warning light will illu-
minate.

 P. 392

Slip indicator light

Indicates a malfunction in:
• The VSC system;
• The TRAC system; or
• The hill-start assist control system

 Have  the  vehicle  inspected  by  your  Toyota  dealer

immediately.

The light will flash when the ABS, VSC or TRAC system is
operating.

Warning light

Warning light/Details/Actions