Toyota Prius+ (2016 year). Instruction

4-5. Using the driving support systems

255

Driving mode select switch

The driving modes can be selected to suit driving conditions.

Eco drive mode*

Suitable for improving the fuel

economy, because the torque cor-

responding to the accelerator

pedal depression amount can be

generated more smoothly than it is

in normal conditions and the oper-

ation of the air conditioning system

(heating/cooling) will be minimized.

When the “ECO” switch is pressed, the “ECO MODE” indicator comes on

in the instrument cluster.

Power mode*

Use when high levels of response and feeling are desirable, such as when

driving in mountainous regions or when overtaking.

When the “PWR” switch is pressed, the “PWR MODE” indicator comes on

in the instrument cluster.

*: When Eco drive mode and power mode are canceled, the system uses

normal mode for optimal everyday driving.

■ Operation of the air conditioning system in Eco drive mode

Eco drive mode controls the heating/cooling operations and fan speed of the

air conditioning system to enhance fuel efficiency (→P. 286). To improve air

conditioning performance, adjust the fan speed or turn off Eco drive mode.

■ When canceling Eco drive mode/power mode

●Press the switch again. Also, power mode will be canceled automatically

when the power switch is turned off. However, Eco drive mode will not be

canceled automatically until the switch is pressed, even if the power switch

is turned off.

● When in Eco drive mode, if the “PWR” switch is pressed or the operation is

reversed, the mode will switch to that of the last switch to be pressed.

■ Switching the drive mode when in EV drive mode

→P. 215

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Driving assist systems

To help enhance driving safety and performance, the following

systems operate automatically in response to various driving

situations. Be aware, however, that these systems are supple-

mentary and should not be relied upon too heavily when operat-

ing the vehicle.

◆ ECB (Electronically Controlled Brake System)

The electronically controlled system generates braking force corre-

sponding to the brake operation

◆ ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)

Helps to prevent wheel lock when the brakes are applied suddenly,

or if the brakes are applied while driving on a slippery road surface

◆ Brake assist

Generates an increased level of braking force after the brake pedal

is depressed when the system detects a panic stop situation

◆ VSC (Vehicle Stability Control)

Helps the driver to control skidding when swerving suddenly or

turning on slippery road surfaces

◆ TRC (Traction Control)

Helps to maintain drive power and prevent the drive wheels from

spinning when starting the vehicle or accelerating on slippery roads

◆ EPS (Electric Power Steering)

Employs an electric motor to reduce the amount of effort needed to

turn the steering wheel

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◆ VSC + (Vehicle Stability Control +)

Provides cooperative control of the ABS, TRC, VSC and EPS.

Helps to maintain directional stability when swerving on slippery

road surfaces by controlling steering performance.

◆ Hill-start assist control

Helps to prevent the vehicle from rolling backward when starting on

an incline or slippery slope

◆ PCS (Pre-Crash Safety system) (if equipped)

→P. 262

◆ Emergency brake signal

When the brakes are applied suddenly, the emergency flashers

automatically flash to alert the vehicle behind.

When the VSC/TRC/ABS systems are operating

The slip indicator light will flash

while the VSC/TRC/ABS systems

are operating.

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4-5. Using the driving support systems

■ Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, brake assist, VSC, TRC and

hill-start assist control systems

Any of the following conditions may occur when the above systems are oper-

ating. None of these indicates that a malfunction has occurred.

● Vibrations may be felt through the vehicle body and steering.

● A motor sound may be heard after the vehicle comes to a stop.

●The brake pedal may pulsate slightly after the ABS is activated.

● The brake pedal may move down slightly after the ABS is activated.

■ECB operating sound

ECB operating sound may be heard in the following cases, but it does not

indicate that a malfunction has occurred.

● Operating sound heard from the engine compartment when the brake pedal

is operated.

● Motor sound of the brake system heard from the front part of the vehicle

when the driver’s door is opened.

● Operating sound heard from the engine compartment when 1-2 minutes

passed after the stop of the hybrid system.

■ EPS operation sound

When the steering wheel is operated, a motor sound (whirring sound) may be

heard. This does not indicate a malfunction.

■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. 388

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■ 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 operation.

■ 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 brak-

ing operation.

■ Operating conditions of hill-start assist control

When the following four conditions are met, the hill-start assist control will

operate:

●The shift position is in a position other than P or N (when starting off forward/

backward on an upward incline).

●The vehicle is stopped.

● The accelerator pedal is not depressed.

● The parking brake is not engaged.

■ Automatic system cancelation of hill-start assist control

The hill-start assist control will turn off in any of the following situations:

●Shift the shift position to P or N

● The accelerator pedal is depressed

● The parking brake is engaged.

● Approximately 2 seconds elapse after the brake pedal is released.

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WARNING

■ The ABS does not operate effectively when

●The limits of tire gripping performance have been exceeded (such as

excessively worn tires on a snow covered road).

●The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on wet or slick road.

■ Stopping distance when the ABS is operating may exceed that of nor-

mal conditions

The ABS is not designed to shorten the vehicle’s stopping distance. Always

maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you, especially in the

following situations:

● When driving on dirt, gravel or snow-covered roads

●When driving with tire chains

●When driving over bumps in the road

● When driving over roads with potholes or uneven surfaces

■ TRC may not operate effectively when

Directional control and power may not be achievable while driving on slip-

pery road surfaces, even if the TRC system is operating.

Drive the vehicle carefully in conditions where stability and power may be

lost.

■ Hill-start assist control does not operate effectively when

●Do not overly rely on the hill-start assist control. The hill-start assist control

may not operate effectively on steep inclines and roads covered with ice.

●Unlike the parking brake, hill-start assist control is not intended to hold the

vehicle stationary for an extended period of time. Do not attempt to use

hill-start assist control to hold the vehicle on an incline, as doing so may

lead to an accident.

■ When the VSC is activated

The slip indicator light flashes. Always drive carefully. Reckless driving may

cause an accident. Exercise particular care when the indicator light flashes.

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WARNING

■ Replacing tires

Make sure that all tires are of the specified size and of the same brand,

tread pattern and total load capacity. In addition, make sure that the tires are

inflated to the recommended tire inflation pressure level.

The ABS, VSC and TRC systems will not function correctly if different tires

are installed on the vehicle.

Contact any authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified

and equipped professional for further information when replacing tires or

wheels.

■ Handling of tires and the suspension

Using tires with any kind of problem or modifying the suspension will affect

the driving assist systems, and may cause a system to malfunction.

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4-5. Using the driving support systems

PCS (Pre-Crash Safety system)∗

When the radar sensor detects possibility of a frontal collision,

brakes are automatically engaged to lessen impact as well as

vehicle damage.

The alert timing for the pre-crash safety system can be changed or

turned ON/OFF, as necessary, by operating the switch. (→P. 263)

◆ Pre-crash warning

When a high possibility of a

frontal collision is detected, a

buzzer sounds and a message

is shown on the multi-informa-

tion display to urge the driver to

take evasive action.

◆ 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 display and buzzer. If the system

determines that a collision is unavoidable, the brakes are automati-

cally applied to reduce the collision speed.

∗: If equipped

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Changing the pre-crash safety system

■ Changing the alert timing of the pre-crash safety system

X Left-hand drive vehicles

X Right-hand drive vehicles

Each time the PCS switch is pressed, the response to the distance

changes as follows.

Far

Middle*

Near

*: Default setting

■ Turning off the pre-crash safety system

Press the PCS switch for 3 sec-

onds or more seconds.

The PCS warning light turns on

and a message is shown on the

multi-information display.

To turn on the system, press the

PCS switch again. The system

is set to ON each time the power

switch is turned to ON mode.

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4-5. Using the driving support systems

Radar sensor

The radar sensor detects vehi-

cles or other obstacles on or near

the road ahead and determines

whether a collision is imminent

based on the position, speed, and

heading of the obstacles.

■ The pre-crash safety system is operational when

The pre-crash safety system is on (→P. 263) and the following conditions are

met:

● Pre-crash warning:

• Vehicle speed is greater than about 15 km/h (10 mph).

• The speed at which your vehicle is approaching the obstacle or the vehi-

cle running ahead of you is greater than about 10 km/h (7 mph).

● Pre-crash brake assist:

• Vehicle speed is greater than about 30 km/h (19 mph).

• The speed at which your vehicle is approaching the obstacle or the vehi-

cle running ahead of you is greater than about 30 km/h (19 mph).

• The brake pedal is depressed.

● Pre-crash braking:

• Vehicle speed is greater than about 15 km/h (10 mph).

• The speed at which your vehicle is approaching the obstacle or the vehi-

cle running ahead of you is greater than about 10 km/h (7 mph).

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■ Conditions that may trigger the system even if there is no possibility of a

collision

In any of the following situations where the frontal area of the radar sensor is

interrupted, the radar sensor may detect possibility of a frontal collision and

the system may be activated.

● When passing by an oncoming vehicle in a curve or turn to the right or the

left

● When rapidly approaching an obstacle ahead (e.g. preceding vehicle, toll

gate barrier, etc.)

● When there is a structural object (billboard, low ceiling, fluorescent light,

etc.) above the uphill road ahead

● When driving on a narrow road or through under a low overhead structure

(bridge, tunnel, fly-under, etc.)

● When driving on an uneven road surface

● When there is a metal object, bump, or protrusion on the road surface

● When vehicle’s front part is raised or lowered depending on loading condi-

tions

● When the direction of radar sensor is misaligned by strong impact applied

on an area around the radar sensor, etc.

● When there is an obstacle (guard rail, etc.) by the roadside at the entrance

to a curve

● When the front of your vehicle is pointing upwards (cause by putting a heavy

load in the luggage compartment etc.)

● When driving through an area filled with steam or smoke

When the system is activated in the situations described above, there is also

a possibility that the brakes may be applied with a force greater than normal.

■ Obstacles not detected

The sensor cannot detect plastic obstacles such as traffic cones. There may

also be occasions when the sensor cannot detect pedestrians, animals, bicy-

cles, motorcycles, trees, or snowdrifts.

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4-5. Using the driving support systems

■ Situations in which the pre-crash safety system does not function prop-

erly

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 intersec-

tion

● If a vehicle suddenly cuts in front of your vehicle, such as when overtaking

● 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 radar sensor moves off position due to its surrounding area being

subjected to a strong impact

● Due to greatly turning the steering wheel when an obstacle suddenly

appears ahead

● When only part of your vehicle’s front end collides with or contacts, a vehicle

or object in a frontal collision

■ 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

The PCS warning light flashes and a warning message is shown on the multi-

information display. If a warning message is shown on the multi-information

display, read the message and follow the instructions. (→P. 387, 400)

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WARNING

■ Limitations of the pre-crash safety system

The driver is solely responsible for safe driving. Always drive safely, taking

care to observe your surroundings.

Do not use the pre-crash safety system instead of normal braking opera-

tions under any circumstances. This system will not prevent collisions or

lessen damage or injuries in all cases. Do not overly rely on this system.

Failure to do so may cause an accident, resulting in death or serious injury.

This system has been designed to help avoid and reduce the impact of col-

lisions. However, the system operates differently depending on the situation

(→P. 264, 265).

As a result, the same level of performance may not be expected in all

cases. Also, the pre-crash safety brakes may not operate if the driver is

depressing the brake pedal or turning the steering wheel, as the system will

determine such conditions as collision avoidance operations.

■ Handling the radar sensor

Observe the following to ensure the pre-crash safety system can function

effectively.

Otherwise, the system may not function correctly and could result in an

accident.

● Keep the sensor and grille cover clean at all times.

Clean the sensor and grille cover with a soft cloth so you do not mark or

damage them.

●Do not subject the sensor or surrounding area to a strong impact.

If the sensor moves even slightly off position, the system may not work

normally or malfunction. If the sensor or surrounding area is subject to a

strong impact, always have the area inspected and adjusted by any autho-

rized Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped pro-

fessional.

●Do not disassemble the sensor.

●Do not attach accessories or stickers to the sensor, grille cover or sur-

rounding area.

●Do not modify or paint the sensor and grille cover.

● If the sensor needs to be replaced, contact any authorized Toyota dealer

or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional.

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WARNING

■ Cautions regarding the assist contents of the system

By means of alarms and brake control, the pre-crash safety system is

intended to assist the driver in avoiding collisions through the process of

LOOK-JUDGE-ACT. There are limits to the degree of assistance the system

can provide, so please keep in mind the following important points.

●Assisting the driver in watching the road

The pre-crash safety system is only able to detect obstacles directly in

front of the vehicle, and only within a limited range. It is not a mechanism

that allows careless or inattentive driving, and it is not a system that can

assist the driver in low-visibility conditions. It is still necessary for the driver

to pay close attention to the vehicle’s surroundings.

●Assisting the driver in making correct judgement

When attempting to estimate the possibility of a collision, the only data

available to the pre-crash safety system is that from obstacles it has

detected directly in front of the vehicle. Therefore, it is absolutely neces-

sary for the driver to remain vigilant and to determine whether or not there

is a possibility of collision in any given situation.

●Assisting the driver in taking action

The pre-crash safety system’s braking assist feature is designed to help

reduce the severity of a collision, and so only acts when the system has

judged that a collision is unavoidable. This system is not capable of auto-

matically avoiding a collision or bringing the vehicle to a stop safely with-

out appropriate operations performed by the driver. For this reason, when

encountering a dangerous situation the driver must take direct and imme-

diate action in order to ensure the safety of all involved.

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Hybrid vehicle driving tips

For economical and ecological driving, pay attention to the fol-

lowing points:

◆ Using Eco drive mode

When using Eco drive mode, the torque corresponding to the accel-

erator pedal depression amount can be generated more smoothly

than it is in normal conditions. In addition, the operation of the air

conditioning system (heating/cooling) will be minimized, improving

the fuel economy. (→P. 255)

◆ Use of Hybrid System Indicator

The Eco-friendly driving is possible by keeping the Hybrid System

Indicator within Eco area. (→P. 118)

◆ Shift position operation

Shift the shift position to D when stopped at a traffic light, or driving

in heavy traffic etc. Shift the shift position to P when parking. When

using the N, there is no positive effect on fuel consumption. In the

N, the gasoline engine operates but electricity cannot be gener-

ated. Also, when using the air conditioning system, etc., the hybrid

battery (traction battery) power is consumed.

◆ Accelerator pedal/brake pedal operation

● Drive your vehicle smoothly. Avoid abrupt acceleration and

deceleration. Gradual acceleration and deceleration 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 fuel con-

sumption. Battery power can be restored by driving with the

accelerator pedal slightly released.

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Toyota Prius+ (2016 year). Instruction - part 16