Toyota Prius (2023 year). Manual in english

579

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

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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 any authorized Toyota
retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer as
soon as possible.

Visible symptoms

Audible symptoms

Operational symptoms

580

7-2. 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 any authorized Toyota retailer or Toyota authorized
repairer, or any reliable repairer.

Warning light and warning buzzer list

Warning light

Warning light/Details/Actions

Brake system warning light and warning buzzer (red
indicator)

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 any authorized Toyota retailer or Toyota autho-
rized repairer, or any reliable repairer. Continuing to
drive the vehicle 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 any authorized Toyota
retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable
repairer 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 any authorized Toyota retailer or Toyota autho-
rized repairer, or any reliable repairer.

581

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

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Low engine oil pressure warning light
(warning buzzer)

Indicates that the engine oil pressure is too low



Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and con-
tact any authorized Toyota retailer or Toyota autho-
rized repairer, or any reliable repairer.

Malfunction indicator lamp

Indicates a malfunction in:
• The hybrid system;
• The electronic engine control system;
• The electronic throttle control system; or
• The emission control system (if equipped)



Have the vehicle inspected by any authorized Toyota
retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable
repairer immediately.

SRS warning light

Indicates a malfunction in:
• The SRS airbag system; or
• The seat belt pretensioner system



Have the vehicle inspected by any authorized Toyota
retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable
repairer immediately.

ABS warning light

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



Have the vehicle inspected by any authorized Toyota
retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable
repairer 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 any authorized Toyota
retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable
repairer immediately.

Warning light

Warning light/Details/Actions

582

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

(Flashes or illumi-

nates)

(If equipped)

PCS warning light

• When a buzzer sounds simultaneously:

Indicates a malfunction has occurred in the PCS (Pre-
Collision System).



Have the vehicle inspected by any authorized Toyota
retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable
repairer immediately.

• When a buzzer does not sound:

The PCS (Pre-Collision System) has become temporar-
ily unavailable, corrective action may be necessary.



Follow the instructions displayed on the multi-infor-
mation display. (



P. 294, 596)

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



P. 306

(Orange)

(If equipped)

LTA indicator (warning buzzer)

Indicates a malfunction in the LTA (Lane Tracing Assist)



Follow the instructions displayed on the multi-infor-
mation display. (



P. 322)

Slip indicator light

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



Have the vehicle inspected by any authorized Toyota
retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable
repairer immediately.

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

Warning light

Warning light/Details/Actions

583

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

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High coolant temperature warning light
(vehicles without exhaust heat recirculator system)

Indicates that the engine coolant temperature is too high
Changes from a flashing to a solid light when the engine
coolant temperature increases



Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place.
(



P. 645)

High coolant temperature warning light
(vehicles with exhaust heat recirculator system)

• When the light flashes:

Indicates that the engine coolant temperature is too high
The light changes from a flashing to a solid light when
the temperature further increases



Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place.
(



P. 645)

• When the light comes on without flashing:

Indicates a malfunction in the exhaust heat recirculator
system



Have the vehicle inspected by any authorized Toyota
retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable
repairer immediately.

(Flashes)

(If equipped)

PKSB OFF indicator

Indicates a malfunction in the Parking Support Brake func-
tion



Have the vehicle inspected by any authorized Toyota
retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable
repairer.

The warning light will operate as follows, even when the
system is not malfunctioning:
• The light will come on when the Parking Support Brake

function is turned off (



P. 396)

• The light will come on when the Parking Support Brake

function is operating (



P. 400)

• The light will flash when the system cannot temporarily

be used (



P. 402)

Open door warning light (warning buzzer)

Indicates that a door is not fully closed



Check that all the doors are closed.

Low fuel level warning light

Indicates that remaining fuel is approximately 6.4 L
(1.7 gal., 1.4 Imp.gal.) or less



Refuel the vehicle.

Warning light

Warning light/Details/Actions

584

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

Driver’s and front passenger’s seat belt reminder light
(warning buzzer)

Warns the driver and/or front passenger to fasten their
seat belts



Fasten the seat belt.
If the front passenger’s seat is occupied, the front
passenger’s seat belt also needs to be fastened to
make the warning light (warning buzzer) turn off.

Rear passengers’ seat belt reminder lights (warning
buzzer)

Warns the rear passengers to fasten their seat belts



Fasten the seat belt.

Master warning light

A buzzer sounds and the warning light comes on and
flashes to indicate that the master warning system has
detected a malfunction.



P. 589

(If equipped)

Tire pressure warning light

When the light comes on:
Low tire inflation pressure such as
• Natural causes (



P. 587)

• Flat tire (



P. 598, 618)



Adjust the tire inflation pressure to the specified
level.
The light will turn off after a few minutes. In case the
light does not turn off even if the tire inflation pres-
sure is adjusted, have the system checked by any
authorized Toyota retailer or Toyota authorized
repairer, or any reliable repairer.

When the light comes on after blinking for 1 minute:
Malfunction in the tire pressure warning system (



P. 587)



Have the system checked by any authorized Toyota
retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable
repairer.

Warning light

Warning light/Details/Actions

585

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

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: Brake system warning buzzer:

When there is a possible problem that could affect braking performance,
the warning light will come on and a warning buzzer will sound.

: Low engine oil pressure warning buzzer:

A buzzer also sounds continuously for approximately 30 seconds at maxi-
mum in addition to the low engine oil pressure warning light when the
“READY” indicator is illuminated.

: Open door warning buzzer:

The open door warning buzzer sounds to alert one or more of the doors is
not fully closed (with the vehicle having reached a speed of 5 km/h
[3 mph]).

: Driver’s and front passenger’s seat belt warning buzzer:

The driver’s and front passenger’s seat belt warning buzzer sounds to alert
the driver and front passenger that his or her seat belt is not fastened. If
the seat belt is unfastened, the buzzer sounds intermittently for a certain
period of time after the vehicle reaches a certain speed.

Inappropriate pedal operation warning light

(warning

buzzer)

When a buzzer sounds:
Indicates a malfunction in:
• The Brake Override System
• The Drive-Start Control



Have the vehicle inspected by any authorized Toyota
retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable
repairer.

Indicates that the shift position was changed and Drive-
Start Control was operated while depressing the accelera-
tor pedal.



Momentarily release the accelerator pedal.

Indicates that the Parking Support Brake function (if
equipped) is operating (



P. 400)



Follow the instruction that is displayed on the multi-
information display.

When a buzzer does not sound:
Indicates that the accelerator and brake pedals are being
depressed simultaneously, and the Brake Override Sys-
tem is operating.



Release the accelerator pedal and depress the brake
pedal.

Warning light

Warning light/Details/Actions

586

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

: Rear passengers’ seat belt warning buzzer:

The rear passengers’ seat belt warning buzzer sounds to alert the rear
passenger that his or her seat belt is not fastened. If the seat belt is unfas-
tened, the buzzer sounds intermittently for a certain period of time, after
the seat belt is fastened and unfastened and the vehicle reaches a certain
speed.

: This symbol is displayed on the multi-information display.

■

Front passenger detection sensor, seat belt reminder and warning
buzzer

●

If luggage is placed on the front passenger seat, the front passenger detec-
tion sensor may cause the warning light to flash and the warning buzzer to
sound even if a passenger is not sitting in the seat.

●

If a cushion is placed on the seat, the sensor may not detect a passenger,
and the warning light may not operate properly.

■

Electric power steering system warning light (warning buzzer)

When the 12-volt battery charge becomes insufficient or the voltage tempo-
rarily drops, the electric power steering system warning light may come on
and the warning buzzer may sound.

■

If the malfunction indicator lamp comes on while driving

For some models, the malfunction indicator lamp will come on if the fuel tank
becomes completely empty. If the fuel tank is empty, refuel the vehicle imme-
diately. The malfunction indicator lamp will go off after several trips.
If the malfunction indicator lamp does not go off, contact any authorized
Toyota retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer as soon
as possible.

■

When the tire pressure warning light comes on (if equipped)

Inspect the appearance of the tire to check that the tire is not punctured.
If the tire is punctured:



P. 598, 618

If the tire is not punctured:
Carry out the following procedure after the tire temperature has lowered suffi-
ciently.

●

Check the tire inflation pressure and adjust to the appropriate level.

●

If the warning light does not go out even after several minutes, check that
the tire inflation pressure is at the specified level and carry out initialization.
(



P. 531)

The warning light may come on again if the above operations are conducted
without first allowing the tire temperature to lower sufficiently.

587

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

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■

The tire pressure warning light may come on due to natural causes (if
equipped)

The tire pressure warning light may come on due to natural causes such as
natural air leaks or tire inflation pressure changes caused by temperature. In
this case, adjusting the tire inflation pressure will turn off the warning light
(after a few minutes).

■

When a tire is replaced with a spare tire (vehicles with the tire pressure
warning system)

Vehicles with compact spare tire: The compact spare tire is not equipped with
a tire pressure warning valve and transmitter. If a tire goes flat, the tire pres-
sure warning light will not turn off even though the flat tire has been replaced
with the spare tire. Replace the spare tire with the repaired tire and adjust the
tire inflation pressure. The tire pressure warning light will go off after a few
minutes.
Vehicles with full-size spare tire: The spare tire is also equipped with a tire
pressure warning valve and transmitter. The tire pressure warning light will
turn on if the tire inflation pressure of the spare tire is low. If a tire goes flat,
the tire pressure warning light will not turn off even though the flat tire has
been replaced with the spare tire. Replace the spare tire with the repaired tire
and adjust the tire inflation pressure. The tire pressure warning light will go off
after a few minutes.

■

Conditions that the tire pressure warning system may not function prop-
erly (if equipped)



P. 533

■

If the tire pressure warning light frequently comes on after blinking for
1 minute (if equipped)

If the tire pressure warning light frequently comes on after blinking for
1 minute when the power switch is turned to ON mode, have it checked by
any authorized Toyota retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable
repairer.

■

Warning buzzer

In some cases, the buzzer may not be heard due to being in a noisy location
or audio sound.

588

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

WARNING

■

When the electric power steering system warning light comes on

When the light comes on yellow, the assist to the power steering is
restricted. When the light comes on red, the assist to the power steering is
lost and handling operations of the steering wheel become extremely
heavy. When steering wheel operations are heavier than usual, grip the
steering wheel firmly and operate it using more force than usual.

■

If the tire pressure warning light comes on (vehicles with the tire pres-
sure warning system)

Be sure to observe the following precautions. Failure to do so could cause a
loss of vehicle control and result in death or serious injury.

●

Stop your vehicle in a safe place as soon as possible. Adjust the tire infla-
tion pressure immediately.

●

Vehicles with emergency tire puncture repair kit: If the tire pressure warn-
ing light comes on even after tire inflation pressure adjustment, it is proba-
ble that you have a flat tire. Check the tires. If a tire is flat, repair the flat tire
by using emergency tire puncture repair kit.

●

Vehicles with spare tire: If the tire pressure warning light comes on even
after tire inflation pressure adjustment, it is probable that you have a flat
tire. Check the tires. If a tire is flat, change it with the spare tire and have
the flat tire repaired by the nearest any authorized Toyota retailer or Toyota
authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer.

●

Avoid abrupt maneuvering and braking. If the vehicle tires deteriorate, you
could lose control of the steering wheel or the brakes.

■

If a blowout or sudden air leakage should occur (vehicles with the tire
pressure warning system)

The tire pressure warning system may not activate immediately.

NOTICE

■

To ensure the tire pressure warning system operates properly (vehi-
cles with the tire pressure warning system)

Do not install tires with different specifications or makers, as the tire pres-
sure warning system may not operate properly.

589

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

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If a warning message is displayed

Master warning light

The master warning light also
comes on or flashes in order to
indicate that a message is cur-
rently being displayed on the multi-
information display.

Multi-information display
Handling method

Follow the instructions of the mes-
sage on the multi-information dis-
play.

If any of the warning messages are shown again after the following
actions have been performed, contact any authorized Toyota retailer
or Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer.

: The master warning light may not come on or flash when a warning mes-

sage is displayed.

The multi-information display shows warnings of system mal-
functions, incorrectly performed operations, and messages that
indicate a need for maintenance. When a message is shown,
perform the correction procedure appropriate to the message.

2
3

590

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

The warning lights and warning buzzers operate as follows depending
on the content of the message. If a message indicates the need for
inspection by a dealer, have the vehicle inspected by any authorized
Toyota retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer
immediately.

The operation of the warning lights and warning buzzers may differ
from those stated. In this case, perform the correction procedure
according to the displayed message.

: A buzzer sounds the first time a message is shown on the multi-informa-

tion display.

Messages and warnings

System

warning

light

Warning

buzzer

Warning

Comes on



Sounds

Indicates an important situation, such
as when a system related to driving is
malfunctioning or that danger may
result if the correction procedure is not
performed



Comes on

or flashes

Sounds

Indicates an important situation, such
as when the systems shown on the
multi-information display may be mal-
functioning

Flashes



Sounds

Indicates a situation, such as when
damage to the vehicle or danger may
result

Comes on



Does not

sound

Indicates a condition, such as mal-
function of electrical components, their
condition, or indicates the need for
maintenance

Flashes



Does not

sound

Indicates a situation, such as when an
operation has been performed incor-
rectly, or indicates how to perform an
operation correctly

591

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

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■

Warning messages

The warning messages explained below may differ from the actual messages
according to operation conditions and vehicle specifications.

■

System warning lights

The master warning light does not come on or flash in the following cases.
Instead, a separate system warning light will come on along with a message
or image shown on the multi-information display.

●

“Antilock Brake System Malfunction Visit Your Dealer”:
The ABS warning light comes on. (



P. 581)

●

“Braking Power Low Visit Your Dealer”:
The brake system warning light (yellow) will come on. (



P. 580)

●

Indicates that a door is not fully closed while the vehicle is stopped.:
The Open door warning light comes on. (



P. 583)

■

If “Visit Your Dealer” is shown

The system or part shown on the multi-information display is malfunctioning.
Have the vehicle inspected by any authorized Toyota retailer or Toyota autho-
rized repairer, or any reliable repairer.

592

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

■

If a message about an operation is shown

●

If a message about an operation of the accelerator pedal or brake pedal is
shown
• A warning message about an operation of the brake pedal may be shown

while the driving assist systems such as PCS (Pre-Collision System) (if
equipped) or the dynamic radar cruise control with full-speed range (if
equipped) is operating. If a warning message is shown, be sure to decel-
erate the vehicle or follow an instruction shown on the multi-information
display.

• A warning message is shown when Brake Override System operates.

(



P. 221, 596)

• A warning message is shown when Drive-Start Control or Parking Sup-

port Brake function (if equipped) operates (



P. 222, 400). Follow the

instructions on the multi-information display.

●

If a message about an operation of the power switch is shown
An instruction for operation of the power switch is shown when the incorrect
procedure for starting the hybrid system is performed or the power switch is
operated incorrectly. Follow the instructions shown on the multi-information
display to operate the power switch again.

●

If a message about a shift operation is shown
To prevent the shift position from being selected incorrectly or the vehicle
from moving unexpectedly, the shift position may be changed automatically
(



P. 255) or shift operation may be required. In this case, change the shift

position following the instructions on the multi-information display.

●

If a message or image about an open/close state of a part or replenishment
of a consumable is shown
Confirm the part indicated by the multi-information display or a warning light,
and then perform the coping method such as closing the open door or
replenishing a consumable.

593

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

hen
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■

If “See Owner’s Manual” is shown

●

If “Braking Power Low Stop in a Safe Place See Owner’s Manual” is shown,
this may be a malfunction. Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and
contact any authorized Toyota retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any
reliable repairer. Continuing to drive the vehicle may be dangerous.

●

If “Engine Oil Pressure Low” is shown, this may be a malfunction. Immedi-
ately stop the vehicle in a safe place and contact any authorized Toyota
retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer.

●

If the following messages are shown, there may be a malfunction. Immedi-
ately have the vehicle inspected by any authorized Toyota retailer or Toyota
authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer.
• “Hybrid System Malfunction”
• “Check Engine”
• “Hybrid Battery System Malfunction”
• “Accelerator System Malfunction”
• “Smart Entry & Start System Malfunction See Owner’s Manual”

●

Vehicles with GPF system: If “Exhaust Filter Full See Owner’s Manual” is
shown on the multi-information display is shown, follow the instruction.
(



P. 440)

■

If “Shift System Not Active Apply Parking Brake Securely While Parking
See Owner’s Manual” is shown

Indicates a temporary operation failure or malfunction in the shift control sys-
tem. Immediately have the vehicle inspected by any authorized Toyota
retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer.
When the message is shown, the hybrid system may not be started or the
shift position may not be changed normally. (Coping method:



P. 597)

■

If “Shift System Malfunction Apply Parking Brake Securely While Park-
ing See Owner’s Manual” is shown

Indicates a malfunction in the shift control system. Immediately have the vehi-
cle inspected by any authorized Toyota retailer or Toyota authorized repairer,
or any reliable repairer.
When the message is shown, the hybrid system may not be started or the
shift position may not be changed normally. (Coping method:



P. 597)

■

If “

Switch Malfunction Apply Parking Brake Securely While Parking

See Owner’s Manual” is shown

The P position switch may not operate. Immediately have the vehicle
inspected by any authorized Toyota retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or
any reliable repairer.
When parking the vehicle, stop the vehicle on level ground and apply the
parking brake firmly.

594

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

■

If “Shift System Malfunction Shifting Unavailable See Owner’s Manual”
is shown

Indicates a malfunction in the shift control system. Immediately have the vehi-
cle inspected by any authorized Toyota retailer or Toyota authorized repairer,
or any reliable repairer.
The shift position may not be shifted from P to other than P.

■

If “Shift System Malfunction Stop in a Safe Place See Owner’s Manual”
is shown

Indicates a malfunction in the shift control system. Immediately have the vehi-
cle inspected by any authorized Toyota retailer or Toyota authorized repairer,
or any reliable repairer.
The shift position may not be changed. Stop the vehicle in a safe place.

■

If “Shift System Malfunction See Owner’s Manual” is shown

Indicates a malfunction in the shift control system. Immediately have the sys-
tem inspected by any authorized Toyota retailer or Toyota authorized repairer,
or any reliable repairer.
The system may not operate properly.

■

If “Low 12-Volt Battery Apply Parking Brake Securely While Parking See
Owner’s Manual” is shown

Indicates that the 12-volt battery charge is insufficient. Charge or replace the
12-volt battery.

●

When the message is shown, the hybrid system may not start or the shift
position may not be changed normally. (Coping method:



P. 597)

●

After charging the 12-volt battery, the message may not go off until the shift
position is changed from P.

■

If “Shifting Unavailable Low 12-Volt Battery See Owner’s Manual” is
shown

Indicates that the shift position cannot be changed because the voltage of the
12-volt battery drops. Charge or replace the 12-volt battery.
(Coping method in the case the 12-volt battery is discharged:



P. 639)

■

If “Hybrid System Overheated. Reduced Output Power.” is shown

The message may be shown when driving under severe operating conditions.
(For example, when driving up a long steep hill or driving up a steep hill in
reverse.)
Coping method:



P. 645

Toyota Prius (2023 year). Manual in english - page 35