Toyota Prius C 2012 Owner's Manual

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Before driving

When driving

Interior

features

Maintenance

and care

When trouble

arises

Vehicle

specifications

Information on the hybrid system and adjusting and operating features such as door locks, mirrors, and steering column.

Driving, stopping and safe-driving information.

Air conditioning and audio systems, as well as other interior features for a comfortable driving experience.

Cleaning and protecting your vehicle, performing do-ityourself maintenance, and maintenance information.

What to do if the vehicle needs to be towed, gets a flat tire, or is involved in an accident.

Detailed vehicle information.

For owners

Index

Reporting safety defects for U.S. owners, seat belt and SRS airbag instructions for Canadian owners.

Alphabetical listing of information contained in this manual.

TABLE OF CONTENTS Index

Before driving

1-6. Refueling

Opening the fuel tank cap... 105

1-1. Hybrid system

Hybrid system features ........ 24

Hybrid system precautions... 29 Energy monitor/consumption

screen ................................ 35

Hybrid vehicle driving tips .... 42

1-2. Key information

Keys..................................... 44

1-3. Opening, closing

locking the doors

Smart key system................. 47

Wireless remote control ....... 61

Side doors............................ 65

Back door............................. 71

Adjustable components

1-4.

(seats, mirrors, steering wheel)

Front seats........................... 76

Rear seats............................ 77

Head restraints..................... 81

Seat belts............................. 84

Steering wheel ..................... 93

Anti-glare inside rear

view mirror.......................... 94

Outside rear view mirrors..... 96

1-5. Opening a

windows and moon roof

Power windows .................... 98

Moon roof........................... 101

nd closing the

and

1-7. Theft deterrent system

Immobilizer system............. 110

Theft prevention labels....... 112

1-8. Safety information

Correct driving posture....... 113

SRS airbags ....................... 115

Front passenger occupant

classification system......... 129

Child restraint systems ....... 134

Installing child restraints ..... 138

When driving

2-1. Driving procedures

Driving the vehicle.............. 148

Engine (ignition) switch....... 158

Power (ignition) switch........ 162

EV drive mode.................... 170

Hybrid transmission............ 173

Turn signal lever................. 176

Parking brake ..................... 177

Horn.................................... 178

2-2. Instrument cluster

Gauges and meters............ 179

Indicators and

warning lights ................... 182

Multi-information display..... 185

2-3. Operating the lights and

wipers

Headlight switch.................. 202

Fog light switch................... 206

Windshield wipers and

washer.............................. 208

Rear window wiper and

washer.............................. 212

2-4. Using other driving systems

Cruise control...................... 215

Driving assist systems ........ 219

Hill-start assist control......... 222

2-5. Driving information

Cargo and luggage ............. 224

Vehicle load limits............... 228

Winter driving tips ............... 229

Trailer towing ...................... 233

Dinghy towing ..................... 234

Interior features

Playing back MP3 and

WMA discs....................... 259

Operating an iPod .............. 266

Operating a USB

memory............................ 274

Optimal use of the audio

system.............................. 282

Using the AUX port............. 285

Using the steering wheel

audio switches.................. 286

3-3. Using the Bluetooth

system

Bluetooth

audio/phone..... 289

Using the Bluetooth

audio/phone ..................... 292

Operating a Bluetooth

enabled portable player.... 297

Making a phone call ........... 300

Using the “SET UP” menu

(“Bluetooth” menu)........... 305

Using the “SET UP” menu

(“Phone” menu)................ 311

audio

3-1. Using the air conditioning

system and defogger

Automatic air conditioning

system .............................. 236

Rear window and outside

rear view mirror

defoggers.......................... 245

3-2. Using the audio system

Audio system types............. 246

Using the radio.................... 252

Using the CD player............ 254

3-4. Using the interior lights

Interior lights list ................. 318

• Interior lights/

personal lights.................. 319

3-5. Using the storage features

List of storage features....... 321

• Glove box......................... 322

• Console box ..................... 322

• Auxiliary boxes................. 324

• Cup holders...................... 326

• Bottle holders ................... 327

TABLE OF CONTENTS Index

3-6. Other interior features

Sun visors .......................... 329

Vanity mirrors..................... 330

Outside temperature

display.............................. 331

Power outlet ....................... 333

Seat heaters....................... 334

Coat hooks......................... 336

Floor mat............................ 337

Luggage cover ................... 339

Maintenance and care

4-1. Maintenance and care

Cleaning and protecting

the vehicle exterior........... 342

Cleaning and protecting

the vehicle interior............ 345

4-2. Maintenance

Maintenance

requirements.................... 348

General maintenance......... 351

Emission inspection and

maintenance (I/M)

programs.......................... 355

4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

Do-it-yourself service

precautions....................... 356

Hood................................... 360

Positioning a floor jack........ 362

Engine compartment .......... 364

12-volt battery..................... 375

Tires.................................... 380

Tire inflation pressure......... 388

Wheels................................ 392

Air conditioning filter........... 395

Wireless remote control/

electronic key battery ....... 397

Checking and replacing

fuses................................. 400

Light bulbs.......................... 411

When trouble arises

5-1. Essential information

Emergency flashers............ 424

If your vehicle needs to

be towed........................... 425

If you think something

is wrong............................ 430

5-2. Steps to take in an emergency

If a warning light turns

on or a warning buzzer

sounds.............................. 431

If a warning message is

displayed........................... 441

If you have a flat tire............ 457

If the hybrid system will

not start............................. 469

If the shift lever cannot

be shifted from P............... 471

If you lose your keys........... 472

If the electronic key does

not operate properly.......... 473

If the vehicle 12-volt

battery is discharged......... 475

If your vehicle overheats..... 480

If the vehicle becomes

stuck ................................. 485

If your vehicle has to

be stopped in an

emergency........................ 486

For owners

Reporting safety defects

for U.S. owners ................ 524

Seat belt instructions

for Canadian owners

(in French)........................ 525

SRS airbag instructions

for Canadian owners

(in French)........................ 527

Index

Abbreviation list........................ 538

Alphabetical index.................... 540

What to do if... .......................... 550

Vehicle specifications

6-1. Specifications

Maintenance data

(fuel, oil level, etc.)............ 490

Fuel information.................. 500

Tire information................... 503

6-2. Customization

Customizable features........ 516

Items to initialize ................. 522

Pictorial index

P. 96

P. 176

P. 202

P. 360

P. 206

P. 176

P. 202

P. 208

Exterior

Headlights (high beam) and

daytime running lights

Windshield wipers

Hood

Headlights (low beam)

Outside rear view mirrors

Side turn signal lights

Front fog lights 

Parking lights

Front side marker lights

Front turn signal lights

P. 380

P. 457

P. 388

P. 503

P. 71

P. 65

P. 245

P. 202

P. 212

P. 176

P. 202

Fuel filler door

P. 105

Side doors

Rear window defogger

Rear window wiper 

License plate lights

Tires

●Rotation

●Replacement

●Inflation pressure

●Information

Back door

Rear turn signal lights

Tail and rear side marker lights

: If equipped

Pictorial index

P. 115

P. 76

P. 115

P. 339

P. 84

P. 81

P. 98

P. 115

P. 322

P. 324

P. 326

P. 77

Interior

Power window switches

Luggage cover 



Seat belts

Head restraints

SRS driver airbag

SRS driver knee airbag

SRS front passenger airbag

Rear seats

Console box  Auxiliary box

Cup holder



Front seats SRS seat cushion airbags

SRS side airbags

P. 94

P. 330

P. 115

P. 101

P. 329

P. 319

P. 336

P. 293

Moon roof switches 

Coat hooks 

SRS curtain shield airbags

Vanity mirrors

Microphone

Sun visors

Interior lights

Personal lights

Anti-glare inside rear view mirror

: If equipped

Pictorial index

P. 98

P. 327

P. 65

P. 98

P. 66

P. 98

P. 327

P. 65

P. 98

P. 66

Type A

Window lock switch

Door lock switch

Inside door lock buttons

Power window switches

Type B

Interior

Bottle holders

Window lock switch

Door lock switch

Inside door lock buttons

Bottle holders

Power window switches

P. 173

P. 177

P. 174

P. 170

P. 334

P. 471

P. 326

Hybrid transmission shift lever

“ECO MODE” switch

Parking brake lever

Cup holders

Shift lock override button

“EV MODE” switch

Seat heater switches 

: If equipped

Pictorial index

P. 360

P. 179

P. 185

P. 322

P. 105

P. 381

P. 266, 274, 285

P. 333

P. 158

P. 93

P. 246

P. 424

P. 202

P. 176

P. 206

P. 337

P. 270

P. 208

P. 212

Instrument panel

Windshield wiper and washer switch Rear window wiper and washer switch



Emergency flasher switch

Headlight switch

Turn signal lever

Fog light switch 

Gauges and meters Multi-information display

Audio system  Display Audio system

Glove box

AUX port/USB port

Cord hook

, *

Hood lock release lever

Fuel filler door opener

Power outlet

Power (ignition) switch (vehicles with a smart key system)

Floor mat

Tilt and telescopic steering lock release lever

Tire pressure warning reset switch

P. 245

P. 236

Air conditioning system

Rear window defogger button  Rear window and outside rear view mirror defogger button



: If equipped

*: Refer to “Display Audio System Owner’s Manual”.

Pictorial index

P. 215

P. 158

P. 286

P. 293

P. 178

P. 241

P. 186

Audio remote control switches

Instrument panel

Climate remote control switches

“DISP” switch

“TRIP” switch

Talk switch , *1

Horn

Telephone switches

Cruise control switch 

, *

Engine (ignition) switch (vehicles without a smart key system)

P. 96

P. 180

Outside rear view mirror switches

Instrument panel light control dial

: If equipped

: Refer to “Display Audio System Owner’s Manual”.

* *2: For vehicles with a Display Audio system, refer to “Display Audio System Owner’s Manual”.

For your information

Main Owner’s Manual

Please note that this manual applies to all models and all equipment, including options. Therefore, you may find some explanations for equipment not installed on your vehicle.

All specifications provided in this manual are current at the time of printing. However, because of the Toyota policy of continual product improvement, we reserve the right to make changes at any time without notice.

Depending on specifications, the vehicle shown in the illustrations may differ from your vehicle in terms of equipment.

Noise from under vehicle after turning off the hybrid system

Approximately five hours after the hybrid system is turned off, you may hear sound coming from under the vehicle for several minutes. This is the sound of a fuel evaporation leakage check and, it does not indicate a malfunction.

Accessories, spare parts and modification of your Toyota

A wide variety of non-genuine spare parts and accessories for Toyota vehicles are currently available on the market. You should know that Toyota does not warrant these products and is not responsible for their performance, repair, or replacement, or for any damage they may cause to, or adverse effect they may have on, your Toyota vehicle.

This vehicle should not be modified with non-genuine Toyota products. Modification with non-genuine Toyota products could affect its performance, safety or durability, and may even violate governmental regulations. In addition, damage or performance problems resulting from the modification may not be covered under warranty.

Installation of a mobile two-way radio system

The installation of a mobile two-way radio system in your vehicle could affect electronic systems such as:

● Multiport fuel injection system/sequential multiport fuel injection system

● Cruise control system

● Anti-lock brake system

● SRS airbag system

● Seat belt pretensioner system

Be sure to check with your Toyota dealer for precautionary measures or special instructions regarding installation of a mobile two-way radio system.

High voltage parts and cables on the hybrid vehicles emit approximately the same amount of electromagnetic waves as the conventional gasoline powered vehicles or home electronic appliances despite of their electromagnetic shielding.

Unwanted noise may occur in the reception of the mobile two-way radio.

Vehicle control and operation data recording

Your Toyota is equipped with sophisticated computers that record certain information about your vehicle’s operation, such as:

• Engine speed

•

Electric motor speed (traction motor speed)

• Accelerator status

• Brake status

• Vehicle speed

• Shift position The data recorded varies according to the grade level and options the vehicle is equipped with. The computers do not record conversations, sound or

pictures.

● Data usage Toyota may use the data recorded in these computers to diagnose malfunc-

tions, conduct research and development, and improve quality. Toyota

will not disclose the recorded data to a third party except:

• With the consent of the vehicle owner or with the consent of the lessee if the vehicle is leased

• In response to an official request by the police, a court of law or a government agency

• For research purposes where the data is not tied to a specific vehicle or vehicle owner

Event data recorder

This vehicle is equipped with an event data recorder (EDR). The main purpose of an EDR is to record, in certain crash or near crash-like situations, such as an air bag deployment or hitting a road obstacle, data that will assist in understanding how a vehicle’s systems performed. The EDR is designed to record data related to vehicle dynamics and safety systems for a short period of time, typically 30 seconds or less.

The EDR in this vehicle is designed to record such data as:

• How various systems in your vehicle were operating;

• Whether or not the driver and passenger safety belts were buckled/fas-

tened;

• How far (if at all) the driver was depressing the accelerator and/or brake

pedal; and,

• How fast the vehicle was traveling. These data can help provide a better understanding of the circumstances in which crashes and injuries occur.

NOTE: EDR data are recorded by your vehicle only if a non-trivial crash situation occurs; no data are recorded by the EDR under normal driving conditions and no personal data (e.g., name, gender, age, and crash location) are recorded. However, other parties, such as law enforcement, could combine the EDR data with the type of personally identifying data routinely acquired during a crash investigation. To read data recorded by an EDR, special equipment is required, and access to the vehicle or the EDR is needed. In addition to the vehicle manufacturer, other parties, such as law enforcement, that have the special equipment, can read the information if they have access to the vehicle or the EDR.

● Disclosure of the EDR data Toyota will not disclose the data recorded in an EDR to a third party except

when:

• An agreement from the vehicle’s owner (or the lessee for a leased vehicle)

is obtained

• In response to an official request by the police, a court of law or a govern-

ment agency

• For use by Toyota in a lawsuit However, if necessary, Toyota may:

• Use the data for research on vehicle safety performance

• Disclose the data to a third party for research purposes without disclosing

information about the specific vehicle or vehicle owner

Scrapping of your Toyota

CAUTION

The SRS airbag and seat belt pretensioner devices in your Toyota contain explosive chemicals. If the vehicle is scrapped with the airbags and seat belt pretensioners left as they are, this may cause an accident such as fire. Be sure to have the systems of the SRS airbag and seat belt pretensioner removed and disposed of by a qualified service shop or by your Toyota dealer before you scrap your vehicle.

Perchlorate Material

Special handling may apply, See www.dtsc.ca.go v/hazardouswaste/perc hlorate. Your vehicle has components that may contain perchlorate. These compo-

nents may include airbag, seat belt pretensioners, and wireless remote control batteries.

■ General precautions while driving

Driving under the influence: Never drive your vehicle when under the influence of alcohol or drugs that have impaired your ability to operate your vehicle. Alcohol and certain drugs delay reaction time, impair judgment and reduce coordination, which could lead to an accident that could result in death or serious injury.

Defensive driving: Always drive defensively. Anticipate mistakes that other drivers or pedestrians might make and be ready to avoid accidents.

Driver distraction: Always give your full attention to driving. Anything that distracts the driver, such as adjusting controls, talking on a cellular phone or reading can result in a collision with resulting death or serious injury to you, your occupants or others.

■ General precaution regarding children’s safety

Never leave children unattended in the vehicle, and never allow children to have or use the key.

Children may be able to start the vehicle or shift the vehicle into neutral. There is also a danger that children may injure themselves by playing with the cigarette lighter, the windows, or other features of the vehicle. In addition, heat build-up or extremely cold temperatures inside the vehicle can be fatal to children.

CAUTION

■ Hybrid battery collection

Never resell, handover or modify the hybrid battery. If the hybrid battery is collected improperly and someone touches a high voltage part, there is a risk of electric shock. For safety and to prevent accidents, hybrid batteries that have been removed from a disposed vehicle are collected through Toyota dealers. Do not dispose of the battery yourself.

If the battery is improperly collected the following accidents may occur:

1. The hybrid battery may be illegally disposed of or dumped, and someone may touch a high voltage part, resulting in an electric shock.

2. The hybrid battery is intended to be used exclusively with hybrid vehicles. If the hybrid battery is used outside of its intended purpose (including modifications), accidents such as electric shock, heat generation, smoke generation, an explosion and alkaline electrolyte leakage may occur, possibly causing death or serious injury.

When reselling or handing over your vehicle, the possibility of an accident is extremely high if the person receiving the vehicle is not aware of these dangers.

■ Disposal of the hybrid battery (traction battery)

If your vehicle is disposed of without the hybrid battery having been removed, there is a danger of serious electric shock if high voltage parts, cables and their connectors are touched. In the event that your vehicle must be disposed of, the hybrid battery must be disposed of by your Toyota dealer or a qualified service shop. If the hybrid battery is not disposed of properly, it may cause electric shock that can result in death or serious injury.

Symbols used throughout this manual

CAUTION

NOTICE

Cautions & Notices

This is a warning against something which, if ignored, may cause death or serious injury to people. You are informed about what you must or must not do in order to reduce the risk of death or serious injury to yourself and others.

This is a warning against something which, if ignored, may cause damage to the vehicle or its equipment. You are informed about what you must or must not do in order to avoid or reduce the risk of damage to your Toy ota and its equipment.

Symbols used in illustrations

Safety symbol

The symbol of a circle with a slash through it means “Do not”, “Do not do this”, or “Do not let this happen”.

Arrows indicating operations

Indicates the action (pushing, turning, etc.) used to operate switches and other devices.

Indicates the outcome of an operation (e.g. a lid opens).

Before driving

1-1. Hybrid system

Hybrid system features...... 24

Hybrid system

precautions...................... 29

Energy monitor/

consumption screen......... 35

Hybrid vehicle driving

tips................................... 42

1-2. Key information

Keys................................... 44

1-3. Opening, closing and

locking the doors

Smart key system .............. 47

Wireless remote control..... 61

Side doors.......................... 65

Back door........................... 71

1-4. Adjustable components

(seats, mirrors, steering wheel)

Front seats......................... 76

Rear seats.......................... 77

Head restraints................... 81

Seat belts........................... 84

Steering wheel................... 93

Anti-glare inside rear

view mirror....................... 94

Outside rear view mirrors... 96

1-5. Opening and closing

the windows and moon roof

Power windows.................. 98

Moon roof......................... 101

1-6. Refueling

Opening the fuel

tank cap ......................... 105

1-7. Theft deterrent system

Immobilizer system.......... 110

Theft prevention labels..... 112

1-8. Safety information

Correct driving posture..... 113

SRS airbags..................... 115

Front passenger

occupant classification

system ........................... 129

Child restraint systems..... 134

Installing child

restraints........................ 138

1-1. Hybrid system

Your vehicle is a hybrid vehicle. It has characteristics different from conventional vehicles. Be sure you are closely familiar with the characteristics of your vehicle, and operate with care.

The hybrid system combines the use of a gasoline engine and an electric motor (traction motor) according to driving conditions, improving fuel efficiency and reducing exhaust emissions.

Gasoline engine Electric motor (Traction motor)

Hybrid system features

1-1. Hybrid system

■ When stopped/during start off

The gasoline engine stops* when the vehicle is stopped. During start-off, the electric motor (traction motor) drives the vehicle. At slow speeds or when traveling down a gentle slope, the engine is stopped* and the motor is used.

*: However, when the hybrid battery (traction battery) needs to be

charged or while the engine is being warmed up, the gasoline engine may not stop automatically. (P. 26)

■ During normal driving

The gasoline engine is predominantly used. The electric motor (traction motor) charges th e hy brid battery as necessary.

■ When accelerating sharply

The power of the hybrid battery (traction battery) is added to that of the gasoline engine via the electric motor (traction motor).

■ When braking (regenerative braking)

The electric motor (traction motor) charges the hybrid battery (traction battery).

Before driving

Vehicle Proximity Notification System

When the gasoline engine is off while driving, a sound is produced to warn pedestrians, people riding bicycles or other people and vehicles in the surrounding area that the vehicle is approaching. The pitch of the sound adjusts according to vehicle speed. When vehicle speed is approximately 16 mph (25 km/h) or more, the warning system turns off.

1-1. Hybrid system

The EV drive indicator lamp comes on when driving the vehicle using only the electric motor (traction motor).

Displayed when “ECO Score” or the basic display of “ECO Savings” is selected. (P. 189)

■ Regenerative braking

In the following situations, kinetic energy is converted to electric energy and deceleration force can be obtained in conjunction with the recharging of the hybrid battery (traction battery).

● The accelerator pedal is released.

● The brake pedal is depressed with the shift lever in D or B.

■ EV drive indicator lamp

■ Conditions in which the gasoline engine may not stop

The gasoline engine starts and stops automatically. However, it may not stop automatically in the following conditions:

● During gasoline engine warm-up

● During hybrid battery (traction battery) charging

● When the temperature of the hybrid battery (traction battery) is high or

low

● When the heater is switched on

1-1. Hybrid system

■ Charging the hybrid battery (traction battery)

● As the gasoline engine charges the hybrid battery (traction battery), the

battery does not need to be charged from an outside source. However, if the vehicle is left parked for a long time the hybrid battery will slowly discharge. For this reason, be sure to drive the vehicle at least once every few months for at least 30 minutes or 10 miles (16 km). If the hybrid battery becomes fully discharged and you are unable to jump-start the vehicle with the 12-volt battery, contact your Toyota dealer.

● If the shift lever is in N, the hybrid battery (traction battery) will not be

charged. Always put the shift lever in P when the vehicle is stopped. When driving in heavy traffic, operate the vehicle with the shift lever in D or B to avoid discharging the battery.

■ Charging the 12-volt battery

P. 477

■ After the 12-volt battery has discharged or has been changed or

removed

The gasoline engine may not stop even if the vehicle is running on the hybrid battery (traction battery). If this continues for a few days, contact your T oyot a dealer.

Before driving

1-1. Hybrid system

■ Sounds and vibrations specific to a hybrid vehicle

There may be no engine sounds or vibration even though the vehicle is able to move. For safety, apply the parking brake and make sure to shift the shift lever to P when parked.

The following sounds or vibrations may occur when the hybrid system is operating and are not a malfunction:

● Motor sounds may be heard from the engine compartment.

● Sounds may be heard from the hybrid battery (traction battery) behind

the rear seats when the hybrid system starts or stops.

● Sounds from the hybrid system may be heard when the back door is

open.

● Sounds may be heard from the transmission when the gasoline engine

starts or stops, when driving at low speeds, or during idling.

● Engine sounds may be heard when accelerating sharply.

● Sounds may be heard due to regenerative braking when the brake pedal

is depressed.

● Vibration may be felt when the gasoline engine starts or stops.

● Cooling fan sounds may be heard from the air intake vent on the side of

the lower part of the rear left seat.

■ Vehicle Proximity Notification System

In the following cases, the Vehicle Proximity Notification System sound may be difficult for pedestrians, people riding bicycles or other people and vehicles in the surrounding area to hear:

● When there is a lot of noise in the vicinity

● When it is raining or during strong winds

● When in the area surrounding the rear of the vehicle, rather than in front

of the vehicle

■ Maintenance, repair, recycling, and disposal

Contact your Toyota dealer regarding maintenance, repair, recycling and disposal. Do not dispose of the vehicle yourself.

1-1. Hybrid system

Take care when handling the hybrid system, as it contains a high voltage system (about 520 V at maximum) as well as parts that become extremely hot when the hybrid system is operating. Obey the caution labels attached to the vehicle.

Caution label Service plug Air conditioning compressor Electric motor (traction motor)

Power control unit with DC/ DC converter

Hybrid battery (traction battery)

High voltage cables (orange)

Hybrid system precautions

Before driving

1-1. Hybrid system

Hybrid battery air vent

There is an air intake vent on the side of the lower part of the rear left seat for the purpose of cooling the hybrid battery (traction battery). If the vent becomes blocked, the hybrid battery may overheat, leading to a reduction in hybrid battery output.

Emergency shut off system

When a certain level of impact is detected by the impact sensor, the emergency shut off system blocks off the high voltage current and stops the fuel pump to minimize the risk of electrocution and fuel leakage. If the emergency shut off system activates, your vehicle will not restart. To restart the hybrid system, contact your Toyota dealer.

Hybrid warning message

A message is automatically displayed when a malfunction occurs in the hybrid system or an improper operation is attempted.

If a warning message is shown on the multi-information display, read the message and follow the instructions. (P. 441)

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