Toyota 2012 Prius c User manual

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1
1Before driving Information on the hybrid system and adjusting and op-
erating features such as door locks, mirrors, and steer-
ing column
2When driving Driving, stopping and safe-driving information
3Interior
features Air conditioning and audio systems, as well as other in-
terior features for a comfortable driving experience
4Maintenance
and care
Cleaning and protecting your vehicle, performing do-it-
yourself maintenance, and maintenance information
5When trouble
arises What to do if the vehicle needs to be towed, gets a flat
tire, or is involved in an accident
6Vehicle
specifications Detailed vehicle information
7For owners Reporting safety defects for U.S. owners, and seat belt
and SRS airbag instructions for Canadian owners
Index Alphabetical listing of information contained in this
manual

22
For your information
Main Owner’s Manual
Please note that this manual applies to all models and explains all equip-
ment, 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 color and 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 vehi-
cles are currently available in 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. Mod-
ification with non-genuine Toyota products could affect its performance,
safety or durability, and may even violate governmental regulations. In addi-
tion, damage or performance problems resulting from the modification may
not be covered under warranty.

23
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 spe-
cial instructions regarding installation.
High voltage parts and cables on the hybrid vehicles emit approximately the
same amount of electromagnetic waves as the conventional gasoline pow-
ered vehicles or home electronic appliances despite of their electromagnetic
shielding.
Unwanted noise may occur in the reception of the mobile two-way radio.

24
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 vehi-
cle 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 govern-
ment agency
• For research purposes where the data is not tied to a specific vehicle or
vehicle owner
●Usage of data collected through Safety Connect (U.S. mainland only)
If your Toyota has Safety Connect and if you have subscribed to those ser-
vices, please refer to the Safety Connect Telematics Subscription Service
Agreement for information on data collected and its usage.

25
Event data recorder
This vehicle is equipped with an event data recorder (EDR). The main pur-
pose 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 situ-
ation occurs; no data are recorded by the EDR under normal driving condi-
tions 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.

26
●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 official request by the police, a court of law or a govern-
ment agency.
• For use by Toyota in a law suit
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
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.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate.
Your vehicle has components that may contain perchlorate. These compo-
nents may include airbag, seat belt pretensioners, and wireless remote con-
trol batteries.

27
CAUTION
■General precautions while driving
Driving under the influence: Never drive your vehicle when under the influ-
ence of alcohol or drugs that have impaired your ability to operate your vehi-
cle. 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 dis-
tracts 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 windows, the moon roof, or other features of the vehicle. In addition, heat
build-up or extremely cold temperatures inside the vehicle can be fatal to
children.
■Disposal of the hybrid battery (traction battery)
If your vehicle is disposed of without the hybrid battery (traction battery) hav-
ing 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 (traction battery) must be disposed
of by your Toyota dealer or a qualified service shop. If the hybrid battery
(traction battery) is not disposed of properly, it may cause electric shock that
can result in death or serious injury.

28
Symbols used throughout this manual
Cautions & Notices
Symbols used in illustrations
CAUTION
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.
NOTICE
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 Toyota and its
equipment.
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, turn-
ing, etc.) used to operate switches
and other devices.
Indicates the outcome of an opera-
tion (e.g. a lid opens).
ITOPP105

30
1-1. Hybrid system
Hybrid system features
Your vehicle is a hybrid vehicle. It has characteristics different from
conventional vehicles. Be sure you are closely familiar with the char-
acteristics 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)

31
1-1. Hybrid system
1
Before driving
■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 electric motor (traction motor) is used.
When shift position is in N, the hybrid battery (traction battery)
will not be charged. Thus, shift to P when the vehicle is stopped.
In addition, when driving in heavy traffic, use D or B.
*: However, when the hybrid battery (traction battery) need to be
charged or while the engine is being warmed up, the gasoline
engine may not stop automatically. (→P. 33)
■During normal driving
The gasoline engine is predominantly used. The electric motor
(traction motor) charges the hybrid battery (traction battery) as
necessary.
■When accelerating sharply
When the accelerator pedal is depressed heavily, the power of
the hybrid battery (traction battery) is added to that of the gaso-
line engine via the electric motor (traction motor).
■When braking (regenerative braking)
The electric motor (traction motor) charges the hybrid battery
(traction battery).

32
1-1. Hybrid system
Vehicle proximity notification system
When driving with the gasoline engine stopped, a sound, which
changes in accordance with the driving speed, will be played in order
to warn people nearby of the vehicle’s approach. The sound will stop
when the vehicle speed exceeds approximately 15 mph (25 km/h).
■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 while driving with the shift position in D
or B.
●The brake pedal is depressed while driving with the shift position in D or
B.
■Hybrid System Indicator
Hybrid System Indicator represents the
hybrid system power output and regener-
ative charging. (→P. 225)

33
1-1. Hybrid system
1
Before driving
■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
●When the temperature of the hybrid battery (traction battery) is high or
low
●During hybrid battery (traction battery) charging
●When the heater is switched on
*: Depending on the circumstances, the gasoline engine may also not stop
automatically in situations other than those above.
■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 (traction bat-
tery) 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 (traction 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 position is in N, the hybrid battery (traction battery) will not be
charged. Always shift the shift position in P when the vehicle is stopped.
When driving in heavy traffic, operate the vehicle with the shift position in
D or B to avoid discharging the hybrid battery (traction battery).
■Charging the 12-volt battery
→P. 546
■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 Toyota
dealer.

34
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
position to P when parked.
The following sounds or vibrations may occur when the hybrid system is
operating and are not a malfunction:
●The brake system operation sound heard from the front of the vehicle
when the driver’s door is opened.
●Motor sounds may be heard from the engine compartment.
●Sounds may be heard from the hybrid battery (traction battery) when the
hybrid system starts or stops.
●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 and accelerator is loosened.
●Other sounds, such as motors and mechanical noises, may be heard
from the brake system 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. (→P. 37)
●The operation sound of the air conditioning system (air conditioning com-
pressor, blower motor).

35
1-1. Hybrid system
1
Before driving
■Vehicle proximity notification system
In the following cases, the vehicle proximity notification system may be diffi-
cult for surrounding people to hear.
●In very noisy areas
●In the wind or the rain
Also, as the vehicle proximity notification system is installed on the front of
the vehicle, it may be more difficult to hear from the rear of the vehicle com-
pared to the front.
■Maintenance, repair, recycling, and disposal
Contact your Toyota dealer regarding maintenance, repair, recycling and dis-
posal. Do not dispose of the vehicle yourself.

36
1-1. Hybrid system
Hybrid system precautions
Take care when handling the hybrid system, as it contains a high
voltage system (about 650V at maximum) as well as parts that
become extremely hot when the hybrid system is operating. Obey
the caution labels attached to the vehicle.
Air conditioning compressor
High voltage cables (orange)
Power control unit and DC/
DC converter
Caution label
Service plug
Electric motor (traction
motor)
Hybrid battery (traction bat-
tery)

37
1-1. Hybrid system
1
Before driving
Hybrid battery (traction battery) air vent
There is an air intake vent on the
right side of the rear seatback for
the purpose of cooling the hybrid
battery (traction battery). If the
vent becomes blocked, the
hybrid battery (traction battery)
may overheat, leading to a
reduction in hybrid battery (trac-
tion 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. 507)

38
1-1. Hybrid system
■If a warning light comes on, a warning message is displayed or the 12-
volt battery is disconnected
The hybrid system may not start. In that case, try to start the system again. If
the “READY” indicator does not come on, contact your Toyota dealer.
■Running out of fuel
When the vehicle has run out of fuel and the hybrid system cannot be
started, refuel the vehicle with at least enough gasoline to make the low fuel
level warning light (→P. 498) go off. If there is only a small amount of fuel,
the hybrid system may not be able to start. (The minimum amount of fuel to
add to make the low fuel level warning light go out is about 1.9 gal. [7.1 L,
1.6 Imp.gal.], when the vehicle is on a level surface. This value may vary
when the vehicle is on a slope.)
■Electromagnetic waves
●High voltage parts and cables on the hybrid vehicles incorporate electro-
magnetic shielding, and therefore emit approximately the same amount
of electromagnetic waves as conventional gasoline powered vehicles or
home electronic appliances.
●Your vehicle may cause sound interference in some third party-produced
radio parts.
■Hybrid battery (traction battery)
The hybrid battery (traction battery) has a limited service life. The lifespan of
the hybrid battery (traction battery) can change in accordance with driving
style and driving conditions.

39
1-1. Hybrid system
1
Before driving
CAUTION
■High voltage precautions
The vehicle has high voltage DC and AC systems as well as a 12-volt sys-
tem. DC and AC high voltage is very dangerous and can cause severe burns
and electric shock that may result in death or serious injury.
●Never touch, disassemble, remove or replace the high voltage parts,
cables or their connectors.
●The hybrid system will become hot after starting as the system uses high
voltage. Be careful of both the high voltage and the high temperature, and
always obey the caution labels attached to the vehicle.
●Never try to open the service plug
access hole located in the luggage
compartment. The service plug is used
only when the vehicle is serviced and is
subject to high voltage.

40
1-1. Hybrid system
CAUTION
■Road accident cautions
If your vehicle is involved in an accident, observe the following precautions
to reduce the risk of death or serious injury:
●Stop the vehicle in a safe place to prevent subsequent accidents.
While depressing the brake pedal, apply the parking brake, shift the shift
position to P and turn the hybrid system off. Then, slowly release the brake
pedal.
●Do not touch the high voltage parts, cables and connectors.
●If electric wires are exposed inside or outside your vehicle, an electric
shock may occur. Never touch exposed electric wires.
●If a fluid leak occurs, do not touch the fluid as it may be strong alkaline
electrolyte from the hybrid battery (traction battery). If it comes into contact
with your skin or eyes, wash it off immediately with a large amount of water
or, if possible, boric acid solution. Seek immediate medical attention.
●If a fire occurs in the hybrid vehicle, leave the vehicle as soon as possible.
Never use a fire extinguisher that is not meant for electric fires. Using even
a small amount of water may be dangerous.
●If your vehicle needs to be towed, do so with front wheels raised. If the
wheels connected to the electric motor (traction motor) are on the ground
when towing, the motor may continue to generate electricity. This may
cause an electricity leakage leading to a fire. (→P. 485)
●Carefully inspect the ground under the vehicle. If you find that liquid has
leaked onto the ground, the fuel system may have been damaged. Leave
the vehicle as soon as possible.
■Hybrid battery (traction battery)
Your vehicle contains a sealed nickel-metal hydride battery. If disposed of
improperly, it is hazardous to the environment and there is a risk of severe
burns and electrical shock that may result in death or serious injury.

41
1-1. Hybrid system
1
Before driving
NOTICE
■Hybrid battery (traction battery) air vent
●Do not put foreign objects near the air vent. The hybrid battery (traction
battery) may overheat and be damaged.
●Clean the air vent regularly to prevent the hybrid battery (traction battery)
from overheating.
●Do not wet or allow foreign substances to enter the air vent as this may
cause a short circuit and damage the hybrid battery (traction battery).
●Do not carry large amounts of water such as water cooler bottles in the
vehicle. If water spills onto the hybrid battery (traction battery), the battery
may be damaged. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer.
●If the rear seat belt becomes separated from the guide (→P. 103), it could
obstruct the hybrid battery (traction battery) air vent. Set the rear seat belt
into the guide to use.