Get When driving -> PCS (Pre-Collision System) Guide for Toyota Prius 4 Door Third Generation (2010-2015)

2-4. Using ot her driving syst em s



PCS (Pre-Collision System)

When the radar sensor detects possibility of a frontal collision, the

pre-collision systems such as the brakes and seat belts are automat-

ically engaged to lessen impact as well as vehicle damage.

■ Pre-collision seat belts (front seat belts only)

If the pre-collision sensor detects that a collision is unavoidable, the

pre-collision system will retract the seat belt before the collision occurs.

The same will happen if the driver makes an emergency braking or

loses control of the vehicle. (P. 111)

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However, when the VSC system is disabled, the system will not oper-

ate in the event of skidding.

■ Pre-collision 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-collision braking

When there is a high possibility of a frontal collision, the system warns

the driver using a warning light, warning display and buzzer. If the sys-

tem determines that a collision is unavoidable, the brakes are automat-

ically applied to reduce the collision speed. Pre-collision braking can be

disabled using the pre-collision braking off switch.

: If equipped

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2-4. Using other driving systems

Disabling pre-collision braking

Pre-collision braking enabled

Pre-collision braking disabled

The “PCS” warning light will

turn on when pre-collision

braking is disabled.

Radar sensor

The radar sensor detects vehi-

cles or other obstacles on or

near the road ahead and deter-

mines whether a collision is

imminent based on the position,

speed, and heading of the obsta-

cles.

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2-4. Using other driving systems

■The pre-collision system is operational when

●Pre-collision seat belts (type A)

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

• The system detects sudden braking or skidding.

• The front occupants are wearing a seat belt.

●Pre-collision seat belts (type B)

• Vehicle speed is greater than about 4 mph (5 km/h).

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

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

• The front occupants are wearing a seat belt.

●Pre-collision brake assist:

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

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

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

• The brake pedal is depressed.

●Pre-collision braking:

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

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

vehicle running ahead of you is greater than about 10 mph (15 km/h).

• The pre-collision braking off switch is not pressed.

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2-4. Using other driving systems

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

a collision

●When there is an object by the roadside at the entrance to a curve

●When passing an oncoming vehicle on a curve

●When driving over a narrow iron bridge

●When there is a metal object on the road surface

●When driving on an uneven road surface (nose up, nose down)

●When passing an oncoming vehicle on a left-turn

●When your vehicle rapidly closes on the vehicle in front

●When a grade separation/interchange, sign, billboard, or other structure

appears to be directly in the vehicle’s line of travel

●When the steep angle of the road causes a metal object located beneath

the road surface to be seen ahead of the vehicle

●When an extreme change in vehicle height occurs

●When the axis of the radar is out of adjustment

●When passing through certain toll gates

●When passing through an overpass

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

a possibility that the seat belts will retract quickly and the brakes will be

applied with a force greater than normal. When the seat belt is locked in the

retracted position, stop the vehicle in a safe place, release the seat belt and

refasten it.

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2-4. Using other driving systems

■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,

bicycles, motorcycles, trees, or snowdrifts.

■Situations in which the pre-collision system does not function properly

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 vehicle, such as at an intersection

●If a vehicle suddenly cuts in front of 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

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●When an extreme change in vehicle height occurs

●When the axis of the radar is out of adjustment

■Automatic cancelation of the pre-collision system

When a malfunction occurs due to sensor contamination, etc. that results in

the sensors being unable to detect obstacles, the pre-collision 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

Warning lights and/or warning messages will turn on or flash. (P. 496, 509)

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2-4. Using other driving systems

■Certification

For vehicles sold in the U.S.A.

FCC ID: HYQDNMWR004

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to

the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interfer-

ence, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including

interference that may cause undesired operation.

FCC WARNING

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible

for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

Radiofrequency radiation exposure Information:

This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an

uncontrolled environment.

This equipment should be installed and operated with minimum distance of

20 cm between the radiator (antenna) and your body.

This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any

other antenna or transmitter.

For vehicles sold in Canada

Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not

cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference, includ-

ing interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

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2-4. Using other driving systems

CAUTION

■Limitations of the pre-collision system

Do not overly rely on the pre-collision system. Always drive safely, taking

care to observe your surroundings and checking for any obstacles or other

road hazards.

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

■Cautions regarding the assist contents of the system

2

By means of alarms and brake control, the pre-collision 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-collision 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-collision system is that from obstacles it has detected

directly in front of the vehicle. Therefore, it is absolutely necessary for the

driver to remain vigilant and to determine whether or not there is a possi-

bility of collision in any given situation.

●Assisting the driver in taking action

The pre-collision 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 by itself is not capable

of automatically avoiding a collision or bringing the vehicle to a stop safely.

For this reason, when encountering a dangerous situation the driver must

take direct and immediate action in order to ensure the safety of all

involved.

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2-4. Using other driving systems

CAUTION

■When the sensor may not be correctly detecting the vehicle ahead

Apply the brakes as necessary in any of the following situations.

●When water or snow thrown up by the surrounding vehicles hinders the

functioning of the sensor

●When your vehicle is pointing upwards (caused by a heavy load in the lug-

gage compartment etc.)

●Vehicles that cut in suddenly

●Vehicles with small rear ends (trailers with no load on board etc.)

●Motorcycles traveling in the same lane

■Handling the radar sensor

Observe the following to ensure the pre-collision system can function effec-

tively:

●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 has moved out of position, the system may malfunction or

operate incorrectly. If the sensor or surrounding area is subject to a strong

impact, always have the area inspected and adjusted by your Toyota

dealer.

●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.

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When driving -> PCS (Pre-Collision System) for Your Toyota Prius 4 Door Third Generation (2010-2015)

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