Get When trouble arises -> If the 12-volt battery is discharged Guide for Toyota Prius 4 Door Third Generation (2010-2015)

5-2. St eps t o t ak e in an em ergenc y

If the 12-volt batter y is discharged

The following procedures may be used to start the hybrid system if

the vehicle’s 12-volt battery is discharged.

You can also call your Toyota dealer or a qualified repair shop.

If you have a set of jumper (or booster) cables and a second vehi-

cle with a 12-volt battery, you can jump start your vehicle by follow-

ing the steps below.

Open the hood and fuse block

STEP

1

cover.

When closing, first hook the lid

onto the two rear tabs.

ITO43P127

Open the exclusive jump start-

ing terminal cover.

STEP

2

5

543

5-2. Steps to take in an emergency

STEP

3

Connect the jumper cables according to the following procedure:

Connect a positive jumper cable clamp to the exclusive jump

starting terminal on your vehicle.

Connect the clamp on the other end of the positive cable to the

positive (+) battery terminal on the second vehicle.

Connect a negative cable clamp to the negative (-) battery termi-

nal on the second vehicle.

Connect the clamp at the other end of the negative cable to a

solid, stationary, unpainted metallic point away from the exclu-

sive jump starting terminal and any moving parts, as shown in

the illustration.

544

5-2. Steps to take in an emergency

STEP

4

5

Start the engine of the second vehicle. Increase the engine

speed slightly and maintain at that level for approximately

5 minutes to recharge the battery of your vehicle.

Maintain the engine speed of the second vehicle and start

the hybrid system of your vehicle by turning the “POWER”

switch to ON mode.

STEP

6

7

Make sure the “READY” indicator comes on. If the indicator

light does not come on, contact your Toyota dealer.

Once the hybrid system has started, remove the jumper

cables in the exact reverse order from which they were con-

nected.

STEP

8

Close the exclusive jump starting terminal cover, and rein-

stall the fuse box cover to its original position.

When installing, first hook the fuse box cover onto the two rear

tabs.

Once the hybrid system starts, have the vehicle inspected at

your Toyota dealer as soon as possible.

5

545

5-2. Steps to take in an emergency

■Starting the hybrid system when the 12-volt battery is discharged

The hybrid system cannot be started by push-starting.

■To prevent 12-volt battery discharge

●Turn off the headlights and the audio system while the hybrid system is

off.

●Turn off any unnecessary electrical components when the vehicle is run-

ning at a low speed for an extended period, such as in heavy traffic.

■When the 12-volt battery is removed or discharged

●The hybrid system may not start. (P. 433)

●If the 12-volt battery is depleted with the shift position in P, it will not be

possible to shift the shift position other than P. In this case, the vehicle

cannot be towed without lifting both front wheels because the front

wheels are locked by the parking lock. (P. 485)

●When the 12-volt battery is reconnected, start the hybrid system, depress

the brake pedal, and confirm that it is possible to shift into each shift posi-

tion.

■Charging the 12-volt battery

The electricity stored in the 12-volt battery will discharge gradually even

when the vehicle is not in use, due to natural discharge and the draining

effects of certain electrical appliances. If the vehicle is left for a long time, the

12-volt battery may discharge, and the hybrid system may be unable to start.

(The 12-volt battery recharges automatically while the hybrid system is oper-

ating.)

546

5-2. Steps to take in an emergency

CAUTION

■Avoiding 12-volt battery fires or explosions

Observe the following precautions to prevent accidentally igniting the flam-

mable gas that may be emitted from the 12-volt battery:

●Make sure each jumper cable is connected to the correct terminal and that

it is not unintentionally in contact with any other than the intended terminal.

●Do not allow the other end of the jumper cable connected to the “+” termi-

nal to come into contact with any other parts or metal surfaces in the area,

such as brackets or unpainted metal.

●Do not allow the + and - clamps of the jumper cables to come into contact

with each other.

●Do not smoke, use matches, cigarette lighters or allow open flame near

the 12-volt battery.

■12-volt battery precautions

The 12-volt battery contains poisonous and corrosive acidic electrolyte,

while related parts contain lead and lead compounds. Observe the following

precautions when handling the 12-volt battery:

●When working with the 12-volt battery, always wear safety glasses and

take care not to allow any battery fluids (acid) to come into contact with

skin, clothing or the vehicle body.

5

●Do not lean over the 12-volt battery.

●In the event that battery fluid comes into contact with the skin or eyes,

immediately wash the affected area with water and seek medical attention.

Place a wet sponge or cloth over the affected area until medical attention

can be received.

●Always wash your hands after handling the battery support, terminals, and

other battery-related parts.

●Do not allow children near the 12-volt battery.

547

5-2. Steps to take in an emergency

CAUTION

■After recharging the 12-volt battery

Have the 12-volt battery inspected at your Toyota dealer as soon as possi-

ble.

If the 12-volt battery is deteriorating, continued use may cause the 12-volt

battery to emit a malodorous gas, which may be detrimental to the health of

passengers.

■When replacing the 12-volt battery

P. 435

NOTICE

■When handling jumper cables

When connecting the jumper cables, ensure that they do not become entan-

gled in the cooling fans, etc.

■Exclusive jump starting terminal

The exclusive jump starting terminal is to be used when charging the 12-volt

battery from another vehicle in an emergency. It cannot be used to jump start

another vehicle.

548

When trouble arises -> If the 12-volt battery is discharged for Your Toyota Prius 4 Door Third Generation (2010-2015)

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