Roadside Assistance - "Towing & Jump Starting"

Roadside Assistance
The Prius utilizes an electronic gearshift selector and an electronic P switch for park. If the 12-Volt auxiliary battery is discharged or disconnected, the vehicle cannot be started nor can it be shifted out of park. If discharged, the 12-Volt auxiliary battery can be jump started to allow vehicle starting and shifting out of park. Most other roadside assistance operations may be handled like conventional Toyota vehicles.





Towing
The Prius is a front wheel drive vehicle and it must be towed with the front wheels off the ground. Failure to do so may cause serious damage to Hybrid Synergy Drive components.


- The vehicle may be shifted out of Park into Neutral by turning the ignition-on and READY-on modes. To select Neutral, it is necessary to hold the shift selector in the N position for approximately 0.5 seconds.

- If the 12 Volt auxiliary battery is discharged, the vehicle will not start and shifting out of park is not possible. There is no manual override except to jump start the vehicle.

- If a tow truck is not available, in an emergency the vehicle may be temporarily towed using a cable or chain secured to the emergency towing eyelet or rear tow hook. This should only be attempted on hard, paved roads for short distances at below 19 mph (30 km/h). The eyelet is located with the tools in the cargo area of the vehicle.

Electric Hatch Opener:
The Prius is equipped with an electric hatch opener. In the event of 12 volt power loss, the hatch cannot be opened from the outside of the vehicle.




The hatch can be opened manually using the release as shown in the illustration.




Spare tire:
The jack, tools, towing eyelet and spare tire are provided as shown.




Jump Starting

The 12-Volt auxiliary battery may be jump started if the vehicle does not start and the instrument cluster gauges are dim or off after depressing the brake pedal and pushing the power button.

The 12-Volt auxiliary battery is located in the cargo area. The rear hatch door will not unlock or open if the auxiliary battery is discharged. Instead, an accessible remote 12-Volt auxiliary battery positive terminal is provided in the engine compartment junction block, as illustrated, for jump starting.

- Open the hood, remove the fuse box cover, and open the positive terminal cover.

- Connect the positive jumper cable to the positive terminal.

- Connect the negative jumper cable to a solid ground.

- Place the smart key in proximity to the interior of the vehicle, depress the brake pedal, and push the power button.

NOTE:
If the vehicle does not recognize the smart key after connecting the booster battery to the vehicle, open and close the driver door when the vehicle is shut off.

If the smart key internal battery is dead, touch the Toyota emblem side of the smart key to the power button during the start sequence.

- The high voltage HV battery pack cannot be jump started.