Toyota Prius: Parking brake

The parking brake in the Toyota Prius 2024 can be operated either automatically or manually. In automatic mode, the parking brake is set or released based on the vehicle's shift position. For instance, it automatically engages when shifting into Park (P) and disengages when shifting into Drive (D) or Reverse (R). This feature enhances convenience by simplifying the process of securing the vehicle when parked and ensuring smooth operation when driving off.

Also, even in automatic mode, the parking brake can be set or released manually

Operating instructions

Using the manual mode

The parking brake can be set and released manually.

1. Parking brake indicator light (for U.S.A.)
2. Parking brake indicator light (for Canada)

1. Pull the switch to set the parking brake.

The parking brake indicator light will turn on.

Pull and hold the parking brake switch if an emergency occurs and it is necessary to operate the parking brake while driving.

2. Press the switch to release the parking brake.

• Operate the parking brake switch while depressing the brake pedal.
• Using the parking brake automatic release function, the parking brake can be released by depressing the accelerator pedal.

  When using this function, slowly depress the accelerator pedal.

Make sure that the parking brake indicator light turns off.

If the parking brake indicator light flashes, operate the switch again.

Turning the automatic mode on

While the vehicle is stopped, pull and hold the parking brake switch until a buzzer sounds and a message is shown on the multi-information display.

When the automatic mode is turned on, the parking brake operates as follows.

• When the shift position is shifted from P, the parking brake will be released, and the parking brake indicator light will turn off.
• When the shift position is shifted to P, the parking brake will be set, and the parking brake indicator light will turn on.

Operate the shift position and P position switch with the vehicle stopped and the brake pedal depressed.

The auto function may not operate if the shift lever is moved extremely quickly. In this situation, apply the parking brake manually.

Turning the automatic mode off

While the vehicle is stopped and depressing the brake pedal, press and hold the parking brake switch until a buzzer sounds and a message is shown on the multi-information display.

Parking brake operation

• When the power switch is not in ON, the parking brake cannot be released using the parking brake switch.
• When the power switch is not in ON, automatic mode (automatic brake setting and releasing) is not available.

Parking brake automatic release function

When all of the following conditions are met, the parking brake can be released by depressing the accelerator pedal.

• The driver's door is closed
• The driver is wearing the seat belt
• The shift position is in a forward driving position or reverse driving position
• The malfunction indicator lamp or brake system warning light is not illuminated

When depressing the accelerator pedal, depress it slowly.

If the parking brake is not released when the accelerator pedal is depressed, release the parking brake manually.

When the shift position is shifted from P, the parking brake will be released automatically.

Parking brake automatic lock function

The parking brake will be set automatically under the following conditions:

• The brake pedal is not depressed
• The driver's door is open
• The driver's seat belt is not fastened
• The shift position is in a position other than P or N

(The shift position is in P during advanced park* operation.)

• The malfunction indicator lamp and brake system warning light are not illuminated

If "Parking Brake Temporarily Unavailable" is displayed on the multi-information display

If the parking brake is operated repeatedly over a short period of time, the system may restrict operation to prevent overheating. If this happens, refrain from operating the parking brake. Normal operation will return after about 1 minute.

If "Parking Brake Unavailable" is displayed on the multi-information display

Operate the parking brake switch. If the message does not disappear after operating the switch several times, the system may be malfunctioning.

Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer.

Parking brake operation sound

When the parking brake operates, a motor sound (whirring sound) may be heard.

This does not indicate a malfunction.

Parking brake indicator light

• Depending on the power switch mode, the parking brake indicator light will turn on and stay on as described below: ON: Comes on until the parking brake is released.

  Not in ON: Stays on for approximately 15 seconds.

• When the power switch is turned off with the parking brake set, the parking brake indicator light will stay on for about 15 seconds. This does not indicate a malfunction.

When the parking brake switch malfunctions

Automatic mode (automatic brake setting and releasing) will be turned on automatically.

Parking the vehicle

Parking brake engaged warning buzzer

A buzzer will sound if the vehicle is driven with the parking brake engaged.

"Parking Brake ON" is displayed on the multi-information display (with the vehicle reaching a speed of 3 mph [5 km/h]).

If the brake system warning light comes on

Usage in winter time

WARNING

When parking the vehicle

Do not leave a child in the vehicle alone. The parking brake may be released unintentionally by a child and there is the danger of the vehicle moving that may lead to an accident resulting in death or serious injury.

Parking brake switch

Do not set any objects near the parking brake switch. Objects may interfere with the switch and may lead the parking brake to unexpectedly operate

Parking brake automatic lock function

Never use the automatic parking brake engagement function in place of normal parking brake operation. This function is designed to reduce the risk of a collision due to the driver forgetting to engage the parking brake.

Over-reliance on this function to park the vehicle safely may lead to an accident resulting in death or serious injury.

NOTICE

When parking the vehicle

Before you leave the vehicle, shift the shift position to P, set the parking brake and make sure that the vehicle does not move.

When the system malfunctions

Stop the vehicle in a safe place and check the warning messages.

When the vehicle 12-volt battery is discharged

The parking brake system cannot be activated

When the parking brake cannot be released due to a malfunction

Driving the vehicle with the parking brake set will lead to brake components overheating, which may affect braking performance and increase brake wear. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately if this occurs.