How to disable traction control on a Prius
With reported snow on the way in the UK and several weeks of cold icy weather due, I was looking around for Prius winter driving tips. One topic kept coming up, the lack of a switch to disable traction control on the Prius.
What is traction control?
Traction control is a safety feature which helps the vehicle make use off all of the traction available, if you try accelerating quickly on a slippery road, the traction control light will light up and the wheels will spin whilst the car works to gain traction.
If the car keeps spinning on the spot, you may end up digging a deeper hole and wearing down your tyres unnecessarily whilst going nowhere – not ideal!
Why does traction control matter in winter weather?
If the roads are slippery and icy, the Prius will struggle for grip and you will not be able to move. I have found that the traction control on the Prius is quite sensitive. From reports online, the Prius is terrible in the winter.
In the generation 3, generation 2 and generation 1 Prius vehicles, there is no switch to disable traction control – I don’t know why but that is the way it is. In the generation 4 Prius vehicles, there is a dedicated switch so these drivers can simply press the button to disable traction control.
How to disable traction control on the Prius?
The process is easy if a little fiddly, it involves peddle presses and button presses. The instructions are:
- Ensure the foot brake is on during the whole process
- Press the POWER button twice
- Press ACCELERATION/GAS pedal all the way down, release and repeat (total twice)
- Press and hold BRAKE pedal and put
gear into NEUTRAL - Press ACCELERATION/GAS pedal all the way down, release and repeat (total twice)
- Press
PARK button and press ACCELERATION/GAS pedal all the way down, release and repeat (total twice) - Press BRAKE pedal and hold, press POWER button
- Process complete, release foot brake.
The display will show the yellow skid traction control light constantly and will show maintenance mode. To reset the process, switch off the car completely. If you want to re-do the process, switch off and start again.
If you want to know how to turn on traction control Prius, simply turn the engine off and on again.
Hope this helps with your Prius this winter ❄️❄️
More about Prius Traction Control
The Prius is a popular hybrid vehicle manufactured by Toyota. It is known for its impressive fuel efficiency and eco-friendly features. Among its many advanced functions, the Prius boasts a highly advanced traction control system. This system, called Prius Traction Control, helps maintain stability and control of the vehicle, especially in slippery or challenging road conditions. With the Prius Traction Control, drivers can confidently navigate through rain, snow, or uneven terrains, as the system senses wheel slippage and adjusts power delivery to ensure optimal grip and traction. This feature enhances the safety and handling of the Prius, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a reliable and versatile vehicle.
how to turn off traction control prius
turn off traction control prius 2010
turn off traction control prius 2010
If you own a 2010 or 2012 Prius and you want to know how to turn on or turn off traction control, you’re in luck! The Prius comes equipped with an advanced traction control system that helps to improve stability and control while driving. To turn on the traction control feature in your Prius, simply locate the traction control button on the dashboard. Pressing this button will activate the Prius traction control, allowing for better handling on slippery or uneven road surfaces.
On the other hand, if you prefer to turn off the traction control in your Prius, you can easily do so by following these steps. Locate the same traction control button on the dashboard and press and hold it for a few seconds. This will disable the traction control system and provide you with a more dynamic driving experience. However, keep in mind that turning off the Prius traction control is not recommended in certain driving conditions, such as rain or snow, as it may compromise your vehicle’s stability.
In conclusion, whether you want to turn on or turn off traction control in your Prius, it’s important to understand how this feature works and when it’s suitable to use. Keeping your Prius traction control on can provide you with added safety and control on the road, especially during inclement weather. However, if you prefer a more spirited driving experience, you can choose to turn off the traction control, but exercise caution and consider the road conditions before doing so.
