How to Disable the Skid Control on a Prius

Disabling the skid control can put you in control of your tires if a spin-out occurs during icy road conditions.

The Toyota Prius comes with a skid control safety system, often referred to as traction control, which locks your wheels to ensure they do not spin out of control. In certain situations, such as when you have a stuck vehicle or experience a spin-out on the ice, spinning your wheels can help you maneuver your way out of a situation. For this reason, Toyota has made it possible for you to disable the skid control on your Prius model.

Instructions

1. Park your Toyota Prius and place the automatic gear shift in "Park," but continue to run the engine.

2. Check the dashboard area just above the Prius steering wheel for a button marked "Off." The button will have a picture of a car with curving lines behind it representing skid marks.

3. Press the "Off" button and hold it for three seconds. Once you hear a beeping noise, release the button.

4. Check the odometer. The light should read "Trac Off" and "VSC Off." To enable the skid control, tap the "Off" button once and the light should read "Trac On" and "VSC On."

References

• Toyota Owners: Toyota Prius Quick Reference Guide
• Toyota: Toyota Prius 10

Resources

• Toyota Owners